Fentanyl Rehab Program
Addiction can affect anyone. Rather than being reserved for drugs obtained illicitly on the street, addiction can begin with drugs like fentanyl that are accessed through a valid doctor’s prescription. For many people, their first interaction with fentanyl is after an injury or an accident that causes excessive pain. Fentanyl is prescribed to reduce pain, and while it may be necessary, it can also put a person at risk of addiction. Suppose you are not very careful about following your doctor’s orders. In that case, you may crave more of the drug and need higher doses to manage pain, eventually needing a fentanyl rehab program.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, treatment options are available. Promises Brazos Valley offers addiction treatment programs for those with problems with various substances, including fentanyl, alcohol, and other drugs. Call us today at 979.426.0086 to schedule an intake assessment and determine which of our highly effective treatment programs is right for you.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller prescribed by doctors to treat chronic pain or pain after surgery or injury. Since it is a highly addictive drug, it is generally reserved for moderate to severe pain not alleviated by less potent painkillers. Fentanyl is also commonly found in many street drugs as it is used to cut other drugs and increase profits for dealers.
Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. This makes it easier for people to develop a dependence on the drug. Even while taking fentanyl by prescription, you may risk becoming addicted.
Many people slowly develop fentanyl addiction by increasing their dosage little by little or taking doses closer together than advised. They may not try to use fentanyl recreationally but have developed a tolerance to their prescribed dosage. This means that their doctor’s recommended dosage no longer adequately addresses their pain, so they may take pills more often to keep the pain at bay. With long-term use, you can become tolerant to higher and higher doses of fentanyl, which increases the risk and severity of adverse effects.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction is especially concerning because it is such a potent drug. One of the top dangers of fentanyl addiction is overdose. You can tell if someone is overdosing on fentanyl if you observe the following signs and symptoms:
- Slowed breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Pinpoint pupils
- Dizziness
- Muscle stiffness
- Loss of coordination
A fentanyl overdose can sometimes be fatal, so you must contact emergency services if you suspect an overdose.
How a Fentanyl Rehab Program Can Help
Fentanyl addiction is treated similarly to addiction to other opioid drugs like heroin and morphine. The best way to overcome fentanyl addiction is through a fentanyl rehab program. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the treatment of choice for opioid addiction. MAT is not available for all types of addiction but is typically used for opioids and alcohol.
You will be prescribed specific medications to keep withdrawal symptoms under control and minimize cravings. By keeping you more comfortable, MAT helps you stay more focused on recovery and be less likely to relapse.
MAT for fentanyl addiction also includes therapy. You will likely attend individual and group therapy sessions where you will explore your triggers for fentanyl use and learn how to cope with them in healthier ways. Many fentanyl rehab programs also include family therapy so you can work with your loved ones to get through addiction and heal any relationships harmed by your addiction.
Heal from Addiction at Promises Brazos Valley’s Fentanyl Rehab Program
If you know someone addicted to fentanyl, seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential. Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that can cause physical dependence and even death. Help someone you love recover by contacting Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 and learning more about our evidence-based fentanyl rehab program.