Know The Signs of Fentanyl Addiction and the Available Treatment Options in Houston
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a very potent synthetic opioid that is occasionally administered for severe pain. However, fentanyl, like other prescription medicines, is also illicitly synthesized in underground laboratories and overused for its capacity to create sensations of pleasure or exhilaration and great euphoria instantly. It is also used to lace other drugs. Heroin, amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and controlled prescription medications (such as Xanax, oxycodone, etc.) are just some of the narcotics that are increasingly being cut with fentanyl by manufacturers and sellers, raising the risk of accidental overdose for individuals who buy and use them.
Fentanyl comes under a variety of brand names and may be used in various forms (pill, injection, patch, sublingual spray, etc.). Some common brand names include Duragesic, Actiq, Fentora, and Sublimaze.
One reason fentanyl poses such a significant danger of overdose is that it is much more powerful than other opioids used to manage severe pain. Fentanyl has a potency of anywhere between 100 and 50 times that of morphine and heroin, respectively. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified fentanyl as a Schedule II prohibited drug meaning it has medicinal use but also a significant potential for abuse and dependency.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Even though only a trained expert may make a diagnosis, it is important to understand the criteria used to diagnose opioid use disorder (OUD). Below are the signs of fentanyl addiction.
- Intense cravings to use fentanyl.
- Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities in favor of opioid abuse.
- Failure to meet your obligations.
- Engaging in risky activities such as driving while high on opioids.
- Failure to cut usage of fentanyl despite wanting to do so.
- Being unable to quit abusing fentanyl despite its adverse health side effects.
- Investing significant effort in obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids.
- Taking opioids for a longer time or in bigger doses than prescribed.
- Needing more of the opioid in order to experience the same high as previous dosages.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms while trying to cut the opioid abuse.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
The idea of enrolling in an opioid addiction treatment program may be overwhelming. However, not all addiction treatment programs are uncomfortable.
Medical detox is often the first step in the process of treating opioid addiction. This is because fentanyl and other opioids may cause severe and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Besides, fentanyl detox may lead to electrolyte abnormalities and extreme dehydration which may need prompt medical intervention. During fentanyl medical detox, addiction specialists may choose to use some medications to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and avoid further health issues.
Detoxification from drugs or alcohol may be done either in a hospital or at home. Most experts, however, recommend medical drug detox at a hospital due to the risks involved. Skyward Treatment Center offers an inpatient medical detox and helps its clients transition from medical detox to inpatient rehabilitation at the end of the medical detox program. Individual and group therapy are also included in the medical detox program which may aid in identifying and developing new coping mechanisms for managing the emotional and psychological distress that underlies continued fentanyl use.
Skyward Treatment Center is among the few facilities in Houston, Texas that offers a full spectrum of care, from medical detox through inpatient rehabilitation to intensive outpatient programs. Contact our admissions staff to discuss your possible avenues for a successful fentanyl addiction recovery.
