Fentanyl Addiction Treatment In Los Angeles
Those who abuse fentanyl and other opioids tend to change their behavior negatively. Someone might become dependent on it to the point where they’ll experience fentanyl withdrawal when not using. These uncomfortable symptoms can be enough to make someone continue using to relieve their fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. This ends up creating a dangerous and vicious circle of drug use.
It’s important to get quality help from passionate and trained experts. CNV Detox is ready to help you tackle your addiction no matter the case. We understand how painful addiction can be but we urge you to get help today. Our quality detox, dual diagnosis program, and other treatment options are crafted with you in mind. Don’t wait to reach out for help; start your journey toward recovery today.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is considered a synthetic opioid that’s used to treat severe pain (typically used after surgery). When used in a medically supervised way, fentanyl is administered through a transdermal patch, in lozenges, or through injection. Drugs as addictive as fentanyl should always be used under medical supervision and as instructed.
Unfortunately, some acquire fentanyl through illegal means and use it recreationally. On the streets, fentanyl is mixed with other drugs like heroin or sold as a powder/tablet. Those who abuse fentanyl tend to snort, inject, or swallow it. As with all other opioids, fentanyl affects the body’s opioid receptors. As a person abuses fentanyl, their body increases the dopamine levels in the brain. This increase creates a euphoric “high,” or feeling of relaxation.
Fentanyl Overdose Spike
Unfortunately, there has been a large spike in fentanyl overdoses in recent years. A person may use too much fentanyl in one sitting, which can lead to intense and unforeseen symptoms. This can lead to death if a person doesn’t get help immediately. Back in 2011, the CDC named fentanyl as the “third wave” of the opioid epidemic. By 2016, fentanyl had the leading number of overdose deaths in the U.S.
The numbers have continued to rise over the years, nearly doubling every year between 2013 and 2016. These numbers are alarming and paint a much more concerning picture. In modern times, nearly 9 people per 100,000 who abuse fentanyl die from an overdose.
Fentanyl’s Effects on the Mind and Body
Fentanyl can have serious short-term and long-term effects on the body. These can sometimes be unpredictable and dangerous. Some of the fentanyl’s effects on the body and mind include:
- Respiratory arrest
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Euphoria
- Coma or unconsciousness
- Overdose or even death
The effects of fentanyl abuse are said to mirror those of heroin. If a person continues to abuse opioids like fentanyl, they’ll begin to experience long-term effects which can lead to permanent damage to the brain and body. This is why fentanyl addiction treatment is necessary to avoid these effects (which could involve death in some cases).
The Different Types of Fentanyl
There are several different types of fentanyl. Each is used differently and has different effects on a person’s body. It is important to always use fentanyl as intended by a medical professional. Using fentanyl illegally for recreational purposes can create several problematic effects on a person’s body along with fentanyl withdrawal and dependence. Fentanyl can be put into one of two categories — brand-name fentanyl and illegal fentanyl.
Brand-Name Fentanyl (Legal)
The correct use of fentanyl comes in the form of doctors using fentanyl to relieve chronic pain in patients. Brand-name fentanyl can help pain after intense surgery and even cases of cancer treatment. There are several different brand names and while each may have similar effects they are different in many ways.
- Actiq: Atiq is a form of fentanyl that comes as a lozenge that’s taken under the tongue. Atiq is typically used in cases where a person is already using pain-relieving medications
- Sublimaze: This is an injectable form of fentanyl. Sublimaze helps to relieve discomfort before/after surgery
- Subsys: A fentanyl spray that’s applied under the person’s tongue (it works immediately to relieve pain). This type of fentanyl is used for breakthrough cancer pains.
- Lazanda: This is used to treat pain in cancer patients. Lazanda is a fentanyl nasal spray that’s used like your common nasal spray.
- Abstral: Abstral is a quick-dissolve tablet form of fentanyl and is placed under the tongue. It is primarily used for cancer pain.
- Duragesic: Duragesic is a fentanyl patch that’s typically used for moderate to severe pains. This form of fentanyl can create effects that last up to three days.
Illegal Forms of Fentanyl
Unfortunately, many people use fentanyl illegally, buying it on the streets or stealing it from their friends/loved ones. Illegal fentanyl usually comes in three different forms — Spike blotter paper, manufactured tablets, or powder. No matter which of these is used, the dangers and fentanyl withdrawal effects still apply.
Fentanyl is usually acquired from illegal manufacturers on the streets. Heroin users may use fentanyl as a substitute to ease their heroin withdrawals. Another cause may be heroin/cocaine users accidentally taking fentanyl. This is a result of manufacturers using fentanyl powder to reduce costs and spiking the potency. In the same vein, the manufacturer might use fentanyl to create mock opioids for illegal use.
Fentanyl can be extremely useful for people going through surgery or for those who experience chronic pain. When used in its proper way, fentanyl is very beneficial. No matter what the circumstance is, fentanyl should always be used as intended (no more). If you are concerned that a loved one may be struggling with fentanyl abuse it may be time to consider fentanyl addiction treatment through CNV Detox.
Spotting a Fentanyl Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
As with almost all cases of opioid addiction, there are some telling signs and symptoms that indicate a problem. Fentanyl addiction can come in many forms and typically affects how a person behaves and experiences over time. It is important to reach out for fentanyl addiction treatment if you notice any of these telling signs in a loved one. Don’t wait until things get worse.
Common red flags and symptoms of fentanyl addiction include:
- Depression
- Confusion
- Cravings
- Tolerance
- Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Constipation
- Urge or craving to continue using
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
- Multiple attempts to stop using fentanyl
- Continuing to use even if it is causing problems at work, school, or at home
- Spending too much time trying to obtain, use, and recover from fentanyl
- Acting in a risky and dangerous way
- Losing interest in hobbies or interests
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Drugs like fentanyl can create uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using. This can make quitting especially hard. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and can be very uncomfortable. During fentanyl addiction treatment, medication and other help can be provided to ease these intense symptoms. The more severe a person’s fentanyl addiction is, the more severe and chronic their fentanyl withdrawals will be.
Early fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Muscular and bone pains
- Sleeping issues
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Agitation
Long-term fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping and pains
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Goosebumps
- Involuntary shaking/leg movements
- Dilated pupils
Those who struggle with intense cases of fentanyl typically build up a strong dependence on fentanyl. This makes their fentanyl withdrawal symptoms much more severe and uncomfortable. Sometimes these effects are so stressful that it can be extremely difficult for someone to take the first step towards fentanyl addiction treatment.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
No matter how bad things may seem, there is always help available to you or a loved one. A center like CNV Detox offers comprehensive treatment for a variety of addictions. Fentanyl addiction treatment typically involves a combination of detoxification, therapy, and medication. Each case is different and at the end of the day, we provide specialized treatment for you.
One of the first steps to fentanyl addiction treatment is detoxification. Detox is extremely important to relieve and combat some of the fentanyl withdrawal symptoms that will arise. Detox is a process that helps rid the body of toxins and substances. It allows a person to heal and get prepared to start their treatment. After the detox process is over, the person will move onto more specialized fentanyl addiction treatment.
- Therapy Options: Therapy is a vital part of addiction treatment. Addiction is a mental problem as much as it is a physical problem. Commonly used therapy options we provide include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, and other specialized therapy types.
- Inpatient Treatment: For cases of fentanyl addiction treatment, an inpatient program is usually preferred. Inpatient treatment is designed to give a person the best chance of recovery and long-term sobriety. This program allows a person to stay in a rehab center for a few weeks or months. Here you have access to many resources and therapy options
- Dual Diagnosis Therapy: CNV Detox also offers dual diagnosis treatment. A dual diagnosis occurs when a person struggles with both an addiction and a mental disorder. These cases are best treated in an inpatient rehab setting.
Start Your Journey Today
Fentanyl addiction treatment is not only possible but it is achievable for all those struggling with addiction. At CNV Detox, we make sure you and your loved ones are taken care of throughout the whole journey. Don’t wait to get the treatment you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and resources.
Take the Next Step
The path to recovery is only one step away. Begin your treatment at CNV Detox in Los Angeles, California as soon as the same day. For your convenience, we work 24/7. Our team is ready to help as soon as you reach out.