coastline-behavioral-health
Detox & Drug Rehab In Orange County

Fentanyl Addiction

Table of Contents
Primary Item (H2)
prescription-drug-addiction-facts-coastline-rehab-centers
opiate-addiction-inpatient-drug-rehab

About Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is synthesized in a laboratory. Fentanyl is extremely powerful, one of the strongest prescription painkillers on the market today, and is only distributed legally by physicians. It is most often used during and following surgery to deal with severe pain during recovery and longer term for pain from cancers and other diseases. Fentanyl is relatively short acting when given as an injection, gum, mouth spray, or lollipop. For longer, time-released pain control, fentanyl is available in patch form for transdermal application. Fentanyl addiction can happen quickly as most will develop a tolerance to their therapeutic doses. Like other opioid drugs, fentanyl creates a rush of pleasure and euphoric sensations which make the drug attractive to those looking for a powerful high.

The risk of overdose when taking fentanyl is very high. The threshold between a therapeutic amount and an overdose is small, and this adds to the risk taken by individuals using fentanyl illicitly. The main cause of fentanyl addiction overdose is respiratory failure. Because this drug works by depressing the central nervous system, certain basic functions such as breathing are compromised when high doses of this drug are taken. Studies have shown that women experience chronic pain more than men do, and that fentanyl is one of the more abused opioids distributed by prescription to women. Fentanyl addiction is higher in women and teenagers than men.

Tolerance and Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl works quickly by binding with the opioid receptors within the brain, activating a chemical response. This chemical response can be intense as the levels of dopamine within the brain increase causing intense euphoria and a sensation of well being. Fentanyl molecules will bind with opioid receptors in the spinal cord as well, and the reduction in painful sensations provides relief for individuals suffering with severe chronic pain. Fentanyl addiction can occur when a tolerance to the drug begins to happen, and individuals begin to feel less pain relief and fewer pleasurable side effects. The bodies response to fentanyl tolerance can begin with psychological symptoms such as depression and irritability. The individual may only experience relief from these unpleasant side effects by increasing their dosing.

Get Help For Fentanyl Addiction

call today

Fentanyl Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Fentanyl is about 100 times as powerful as morphine is, and 50 times as powerful as heroin. Because of the way the body metabolizes and utilizes fentanyl, it is even more powerful when used in conjunction with other illicit drugs. Because fentanyl also works faster than other opioid drugs that cause drug addiction in teenagers, the intense rush happens as soon as the drug is injected or dissolved under the tongue. This is one reason fentanyl has become a huge drug problem within teen peer groups. When fentanyl is mixed with other illicit drugs such as heroin, its potential for overdose goes way up. Fentanyl addiction among teenagers is a growing concern and the demand for inpatient drug rehab for fentanyl addiction in Huntington Beach has grown with it. Some signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction are the following:

Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms

  • Chronic headaches
  • Fainting and dizziness
  • Depressed respirations
  • Extreme lethargy and fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety and Hallucinations
  • Confusion and agitation
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Loss of consciousness

Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms

  • Severe depression
  • Seizure activity
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood pressure
  • Respiratory infections
  • Increased tolerance
  • Coma
  • Overdose

Fentanyl Withdrawal Programs

call today

About Fentanyl Withdrawal

Fentanyl withdrawal should be handled in a drug detox center as the process can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. When an individual goes through withdrawal, their tolerance level begins to fall. This can cause the addict to mistakenly overdose should they relapse. A fatal dose of fenyanyl can cause respiratory depression that leads to coma and death. There are several medications that detox patients can use under medical supervision which can greatly reduce the side effects caused by fentanyl withdrawal and, therefore, reduce drug cravings. Some of these medications are buprenorphine and naltrexone. Both these drugs work within the brain to minimize pleasurable sensations of fentanyl use and reduce the desire to seek opiate drugs like fentanyl. Clonodine can also be used to treat intense drug-seeking behaviors by limiting cravings.

When treating individuals that have past opioid addictions there is the risk that their lifestyle has exposed them to diseases and other illness. This will require medical professionals treating the individuals’ fentanyl withdrawal to carefully consider a treatment plan. One such intervention would be avoiding the addition of drugs for the treatment of addiction that may trigger a response that increases the risk of seizures or other dangerous side effects. Should you have a loved one who you suspect needs treatment for fentanyl addiction or other opiate addiction treatments, call us today for more information.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Detox

Individuals in drug detox centers in Huntington Beach are carefully monitored all day and night by skilled staff. This ensures that any issues that may crop up during the initial days and weeks of fentanyl withdrawal can be addressed quickly. The amount of time an individual requires to successfully detox from opiates will depend on several factors: how long they have been abusing the drug, the amount they are using with each dose and the presence of other opiates or illicit drugs in their system when fentanyl drug detox starts.

Ready to speak with a counselor?

call today

About Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is an opioid created by pharmaceutical companies to provide some of the most powerful pain relief for difficult to treat conditions. Fentanyl is often prescribed to treat surgical pain and pain from certain cancers that are not easily managed with other, less potent opiates. It is considered to be a short-acting opiate and works well blocking pain perception in the brain. Fentanyl is dispensed by different methods. The most popular formulation is a transdermal patch that works well for slow release of the drug over a span of days. Another form of fentanyl is a long-lasting lollipop designed for younger patients and those that cannot tolerate injections well. Fentanyl also comes in a dissolvable tablet or mouth spray that are used orally.

The temptation to abuse fentanyl can be attractive as it provides lasting relief from emotional pain and stress, leaving the individual feeling relaxed and comfortable. As an individual begins to play with the dosing of their medication, the risk of developing a tolerance that leads to full-blown fentanyl addiction increases greatly. Fentanyl use triggers the reward centers in the brain and can cause drug craving behaviors to develop.

Side Effects of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Not all who go through drug detox and experience fentanyl withdrawal symptoms will have all of the below-listed symptoms. There are several influencing factors that will directly impact an individuals experience with fentanyl withdrawal. The presence of co-occurring substance addictions and the length of drug addiction can have a huge impact on the withdrawal process.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach cramps and diarrhea
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Sweating and hot flashes
  • Goosebumps and cold flashes
  • Excessive tearing and yawning
  • General weakness and fatigue
  • Anxiety with agitation
  • Intense fentanyl cravings
Coastline Rehab Centers Logo
Read our reviews or Leave A Review On GoogleYelp or Facebook
© 2024 Coastline Behavioral Health DBA coastlinerehabcenters.com. All Rights Reserved. 
Addiction treatment centers operated in California by Crescent Moon Rehab Center Orange County LLC
chevron-down Skip to content