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How To Treat Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment At Clear Recovery Center

Drug treatment center says fentanyl addiction growing

At Clear Recovery Center, we specialize in fentanyl addiction treatment. If you or a loved one are in need of help regarding the various types of opioids, call us today and speak with one of our dedicated team members.

The opioid crisis has destroyed families all across the world, but it doesnt have to be that way. Please dont hesitate to reach out in order to help you begin your recovery journey.

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02/16/2016|Narcotics.com Team

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl has an analgesic potency of about 80 times that of morphine. This means, if a person begins abusing their fentanyl medication, they may likely become addicted to the high levels of analgesic and euphoric effects. But how is fentanyl addiction treated?

What Are The Dangers Of Using Fentanyl

Fentanyl is extremely addicting, and because fentanyl is so powerful, it is common for it to be mixed into drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin, resulting in a cheaper product to sell while retaining a powerful effect. Unfortunately, this leads users to take fentanyl without even knowing it, and the chances of an overdose increase because they dont realize they are consuming such a powerful opioid.

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Symptoms Of Fentanyl Addiction

Recognizing the symptoms of an opioid addiction is imperative to getting treatment. Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical condition involving complex interactions between brain circuits, genetics, environment, and life experiences. Individuals with addiction engage in uncontrollable substance use and continue despite the harmful consequences.12

More specifically, you may have a fentanyl addiction if you experience 2 or more of a set of symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition, which is used by clinicians who are trained to diagnose individuals with opioid use disorders and other substance use disorders. The symptoms of an opioid use disorder include:13

  • Using more opioids than you intended.
  • Using opioids for longer than you intended.
  • Spending a great amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of fentanyl or other opioids.
  • Having cravings to use fentanyl or other opioids.
  • An inability to complete duties at work, school, or home due to opioid use.
  • Continuing to use fentanyl or other opioids even if it negatively impacts your relationships.
  • Giving up things you previously enjoyed due to opioid use.
  • Frequently using fentanyl or other opioids in physically dangerous situations.
  • Continuing to use opioids despite physical or mental problems you know are caused by it.
  • Developing tolerance to opioids.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use of fentanyl or other opioids.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

Check Your Insurance Policy

Fentanyl Detox  Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Health insurances are required to cover rehab for fentanyl addiction. Cornerstone can also help you determine whether your health insurance covers fentanyl abuse treatment. Start the process for insurance verification here. To learn more about how health insurance works, visit our guide to health insurance for drug rehab.

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Challenges When Quitting Fentanyl

Fentanyl, like other opioids, works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other areas of the body.1, 3 It blocks sensations of pain between the body and brain, and increases dopamine levels in the brains reward center, producing an intense euphoria.1, 3

The pleasurable and/or euphoric effects of fentanyl and other opioids act as positive reinforcement for repeated use.3 Over time, the brain adapts to the constant presence of fentanyl, becoming less sensitive to its effects and requiring it to feel normal, known as tolerance.1, 3

Regular use of fentanyl and other opioids can also lead to physiological dependence when attempts to quit using or reduce use can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.1, 3 Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety and irritability.4, 5
  • Chills with goosebumps.1, 3, 4, 5
  • Depressed mood.4
  • Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.1, 3, 4, 5
  • Difficulty sleeping.1, 3, 4, 5
  • Dilated pupils.4, 5
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure.5
  • Increased respiratory rate.5
  • Pain in the bones and muscles.1, 3, 4, 5
  • Runny nose.4, 5
  • Strong cravings for opioids.1, 3
  • Teary eyes.4, 5
  • Trouble sitting still.4
  • Unintentional leg movements .1

Acute withdrawal from fentanyl can occur quickly. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours of last use.1 The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can be affected by:5

The Basics Of Fentanyl Rehabilitation

This guide was written to provide an overview of the fentanyl rehabilitation process, as well as to offer helpful resources for persons recovering from fentanyl addiction.

When a fentanyl user is ready to receive treatment, the treatment process usually begins with an orientation session. During this session, the individual meets members of the treatment staff and learns about what services are available to aid in the rehabilitation process. The individual also undergoes an assessment to uncover co-occurring disorders, specific addiction triggers, and medical issues that could affect the course of treatment.

The orientation and assessment are followed by a supervised detoxification period, in which fentanyl is eliminated from the individuals body. Supervision by treatment professionals makes this process safer and may make fentanyl withdrawal symptoms more tolerable for the user. Once this process is complete, the individual participates in programs aimed at developing better coping skills, avoiding certain triggers for substance use, and managing any co-occurring disorders.

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Does Methadone Work For Fentanyl Addiction

Methadone is both safe and effective in treating opioid use disorder . Researchers have found methadone to protect against fentanyl overdose, even among those who continue to use fentanyl while on treatment. This is why experts recommend switching to methadone from another opioid addiction treatment medication if a patient continues to use fentanyl while in treatment.5

Methadone treatment has also been shown to significantly reduce mortality as well as illegal opioid use. Studies suggest that patients f receiving methadone treatment remain in treatment longer compared to those who receive buprenorphine.5

A recent study of 121 patients who used fentanyl and received methadone treatment found that 75% of the individuals achieved remission within 12 months after starting treatment. About 64 of the patients completed the full 12 months of treatment, and 63 of those individuals achieved remission.10

Methadone is also a versatile medication because it can be taken by those who engage in injection opioid use, are pregnant, have another mental health diagnosis, or also use stimulants.

Experts recommend that treatment also include treating the co-occurring physical or mental health disorders because they can impact opioid use disorder and vice versa. For instance, depression can contribute to fentanyl use, and fentanyl use can contribute to depression symptoms.5

Fentanyls Drug Class And Schedule

Video: Experts say fentanyl is to blame for increase in overdose deaths

Fentanyl is considered a Schedule II drug in the U.S., a class of drugs considered dangerous by the Drug Enforcement Administration due to a high chance of abuse and dependence. Other examples of Schedule II drugs include Vicodin, cocaine, OxyContin, Adderall, Ritalin, and meth. These synthetic opioids have become the primary source of drug overdose deaths in the U.S., with fentanyl overdose topping the list of offenders.

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Finding A Rehabilitation Center For Fentanyl Addiction

For individuals who want to recover from fentanyl addiction, its helpful to look for a rehabilitation facility that offers supervised detoxification, as medical management of the detoxification process can help preserve the physical and psychological well-being of individuals withdrawing from fentanyl.

Its also helpful to look for a facility that offers a combination of behavioral therapies and medication-assisted therapies. Medications can reduce cravings and help users avoid relapse, while behavioral therapies help individuals develop the skills they need to succeed in the recovery process.

The Fight Against Fentanyl Ramps Up

The same day that the CDC released the new data, Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Jen Smith stressed the importance of carrying Naloxone , a medication that can save lives by undoing the effect Opioids have in the brain and reversing an overdose.

Secretary Smith stated, You never know when you may come across an individual suffering from an overdose. There are numerous ways access life-saving naloxonewere here today to encourage that people take advantage of those resources.

Pennsylvania has County and Regional Centralized Coordinating Entities that work with first responders to distribute Naloxone. Many states may have similar programs in all 50 states, Naloxone is available with no prescription and may be obtained at a local pharmacy.

The medication is safe to use and relatively easy to administer, does not generally cause any side effects, and doesnt get the user high.

At the same time that everyday Americans are being asked to step up and learn how to use Naloxone to save lives, law enforcement agencies are coming down hard on Fentanyl suppliers.

A day before the CDC released their data, the Los Angeles Police Department declared that it would begin more thoroughly and systematically pursuing Fentanyl dealers, especially when 1 dealer or group of dealers is seen to be responsible for multiple instance of the drug being distributed.

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Is Fentanyl An Opioid

Yes, fentanyl is one of the more well-known synthetic opioids because of the extensive research thats been done. It is one of the only substances that is approved for prescription use. Fentanyl was discovered in the 1960s and was only used for surgery. Its clinical use was expanded in the 90s when the skin patch was developed for extended relief of chronic pain.

Synthetic opioids are categorized as psychoactive substances that are known as opiates or produce opiate-like effects. These substances are not naturally occurring, although they get effects similar to naturally occurring drugs from different types of opium poppy plants. These plants are used by humans for recreational and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Some well-known opiates like heroin and morphine are formed from these plants.

Can Fentanyl Use Lead To Addiction

Fentanyl Detox in Charlotte, North Carolina

Yes. Fentanyl is addictive because of its potency. A person taking prescription fentanyl as instructed by a doctor can experience dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction.

Addiction is the most severe form of a substance use disorder . SUDs are characterized by compulsive drug seeking and drug use that can be difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. When someone is addicted to drugs, they continue to use them even though they cause health problems or issues at work, school, or home. An SUD can range from mild to severe.

People addicted to fentanyl who stop using it can have severe withdrawal symptoms that begin as early as a few hours after the drug was last taken. These symptoms include:

  • muscle and bone pain
  • cold flashes with goose bumps
  • uncontrollable leg movements
  • severe cravings

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Seek Support At Vertava Health Today

If youre suffering from fentanyl addiction, we can help. Vertava Health has developed a fentanyl addiction treatment program that can address your unique needs. Contact us today at for more information on treatment options for fentanyl addiction, and get the help you or your loved one need to overcome addiction.

Contact Vertava Health Now

Fentanyl Detox: How Long Does It Last

The detox process typically lasts 5 to 7 days but may be extended up to 10 or more in some cases. Some patients will need more or less time, as detox will be unique for each person. A thorough evaluation during the intake process will help to determine the outcome of the length of time needed for a detox.

The detox process will be performed in a specialized substance abuse treatment center. The detox process can be done either in a residential program or an outpatient program, depending on the specific needs of the patient. In a residential facility, detox is referred to as medical detox, due to its inclusion of medical and mental health support provided by treatment professionals giving around the clock service.

The patients vital signs will be monitored to ensure their safety, and medications are often administered to help with emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms. Residential detox programs are highly recommended for fentanyl withdrawal because its such a powerful opioid.

In some cases, fentanyl will be replaced by a different opioid agonist during the detox process. Combination medications may also be used for post-detox after fentanyl, and all other opioids are entirely flushed out of the system. Supplementary medications are also helpful during medical detox.

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Treatment And Therapies Offered

One aspect of care offered throughout the network of Comprehensive Treatment Centers is the Comprehensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment program, otherwise known as COSAT. Through this program, patients can receive additional services that are designed to complement the use of the prescription medications that they are receiving as part of their medication-assisted treatment. This program is meant to balance the medication aspect of treatment by providing patients with doctor and nursing care, group therapy, individual therapy, and case coordination services. Within the Comprehensive Treatments Centers that offer COSAT, it is a mandatory part of the treatment process. However, the particular aspects of the program will be tailored to meet each individuals unique needs.

Individual, group, and family therapies are all designed to help heal the emotional component to ones addiction. They are meant to provide the ongoing support and encouragement that patients need as they navigate the road to recovery from opioid addiction.

Get Help Through Our Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program

Doctor explains what to know about fentanyl

Addictions like fentanyl addiction can be crippling to a persons wellbeing and life. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it may be time to get fentanyl addiction treatment. Our passionate staff is ready to help you towards a happier, healthier life. today for more information on treatment options and resources.

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How Does Methadone Treatment For Fentanyl Addiction Work

Methadone is an opioid agonist, which means it acts like an opioid when it attaches to opioid receptors in your brain. Other medications used to treat opioid addiction work differently. Buprenorphine, another medication to treat opioid use disorder , is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it does not fully create opioid effects in your brain but partially creates them.5

If you are physically dependent on fentanyl, your brain is used to the stimulation from fentanyl that it reaches the point of needing the substance to function. In turn, if you stop using fentanyl abruptly, it can cause withdrawal, which is a painful and uncomfortable experience as your body struggles to function without fentanyl.

Methadone treatment for fentanyl misuse gives your brain the opioid effects it currently depends on while also reducing your fentanyl cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone reaches the brain quickly and stays in the body at a consistent level over a long period of time.

When treating OUD, providers prescribe methadone in lower doses than they do when prescribing it to treat pain. This is one of the primary reasons that the risk of addiction to methadone is low during methadone treatment for fentanyl addiction.6

How Long Does Fentanyl Rehab Last

The length of treatment varies for each person and depends on several factors, including the severity of substance use, co-occurring mental health disorders, and underlying physical health conditions, among other things. For some, treatment may last for weeks others may require months of treatment.8

Your treatment protocol may also change as you progress. You may begin treatment in an inpatient facility, then move to an outpatient center or you may change from a PHP to an IOP or traditional outpatient program. So, in thinking about fentanyl rehab, keeping the whole picture in mind can keep you afloat if the process feels long.

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Fentanyl Takes Many Different Forms To Meet Each Patients Needs Some Popular Name Brands And Forms Of Fentanyl Will Include:

Actiq

Commonly referred to as a fentanyl lollipop, it is administered under the tongue for quick pain relief. This form is used for patients who were already taking painkiller medication and have some military applications.

Duragesic

Coming in the form of a fentanyl patch, this type of fentanyl is prescribed to treat severe to moderate pain, with the effects lasting as long as three days.

Sublimaze

This form is generally administered in hospitals, usually alongside anesthetics, and is taken through an injectable form. This form of fentanyl is used to manage pain before and after surgery.

Subsys

This form of fentanyl is a sublingual spray that is administered under an individuals tongue to deliver pain relief immediately. Its purpose use is for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain.

Abstral

Abstral is primarily used for opioid-tolerant patients who experience breakthrough cancer pain. This is a fentanyl pill form of a tablet that dissolves quickly by being placed under the tongue.

Lazanda

This form of fentanyl comes in a nasal spray, which is primarily used with cancer patients needing to treat their pain.

What Is Fentanyl And How To Treat Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl Addiction

Home » Our Blog » What is Fentanyl and How to Treat Fentanyl Addiction

One of the most dangerous prescription opioids sweeping the nation in a devastating epidemic is fentanyl. Its existence has created a public health crisis in the United States as more and more people who use drugs become affected by the dangers it poses to their daily lives.

For the family members and loved ones of those who struggle with addiction, its helpful to have resources that can create avenues to have tough conversations with the people you love who are living with this disease.

In this post, well share how to spot fentanyl use, what fentanyl addiction treatment looks like, along with tips on how to support someone in your life who is struggling with opioid addiction of any kind and the best ways to take action for them.

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