Fentanyl Addiction Recovery: What to Expect When Overcoming Fentanyl Addiction

What to Expect in Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

Unlike many other drugs that are commonly abused, fentanyl has some legitimate medical uses. Its use can be a powerful aid for the patients who receive it and the doctors who administer it in the right circumstances. Fentanyl is highly potent as a painkiller, up to 100 times as powerful as other alternatives like morphine, making fentanyl addiction a genuine concern for users.

That same high potency is why it is so important to monitor the use of yourself or your loved one so carefully. Even if you only suspect someone you care about has been abusing or misusing the fentanyl they have been prescribed, it is important to get them into treatment and fentanyl detox right away.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a highly controlled substance, primarily due to its highly addictive potential. Even so, doctors may prescribed fentanyl for the worst and most intense forms of pain, including those suffered by end-stage cancer patients and post-operative pain and discomfort.

This powerful painkiller is often administered via transdermal patches, with time-released beads inside, delivering a steady stream of medication to the bloodstream. And while fentanyl can be a great relief for patients, it is also highly addictive, and its high potency can make it especially deadly.

Other Names for Fentanyl

Like many drugs commonly abused and well known for their addictive potential, fentanyl goes by many names on the street. If you suspect that someone you know has developed a dependency on this powerful opioid, keep your ears open and be ready to take action if you hear any of the following terms.

  • China Town
  • China Girl
  • Dance Fever
  • Dragon’s Breath
  • Birria
  • Murder B

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

If you suspect that someone in your life has been abusing fentanyl, it is essential to act as soon as possible. This powerful drug can be deadly in even small doses, and it is all too easy for simple use to turn into an accidental and potentially fatal overdose.

There are several signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse that friends and family members should never ignore, including:

  • Pounding in the ears – If your loved one complains of ringing in the ears, their fentanyl use could be to blame.
  • Balance issues – Fentanyl use can increase the risk of falls due to its negative impact on balance. If someone you care about has been using the drug, you should oversee them and take steps to fall-proof their environment
  • Hallucinations – Fentanyl can cause changes in perception, including hallucinations and disordered thoughts. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take action right away.
  • Mood changes – Mood changes are common among fentanyl users, and they can flip from euphoria to despair in a surprisingly short amount of time.
  • Chest tightness – Those who abuse fentanyl may experience chest tightness, and the discomfort may be so severe they think they are having a heart attack.
  • Rapid heartbeat – Fentanyl can cause a dangerous rise in heart rate, possibly leading to a heart attack.
  • Tearing open fentanyl patches to access the time-released beads – If you see torn or broken patches in the trash, it is important to talk to your loved ones about how they are using their prescribed medication.

If you notice even one of these signs and symptoms, you should ask yourself and your loved one pointed questions.

What Is Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Like?

If you or someone you care about has been using fentanyl, it is essential to monitor that usage closely. Fentanyl can be deadly in even tiny doses, and it is all too easy for an accidental overdose to occur.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we provide the best treatment for fentanyl addicts and their families, including fentanyl detox designed for maximum comfort, effectiveness, and safety. With our unique approach, we help fentanyl addicts heal and address the underlying pain that caused them to use the drug in the first place.

This focus on natural pain relief sets WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab apart, and we invite you to check out this approach for yourself. All it takes to get started is a single phone call, so reach out and call us today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.