Drug Trends in Florida: Fentanyl Addiction in the Sunshine State

Opioids cause more overdoses than any other drugs, and Fentanyl addiction is a major cause of overdose. Fentanyl is among the most dangerous opioid drugs today. Though highly effective for treating pain, Fentanyl is also a leading cause of drug overdose deaths. Highly addictive, Fentanyl is a prescription drug that is often purchased on the black market. Many drug dealers add it to other drugs to increase the effects. Unfortunately, mixing Fentanyl with other drugs or alcohol only increases the risk of overdose. 

WhiteSands is a leading addiction treatment center in the Sunshine State. Fentanyl abuse is a problem that Florida faces, but there is help for people who have developed a Fentanyl addiction either as a result of being prescribed Fentanyl or abusing it illicitly. We offer a wide range of substance abuse treatment plans that help people manage their addiction and overcome their dependence. 

Fentanyl is a powerful drug, so the sooner you end your dependence on it, the sooner you can safeguard your health and future. WhitesSands offers clinically supervised detox with 24-hour support. We feature inpatient and outpatient treatment programs along with sober living opportunities, aftercare, medication-assisted treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment. Let our experienced addiction specialists help you end your reliance on Fentanyl or other opioids. Even though addiction is a chronic condition, it can be managed successfully with abstinence. Life in the Sunshine State can be much brighter when you put opioid abuse behind you. 

Understanding Fentanyl: What Makes It Highly Addictive?

Fentanyl is among the most addictive opioid drugs. Why? It’s 100 times more powerful than morphine, another opioid. Opioid prescription medications like morphine and Fentanyl are ideal for treating pain. Because these drugs play such a vital role in modern medicine, they have not been banned. On the other hand, they are also highly addictive, which is a considerable drawback when it comes to their use. 

When a person takes Fentanyl, it triggers the opioid receptors in the brain. The result is a feel-good phase that can be extremely relaxing–and enjoyable. After a time, the dose will become less effective. To achieve the same effects as before, people must increase the dose. Sadly, that tolerance and dose increase is what paves the way to addiction. Even when monitored by a healthcare professional, there is still a risk of opioid addiction owing to the potency of the drugs. 

The Rise of Fentanyl Addiction in Florida: A Growing Concern

Florida is experiencing the effects of the opioid epidemic like many other states. According to statistics, more than 75% of overdoses in 2021 involved at least one opioid. These statistics are a concern because they demonstrate the continued danger that Fentanyl poses to U.S. residents. In Florida, more than 7,800 people lost their lives to a drug overdose; of these deaths, there has been a 30% increase in overdose deaths caused by an opioid drug such as Fentanyl. In 2020, more than 6,000 people lost their lives to an opioid overdose in Florida. 

Fentanyl addiction and overdose rates have often continued to rise even in years where there has been a decline in the rates of other opioids. The risks associated with Fentanyl are great because of its highly addictive properties. Even though it can be difficult to overcome a Fentanyl dependency, high-quality addiction treatment can help. WhiteSands helps people addicted to Fentanyl stop abusing the drug and successfully manage their substance use disorder for the long term. 

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

There are many signs and symptoms of Fentanyl addiction. These signs and symptoms include:

• Lying about drug use
• Doctor shopping to obtain more of the substance
• Forging signatures to fill a prescription for the drug
• Trying to stop using the drug and not being able to.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you haven’t used the drug in a certain period

The Dangers of Fentanyl Use: A Closer Look at the Risks

The dangers of Fentanyl are real as evidenced by the overdose rates associated with the drug. Although physicians try to monitor patients prescribed the drug closely, Fentanyl is widely available on the street. It’s important to understand the risks of Fentanyl abuse and seek help if you’ve developed a dependence on the drug. 

Not all people who have overdosed on Fentanyl knew that the drug they were taking was laced with it. Some drug dealers add Fentanyl to other drugs to intensify their properties. This, of course, heightens the risks. Fentanyl abuse is never safe. The only way to manage a Fentanyl addiction is to stop taking the drug and avoid relapse. At WhiteSands, we give clients the help they need to do just that. Don’t underestimate the dangers of Fentanyl. Just because it is a prescription drug does not make it safe for use except when its use is directed by a doctor. 

Why Fentanyl Addiction Requires Immediate Attention

Fentanyl addiction is a serious concern as is any opioid use disorder. If you are dependent on Fentanyl, you may have developed a full-blown addiction. WhiteSands can help you end your dependence on this drug and learn strategies to manage your addiction. Our rehab center individualizes treatment to ensure that we meet clients where they need us. Once you visit our rehab, we can provide you with an evaluation that allows our clinicians to recommend the ideal treatment plan for you. 

Keep in mind that a substance use disorder is chronic. It won’t get better on its own and will most likely get worse without help. You can safeguard your health and future by getting help at WhiteSands right away. Fentanyl addiction is a serious health concern. Let our addiction specialists help you address this problem through evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments. 

Treatment Options for Fentanyl Addiction in Florida

At WhiteSands, we take a multi-tiered treatment approach. Many clients begin their recovery journey with medical detox. This treatment targets the physical aspect of their addiction. Then, they may enroll in either inpatient or outpatient treatment depending on their needs and overall stability. Inpatient treatment is ideal for people who are highly unstable and need a high degree of support. Outpatient treatment is ideal for clients who are relatively stable and want to continue working or attending school while getting the treatment help they need. 

During treatment, clients can expect to take part in both individual and group therapy sessions. Our treatment approaches include evidence-based treatments, holistic treatments, and some alternative therapies. Collectively, these treatments support lasting recovery. 

WhiteSands Approach to Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that’s associated with a high overdose rate. The only way to be safe is to stop abusing this drug. At WhiteSands, our addiction specialists will help you identify the triggers of your drug abuse so you can develop the appropriate strategies to manage them. Our clinicians are licensed and experienced. Clients can expect empathetic care every step of the way. Call WhiteSands today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment plans. We can discuss the enrollment process and help you get the support you need to end your dependence on Fentanyl. 

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.