Today, opioids, especially fentanyl, are increasingly addictive, accessible, and dangerous. The United States is in a continuing opioid epidemic fueled by the continued development of more potent opioids. Contrary to popular belief, heroin and OxyContin are no longer the leaders in opioid overdose. Fentanyl is significantly more potent and results in more overdoses and deaths than other opioids. Fentanyl addiction treatment is the most effective way to avoid overdose and opioid-related death. A professional treatment program is the safest way to stop using fentanyl and other opioids for long-term sobriety.
If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about treating fentanyl addiction, call the team at A Better State now. Our holistic outpatient programs help people across the New Hampshire area recover from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our fentanyl addiction treatment programs and our Hudson, NH clinic.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl was initially derived from the opium poppy. However, unlike opiates, fentanyl is synthetic, meaning it’s made in a lab. While people have medicinally used opium for centuries, synthetic opioids create more potent, dangerous, and addictive versions of the drug. Like other opioids, fentanyl works by blocking pain receptors in the brain and creating a feeling of euphoria.
It releases unnaturally high levels of dopamine that make the drug highly addictive, especially for those with co-occurring mood disorders. Frequently prescribed for chronic pain or surgery, people use fentanyl and other opioids to self-medicate for emotional and psychological pain. Unfortunately, Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than hospital-grade morphine, making it more dangerous and lethal than other opioids. Fentanyl has a range of side effects on the body, including:
- Shaking
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the extremities
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Itching
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Changes in heartbeat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Changes in vision
- Depression
- Night terrors
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
These are only some ways fentanyl affects the body. Like other opioids, fentanyl changes a person’s brain chemistry making it especially hard to stop talking with medically-assisted detox treatments.
Treatment Options for Fentanyl Addiction
While opioids are powerful pain relievers, they are a drug prone to tolerance. This means that the more often someone takes opioids, the more opioids they will need to experience the same level of pain relief and euphoria. For some, this can lead to combining substances, crushing tablets, and often overdosing. For those with chronic pain, opioid tolerance builds quickly, possibly leading to fentanyl addiction. Fentanyl addiction treatment is the safest, most effective way to overcome fentanyl use. Some treatments options for fentanyl addiction can include:
- Dual diagnosis to treat mental health conditions alongside addiction – This can help people struggling with co-occurring disorders address underlying causes of fentanyl use in safe, productive ways.
- Medically-assisted detox to reduce relapse – Medications like Suboxone and methadone can help people avoid relapse and focus on staying sober.
- Addiction therapy treatments – Group, individual, and family therapy sessions can help someone address behavior, the root causes of addiction, and change behavior.
These are only a few options for fentanyl treatment. Medically-assisted detox can help people in both inpatient and outpatient recovery. Professional detox is often the safest way to stop using fentanyl long-term and avoid drug-related health complications.
How to Treat Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl use is increasingly common across the United States. Many people use other drugs laced with fentanyl without knowing it. This can be incredibly dangerous and deadly. If you want to know more about how to treat fentanyl addiction, A Better State is here for you. Our outpatient, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide behavioral and alternative therapies, including:
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Art therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Individual therapy
Our dual diagnosis programs are here to help you and your loved ones recover from fentanyl and other substances. With mental health treatment and accessible program hours, our Hudson, NH clinic has the treatment program for you.
Discover Ways to Treating Fentanyl Addiction with A Better State
Treating fentanyl addiction can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that there are ways to get help. At A Better State, we have a compassionate and expert team ready to assist you or your loved one with your fentanyl addiction. We offer a variety of addiction treatment programs, including inpatient and outpatient care, that meet your unique needs. We also offer a wide range of support services, such as family counseling, to help you through this difficult time. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, please contact us at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our treatment options.
