Fentanyl

Fentanyl

Seeking help for a fentanyl addiction is simultaneously one of the toughest and most courageous decisions a person can make. At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, our fentanyl rehab program provides clients with the stability and support needed to beat fentanyl addiction. We provide the support, structure, and accountability necessary to promote lasting freedom from addiction.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be used to ease chronic pain and other medical conditions. Its chemical makeup is similar to that of morphine. However, the potency of fentanyl is 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin.

Fentanyl works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, known as opioid receptors, to block pain signals on their way to the brain. Doctors prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat severe pain, like that experienced in the advanced stages of cancer or by those undergoing major surgery. However, pharmaceutical fentanyl can be abused, leading to addiction.

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has contributed to the opioid crisis in many regions of the U.S. Combating the misuse of fentanyl is a major public health concern, prompting stricter regulations and increased public awareness of its dangers. Common street names for fentanyl include “China white” and “China girl.”

The Rise of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction among the U.S. population, and young adults in particular, remains a concern due in part to its highly addictive properties.

Fentanyl alters the chemistry of the brain by binding with the neuroreceptors transmitting pain signals. At the same time, it promotes a surge of endorphins in the brain, causing the user to feel intense pleasure, even joy. This manipulation of brain activity results in both the body and the brain remembering its abuse of fentanyl as a positive behavior, even after just one dose.

Because of its potency, addiction to fentanyl has increased in recent years, a trend that has seen grim consequences. According to an April 2022 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the rates of death by overdose among teens aged 14 to 18 by illicitly manufactured fentanyl and other synthetic opioids quadrupled from 2018 to 2021. A contributing factor to this increase, JAMA said, was that teens may be mistaking counterfeit tablets  containing fentanyl for less-powerful drugs like opioids or Xanax.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

The signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction match those of many other substance use disorders. They include some or all of the following:

How Does Fentanyl Rehab Work?

An effective fentanyl rehab begins with detox. The detox process typically lasts between three and five days. While it can be uncomfortable, it is seldom life-threatening, though withdrawal sometimes may require the use of intravenous fluids or other medical interventions. That is why attempting fentanyl detox alone is not recommended.

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can appear just six hours after the last dose. These symptoms will likely increase until “peaking” one to three days into the process. Withdrawal symptoms begin to resolve over the course of a week or so. While it usually depends on how long the fentanyl use has been going on, some people experience milder symptoms of withdrawal for weeks afterward.

After detox, the hard work of fentanyl rehab begins in earnest. At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, our fentanyl rehab program combines evidence-based approaches with holistic therapies to promote true healing and long-term sobriety. With a focus on relapse prevention and skill-building, clients receive the tools necessary to achieve mental and physical well-being.

Side Effects of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction can have a range of negative side effects. These side effects can vary in intensity, depending on the extent and duration of the addictive behavior as well as factors like the individual’s physical health or the presence of an underlying mental health disorder.

Some of the more common side effects of fentanyl addiction include:

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Options

Treatment options typically involve a medically supervised detox, individual therapy, and group support to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the patient’s addiction. Early intervention and support greatly improve the chances of long-term recovery from fentanyl addiction. They also reduce the risk of severe or long-term health issues.

Individual therapy is essential in any fentanyl addiction treatment program. The one-on-one setting allows people to “open up” and be vulnerable in considering their reasons for using. Group therapy is also helpful, as patients are empowered to give and receive feedback from their peers. Just knowing you’re not alone can be hugely helpful in the recovery process.

What To Expect During Fentanyl Rehab

Rehab at Gulf Coast Recovery Center is designed to be a supportive and life-changing experience. Our clients receive round-the-clock care and support from our professional staff during detox and rehab. During rehab, they participate in both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as holistic therapy to treat the whole individual. Our goal is to help clients overcome their fentanyl addiction and build the coping strategies and life skills needed to maintain long-term sobriety.