Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance monitored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), meaning it has some accepted medical uses in the United States. It was originally developed to relieve pain in patients undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from surgery, and dealing with acute or chronic pain related to various health conditions. Today, fentanyl is still prescribed for these purposes, as well as for treating patients with increased opioid tolerance for whom other, less powerful medications may not be as effective.

Fentanyl has a similar chemical structure to heroin, though there are some slight differences. Like morphine, fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for controlling emotions and pain. When fentanyl is ingested, it affects these pathways and alters brain processes, specifically eliminating or greatly reducing pain, enhancing pleasure, and creating an overall sense of euphoria.

Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

In recent years, synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are the most common substances involved in overdose deaths in the U.S. One of the main reasons for this is the potency of these drugs. Fentanyl can be anywhere from 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, and as little as 0.25 mg can be fatal.

Another reason fentanyl is so deadly is its relative availability. Unlike heroin, which has no accepted medical uses, fentanyl and similar opioids are often prescribed by doctors and other medical professionals, making it more prevalent and easier to obtain.

It also takes less fentanyl to produce a high, which means it is typically cheaper. Often, it is illegally manufactured and used as filler or a cutting agent in other substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA. Someone may take one of these substances without realizing they are also ingesting fentanyl. If the body is not used to this type of opioid, or if the amount of fentanyl is too high, an individual can easily overdose.

What Are the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl addiction, like other substance use disorders, typically begins with increased tolerance. This occurs when an individual requires more of the substance to achieve the same effect. This can lead them to begin taking higher amounts of fentanyl more frequently, which can then lead to dependency.

It is possible for a person to be dependent on a substance without having an addiction. Generally speaking, a person has a dependency when they experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance. Because these symptoms are very unpleasant, an individual may be driven to continue using the drug to avoid them. At this point, they are at a high risk of developing an addiction.

Some warning signs of fentanyl addiction (in yourself or another) include:

• Needing to take more fentanyl to relieve pain or achieve a similar effect
• Feeling an intense desire to continue using fentanyl despite negative consequences
• Trying but being unable to stop using fentanyl
• Requesting early refills or attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions
• “Borrowing” someone else’s medication or stealing a prescription
• Buying fentanyl, either from someone with a prescription or illicitly
• Spending a significant portion of the day thinking about, obtaining, or using fentanyl
• Difficulty meeting obligations at home, work, school, or other areas of one’s life
• Isolation, withdrawal, and problems with various relationships
• Lying about fentanyl use and/or an increase in secretive behavior
• Financial and/or legal problems
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when not using fentanyl

Although it can be very difficult to recognize signs of dependency and addiction—and even more difficult to seek help—recovery is possible. At The Lakes Treatment Center, we provide the tools, resources, and support you need to safely stop the cycle of fentanyl abuse.

Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl Addiction

• Constipation
• Heart attack/ heart failure
• Immune system suppression
• Reproductive issues
• Anxiety
• Depression

Is Fentanyl Addiction Treatable?

Fentanyl abuse and addiction are highly treatable, though most individuals will require professional assistance to successfully overcome their substance use disorders. Most often, professional fentanyl addiction treatment involves various therapeutic components, which are designed to help individuals address the root of the substance abuse, identify triggers, and develop critical skills to prevent relapse.

At The Lakes Treatment Center, we believe that the most effective approach is an integrated one. We treat all aspects of our clients’ health, including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program in Northern California encompasses a variety of evidence-based therapies and recreational activities designed to help individuals heal relationships with themselves and others and develop the life skills they need to succeed in recovery.

We customize our program to meet the unique needs of each individual resident. However, in most cases, the program includes some combination of the following:

• Initial assessment
• Safe, supervised detox
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Recreational activities
• Life skills development
• Relapse prevention and treatment
• Ongoing support and aftercare

Clients live fulltime at our residential facility on Lake Tulloch, where they receive 24-hour support from a staff of experienced and compassionate addiction specialists. We are licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services to provide residents with dual diagnosis treatment to address a variety of co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does fentanyl detox typically take?

Generally, it can take several days to a week for the acute withdrawal symptoms to subside. However, the detoxification process as a whole may extend beyond that period.

What are some common triggers for relapse in fentanyl addiction?

Common triggers for relapse in fentanyl addiction include stress, boredom, social situations, negative emotions, and physical pain. Developing healthy coping mechanisms and relapse prevention plans can help individuals manage these triggers effectively.

How does fentanyl addiction affect the brain?

Fentanyl addiction alters brain chemistry and function, leading to changes in reward pathways, decision-making, and impulse control. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug, making it increasingly difficult to stop using.

How can I help a loved one struggling with fentanyl addiction?

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, offer emotional support, set boundaries as needed, and educate yourself about addiction. Avoid enabling behaviors and seek support for yourself through family therapy or support groups.