Fentanyl is a powerful opioid used to treat pain. While it has medical benefits, it can be misused even when prescribed. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The euphoric effects of fentanyl have contributed to its popularity as a street drug, and it is the leading cause of overdose and overdose-related deaths.
Fentanyl is not only the most dangerous opioid but the most difficult to overcome without professional intervention. At Hill Country, we understand the complexities of fentanyl abuse and provide comprehensive fentanyl addiction treatment in a safe, supportive environment with access to 24-hour care. If you or a loved one is abusing fentanyl, the time to seek treatment is now. Call 1.844.675.1628 to enroll in treatment today.
How to Recognize Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms
Because of its potency, fentanyl dependence and abuse can occur quickly. The hidden danger of fentanyl is that it is now highly common for it to be mixed with other street drugs, like heroin or cocaine, so people may ingest it without knowing. Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be a potentially lethal dose.
Knowing how to recognize fentanyl overdose symptoms can be life-saving. Key signs to watch for include:
- Very small or “pinpoint” pupils
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extreme drowsiness or confusion
- Cold, clammy skin
- Bluish, grey, or extremely pale lips, nails, or skin
- Weak or slow pulse
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Slow, shallow, or no breathing
- Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer Narcan if it is available. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR. If the person is breathing, talk to them, try to keep them awake and as alert as possible, and stay with them until help arrives.
The Impacts of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria. Prolonged or heavy use disrupts the normal production of dopamine and serotonin. The brain quickly becomes reliant on fentanyl to produce these neurotransmitters, which contributes to the cycle of addiction.
Other impacts of fentanyl abuse include the following:
- Bloating and constipation
- Bowel obstructions and hemorrhoids
- Trembling, twitching, and other muscle spasms
- Stomach distension and ulcers
- Hallucinations and other abnormal thinking
- Mood instability
- Cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and heart disease
- Collapsed veins and blood-borne infections from shared needles
- Liver damage and liver disease
- Seizures
- Overdose and death
For many, fentanyl addiction also contributes to damaged relationships, housing insecurity, unemployment, and legal issues. The impacts go far beyond the individual, adversely affecting our communities, medical services, and legal systems.
Treating Fentanyl Addiction at Hill Country
At Hill Country, our experienced multidisciplinary treatment team is well-versed in helping clients overcome fentanyl addiction. Here, treatment begins with a medically supervised detox, where clients have access to around-the-clock care to manage the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. We offer medication-assisted treatment for those who meet the requirements.
Following detox, clients work with treatment team members to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include evidence-based and holistic therapies, such as:
- Individual and group therapy
- 12-step meetings
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Yoga and meditation
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Relapse prevention
Your needs and goals determine your course of treatment. Treatment plans are designed to be adaptive to meet your changing needs as you progress in your recovery. At Hill Country, we know that detox and treatment are just the first steps on your path to recovery. Therefore, we offer comprehensive aftercare planning and lifelong care and support through our Rooted Alumni Program.
Contact Hill Country for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Today
If you or a loved one struggles with fentanyl addiction, receiving treatment as soon as possible is the best option. At Hill Country, we understand the complexities of fentanyl addiction, including recognizing that the thought of living without fentanyl can be scary and asking for help is hard. However, we also know that overcoming addiction is possible. Contact us at 1.844.675.1628 or reach out through the online form to learn about our programs and enroll in treatment today.