Fentanyl is a highly addictive opioid drug, and its use can leave lasting adverse health effects. The effects of fentanyl on the brain can be especially severe due to the potency and addictive nature of the drug. Prolonged use of the drug makes the body become more and more tolerant, meaning more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect. Because of this, fentanyl has a high risk of overdose. If you recognize signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one, the risk of overdose should not be ignored. Seeking professional help right away is necessary.
A fentanyl rehab center in Texas, like the one at Santé Center for Healing, can help. Call on a trusted medical professional for a referral to a treatment program that’s the right fit for you.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is considered a synthetic opioid, and it’s an extremely strong drug. In fact, it is known to be 50 times stronger than heroin. Its original use was to treat chronic pain through a patch on the skin, especially for those with cancer. As an opioid, fentanyl interacts directly with the brain through the opioid receptors. The drug can evoke feelings of pleasure, contentment, and relaxation, among other effects. Over time, users need more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effects, and this is how addiction sets in.
Negative effects of the drug include:
- Dilated pupils
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Feeling drowsy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Other drugs can also be laced with fentanyl, such as marijuana and heroin, in order to magnify the effects of both drugs used. This can be especially dangerous because, in most cases, the user is not aware the drug they are using is laced. In these cases, the chances of overdose are even greater.
Effects of Fentanyl on the Brain
As stated, fentanyl directly affects how the brain functions. The more the drug is used, the more serious the effects of the drug use. One portion of the brain that fentanyl greatly affects is the reward system of the brain, involving the neurotransmitter dopamine. Fentanyl can damage the brain’s naturally occurring reward system and production of dopamine, making the person dependent on fentanyl for these effects. This changes how the brain manages things like:
- Focus and concentration
- Feelings of joy or pleasure
- Anxiety and stress
- Decision-making skills
- Cravings
Addiction to fentanyl has a singular focus: getting more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. With prolonged use, the brain’s actual physical structure can change, imparting permanent damage.
Fentanyl Rehab
Rehab can look different for each person. It’s all about creating a personalized treatment plan using a variety of therapeutic modalities. Each person’s needs are unique and different. Therapies can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Medication management
- Psychotherapy
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Ropes course therapy
No matter the therapeutic approach taken, the goal for any treatment plan is the same—recovery without relapse. Professional treatment can ensure that the goal is supported and met in a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment. Being surrounded by a team of professionals and peers who understand what you’re going through is invaluable.
Enroll in Fentanyl Rehab in Texas Today at Santé Center for Healing
While fentanyl does have legitimate medical uses related to treating severe and chronic pain, it is widely used for illicit purposes by those seeking the euphoric effects of the drug. Unfortunately, users do not consider the negative effects of using the opioid drug when the euphoria wears off. An addiction to this dangerous drug requires professional treatment at a treatment center like Santé Center for Healing.
To better understand what addiction looks like and how to get the help that you or a loved one need, call the exceptional treatment team at 866.238.3154 or complete the online inquiry form right away. A personalized treatment plan is just a phone call away.
