Unfortunately, over the last ten years, there has been a sharp increase in fatalities from drug overdoses. This is mainly due to a rise in the use of fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid designed to treat patients with either chronic or severe pain after surgery. At Santé Center for Healing, our team of addiction treatment professionals recognizes the danger of opioid use, and we are proud to provide a range of effective programs, including residential addiction treatment, to help people overcome addiction and embrace genuine, long-term recovery.
If you or someone you care about is stuck in the endless cycle of fentanyl abuse and is ready to make a positive change, reach out to our team today by calling 866.238.3154 or filling out our online contact form. But first, it is crucial to answer the question, “What does fentanyl do?”
What Does Fentanyl Do?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is one hundred times more potent than morphine. Similar to heroin, fentanyl binds to the body’s opioid receptors in the part of the brain that controls pain tolerance. In fact, there are many legitimate medical uses for this drug. However, fentanyl has made its way into numerous street drugs that people use every day. Often, fentanyl is produced illegally in underground labs and is primarily smuggled into the United States from Mexico.
The main problem is that illicitly made fentanyl is not regulated, so just one dose can be fatal. Illegal fentanyl is virtually undetectable when mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine.
The effects of fentanyl include:
- Sedation
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Unconsciousness
Perhaps the most significant effect of fentanyl is the potential for an overdose. Fentanyl slows breathing, and when taken in large amounts, it can cause breathing to stop altogether. That’s why fentanyl is such a dangerous drug. The best course of action for those with a fentanyl addiction is to enter a treatment program under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Fentanyl Treatment Options
First, a person with a fentanyl addiction must decide to get help. Then, most clients in a fentanyl treatment program will begin with detoxification. Also known as detox, this crucial first step in treatment gives clients the opportunity to rid their bodies of all traces of fentanyl. Once a person with a fentanyl addiction stops using the drug, the neurotransmitters in their brain experience a change in chemistry that can trigger withdrawal symptoms. Detox involves the use of medication to help people overcome these potentially painful withdrawal symptoms. Also, throughout detox, the client’s vital signs are monitored by the staff. This serves to ensure the safety and comfort of the person in recovery.
After detox has helped to heal the physical effects of fentanyl, the client will then begin to heal the psychological effects of addiction in therapy programs.
Common addiction therapy programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Overcome Fentanyl Addiction with Support from Santé Center for Healing
With the proper support and comprehensive care, recovery from fentanyl addiction is possible for those who want to enhance their quality of life. At Santé Center for Healing, our team is committed to providing the best addiction treatment in the Southwest. Our beautiful campus in Argyle, Texas, accepts clients from all over the country. Furthermore, our programs and services ensure that all of our clients receive the precise level of care they need to leave their fentanyl addiction behind.
Find out more about how we can help you or someone you care about get back on the right track by calling Santé Center for Healing at 866.238.3154 or contacting us online.
