Fentanyl can be prescribed legally for pain management, but it’s also highly addictive. Its use illegally has become an epidemic as users chase the numbing effect this opioid drug produces. Fentanyl can also be mixed with other substances, making the combination even more dangerous. Addiction can set in whether the drug is being used legally or illegally—it doesn’t discriminate. Finding a fentanyl rehab to overcome an addiction is the best thing you can do for yourself or someone you care about.
If you’re ready to get on the road to recovery, contact our compassionate team at The Right Step today at 17135283709 to learn more about the rehab experience.
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
The short answer is yes. Even though a doctor can prescribe it for actual medical use, it’s a powerful drug with a high potential for addiction.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. Opioids block pain by binding to receptors in the brain. This causes dopamine to be released, creating a numbing, pleasurable effect. This is the feeling that people crave and what keeps them coming back to the drug. When addiction takes hold, many take more and more of the drug, and more often, to achieve the desired effect. This misuse of the drug can lead to overdose and death.
How Fentanyl Affects the Brain
Essentially, by adding fentanyl to your system, you’re tricking your brain into sending messages to the rest of your body. It causes the brain to signal the release of dopamine. In a controlled environment where a medical professional administers the drug, clinicians can monitor the administration and effects via electroencephalogram (EEG). When misused for prolonged periods—and with larger and larger doses—it can cause users to stop breathing before they even lose consciousness. In addition to its primary use for pain relief following a trauma or surgery, as well as for treating chronic pain, the drug can also have euphoric effects.
Long-term fentanyl abuse affects the brain in many ways. The brain may stop producing its own dopamine and endorphins, making the body dependent on the drug for these essential chemicals. This can lead to emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
Other Side Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
Side effects of fentanyl abuse include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Unconsciousness
- Overdose
If you fear that you may have a problem with fentanyl use—or that someone you care about is struggling—seek help as soon as possible through a professional drug treatment center.
What to Expect from Fentanyl Rehab
Depending on the severity of the addiction, a medically supervised detox may be necessary to start the rehab experience. It’s essential to rid the body of the toxic chemicals of the drug in the safest way possible. After detox, clients will continue in either an inpatient or outpatient format, depending on their needs. They’ll participate in a variety of therapies that can include individual and group therapy as well as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational interviewing
- Yoga therapy
- Massage therapy
- Equine therapy
Combining these various therapies in different ways can create a unique and customized treatment experience for each person.
Seeking treatment for a fentanyl addiction is the smartest thing you can do if you’re struggling. Overcoming a substance use disorder isn’t quickly done on your own. Professionals with years of experience and peers who understand what you’re going through will surround you when you enter a professional rehab center. Along with family, this support network will be invaluable as you continue your recovery journey.
Contact The Right Step online or call 17135283709 today to work with a compassionate treatment team that can create a perfectly customized program for you.
