When someone is struggling with an addiction to fentanyl, a powerful opioid drug, they can experience a range of harmful impacts to their health and mental well-being. In addition to these emotional and physical complications, there is also a high risk for overdose.
Our Comprehensive Treatment Centers (CTCs) provide personalized, whole-person care for adults who have developed addictions to opioids, including fentanyl.
Learn About Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid doctors may prescribe to treat severe or chronic pain in patients. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and is often prescribed to manage advanced cancer pain or to treat patients who have recently had surgery. Because of its potency, it carries a relatively high potential risk for abuse and addiction.
Fentanyl is also available as an illicitly manufactured substance. Illegal fentanyl comes in a variety of forms, including as a powder, pill, or in combination with other substances such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. The presence of fentanyl in other illicit substances can result in people consuming this powerful and dangerous opioid without intending to do so. The consumption of fentanyl, whether intentional or not, can put people at risk for overdose and other serious outcomes, including opioid addictions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone increased by more than 56% between 2019 and 2020. Fentanyl-involved overdoses have been a driving factor in this increase.
Fentanyl can have powerful effects on the brain and bodily functions, causing feelings of euphoria, confusion, and drowsiness and leading to dangerous side effects like slowed breathing and unconsciousness. Like with other opioids, its repeated use can quickly result in tolerance, which means that a person may need to consume larger amounts of the drug to feel the same effects.
When someone is suffering from a fentanyl addiction, they may feel unable to control their substance use despite the negative consequences it has on their life.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
A fentanyl addiction can cause significant harm to someone’s emotional and physical well-being. However, by seeking individualized, focused care at an opioid addiction treatment center, you can get on the road to lasting recovery.
The most effective fentanyl addiction treatment typically depends on the needs of the individual and their history of fentanyl use. However, a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is often effective in helping people recover from opioid addictions, including addictions to fentanyl.
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a research-backed method of opioid addiction treatment that has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. MAT programs combine prescription medications with a counseling component so that people can address their physical and emotional symptoms as they build a foundation for long-term recovery.
At each of Acadia’s Comprehensive Treatment Centers, adults age 18 and older who are struggling with addictions to fentanyl and other opioids can receive compassionate care that caters to their unique needs and goals. Our CTCs offer MAT services on an outpatient basis, allowing people to pursue opioid addiction recovery while continuing to meet their daily responsibilities at home and at work.
At our fentanyl addiction treatment centers, we may offer a range of medication options for patients, including methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone®, and naltrexone. These medications can help ease the symptoms and cravings that often occur during opioid withdrawal, which may make it easier for people to remain in recovery and commit to the treatment process.
While it might seem scary to seek care at an opioid addiction treatment center such as a methadone clinic or CTC, the benefits can be immense. As you engage in substance abuse counseling, you can better understand your struggles with fentanyl addiction and acquire skills and coping strategies that can allow you to achieve the healthier life you deserve.
If you are struggling with an addiction to fentanyl, it’s important to get a comprehensive assessment at a qualified treatment center so that you can receive appropriate support to begin recovery. If you are interested in seeking treatment at one of our premier CTCs, we encourage you to reach out today to learn more.
