Find Support for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
There has been a rising tide of prescription drug abuse over recent years, not just in the UK but in many places around the world. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has stated that the fastest-growing drug problem in the US is not illegal drugs like heroin or crystal meth but prescription drugs.
Opioid-related deaths in the country have been described as an ‘epidemic’, and while the situation is not quite as bad in the UK, there are growing concerns. NICE, which provides clinical guidance for healthcare providers in the UK, has pointed out the danger of addiction, even when drugs are taken as prescribed.
It warns, “Prolonged use of opioid analgesics may lead to drug dependence and addiction, even at therapeutic doses. There is an increased risk in individuals with current or history of substance use disorder or mental health disorders.”
The risks can be even higher if fentanyl is misused, either by taking more than directed or using it recreationally. Fentanyl is a particularly strong opiate medication, and misuse can be extremely dangerous if not provided by a doctor or medical professional.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a strong opioid painkiller that is sometimes used to treat severe pain, such as directly after an operation or a serious injury, or cancer sufferers. It is only available on prescription and can come in a number of formats, including lozenges and tablets, patches, a nasal spray and an injection that is only usually given in a hospital setting. Fentanyl might also be known by a range of brand names in the UK, including Durogesic, Matrifen, Fencino, Fentalis, Suplimaze and Actiq.
How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain?
Fentanyl works similarly to other opioids, including prescription medications like morphine and illegal drugs like heroin. It helps with pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. These are involved with sending and processing pain signals, as well as dealing with emotions. Over time, users can build up a tolerance to fentanyl, meaning they need to use it more and more to get the same effect.
Fentanyl abuse can reach the point where it becomes difficult to feel pleasure from anything except taking the drug. As well as its pain-relieving properties, many people become psychologically hooked on the drug due to the sensations it gives them. These can include euphoria and a sense of extreme relaxation.
Fentanyl is an extremely addictive prescription drug, and long-term use or illegal fentanyl can easily become addictive. Some signs that you may be developing a fentanyl addiction include:
- Needing to use more for the same effect
- Using bigger or more frequent doses
- Being dishonest with doctors to get more
- Seeking fentanyl through unofficial sources
- Experiencing strong cravings
- Feeling anxious about securing access to fentanyl
- Trying other opiates in its place
- Trying and failing to stop or cut back
- Lack of pleasure in other things
The Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction
Anyone who uses the drug can suffer from fentanyl side effects, and its use should be carefully controlled and monitored.
The NHS says that relatively common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- Stomach pain
- Feeling sleepy or tired
- Feeling dizzy or a sensation of spinning (vertigo)
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Itching or skin rashes
These can all be unpleasant, but fentanyl can sometimes result in more serious side effects, such as muscle stiffness and low blood pressure. There is also a small risk of a serious allergic reaction, and the drug can be easy to overdose on due to its strength. This can cause the breathing to slow, potentially leading to loss of consciousness, coma and death.
All of these health risks of fentanyl are higher when the drug is misused. Overdose rates are common amongst fentanyl use due to its high potency.
Fentanyl Withdrawal and Detox
Detoxification, or drug detox, refers to the process during which your body gets rid of the elements of drugs already in your system. If you have developed a physical dependency on the drug, your system will rely on these chemicals and may overcompensate to keep your brain chemistry balanced. This can lead to side effects when the drug is suddenly removed or significantly reduced.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that severe withdrawal symptoms can start to develop just a few hours after the last time fentanyl was taken. These can vary from person to person but could include:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Cold flashes with goosebumps
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Severe cravings
These withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant and sometimes dangerous, so it is always best to undergo this difficult period under medical supervision if you can. Many people with addictions to all sorts of substances – including alcohol and illegal drugs – will fall at this hurdle.
The temptation to stop the cravings and withdrawal symptoms by securing ‘one more hit’ can often be too much to resist – and it hardly ever turns out to be just one more. Seek private fentanyl rehab to help you recover from fentanyl abuse safely.
Benefits of Fentanyl Rehab
One of the main benefits of fentanyl rehab is that it takes you away from that temptation and the people, places and triggers associated with your drug use. You will be in a safe, tranquil environment with round-the-clock support from experienced professionals, which can help you to focus on your addiction recovery.
A successful fentanyl detox is a big part of this, but it is not the end of the story. You will also go through a programme of therapies and other addiction treatments that aim to address the psychological aspects of your addiction and the root causes of any substance misuse issues.
You will also be given the tools and knowledge you need to develop strategies to avoid relapsing once you leave.
Contact Us Today for Fentanyl Treatment
If you are having problems with fentanyl, or any other kind of addiction, get in touch today to find out how we can help. Our experienced team will be able to answer any questions you might have and guide you through the next steps of your recovery journey. Alternatively, call us on 01908 489 421.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical day at rehab involve?
Whilst each day will be unique, a typical day will involve psychological and well-being therapies, split into morning and afternoon with a break for lunch. Your evenings will usually include some downtime to give your mind a rest, you can enjoy dinner before getting a goods night sleep. We also arrange social activities for you to enjoy when you’re not receiving your addiction treatment. These could include group runs or walks, movie nights, quiz nights, and family visits should you wish to.
How is sobriety maintained upon leaving rehab?
Maintaining your sobriety upon leaving rehab is vital if you are to make a long-term recovery. However, for many, doing so is often easier said than done. As a result, here at Asana Lodge, we provide 12 months of free aftercare support to each individual that completes a treatment programme at our rehab. Aftercare varies from person to person, yet you can expect to have the opportunity to take advantage of weekly group therapy sessions and one-to-one therapy. We also advise our clients to attend recovery support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, in Paddington upon leaving our rehab for additional support.
Can I recover from an addiction at home?
As addictions are psychological disorders, much of the treatment required to overcome addictions include psychological therapies. These particular therapies include talking therapies that can only be administered by specialists. As a result, attempting to recover from an addiction at home is not recommended, nor is it safe.
