kathy ireland® Recovery Centers

Fentanyl Addiction

According to the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in West Virginia, deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and fentanyl analogs continued to rise with more than 28,400 overdose deaths per year.

In addition to our Laconia, NH location, our soon-to-open Recovery Center in Williamson, West Virginia will allow us to assist families and individuals struggling to overcome substance use disorders (SUDs), including those involving fentanyl. Our dedicated clinicians create individualized treatment plans using evidence-based methods.

Some addictive substances like fentanyl require more intensive treatments. We have the experience and resources available to provide superior holistic care for a wide range of SUDs.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that can come in several forms with various possible additives. Doctors primarily use pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat chronic or acute pain caused by severe injury or illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pharmaceutical fentanyl can be “50 to 100 times more potent than morphine” and “is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges.”

Illegal versions of fentanyl often have other drugs mixed in, including illicit substances like heroin or cocaine, that enhance the effects. Fentanyl is potentially harmful when misused or combined with other substances. The previously mentioned CDC report went on to state that “rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids…which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 16% from 2018 to 2019.”

The Short- and Long- Term Health Effects of Fentanyl

Every addictive substance has potential long and short-term health effects. A single use can be enough to begin manifesting physical symptoms. The best way to stay safe and have the lowest health risk is by getting professional help for your disorder. According to NIDA, fentanyl in all of its forms can cause short-term health effects, such as extreme exhaustion and unconsciousness, nausea, constipation, difficulty focusing and breathing difficulties.

Long-term effects may include nausea, stomach pain, gas, heartburn, exhaustion, appetite changes and weight loss, changes to sleep like strange or vivid dreams, increased urination and much more.

Woman comforts man
Fentanyl addiction

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help​

Fentanyl misuse can cause severe reactions that can be potentially lethal when left untreated. If you notice any of the following, it is vital to get medical assistance immediately:

  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Dizziness and fainting
  • Confusion and difficulty concentrating
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Inability to respond
  • Not waking up

The signs listed above usually indicate a fentanyl overdose. However, they exist along a spectrum, so not everyone experiencing a potentially life-threatening fentanyl overdose will have the same physical responses. If you are concerned about the safety of yourself or a loved one, reach out to a medical professional for help.

How We Treat It

The treatment for opioids, including fentanyl, usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to eliminate or decrease the symptoms during detox and withdrawal. Our staff has the knowledge and experience necessary to design a tailored treatment plan to address all of your needs. Some of the therapy methods we offer include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Behavior Modification
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

One way to limit the damage caused by cocaine use is to get medical assistance immediately and take decisive action to avoid relapse.

Fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl addiction

Additional Treatment Methods

The clinical team at our Centers provide medication management, MAT, and alternative stress reduction therapies like yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness techniques to bring relief from mental health symptoms while your body heals. We believe in using a holistic approach to treatment, ensuring your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some of the additional services we offer include:

  • Group therapy
  • Life skill development
  • Healthy coping techniques
  • SUD education and relapse prevention

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Your mental health will have a direct impact on how quickly your body recovers from the effects of substance use disorder. At kathy ireland® Recovery Centers, you receive high-quality treatment for SUD and any co-occurring conditions. The best outcomes for individuals with a dual diagnosis require simultaneous treatment for all existing disorders. The mental health conditions we treat include, but are not limited to: Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Fentanyl addiction
Friends walking together

Fentanyl and Continuing Recovery ​

Residential treatment for opioid use disorder depends on the history of use as well as other factors. After you complete detox, the next step is typically residential and then outpatient treatment. We offer outpatient services at a number of our facility locations. The programs we offer at kathy ireland® Recovery Centers feature aftercare planning services to ensure you have the help you need along your recovery journey. Your case manager will make referrals and ensure you receive the highest level of continuing care.

Substance abuse disorders involving fentanyl have been on the rise in the U.S. in the past decade.

Treatment facilities like kathy ireland® Recovery Centers help families and individuals struggling with addiction. Find out more about the services we offer at our Centers by contacting us today.

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