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What is Detoxing from Fentanyl Like?

The drug fentanyl is classified as a narcotic opiate analgesic, and it is stronger than the popular drug morphine. It’s used to treat moderate, severe, and chronic pain in patients. This is one of the most addictive drugs on the market. Fentanyl works to interrupt pain signals from the central nervous system to the brain by binding itself to the brain’s receptors. Users can become addicted unintentionally shortly after being put on the medication. Finding a fentanyl detox center is important if you’re concerned you or someone you know may have an addiction.

Factoid:

ABC News has reported that the United States uses 80 percent of the world’s opiate supply.

Common Side Effects of Fentanyl

Fentanyl rehab, opened pill bottle and the scattered pills on the tableThere are common side effects that many patients experience while taking this drug. These aren’t dangerous, and they often don’t require immediate medical attention. These side effects include:

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Dry Mouth
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness

Side effects that are potentially dangerous and do require emergency medical care include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures or tremors
  • Heart palpitations
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Vomiting
  • Slurred or troubled speech
  • Restrained mobility

These symptoms could also imply that someone has overdosed on fentanyl or has taken another substance with fentanyl, like alcohol. Fentanyl addiction treatment centers can also assist with other addictions.

Warning Signs of Addiction

Signs of addiction are sometimes easy for friends, family members and loved ones to notice. An addict will take fentanyl more often than prescribed and take it frequently throughout the day. Some take the drug without a prescription and go to the streets to get more. Without the drug, the addict will become moody, agitated and irritable.

“Often an addict will change friends, daily activities, behavior and social habits. The addict will hang around other people who have an addiction.”Often an addict will change friends, daily activities, behavior and social habits. The addict will hang around other people who have an addiction. This is also where the addict may be getting unlimited access to the drug. The addict will commonly disconnect from personal relationships, family members and obligations, like work and school. Parents often call teachers and coaches if there is suspicion of an addiction to fentanyl. These are reliable sources, and these people can attest to a change in behavior.

Depression is another symptom of addiction. Many people with a drug addiction also suffer from a mental illness. All of these symptoms can be treated at a fentanyl addiction treatment facility.

What Does Withdrawing feel Like?

Inpatient treatment centers are available for fighting addiction. The addict will be under medical supervision at all times while in a fentanyl detox program. Addicts will be completely cut off from the substance or weaned off over time. This will depend on how much the patient was taking over what length of time.

Withdrawal is typically the most difficult part of rehab. Inpatient detox and rehabilitation has a high success rate for addicts. There is no unsupervised access to fentanyl inside the facility. With support from family and friends, the addict can get through this difficult time.

Side effects of fentanyl withdrawal include:

  • High fever
  • Severe agitation
  • Mood swings
  • Cravings
  • Nausea
  • Headaches

Over time the addict will overcome these side effects. The addict will learn how to make healthy life choices in treatment and how to battle addiction outside of rehab. The addict will get one-on-one attention from health professionals and spend time with others who have similar substance addictions. Having a support network and people to relate to in rehab is often beneficial for recovery. Some patients choose to continue with outpatient treatment or additional therapy after the inpatient program is complete. This can help prevent the addict from relapsing.

Confronting the Addict About Their Problem

It can be difficult to confront an addict about any substance abuse problem. It can be even more difficult to convince the addict to get treatment at a fentanyl detox center. Explain to the addict that people are worried about his or her health. Showing support and encouragement is a great way to get an addict to commit to treatment. Parents can force minors into treatment, but adults typically have to be convinced and persuaded. A medical emergency that is related to substance abuse may force the addict into a fentanyl detox center.

Factoid:

According to Scientific American, over 27,000 Americans died from prescription drug misuse in 2007 alone.

Getting an addict to admit there is a problem and to go into treatment is the first step towards recovery. This trend doesn’t have to continue, and you don’t have to let someone you care about become a part of this alarming statistic. Don’t ignore the symptoms of fentanyl addiction, and don’t be afraid to confront an addict about the problem. To find out more information on treatment programs and about fentanyl detox centers, call .

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