At one time, drugs like heroin and morphine were the most dangerous opioids out there. Nowadays, though, prescription drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl find their way into the street market and create new dangers. Some people take fentanyl thinking it is another drug, and some take fentanyl on purpose because of its powerful high. Unfortunately, the drug is very dangerous and is the frequent cause of accidental overdose.
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it can help to learn some facts about fentanyl withdrawal and its symptoms. Many people trying to recover from fentanyl addiction choose to attend opioid addiction treatment in Florida. Call 833.991.2955 for more information.
What Is Fentanyl and How Does a Person Become Addicted?
Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is usually prescribed to people in severe, intractable pain, such as pain from cancer. It sometimes comes in the form of a patch or a lozenge. Unfortunately, the drug is also manufactured in illegal laboratories for the street market, making it especially unpredictable and dangerous.
Many people with an addiction to opioids initially receive pain medicines from a doctor after an injury or a surgical procedure. Over time, they can no longer get the drugs by legitimate means and turn to illegal dealers. Some people begin snorting or injecting the drugs, or turn to less expensive drugs such as heroin. Fentanyl is sometimes disguised as other drugs because of the small amount needed to produce the same feeling of being high.
What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal and How Long Does It Last?
The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are similar to those of other opioids. Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms are:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Sleep disturbance
- Muscle and bone pain
- Excessive yawning
- Intense drug cravings
- Weakness and fatigue
- Depression and mood swings
Fentanyl withdrawal usually begins within 24 hours of the last dose. The acute part of withdrawal usually lasts less than a week, but symptoms can persist for weeks or months.
How Can an Opioid Addiction Treatment Program Help?
In many cases, people seeking treatment from an opioid addiction rehab will need to detox. In a treatment center, clients receive careful medical supervision as they go through withdrawal. They will be monitored around the clock by medical staff to make sure that they are safe and as comfortable as possible. Often, clients will receive medications or other treatments, as well as counseling, in order to help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and jumpstart the healing process.
Detox, however, is only the first step toward recovery from fentanyl addiction. In order to successfully recover, you need the help of a substance abuse treatment program. Even though the body can clear itself from the drug, it takes time and support to heal mentally and emotionally from fentanyl addiction. Clients may receive further counseling, including the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Individual and group counseling with licensed therapists
- Workshops to help improve communication skills and coping methods
- Complementary therapies and wellness activities
- A supportive environment that is safe and focused on recovery
Recovery Bay Provides Help for Fentanyl Addiction in Florida
Our treatment center in Panama City serves men ages 18 and over who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues. We pride ourselves on creating a recovery community for our clients that allows them to heal in a vacation-style setting. If you or someone you care about is battling an addiction to fentanyl, please reach out to our caring staff at 833.991.2955 and let us tell you how we can help.