Fentanyl is a prescription drug with a higher potential of alleviating pain and is mainly used on patients in deep pain, like those who have undergone surgery. The drug should only be used under the prescription of a doctor. Overdose is common, especially among medical practitioners, because of its easy access. It is also made and used illegally by some manufacturers who sell synthetic fentanyl illegally as pills that resemble other prescription drugs. In contrast, others have it on eye droppers, and others have it on blotter paper.
Fentanyl can also be used instead of morphine since it is powerful and about 50-100 times more potent in reducing pain perception, making it a better alternative to opioids. Drug dealers often find it more cost-effective to manufacture large quantities of opioids by adding small quantities of fentanyl. It becomes complicated to tell the quantity of fentanyl getting into the body. This is very risky and may even result in death.
How Does Fentanyl Lead to Addiction?
Continuous intake of fentanyl results in brain adaption to the drug. This makes fentanyl the primary source of satisfaction for the brain leading to addiction where one cannot do without the drug. Being overdosed may result in a deficiency of oxygen reaching the brain. This may lead to permanent brain damage or even death.
Effects of Abusing Fentanyl.
Abusing fentanyl results in numerous psychological and physical effects. Fentanyl overdose leads to severe digestive problems that may make the victim suffer constipation, which can damage the bowel due to blockage leading to severe health conditions. In addition, those who combine fentanyl with other drugs like cocaine and heroin expose themselves to respiratory infections that may result in death.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction.
Quitting the use of fentanyl should be under monitor and direction of a doctor. An abrupt withdrawal has many side effects that may lead to death. Opioid addiction therapy entails a mix of medication and psychological approaches for effective treatment.
In the medication mechanism, the patient is subjected to medications for opioid use disorders. The medications are designed to interact with the opioid receptors in the brain. However, they do not have the same effects as fentanyl. The medications include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, with functions ranging from cravings to the blockage of the effects of fentanyl.
Behavioral therapy is the most common psychological approach to dealing with fentanyl addiction. Examples of behavioral therapies include:
-
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-This is geared towards regulating a patient’s drug use behavior and conduct and effectively managing motivation to drug use and its effects.
- Contingency Management.
- Motivational Interviewing.
Start Your Path to Recovery with Skyward Treatment – Houston’s Leading Fentanyl Rehab Experts.
Skyward Treatment Center offers a perfect mix of counseling and medication management to realize long-lasting recovery for patients struggling with fentanyl addiction. Attention is given to every individual to craft a perfect recovery program. Visit us at Skyward Treatment Center in Houston. You can count on our assistance.