Fentanyl Treatment
Iowa Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Center
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid (an opiate) that is similar in its chemical structure to morphine, but it is between 50 to 100 times stronger. Available by prescription, fentanyl is used to treat severe pain after surgery and chronic pain in patients who cannot physically tolerate other opioids. When a doctor prescribes fentanyl, it is sold under the brand names Sublimaze®, Actiq®, and Duragesic®.
Synthetic drugs, which means those made in a laboratory, are the most common ones responsible for deaths by overdose in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Fentanyl falls into this category of drugs.
How Fentanyl is Used
Prescription fentanyl can be injected or given as a patch that is placed on the skin. For patients for whom these methods aren’t appropriate, fentanyl can be given in a lozenge or a lollipop the patient sucks on to receive their pain medication.
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Illicit fentanyl (the type associated with drug overdoses reported in the news) is made for distribution by dealers. The illegal fentanyl is sold in these forms:
- a powder
- as a nasal spray
- dropped onto blotter paper
- made into pills similar to prescription opioids
- placed in eye droppers
Dealers Mix Fentanyl with Other Drugs
It takes very little fentanyl to produce a high in users, which makes it a cheap product for drug dealers to sell. Often, dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA (Ecstacy), and methamphetamine.
People buying illicit drugs are taking a risk because they don’t know the exact drug compound they are receiving. Someone who isn’t used to taking fentanyl may be getting it as an additive, and a person who is buying fentanyl may be getting something else they aren’t expecting when they buy street drugs. Either of these situations can lead to a drug overdose.
Short-term Effects of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl users experience these effects:
- Breathing problems
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Extreme happiness
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Unconsciousness
Risk Factors for Developing a Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a powerful pain medication with the potential to reduce pain for patients. It also has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Several factors increase the risk of abuse and addiction while taking opiates like fentanyl, such as:
Dose and Duration. A high dose means a higher risk for misuse and addiction. Even a low dose of opiates carries a risk of addiction.
Prolonged Duration. Fentanyl and other opiates (and opioids) are not meant to be used over a long period, as prolonged use significantly increases the risk of addiction. Physical dependence and addiction to opiates and opioids can start within a matter of days.
Health Conditions and Personal Characteristics. People living with certain health conditions or who have specific personal characteristics may be more sensitive to the effects of opiates. These individuals may be more vulnerable to an overdose.
These health conditions and personal characteristics include:
- A history of substance abuse or alcoholism
- A mental health diagnosis (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- People living with respiratory conditions (Asthma, sleep apnea, or COPD (Chronic, Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Seniors (aged 65 and up)
- Someone with cachexia (Wasting Syndrome – a condition that causes significant weight and muscle loss, often affecting cancer and heart disease patients)
- Young adults (18-25 age group)
Signs and Symptoms of a Fentanyl Addiction
The signs that a loved one may have developed a fentanyl addiction include the following:
They have withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug.
Someone who has developed a dependence on a drug needs to keep using it regularly. If the person stops using the drug, their brain signals that they need to take another dose. If they don’t, the person starts to experience withdrawal symptoms.
They have cravings for the drug.
Cravings are overwhelming physical and emotional urges to use the drug despite understanding there will be consequences to the person’s health.
They continue to use the drug more frequently or at higher doses.
A person with a fentanyl addiction is unable to control their use of the drug. Their behavior associated with getting and using fentanyl interferes with their everyday activities. They continue to use the drug even though it causes difficulties with their work or school, safety, finances, and personal relationships.
Other Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Over time, these signs of addiction to fentanyl may become apparent:
- Changes in sleep habits
- Decreased libido
- Drowsiness
- Flu-like systems
- Isolation from friends or family members
- Lack of personal hygiene
- New financial problems
- Stealing from friends, family members, or employer
- Weight loss
Signs of Fentanyl Withdrawal
The signs of someone experiencing fentanyl withdrawal are similar to a person in opiate withdrawal and include the following:
- Aching muscles
- Agitation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling anxious
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Yawning
As the withdrawal process continues, the person starts to experience these symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps on the skin
- Stomach upset (nausea and vomiting)
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Ivory Plains
At Ivory Plains, we offer a residential treatment program designed to allow our clients to focus their full attention on recovering their resiliency. Each person receives a custom treatment plan designed to meet their needs based on the 12 Steps of recovery and a holistic approach to getting well.
