Opioids are a class of drugs that impact the central nervous system to reduce pain. While highly effective, they are prone to misuse because of the euphoric feelings they create. Fentanyl is the most potent of opioids and has become a central player in the opioid crisis, devastating the lives of millions of Americans. Fentanyl abuse poses a significant risk for overdose and has been linked to a majority of opioid-related overdose deaths.
If you or a loved one is misusing fentanyl, either prescribed or illicit, seeking treatment is necessary. The Hill Country fentanyl addiction treatment program relies on evidence-based treatments combined with holistic therapies to help individuals and their families overcome fentanyl addiction and its impacts. We aren’t here to judge. We’re just here to get you on a safe road to a healthier life. Hill Country offers a full spectrum of treatment options to suit your individual needs. Call 1.844.675.1628 to start your recovery journey today.
Learn to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Abuse
Opioid abuse often begins with medications prescribed to manage pain associated with an injury, illness, surgery, or chronic pain. Opioids are potent, highly effective drugs that were never intended for long-term use. It can be challenging for individuals to recognize or accept that they have an opioid addiction, especially when they’re taking something that a physician prescribed. However, being able to identify the signs of opioid misuse can help stop a problem before it gets out of control. Common signs of opioid misuse include:
- Not taking the medication as prescribed – This includes taking doses too often, in larger quantities, and chewing or snorting pills
- Drug-seeking behavior – Lying to medical providers about your need for medication, asking for medication from others, or illegally purchasing prescription medications
- Inability to control use – Having cravings for the drugs or experiencing agitation and mood swings when you don’t have access to them
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms – Having symptoms like sweating, fever, body aches, and vomiting when not taking the substance
- Increased tolerance – Needing higher doses to achieve the desired effects or to “feel normal”
- Negative impacts on daily life – Neglecting your school, work, or family obligations, having financial issues, or encounters with the law because of opioid use
- Long-term use – Continuing to take opioids when they are no longer medically necessary
Despite efforts to educate the public, opioid abuse remains highly misunderstood and stigmatized. If you are struggling, know that Hill Country can provide effective, compassionate treatment. Our only goal is to help you overcome opioid use disorder (OUD) and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Fentanyl Side Effects: Short-Term and Long-Term
Of all opioids, fentanyl is the most dangerous. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin. Because it is cheap and easy to make illegally, fentanyl is often used to “cut” other drugs like heroin and cocaine, making it easy to take unintentionally. Still, the recreational use of fentanyl is common, and it is frequently used to enhance the effects of other illicit drugs, increasing the risk of overdose.
Fentanyl impacts people differently based on factors including:
- Overall health
- Size and weight
- How much is taken
- Whether or not it is used with alcohol or other drugs
- Prior experience with opioid use
Common fentanyl side effects can include:
- Intense euphoria and relaxation
- Pain relief
- Sedation, drowsiness, or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Tingling or numbness in the lips, hands, and feet
- Blurred vision
- Slowed breathing
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Fentanyl abuse can have lasting impacts on physical and mental health, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, collapsed veins, liver damage and disease, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, paranoid thinking, seizures, overdose, and unintentional death.
Get Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Hill Country Today
Opioid abuse can quickly spiral out of control and lead to addiction. Each time you use fentanyl recreationally or in any way other than how it was prescribed, you are putting yourself at risk. No one plans to develop an addiction to fentanyl or any other substance. Still, millions struggle with addiction daily.
At Hill Country, we can provide the guidance, support, and treatment needed to overcome opioid use disorder. If you or a loved one needs help near San Antonio, TX, call 1.844.675.1628 or reach out using the online form to enroll in treatment today.