Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin. Prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, in recent years it’s also become a dangerous street drug. Whether taking prescription fentanyl or using the drug illicitly, you may be at risk of a fentanyl addiction requiring professional substance abuse treatment. The Promises Right Step Hill Country fentanyl addiction treatment program was designed to help you overcome substance use.
If you need fentanyl rehab and live in the San Antonio, TX, area, Right Step Hill Country is here for you. Our programs utilize a 12-step approach to give you the structure and support needed to rid your life of addiction. Contact us by calling 1.844.675.1628.
Can I Be Abusing Fentanyl if it’s Prescribed?
Addiction may not be something you consider a possibility when using a medication your doctor prescribed. Many people believe if a doctor prescribes something then it must be completely safe. So how do you determine whether you’ve developed an addiction and need the help of a fentanyl addiction treatment program? One of the most common signs of fentanyl abuse is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking or reduce the dosage of the medication. You can recognize fentanyl withdrawal by looking out for these symptoms:
- Cravings – Intense urges or a strong desire to use fentanyl again
- Cold flashes with goosebumps – Sudden sensations of coldness that often result in visible goosebumps on the skin
- Muscle and bone aches and pains – Generalized discomfort, soreness, and pain in muscles and bones.
- Diarrhea – The gastrointestinal system becomes hyperactive without the presence of fentanyl
- Elevated heart rate (tachycardia) – Abnormally fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute
- Nausea – The digestive system’s reaction to the absence of fentanyl, which previously suppressed feelings of sickness
- Vomiting – This often accompanies feelings of nausea and is part of the body’s detoxification process
- Sleep disturbances – Issues with sleeping including insomnia, restless sleep, and frequent waking.
If you notice any of the above fentanyl side effects, your body has likely grown dependent on the drug. Whenever you try to quit or cut back on fentanyl, you will likely encounter this type of discomfort. Without professional help, fentanyl withdrawal can worsen over time.
How Do I Know if I Need Fentanyl Rehab?
If you’re considering a fentanyl addiction program, but unsure as to whether you’re addicted, here are a few things to look out for:
- You visit more than one doctor to get multiple prescriptions
- You use more fentanyl than prescribed or take the drug more often than advised
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking fentanyl. This means you have developed a physical dependence on the drug, making it harder to quit alone
- You need higher doses of fentanyl to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria
- You have overdosed on fentanyl before
- You seek out the drug illicitly
Fentanyl is a potent drug that can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and even death. The best thing you can do for your future is to enroll in a fentanyl rehab center.
What to Expect from a Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
If you’re ready to stop using fentanyl, you may be wondering what a fentanyl addiction treatment program is like. Since fentanyl is an opioid, addiction treatment will be similar to treatment for other opioids like heroin or morphine. The major components of fentanyl addiction treatment involve:
Detox
Detox is a medical process that involves removing fentanyl from your body while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. Professionally assisted detox gives you access to trained staff who can help manage difficult physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. They’ll make you feel more comfortable during a process that would be extremely challenging to endure on your own. It is important to note that detox is usually only the first step on a path to recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medications such as buprenorphine, Suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone may be used to interact with opioid receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Patients are typically more likely to stay in a treatment program with the help of supportive medication.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT can help modify your perspective and behaviors related to fentanyl use. By doing so, you are better equipped to handle stressful situations and triggers that lead to relapse. Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help you remain in treatment longer.
Enrolling in an addiction treatment program can be intimidating for many people. An individual may understand that addiction is controlling their life, but choose to continue with the habits they know, instead of entering into an unknown process. But it doesn’t have to be scary. Finding a reputable, compassionate, and reliable addiction treatment center is possible.
Promises Right Step Hill Country: Reliable Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Hill Country
If you’re in the San Antonio, TX area, and a 12-step-based treatment program is what you need right now, schedule a visit with us. Allow yourself to heal in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Reach out to Right Step Hill Country today at 1.844.675.1628 or fill out our online contact form.
We can help you overcome fentanyl addiction.