Cychlorphine – What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous

Cychlorphine is a new synthetic opioid that has an emerged as a threat in the United States, already linked to multiple overdose deaths. It’s particularly dangerous for several reasons that are important to be aware of if you or someone you know struggles with opioid addiction.

What Is Cychlorphine?

Cychlorphine, scientifically known as N-Propionitrile chlorphine, is a non-FDA approved synthetic opioid produced in illicit laboratories and supplied to the illegal drug market. It has no approved medical uses and is ten times more potent than fentanyl.

Why Cychlorphine Is Dangerous

Cychlorphine is dangerous for several reasons.

• Potency: It is extremely potent compared to other opioids and can quickly cause respiratory distress. This can lead to a loss of consciousness and stopped breathing before help can arrive. Even small amounts can result in overdose.
• Lack of screening: Testing for the presence of cychlorphine is not yet widely available, meaning that medical professionals and hospitals cannot quickly determine a treatment path.
• Mixed with other drugs: Cychlorphine is often mixed with other drugs, meaning that it can be taken without the knowledge of the user.
• Higher Narcan doses required: Narcan (naloxone) is used to revive patients who have overdosed on opioids, but Cychlorphine overdoses may require multiple doses of Narcan.

Signs of Cychlorphine Overdose

It is extremely important to recognize the signs of cychlorphine overdose because it can happen so quickly. Signs include:

• Slow, labored, or stopped breathing
• Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
• Blue or gray fingertips or lips
• Pinpoint sized pupils
• Cold, clammy, or pale skin
• Choking or gurgling sounds

Cychlorphine Addiction

Because cychlorphine is so potent, physical dependence can occur rapidly. Users also quickly develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need to use more and more to get the same effects. This dramatically increases the risk of overdose.

The withdrawal symptoms of cychlorphine are similar to those of other opioids and may include:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Pain in the muscles or bones
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Increased body temperature
• Chills and sweating
• Severe drug cravings

Clinically, Cychlorphine addiction, known as an opioid use disorder, is diagnosed using 11 criteria.

1. Using the drug more than intended or for longer than intended
2. Wanting to reduce or stop drug use but not being able to
3. Spending excessive amounts of time using or recovering from using
4. Feeling cravings for the drug
5. Failing to live up to responsibilities due to drug use
6. Having relationship problems because of drug use
7. Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to use instead
8. Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while using or under the influence
9. Continuing to use in spite of negative consequences like health issues
10. Needing more of the drug to get the same effects
11. Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not using

Having two to three of these symptoms indicates a mild opioid use disorder, four to five is considered moderate, while six or more is severe. Unfortunately, with cychlorphine, a severe opioid use disorder can develop rapidly.

Cychlorphine Addiction Treatment

Cychlorphine addiction is treatable. Several treatment options are available.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment for cychlorphine addiction can be a short-term detox program that lasts seven to ten days, or it can be a full program that lasts 30 to 90 days. The purpose of a detox program is to manage your withdrawal symptoms in a medically supervised setting to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible. It should not be a stand alone treatment, but should be followed by some other form of inpatient or outpatient treatment.

A 30 to 90 day inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, and also includes therapy. You may also be treated for any co-occurring disorders that you may have, such as anxiety and depression. Medication may be part of the treatment.

Inpatient treatment is intensive, with most of your time generally spent in group or individual therapy. Group therapy is critical to the treatment process, giving you the opportunity to share emotions, experiences, and challenges with peers. You’ll likely form mutually supportive relationships with some of these peers which may last beyond treatment.

The type of therapy most commonly used in addiction treatment, both individually and in groups, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to recognize your own irrational thoughts and negative emotions and to challenge them using more reality based, positive thinking. It also teaches health coping skills to face life’s challenges without drugs.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours per day, usually five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four weeks to ten weeks. The treatment consists of therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment, both in groups and individually. A PHP can still include medication for withdrawal and for co-occurring disorders.

More often than not, a PHP program is a transitional step that occurs after inpatient treatment, although it can be an alternative to inpatient treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of two to three hours of therapy several days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, sessions are held in the evenings so that you can still go to work or attend school. Treatment, again, involves individual and group cognitive behavioral therapy.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be attended after inpatient treatment, PHPs, or both.

Support Groups

Some people with an opioid addiction don’t go to rehab at all but instead attend support group meetings through a program like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). While this may be effective for some people, again, it’s not recommended as a stand alone treatment for those who need medically supervised detox or who have a severe addiction. It can, however, complement other forms of treatment for everyone.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment for a cychlorphine addiction is a comprehensive treatment program that consists of an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer the treatment program. Even after IOP, support should continue through support groups, individual therapy, or both. Recovery from cychlorphine addiction, or any addiction, is a lifelong process that requires dedication and a strong support network.

In Closing

Cychlorphine is an extremely dangerous and addictive drug. If you are struggling with addiction, Bridges of Hope is here to help. We are committed to providing compassionate care that is individualized to meet your needs. Give us a call today to take the first step.