Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It’s a prescription pain killer, but it’s also manufactured illegally and sold on the street. It is responsible for a large number of opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. each year because of its potency.

Why is Fentanyl Addictive?

Fentanyl is highly addictive. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the part of the brain that controls pain and emotions and leads to feelings of euphoria and sedation. After taking fentanyl for a period of time, the opioid receptors start to expect the drug, and without it, the brain does not produce feelings of pleasure. This leads to fentanyl dependence, which leads to withdrawal symptoms when its use is stopped.

When this dependence leads to compulsive fentanyl use that begins to negatively affect the user’s life, the fentanyl dependence becomes an addiction.

It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to cause an overdose, which is why fentanyl addiction is so dangerous. Signs of overdose include:

• Small, constricted pupils
• Weak breathing or no breathing
• Gurgling or choking sounds
• Loss of consciousness
• Limpness
• Cold, clammy skin
• Gray or blue lips, nails, or skin

Someone experiencing an overdose needs immediate treatment. Narcan is a drug that can save an overdosing person’s life and is available in most states without a prescription. Still, once Narcan is administered, the person still needs emergency medical treatment in a hospital.

How is Fentanyl Addiction Treated?

Fentanyl addiction treatment starts with a medically supervised period of detox in an inpatient setting. Medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms, which include:

• Severe drug cravings
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fast heart rate
• Muscle or bone pain
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Elevated body temperature
• Chills and sweating

Inpatient treatment should continue after detox, and outpatient treatment should follow. Commonly, inpatient treatment lasts for twenty-eight to thirty days, and outpatient treatment consists of a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment involve both individual and group therapy. After PHP and IOP, ongoing regular therapy is recommended. Often, addiction support groups are also helpful.

What are the Most Effective Treatment Approaches for Fentanyl Addiction?

Several types of treatment approaches have been successful in treating fentanyl addiction. All of these treatments may be used in inpatient and outpatient individual therapy, as well as in group therapy.

Medication

During detox, medications may be given to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, including methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. These medications may also be prescribed long term to prevent relapse, and all three are approved for the treatment of opioid use disorders by the FDA.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common and effective therapy for fentanyl addiction. During CBT, the patient learns how to control the irrational thinking that comes with addiction. For example, if they have a thought such as “I can just do fentanyl on the weekends,” they’ll learn to recognize the thought as irrational and to reason it through to come to a better conclusion.

CBT also teaches coping skills to better handle challenges, stress, and anxiety, as well as strategies to prevent relapse.

Motivation Enhancement Therapy

Motivation enhancement therapy (MET) uses a variety of methods to motivate the addict to change. One method involves goal setting for both recovery and life after treatment. The patient learns to think positively about reaching these goals, which can build motivation.

Contingency Management

Contingency management uses positive reinforcement to motivate the patient to change. For example, the patient receives a small reward for meeting specific treatment goals.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is often an important tool in fentanyl addiction treatment. Family members learn to communicate with each other in better ways, and how to support the addicted family member through the process of recovery.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is typically a large part of all phases of treatment. It allows patients to connect and support each other. They can share emotions and experiences and discuss coping and relapse prevention strategies. Group therapy also helps patients to overcome feelings of isolation, and to instead feel part of a group of peers who understand what they are going through.

Support Groups

Many recovering addicts find making support groups, such as 12-step programs, a part of their lives going forward. Support groups allow people to come together, form friendships, and have people they can call on when they’re facing challenges or feeling tempted to relapse.

Bridges of Hope Can Help

At Bridges of Hope, we offer fentanyl addiction treatment programs, as well as long term support during recovery. You’ll experience treatment in a comfortable and safe setting and receive compassionate support and care. Give us a call today to discuss treatment options. You’ll be taking the first step on a journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.