Fentanyl is extremely dangerous because it is prone to not only abuse but can also lead to a fatal overdose. When you use fentanyl, your brain releases a rush of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter linked to positive and relaxing emotions. Unfortunately, this rush is highly addictive and creates major neurotransmitter imbalances. This imbalance can make it difficult to quit without fentanyl addiction treatment at a heroin addiction treatment center in California.

Additionally, fentanyl is a prescription opiate painkiller that is more than fifty times as strong as heroin and is highly prone to abuse. It treats severe and traumatic pain and sometimes to treat chronic pain. Fentanyl is both physically and psychologically addictive, meaning that you can become dependent on fentanyl to feel normal and experience painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you immediately stop using it.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a prescription opiate painkiller, created in the 1960s. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1968 and become a popular medication to treat pain among cancer patients. Fentanyl is one of the 300 most prescribed medications in the United States, but its potency causes, on average, 20,000 deaths per year. Fentanyl is typically in patch form, lollipop or pill form, but can also come in a liquid form.

When abused, users sometimes cut open fentanyl patches and smoke or chew the contents to intensify the effects. Because fentanyl patches are time released patches, smoking or chewing the contents of the patch leads to a high risk of overdosing. Fentanyl is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows down your heart rate and breathing. Taking too much can cause you to stop breathing and requires immediate medical treatment.

Fentanyl is also physically addicting. Your body and brain can become dependent on fentanyl, forcing you to endure painful withdrawal symptoms if you don’t use. During fentanyl addiction, your brain’s pleasure and reward center begin to reward your fentanyl use by releasing a rush of dopamine. Fentanyl effects can last for more than 8 hours depending on the route of administration. Once the effects end, your brain depletes of dopamine and you experience a depressed mood, cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction include:a group therapy session for fentanyl addiction treatment

  • Taking more fentanyl than prescribed
  • Running out of fentanyl before you are due for a refill
  • Acquiring fentanyl illegally
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use fentanyl
  • Concealing or hiding your fentanyl use
  • Needing to increase your fentanyl use in order to experience the same euphoric effects
  • Feeling guilt, shame or remorse about your fentanyl use

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Since fentanyl is highly addictive and can cause disturbing and intense withdrawal symptoms, seeking fentanyl addiction treatment is typically a must in order to fully recover. Fentanyl addiction treatment California offers can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Fentanyl addiction treatment consists of both evidence-based and holistic treatments.

Evidence-based treatments are treatments that have been proven to work for past patients after extensive research and studies. Some examples of evidence-based treatments include dialectic and cognitive behavioral therapy, medication assisted therapy and individual and family counseling.

Holistic fentanyl addiction treatment focuses on treating your body, mind, and spirit. Holistic treatments can be effective alongside evidence-based treatments and have few if any, side effects. Examples of holistic treatments include meditation, dietary changes, Yoga and mindfulness exercises.

Finding Treatment Today

Fentanyl is a highly addictive and dangerous opiate. When you become physically or psychologically addicted to fentanyl, fentanyl addiction treatment can help you find recovery. Pillars Recovery, the best opiate, fentanyl, and heroin addiction treatment center in California, is here to help guide you on your recovery journey. Call us today at 866.782.0247 to learn more about our programs.