Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous and potent drugs that can be abused. Due to the opiate crisis, Fentanyl abuse has impacted people across the nation. Despite being a common substance, there are still many misconceptions surrounding the drug. Individuals may even be unaware they are abusing the drug.
It is important to understand the signs, symptoms, and dangers of Fentanyl abuse in order to get the help you or your loved one needs as soon as possible. As the opiate crisis continues to sweep across the nation, the need for awareness and education surrounding Fentanyl abuse continues to grow.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is classified as a synthetic opiate. It is normally prescribed for severe pain or surgical procedures in a medical setting. Unfortunately, illicit Fentanyl is available to those buying street drugs. It is one of the most potent drugs in its class and Fentanyl abuse can commonly lead to overdose. Therefore, the risk of death is drastically increased due to the potency. Despite the dangers, Fetanyl continues to become more readily available to addicts struggling across the United States.
Fentanyl isn’t just dangerous due to the potential for overdose. Opiate abuse has a myriad of other destructive consequences on an individual’s life as well. Fentanyl abuse can lead to loss of family relationships, physical illness, problems with the law, employment issues, and more. Being able to recognize the signs of Fentanyl abuse is one of the essential factors in combating the abuse of opiates in your community. Having the education to recognize the first signs of addiction can help you or your loved one take steps towards finding help within an addiction treatment program.
The Signs And Symptoms Of Fentanyl Abuse
Recognizing the signs of Fentanyl abuse can lead to early intervention, which increases the chances of a successful long-term recovery. Fentanyl is often combined with other illicit substances, which can make it difficult to detect that you or your loved one is abusing it. Fentanyl has recently become a popular drug to mix in with other drugs, like marijuana or heroin, in order to increase the euphoric effects.
Understanding the signs of Fentanyl can help an individual identify if the drug has been mixed into another substance. Education surrounding the substance helps individuals get help for addiction and avoid overdose.
Early Signs Of Fentanyl Abuse Include:
- Pinned pupils
- Excessive itching
- Loss of consciousness
- Lethargy
- Slurred or delayed speech
- Euphoria
- Confusion
When someone abuses Fentanyl for a long time, there are normally more drastic health consequences that occur. Some of the long term effects include:
- Legal troubles
- Loss of hygiene maintenance
- Job loss
- Financial issues
- Increased risk of HIV and Hep-C
- Isolation
- Mood swings
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
These are only some of the long-term effects of Fentanyl use. Addiction, no matter what the drug, has lasting effects on people’s lives. It is important to address addiction issues as soon as possible in order to lessen the chances of developing severe consequences such as physical illness, or legal troubles. Drug rehab programs are the primary source of treatment for addiction. These programs offer individuals a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals to heal from addiction.
Recovery From Fentanyl Addiction
The first step towards recovery from Fentanyl addiction is identifying that an addiction issue has developed. Acceptance and recognition is the first major step to change. Once that has happened, the next step is to look for an appropriate drug addiction treatment program. There are a variety of different options depending on you or your loved one’s needs. Some of the levels of care that are available include:
- Detox
- Residential Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Programs
- Intensive Outpatient Programs
- Outpatient Programs
Depending on an individual’s substance abuse history, state of living, and other factors they will be placed into the level of care that best suits their needs. It is important to make use of the therapeutic services that treatment centers offer. These include medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, and case management services. All of these methods of therapy drastically improve the chances for long-term recovery. Recovery from addiction is possible, but it does require help along the way.
Fentanyl Abuse Treatment In Cherry Hill, NJ
The Healing Center in Cherry Hill, NJ provides a safe, compassionate, and supportive place of treatment for individuals who struggle with addiction. Our program focuses on treating all aspects of addiction – both the physical and psychological. Our therapies vary from medication assisted treatment to holistic therapies. Our treatment pathways are personalized to each client as an individual. We understand that there isn’t necessarily one pathway of recovery, and we choose to support our patients no matter what. If you or your loved one is looking for addiction treatment in South Jersey, then call our admissions program to learn more about how we can help you.
