Fentanyl is a potent prescription painkiller. Doctors may prescribe fentanyl to help patients manage moderate to severe pain. Some people abuse this powerful drug and become physically dependent on it. Because fentanyl is so potent, tiny doses are lethal. People who misuse fentanyl are at extreme risk of a deadly overdose.

Fentanyl addiction is a complex condition that requires immediate treatment and ongoing support. The consequences of fentanyl abuse and addiction can be devastating, but it can be very challenging to overcome this condition.

The support of a medical detox and fentanyl addiction treatment program can help people stop using this dangerous drug. This article will explore what happens in a fentanyl addiction treatment program.

What you will learn:

  • How fentanyl addiction occurs
  • What to expect during treatment for fentanyl addiction
  • Where to find fentanyl addiction treatment in San Antonio

If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse or other types of substance use disorder, you are not alone. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our comprehensive treatment and support programs.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug. Like other opioids, it is derived from opium poppy seeds. It has a similar chemical makeup to morphine but is 50 to 100 times stronger.[1,2]

Medical professionals generally limit their use of fentanyl in a medical setting. Reducing the length of time that people use the drug can lower the risk of addiction. Still, people who use fentanyl for even short periods may develop symptoms of addiction.

Fentanyl produces potent effects, including pain relief and euphoria. People may also experience other side effects when using fentanyl, including:

  • Confusion
  • Excessive sedation
  • Drowsiness
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Loss of consciousness

Taking too much fentanyl can cause an overdose. An overdose of fentanyl is life-threatening. You must seek treatment if you believe someone near you is experiencing an opioid overdose. Call 911 right away. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.

Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

People who take fentanyl may like the way it makes them feel and want to take more. Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. It affects areas of the brain responsible for pain regulation, emotional control, and pleasure.

People may misuse fentanyl. Fentanyl misuse includes:

  • Taking more fentanyl than prescribed
  • Using fentanyl for a longer period than prescribed
  • Taking fentanyl more often than prescribed
  • Using fentanyl recreationally (without a prescription)

Fentanyl misuse can quickly spiral into a life-threatening opioid addiction. People may buy or steal prescription fentanyl from others or purchase counterfeit pills.

Tiny doses of fentanyl can be lethal, and people who become addicted to it are at extreme risk of overdose. Tens of thousands of people in the United States die from an opioid-related overdose each year. It is important to recognize the signs of addiction and seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Some of the signs of fentanyl addiction include:[3]

  • Experiencing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms and cravings if you stop taking it
  • Needing to take higher doses to get the desired effects
  • Neglecting responsibilities, hygiene, hobbies, and relationships because of drug use
  • Isolating
  • New or worsening mental health symptoms
  • Legal, social, or financial trouble related to drug use
  • Wanting to stop using drugs but finding it is impossible to do so
  • Continuing to use fentanyl despite the serious consequences

People who are addicted to fentanyl do not choose to keep using this dangerous drug. Fentanyl can cause brain changes that make it nearly impossible to stop using it without significant treatment.

The support of an opioid abuse treatment center can help people manage opioid withdrawal and develop a support system. Then, they can develop the skills to avoid relapse and work toward lifelong sobriety.

What to Expect in a Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program

Opioid use disorders can be very complex and difficult to treat. Comprehensive treatment and ongoing professional and social support can help people put fentanyl abuse in the past.

During substance abuse treatment, you will follow a tailored plan. Your treatment plan will include therapies that address the physical, behavioral, and emotional roots of your substance use. It may consist of:

  • Assessments and screenings
  • A medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for detox and stabilization
  • Medications and medical care
  • Mental health treatment
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other behavioral therapies
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Coping skills
  • Individual, family, and group counseling
  • Aftercare planning and support

Many people begin their recovery journey in a residential treatment program before transitioning into an outpatient rehab program.

During treatment, your team will assess your needs and adjust your treatment plan as needed. You will receive the support, resources, and care you need to work toward a healthier, more rewarding future.

Get Help Now

If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment programs or schedule an intake evaluation.

References:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Fentanyl DrugFacts
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Fentanyl
  3. American Psychiatric Association (APA): Opioid Use Disorder

Fentanyl is a potent prescription painkiller. Doctors may prescribe fentanyl to help patients manage moderate to severe pain. Some people abuse this powerful drug and become physically dependent on it. Because fentanyl is so potent, tiny doses are lethal. People who misuse fentanyl are at extreme risk of a deadly overdose.

Fentanyl addiction is a complex condition that requires immediate treatment and ongoing support. The consequences of fentanyl abuse and addiction can be devastating, but it can be very challenging to overcome this condition.

The support of a medical detox and fentanyl addiction treatment program can help people stop using this dangerous drug. This article will explore what happens in a fentanyl addiction treatment program.

What you will learn:

  • How fentanyl addiction occurs
  • What to expect during treatment for fentanyl addiction
  • Where to find fentanyl addiction treatment in San Antonio

If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse or other types of substance use disorder, you are not alone. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our comprehensive treatment and support programs.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug. Like other opioids, it is derived from opium poppy seeds. It has a similar chemical makeup to morphine but is 50 to 100 times stronger.[1,2]

Medical professionals generally limit their use of fentanyl in a medical setting. Reducing the length of time that people use the drug can lower the risk of addiction. Still, people who use fentanyl for even short periods may develop symptoms of addiction.

Fentanyl produces potent effects, including pain relief and euphoria. People may also experience other side effects when using fentanyl, including:

  • Confusion
  • Excessive sedation
  • Drowsiness
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Loss of consciousness

Taking too much fentanyl can cause an overdose. An overdose of fentanyl is life-threatening. You must seek treatment if you believe someone near you is experiencing an opioid overdose. Call 911 right away. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.

Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

People who take fentanyl may like the way it makes them feel and want to take more. Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. It affects areas of the brain responsible for pain regulation, emotional control, and pleasure.

People may misuse fentanyl. Fentanyl misuse includes:

  • Taking more fentanyl than prescribed
  • Using fentanyl for a longer period than prescribed
  • Taking fentanyl more often than prescribed
  • Using fentanyl recreationally (without a prescription)

Fentanyl misuse can quickly spiral into a life-threatening opioid addiction. People may buy or steal prescription fentanyl from others or purchase counterfeit pills.

Tiny doses of fentanyl can be lethal, and people who become addicted to it are at extreme risk of overdose. Tens of thousands of people in the United States die from an opioid-related overdose each year. It is important to recognize the signs of addiction and seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Some of the signs of fentanyl addiction include:[3]

  • Experiencing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms and cravings if you stop taking it
  • Needing to take higher doses to get the desired effects
  • Neglecting responsibilities, hygiene, hobbies, and relationships because of drug use
  • Isolating
  • New or worsening mental health symptoms
  • Legal, social, or financial trouble related to drug use
  • Wanting to stop using drugs but finding it is impossible to do so
  • Continuing to use fentanyl despite the serious consequences

People who are addicted to fentanyl do not choose to keep using this dangerous drug. Fentanyl can cause brain changes that make it nearly impossible to stop using it without significant treatment.

The support of an opioid abuse treatment center can help people manage opioid withdrawal and develop a support system. Then, they can develop the skills to avoid relapse and work toward lifelong sobriety.

What to Expect in a Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program

Opioid use disorders can be very complex and difficult to treat. Comprehensive treatment and ongoing professional and social support can help people put fentanyl abuse in the past.

During substance abuse treatment, you will follow a tailored plan. Your treatment plan will include therapies that address the physical, behavioral, and emotional roots of your substance use. It may consist of:

  • Assessments and screenings
  • A medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for detox and stabilization
  • Medications and medical care
  • Mental health treatment
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other behavioral therapies
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Coping skills
  • Individual, family, and group counseling
  • Aftercare planning and support

Many people begin their recovery journey in a residential treatment program before transitioning into an outpatient rehab program.

During treatment, your team will assess your needs and adjust your treatment plan as needed. You will receive the support, resources, and care you need to work toward a healthier, more rewarding future.

Get Help Now

If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment programs or schedule an intake evaluation.

References:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Fentanyl DrugFacts
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Fentanyl
  3. American Psychiatric Association (APA): Opioid Use Disorder

Medically Reviewed: July 15, 2024

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

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