Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become one of the leading causes of overdose deaths in California. As the state grapples with this deadly crisis, it is crucial to seek professional help for those struggling with fentanyl addiction.
Our fentanyl detox program provides individuals with the necessary tools to overcome their addiction and start on the path toward recovery. If you or a loved one requires support during this challenging process, our addiction treatment in Huntington Beach is here to help.
What Is
Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain. It is similar to morphine but is estimated to be 50-100 times more potent. This means that it can provide relief for even the most intense pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients or those undergoing surgery.
While fentanyl can be an effective medication when used as prescribed, it is also highly addictive and has a high potential for abuse. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the illegal production and distribution of fentanyl, leading to a rise in overdose deaths. According to the California Department of Justice, nearly 4,000 people died in 2020 from fentanyl overdoses in California.
Due to its potency and risk for addiction, fentanyl should only be used under close medical supervision and according to strict dosage guidelines. It is important for individuals who have been prescribed fentanyl or are considering using it recreationally to understand its potential dangers and seek help if they begin experiencing negative effects.
What Are
the Effects of Fentanyl Use?
Fentanyl has a high potential for addiction due to its powerful effects on the brain’s reward system. Frequent use can lead to tolerance, where larger doses are needed to achieve the desired effect, ultimately leading to dependence.
One of the most significant dangers of fentanyl use is overdose. Due to its potency, even small amounts can result in an overdose, which can be fatal. This risk is increased when fentanyl is mixed with other substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Fentanyl slows down central nervous system activity, including breathing. In cases of overdose or when combined with other drugs that have similar effects, it can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to coma or death.
The long-term use of fentanyl can also result in various physical health problems such as constipation, headaches, nausea/vomiting, and weakened immune system function.
Fentanyl use has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. These effects may be due to changes in brain chemistry caused by the drug. Our dual-diagnosis treatment center can help you overcome co-occurring mental health conditions.
The misuse of fentanyl has significant social consequences as well. It can strain relationships with family and friends and lead to financial difficulties due to spending money on obtaining the drug.
It is crucial for individuals struggling with substance abuse and their loved ones to seek help from healthcare professionals for treatment and support before these effects become irreversible.
How Long
Do the Effects Last?
The duration of the effects of fentanyl can vary depending on the method of administration. When taken intravenously, the effects can last for about 30-90 minutes. When taken as a transdermal patch, the effects can last for up to 72 hours. However, when taken in pill or tablet form, the effects may only last for 4-8 hours.
Other factors that may affect the duration of fentanyl’s effects include an individual’s metabolism, tolerance level, and dosage amount. It is important to follow dosage instructions carefully and never exceed prescribed amounts to avoid potential overdose.
How is
Fentanyl Used?
Fentanyl is typically used in medical settings as a pain reliever for patients who are experiencing severe or chronic pain. It is often administered through injection, transdermal patches, lozenges, or nasal sprays. In some cases, it may also be prescribed for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with chronic pain conditions such as back pain or arthritis.
In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the illicit use of fentanyl. It has been increasingly found in counterfeit pills marketed as other opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. This can be extremely dangerous as the potency of fentanyl can lead to overdose and even death.
While fentanyl can provide significant relief for individuals with severe pain when used properly under medical supervision, its misuse and abuse can have serious consequences. It is important for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients taking fentanyl and for individuals only to use it under the guidance of a doctor.
Fentanyl
Withdrawal Symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on the individual’s level of addiction and length of use. Common physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, chills, sweating, and insomnia. These physical symptoms can also lead to dehydration and weight loss.
Psychological symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal may include anxiety, depression, irritability, restlessness, and mood swings. Some individuals may also experience intense cravings for the drug during withdrawal. Our dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for addiction can help treat psychological symptoms.
More serious fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may occur in individuals who have been using fentanyl for an extended period or at high doses. These symptoms can include hallucinations, delirium, seizures, and even respiratory distress.
How Long
Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?
Fentanyl withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual’s usage and tolerance levels. Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal typically peak within the first 12-24 hours after the last dose and gradually taper off over a week or two.
Some individuals may experience protracted fentanyl withdrawal symptoms that can last for months. It is important for individuals experiencing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms to seek medical assistance and support to manage their symptoms and avoid potential complications.
The Risks of Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal can cause intense physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and cramps, tremors, and chills. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and may lead to dehydration or other medical complications if not managed properly.
Detoxing from fentanyl can also cause psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings. These symptoms can be overwhelming and may put a person at risk for self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
The intense physical and psychological discomfort during fentanyl withdrawal may lead a person to relapse to alleviate their symptoms. This can be dangerous as the body’s tolerance for the drug has likely decreased during the period of abstinence, increasing the risk of overdose.
During detox from fentanyl, a person’s body is going through significant changes which can affect how other medications interact with their system. This can lead to adverse reactions or even serious health risks if not monitored closely.
Fentanyl withdrawal poses several potential medical complications such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, seizures, respiratory distress, and even organ failure in severe cases.
Medical professionals can provide proper monitoring, medication management, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help mitigate these risks and ensure a successful detox from fentanyl.
Signs of
a Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid drug that can quickly lead to a life-threatening overdose. The signs of a fentanyl overdose may include:
- Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
- Bluish tint to the skin
- Pinpoint pupils
- Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Slowed heart rate
- Weakness or limpness in the body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else after taking fentanyl, it is important to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or your local emergency services. Fentanyl overdose can be fatal and prompt treatment is crucial for survival.
Treatment for
Fentanyl Detox
Fentanyl detox typically involves a combination of medical detox, therapy, and support groups. The first step in the detox process is often to gradually reduce the dosage of fentanyl to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. This can be done through a tapering schedule, under the supervision of a medical professional.
Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone can help manage cravings and reduce fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. These medications work by binding to the same receptors in the brain as fentanyl but with less intense effects. They can help ease the transition from fentanyl use to abstinence.
Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can also play a crucial role in recovery from fentanyl addiction. These groups provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, receive support from others who have gone through similar struggles, and learn from each other’s successes and setbacks.
Detox alone is not enough for long-term recovery from fentanyl addiction. After completing detox, it is recommended that individuals continue treatment at our residential treatment center to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy for addiction is an important component of fentanyl detox. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to drug use. This type of therapy can also teach coping skills for managing cravings and avoiding relapse.
CALIFORNIA ADDICTION TREATMENT OFFERS
FENTANYL DETOX IN HUNTINGTON BEACH
Fentanyl detox is a medically supervised process that helps individuals safely withdraw from fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can be life-threatening if not properly managed during the detox process.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to California Addiction Treatment in Huntington Beach. Contact us today for more information about our fentanyl detox program.
Dr. Deena Manion LCSW #20628, a Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1993, is the Co-Founder of California Addiction Treatment Center. She brings extensive experience in addiction and mental health from her previous roles at prominent recovery centers and her private practice in Los Angeles and Agoura Hills, CA. Dr. Deena has also appeared as an expert on Dr. Phil’s show and podcast, as well as various other TV programs and documentaries, sharing her expertise in mental health and addiction. Her goal is to leverage her clinical skills in the entertainment industry to reach a wider audience, making her a valuable asset in the field.
