Fentanyl is a highly addictive prescription narcotic painkiller. Over half of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. are due to fentanyl use. Its potency means that use frequently leads to accidental overdose and death. Fentanyl addiction requires fentanyl addiction treatment for effective detox and long-term recovery. When you know the signs of fentanyl addiction, you can act to help a loved one seek treatment before it’s too late. Contact Silicon Beach Treatment Center at [Direct] to discuss treatment options for fentanyl addiction.
Know the Fentanyl Addiction Signs
Fentanyl is a highly abused prescription opiate. Addiction to this substance can become the single point of focus for a user. Any other interests often fade away, and they might devote all their time and money to getting high. Knowing the fentanyl addiction signs will help you recognize that someone you care about needs help.
Physical Signs of Fentanyl Use
Physical signs of fentanyl use include:
- Track marks on arms
- Lethargy
- Heavy, excessive sleep
- Pinpoint pupils
- Changes in weight or appetite
Fentanyl addiction may also produce physical signs that resemble illness, like vomiting, shaking, or lightheadedness.
Behavioral Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Behavioral fentanyl addiction signs that you should be aware of include:
- Changes in personality
- Isolation
- Loss of jobs, relationships, and friends
- Lack of interest in hobbies or activities
- Secretive or defensive behavior
- Asking for money or help with paying bills
Fentanyl can come in many forms. Like heroin, it can appear as a powder, and people may snort, smoke, or inject it. However, it is also produced for medical purposes in many other forms, such as transdermal patches, lozenges, and tablets. The many possible forms of pharmaceutically produced fentanyl mean that it can be easy to hide in plain sight.
Fentanyl Use, Withdrawal, and Overdose
Long-term dependence can seriously reduce well-being in every area of a user’s life. Fentanyl addiction can progress to the point that a user cares about nothing besides getting and using more drugs. Fentanyl tolerance can occur quickly. This means that a user requires increasing amounts of the drug and funds to support the habit to experience a high.
At the height of fentanyl addiction, stopping use can result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can cause a fentanyl user to experience:
- Severe physical pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Chills
- Cramps
Someone going through fentanyl withdrawal may become so ill and weak that they cannot perform basic physical actions.
Fentanyl withdrawal can be triggered for several reasons. For example, a user may be unable to procure or afford the next dose. Sometimes fentanyl users choose to undergo withdrawal to detox from the drug. When withdrawal pains become too great, a user often misjudges the change in their tolerance due to the attempted detox and accidentally overdoses.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
The tragic reality is that fentanyl addiction frequently ends in overdose and death without intervention. Even many of those who desire to quit find it impossible to overcome the physical and psychological dependence or push through the pains of at-home detox.
Safely addressing fentanyl addiction requires the support of behavioral health specialists. Medically supervised detox makes the symptoms and cravings of detox manageable. For the best chances of long-term recovery, fentanyl addiction treatment should include a full treatment regime: medically supervised detox followed by inpatient and outpatient programs.
Get Help with Fentanyl Addiction at Silicon Beach Treatment Center
If you believe your loved one is using fentanyl, your decision to reach out and offer help can make the difference between life and death. Fentanyl is a difficult drug to stop using. Effective treatment can help your loved one live a fulfilling life free from fentanyl addiction.
Silicon Beach Treatment Center offers treatment programs targeted specifically to address fentanyl addiction. Treatment options at Silicon Beach Treatment Center include a range of outpatient programs which fit your needs, schedule, and budget. Contact us at [Direct] for more information on our program options for fentanyl addiction treatment.
