Most people have heard of the opioid epidemic in America. The increased prescription of opioids has led to widespread use, consequently leading to increased misuse of these powerful drugs. One of the most potent and dangerous opioids is fentanyl. When used properly, it is an effective tool for treating a wide array of painful health conditions. However, it can cause life-threatening side effects when used illegally and unsupervised.
If you or someone you know is going through fentanyl addiction, seeking professional help is the best action. Northpoint Colorado offers a comprehensive fentanyl treatment program that can help you detox safely. We are an inpatient addiction treatment center that serves the area around Loveland, Colorado. Not only do we treat fentanyl addiction, but we also treat co-occurring disorders so that our patients have a better chance of long-term recovery. If you would like to learn more, contact us at 888.231.1281.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. Since its creation, it was intended to be a treatment for severe pain. It is part of a short list of prescribed drugs for long-term, chronic pain. Most people prescribed fentanyl have already run the gamut of other pain management drugs and have built a significant tolerance to other opioids.
Like other opioids, fentanyl is highly addictive. As a point of comparison, fentanyl is roughly 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine. This potency has made it such a popular and widely-available street drug.
Fentanyl has increasingly been used to create counterfeit versions of other opioids. It is also mixed with heroin to increase the potency of the drug. Overdose can happen when a person believes they are taking a less powerful opioid but are using fentanyl. Some of the common street names for fentanyl include:
- Jackpot
- China White
- Goodfellas
- Tango & Cash
- Apache
What Are the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction?
Knowing how to spot the signs of fentanyl addiction can help save lives. Because of its potent effects, it takes very little fentanyl to cause an overdose. Even people who use fentanyl often risk overdose if they take just a little too much.
Most of the signs of fentanyl addiction are similar to that of other opioids. These signs include intense cravings for the drug, spending a great deal of time acquiring and using it, and the continued use of fentanyl despite knowing the harm it causes.
Because fentanyl addiction can cause a person to have impaired judgment, it often falls to that person’s loved ones and family members to spot their fentanyl use. The physical symptoms that someone is under the influence of fentanyl may include:
- Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Confusion and disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Digestive issues such as constipation
There are also behavioral symptoms that may manifest, including:
- Avoiding work or school responsibilities to use fentanyl
- Unsuccessfully attempting to quit fentanyl
- Using fentanyl to prevent the symptoms of opioid withdrawal
- Constantly thinking about using fentanyl
A significant danger of fentanyl is its use for those with a high opioid tolerance to get past that tolerance and achieve the euphoria they once experienced. It is vital to spot the signs of fentanyl use and addiction because it is very easy to overdose, with possibly fatal consequences.
Seek Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Loveland, CO
Many people who abuse fentanyl do not want to keep using it. However, it is nearly impossible to quit using fentanyl cold turkey without professional help. Northpoint Colorado is prepared and ready to help those in the grip of fentanyl addiction.
We offer programs with a recovery plan so each patient can have the best chance of long-term recovery and a healthier life. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program begins with a residential detox where each patient receives around-the-clock supervision and medically assisted detox. If you know someone who would benefit from quitting fentanyl use, don’t hesitate. Call us today at 888.231.1281.