Fentanyl, also known as “China White,” is the strongest of high-grade painkillers called opioids. It’s a Schedule II drug manufactured to rapidly turn aches into numbness or euphoria. For this reason, fentanyl is sometimes legally prescribed for serious long-term medical conditions like cancer. However, pharmaceutical labs aren’t the only source for this manmade opioid. Increasingly, illicit drug rings are producing powerful fentanyl for recreational sales. Thus, the Premier Safety Institute states that 2.1 million Americans now have opioid use disorder. It’s vital to know how to recognize fentanyl addiction and treat it effectively. With the help of our fentanyl addiction treatment program in Colorado, it is possible to begin the road to recovery. To learn more, call Northpoint Colorado today at 970.579.4569.
Causes of Fentanyl Addiction
In most cases, it is rarely helpful to place blame on those who use fentanyl. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds can fall victim to fentanyl addiction. Nonetheless, those with mental illness, emotional trauma, and family histories are most at risk. Generally, addiction begins when treating acute or chronic pain despite caution. Even when following doctor’s orders, addiction can occur as drug tolerance builds. That’s because fentanyl hijacks the brain’s reward center.
The opioid releases chemicals called dopamines that make us feel great. Soon, the central nervous system depends on fentanyl to get pleasure. Over time, achieving the same intense feeling requires bigger doses. Next, individuals get trapped in fentanyl addiction because of withdrawal. Markedly, they experience severe symptoms. Fortunately, there are strategies available with detox services to break this cycle.
Recognizing the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Eventually, misusing fentanyl at length will result in a dependence because it’s so forceful. Yet, it’s frequently difficult to tell when you’ve become addicted. Hence, addiction education is important to recognize symptoms in loved ones. For example, those who abuse fentanyl often show signs of tiredness and dizziness. Likewise, this synthetic opioid affects motor skills and slurs speech. Moreover, cognitive function will make remembering and processing basic information hard.
Mood swings from manic happiness to depression are prevalent. In addition, fentanyl addiction may make people fearful and paranoid. When confronted, angry denials with potential violence are expected. At times, stomach upset leads to skipping meals and losing weight too. Above all, fentanyl abusers begin withdrawing from their normal lives. As such, they’ll push away family and avoid previous hobbies. Getting more fentanyl takes priority, so risky and deceptive behaviors are likely.
Dangers of Misusing Fentanyl
Unfortunately, fentanyl addiction too often turns deadly from overdoses. After all, fentanyl is around 50 times more potent than heroin. Further, fentanyl bought on the street is commonly mixed with other drugs like oxycodone. As a result, they never know when their next injection or smoke could be their last. To explain, high fentanyl doses could slow the respiratory system so much that breathing stops. Additionally, fentanyl may trigger life-threatening heart attacks, seizures, and strokes. Therefore, it’s essential that fentanyl users seek professional help. Northpoint Colorado can get those who use fentanyl safely through withdrawal to ongoing therapy.
Start Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Now
Have you lost control of your fentanyl use? Then, trust Northpoint Colorado to remove the opioid’s powerful hold. Our supportive team offers addiction treatment in beautiful Loveland, Colorado. Notably, our fully licensed staff provides 24/7 detox supervision in a serene healing environment. Also, we treat the whole person with experiential therapies and evidence-based practices. Some of our fentanyl addiction treatment methods may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Afterward, we’ll help you find sober living and continued care options. Don’t risk another fentanyl dose. Instead, turn to Northpoint Colorado or effective fentanyl addiction solutions. Call 970.579.4569 today to learn more.