Fentanyl Addiction Facts

Fentanyl Addiction

Here at Recovery Ways, we are experienced in providing Fentanyl addiction treatment to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Our staff is comprised of Masters level clinicians who are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and treatment. Unlike many other facilities, we are licensed to administer individualized Suboxone treatment plans that will aid with the opioid addiction treatment process.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to meperidine (Demerol) and is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is one of the most potent opiate drugs on the market. It’s a schedule II prescription drug, which means it is highly addictive but still useful medically. It is used for severe pain and for cancer breakthrough pain (pain flare-up despite narcotic treatment) because it inhibits pain pathways to the brain from the site of pain, increases dopamine in the brain, and is short-acting. It directly affects the central nervous system. It is available in different forms with different names.

Actiq is in the form of a lollipop and taken as such by patients already on pain-relieving medications.

Abstral is a tablet form placed under the tongue for opiate-tolerant patients with breakthrough cancer pain.

Duragesic is a skin patch that is a slow release pain treatment that can last up to 3 days.

Fentora is a tablet placed between the upper cheek and gum.

Lazanda is a nasal spray mostly used by cancer patients.

Sublimaze is an injectable form given by medical staff before or after surgeries.

Subsys is a spray put under the tongue usually for patients with breakthrough cancer pain for immediate relief.

Most of these fentanyl forms are made to be slow releasing. However, addicts have discovered ways to get it more quickly which is dangerous because it can lead to an overdose. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said that between 2005 – 2007 more than 1,000 people died of fentanyl abuse in America.

Fentanyl is highly addictive because of its potency. Users develop a tolerance quickly, meaning they need more of the drug and on a more regular basis. It is especially dangerous for users with no opioid tolerance because it is so potent. Fentanyl is sometimes mixed with other drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Fentanyl by itself is dangerous, so to mix it with other drugs increases the chances for overdose and health complications. The World Health Organization states that more than 2 million United State citizens are addicted to prescription opioids like fentanyl. Many teenagers and young adults who are addicted to fentanyl and other opiate drugs started by using leftover prescriptions from their parent’s or other relatives medicine cabinets.

Common names for Fentanyl

Start the fentanyl addiction rehab admission process.

Recovery Ways is here to listen and help. If you or a loved one is suffering from a fentanyl addiction our admissions coordinators can help find the best treatment available. Recovery Ways offers fully comprehensive and compassionate care for any adult suffering from addiction or a co-occurring disorder. We have three locations in the Salt Lake City area that provide inpatient treatment, medically supervised detox, sober living, PHP and intensive outpatient programs.

Please call our specialists to start the admission process at 888.986.7848.

Fentanyl is a prescription drug. The viewpoint of prescription drug usage is changing, but this still gives the impression that it is “safe”. Abuse of any prescription drug and using in any others ways as intended is not safe and can cause mental and physical issues. The long-term and short term effects can come in many forms and varieties. Some people who abuse Fentanyl may also be suffering from addiction to another substance or even an accompanying mental health issues. This is commonly known as a co-occurring disorder. Addiction rehab facilities that treat both addiction and mental health are considered dual-diagnosis programs.

The warning signs and symptoms of a fentanyl abuse or addiction can vary in severity. Some of the symptoms will be obvious and some not so much. If you suspect you or your loved one is having issues with a prescription pill addiction, drug rehab may be appropriate and necessary. This treatment will help them live a drug-free life that is happier and healthy.

Fentanyl addiction treatment starts here.

If you or a loved one is suffering from with fentanyl abuse issues, our admissions team can help find the best addiction rehab available. Recovery Ways offers fully comprehensive care to those with addiction issues or co-occurring disorders. We have four locations in the Salt Lake City area that provide inpatient treatment, medically supervised detox, sober living, PHP and intensive outpatient programs.

Call our admission coordinators to begin the process at 888.986.7848.

Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms and Warning Signs

Fentanyl can be bought illegally but abuse usually starts with a prescription or by someone in the medical field that would have easier access to it in a hospital. Since these can be prescribed sometimes it is difficult to realize if you or a loved one is addicted. When all you can think about is how you are going to get more and stopping use causes you withdrawal symptoms, you should reach out for help getting clean. If you have started stealing medications, buying the medication from someone else or off the street, or “doctor shopping,” visiting multiple doctors complaining about pain so you get multiple prescriptions, then the Medical staff at Recovery Ways is ready to help you.

Long Term Effects