Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, even more powerful than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl has been used to treat patients experiencing severe pain, particularly after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Fentanyl affects your brain by attaching to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in the areas of the brain that control emotions and pain. Due to its potency, dependency, and overdose are very common.
As of February 2022, fentanyl is one of the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
If you, or your loved one, are ready to start your recovery journey today, please call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
Fentanyl addiction is diagnosed by medical professionals as opioid use disorder (OUD). This means individuals addicted to fentanyl will compulsively use fentanyl despite the harmful consequences. Due to the potency of fentanyl, small amounts of it can lead to an overdose and death.
Using fentanyl may cause the following negative side effects:
- Muscle twitching or jerking
- Difficulty walking or keeping their balance
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Change in a heartbeat (bradycardia–less than 60 beats per minute or tachycardia–over 100 beats per minute).
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Sedation
- Breathing problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Tightening in the throat
- Sweating
- Constricted pupils
- Decreased heart rate
- Stiff muscles
- Flushing
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
Knowing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Get help immediately if you witness the following:
- Limp body
- Cold or clammy skin
- Constricted, “pinpoint” pupils
- Loss of consciousness or falling asleep
- Discolored skin, particularly on lips and nails
- Shallow, slow, or no breathing
- Gurgling or choking sounds
If you, or your loved one, are ready to start your recovery journey today, please call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
Fentanyl addiction is a serious and dangerous substance use disorder that requires professional help to overcome. Often, the first step to treating fentanyl addiction is the detoxification process supervised by our medical and expert substance use disorder treatment team to help manage your withdrawal symptoms within a comfortable and safe environment.
Some common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Pain in muscles and bones
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hot and cold flashes
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Intense cravings
After the detox process is complete, recovery work with substance use disorder professionals aims to change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to and maintain cocaine use. This part of the recovery process is best supported in a residential level of care where there is around-the-clock supervision, intensive addiction therapy, and ongoing medical support.
West Valley Detox & Treatment Services can offer Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for cocaine addiction for any individual needing additional support reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and can be used in combination with the above treatment therapies.
West Valley Detox & Treatment Services is the premier facility for the treatment of substance use disorder and other co-occurring challenges that provides medical-assisted detox and residential treatment. Our highly trained staff are committed to providing the highest level of care for you, and your loved ones.
If you, or your loved one, are ready to start your recovery journey today, please call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.