Fentanyl Rehab for Men in Austin

Texas has long been part of the tragic opioid addiction crisis that has gripped America, but the last decade has seen one synthetic opioid become a major concern. Because of its addictive quality, potency, and potential for overdose, this drug is called fentanyl.

Whereas heroin (also an opioid) once was the biggest concern for addiction professionals, fentanyl has proven to be even more deadly than heroin.

With the strength of the substance, there often comes a quick tolerance level for many users. Subsequently, people tend to get addicted quickly and use higher doses to find that original euphoria. This is the recipe for fentanyl overdose.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is produced as a pharmaceutical drug and as an illegal narcotic. Doctors prescribe it to manage extreme pain levels for patients recovering from major surgery or terminally ill patients.

The illegal narcotic form of fentanyl is made in labs and often mixed with other narcotics, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, to increase potency. Fentanyl is profitable for drug dealers because it is low-cost and produces a more substantial high when mixed with other drugs. Illegal distributors also sell it by itself in different forms, such as powder, pill, liquid, or spray.

Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Repeated use of fentanyl causes the brain to adapt to the drug and weakens its sensitivity, making it difficult to derive pleasure from anything else. Addiction to fentanyl causes behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms, which can vary.

Common symptoms of fentanyl addiction include:

• continued use despite consequences
• slurred speech
• social withdrawal
• constricted pupils
• insomnia
• difficulty concentrating and memory loss
• suicidal thoughts
• depression
• euphoria

How to Treat Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction is best treated with behavioral therapy and medication. Drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are Buprenorphine and methadone, which help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain.

Behavioral therapy for addiction will help to address the underlying reason for the drug abuse by changing feelings and behaviors pertaining to fentanyl abuse. Treatment allows clients to understand how their thoughts and emotions impact their substance abuse. They learn to avoid triggers and manage their behavior to recover from addiction, prevent future relapse, and treat co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. Other offerings such as Group Addiction Therapy, 12-step Immersion Treatment, and Family Therapy for Addiction Treatment, are vital to helping individuals find lasting recovery from fentanyl addiction.

Dangers of Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl overdose leads to death if not treated immediately and occurs when the user takes more fentanyl than the body can metabolize.

Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:

• shallow breath
• extreme dizziness
• cold or clammy skin
• incoherent speech
• disorientation
• immobility

Naloxone, commonly known as NARCAN, can rapidly treat an overdose by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of fentanyl. Because of its potency, fentanyl may require multiple doses of NARCAN, and people who are given NARCAN should be monitored for at least two hours to ensure breathing does not slow or cease.

Reach Out to Heartwood Fentanyl Rehab in Austin

Our 12-Step addiction treatment plan has been proven effective for treating fentanyl addiction. We offer professional guidance and licensed therapy for men who are looking to find freedom from addiction. Actually located in the city of Austin, Heartwood Recovery is a holistic addiction treatment center. Please call our admission team today with any questions about our fentanyl addiction treatment program in Austin.