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What Are the Dangers of Fentanyl?

woman with arms crossed considers the dangers of fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that is commonly prescribed for pain management after a surgery or serious injury. Unfortunately, it is also used recreationally, even lacing other drugs like heroin and cocaine to create even more powerful drugs. It can be taken in pill form, smoked, injected, or snorted. It has a high use among those who have used opioids before who don’t even realize how strong the drug can be. This is why there are so many cases of overdose with fentanyl. Education is key is understanding the dangers of fentanyl and how to get fentanyl addiction treatment when needed.

Understanding the Dangers of Fentanyl

Chasing the high of drug use can take over someone’s life. Some drugs are more dangerous than others. Because fentanyl is an opioid, it attaches itself to opioid receptors in the brain. These are where emotions and pain are managed. A tolerance can be built up with repeated use, making the brain less sensitive to the drug.

Illegal uses of fentanyl are rampant, such as using it to suppress the nervous system and disconnect as a way to deal with trauma. Some people may use fentanyl to deal with undiagnosed mental health disorders. Fentanyl is also commonly used to numb psychological effects as a way to avoid admitting a problem exists.

Fentanyl’s side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Changes in sleep patterns that cause drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Respiratory issues
  • Loss of consciousness

The biggest danger is a deadly overdose. Fentanyl use is a dangerous cycle with a potentially destructive outcome.

What to Expect in Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

Offering the best opportunity possible for long-term recovery is the goal of any addiction treatment facility. Using a combination of holistic and evidence-based treatment options makes for the most complete treatment and recovery experience.

The first step in treating addiction can be a medically supervised detox. This allows the body to rid the drug from the system. Once in an outpatient program, like the ones offered at NuLife Behavioral Health, specialists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan unique to you and your needs. Treatment can include individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other therapies.

We offer a wide range of therapies to help those in our care focus on getting to the underlying causes of the addiction. This assists with dealing more effectively with triggers and cravings. If there are co-occurring disorders, then a dual diagnosis can be treated to address any underlying mental health conditions. Achieving long-term sobriety is the goal of every treatment program.

Family support is also a key element of treatment and recovery. It’s all about building a sober support network that you know you can count on when needed. Family therapy and support groups can be integrated into each personalized treatment plan.

Reach Out to NuLife Behavioral Health

At NuLife Behavioral Health, we believe in a holistic recovery journey. Recovery allows you to live your best, healthiest life free from drugs and alcohol. Our programming addresses the complete person in mind, body, and spirit. With a combination of evidence-based approaches and holistic practices, treatment at NuLife Behavioral Health addresses the chronic stress and trauma associated with addiction and mental health disorders. We are also happy to refer you to a residential facility if detox is necessary or a more intense level of treatment.

We offer treatment for a number of addictions, including:

  • Heroin addiction
  • Alcohol addiction
  • Meth addiction
  • Cocaine addiction

Reach out to the NuLife Behavioral Health team today at 888.568.2057 to learn how fentanyl addiction treatment can help restore a sense of well-being, meaning, and purpose in your life.