Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid drug that is fifty to one hundred times more potent than morphine and fifty times stronger than heroin. Due to this potency, fentanyl use can quickly lead to tolerance, addiction, or deadly overdose. Breaking the cycle of fentanyl addiction is possible with comprehensive treatment. Choosing treatment gives a person gets an opportunity for a healthier, drug-free life.
If you or someone you care about might benefit from fentanyl addiction treatment in Texas, reach out to Texas Recovery Center today by calling 844-230-5931 or completing our online contact form. Our substance abuse treatment program in Texas provides people with the tools they need to enjoy genuine recovery from this form of addiction.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl has a high potential for use and can cause severe physical or psychological dependence. Fentanyl is sold illegally and used because its effects mostly mimic heroin. Like heroin, fentanyl creates its effects by binding to opioid receptors in the brain that regulate pain and emotions. This drug takes two forms, which are pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicit fentanyl. Both forms can lead to addiction.
Pharmaceutical prescription fentanyl is used to treat severe pain in individuals who cannot be treated with other medications and need around-the-clock pain management. Most commonly, it is prescribed to treat pain after surgery or pain in cancer patients.
Fentanyl Use Short-Term Effects
As such a potent drug, the short-term effects of fentanyl may be felt very quickly after a person takes the drug. People who inject fentanyl may feel these effects even faster. While some people self-medicate with fentanyl for its ability to relieve pain, the drug is highly used to create a sense of euphoria and a deep sense of relaxation. When a person is taking fentanyl in these ways, they may experience short-term effects of fentanyl use, such as:
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Excessive happiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sedation
Taking fentanyl may cause a person to become unconscious or have breathing problems. Even in the short term, the use of fentanyl can be very dangerous. A single use of fentanyl could cause life-threatening respiratory depression and overdose.
Fentanyl’s Long-Term Effects
While the short-term effects of fentanyl can appear sooner than later, fentanyl and its long-term effects on the body may not be as noticeable immediately. Over time, a person who takes fentanyl regularly will tolerate the drug’s effects and need to take more significant amounts of fentanyl to feel the same short-term effects. With continued use, a person may also develop a physical dependence and addiction to fentanyl. Some of the long-term effects of fentanyl use may include:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Changes in eating habits
- Dizziness
Long-term fentanyl use can also lead to severe and life-threatening health conditions, such as:
- Addiction
- Heart problems
- Kidney damage or failure
- Liver damage or failure
- Respiratory problems
- Seizures
- Sexual dysfunction
Addiction is a long-term effect of fentanyl abuse that requires special care to manage. Without help, it can be difficult for a person to break the cycle of fentanyl addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call Texas Recovery Center today to speak to a care specialist about our comprehensive treatment program options.
Fentanyl Withdrawal and Detox
An inpatient withdrawal management program, also known as inpatient detox, may be necessary for people who are moderate to severely addicted to fentanyl. Withdrawal includes intense cravings, and these states may push a person to relapse as they try to reduce withdrawal symptoms. A residential medical detox program provides 24-hour oversight and medical care support that can be critical to reducing the risk of relapse and improving success at this time.
An inpatient, medically supervised detox program for fentanyl addiction typically uses medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Suboxone and other buprenorphine-based medications are evidence-based treatments that are frequently used. Once a person has stabilized, they can move to rehab to begin the next stage of treatment.
Texas Recovery Center’s Treatment Programs
Our range of treatment programs at Texas Recovery Center means that every person in our care receives the comprehensive care they need and deserve. Our treatment programs include:
Begin to Heal with Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Texas Recovery Center
If you are experiencing the short-term effects of fentanyl use or are in the grips of fentanyl addiction, you may feel hopeless and helpless. But there is hope. Our evidence-based treatment programs at Texas Recovery Center can provide you with the tools you need to begin to heal. We offer a range of services designed to meet you where you are in your journey and help you.
At Texas Recovery Center, our fentanyl rehab center in Texas provides the perfect setting for people to heal from the mental and physical toll of addiction. Learn more about our fentanyl addiction rehab in Texas or how to overcome fentanyl use in Texas from our team today by calling 844-230-5931 or filling out our online form.
