Fentanyl Addiction Rehab in Prescott

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All painkillers have high addiction potential, but one of the most potent and dangerous painkillers is fentanyl—a synthetic opioid that has been linked to countless overdoses and deaths in the United States in recent years. If you have a fentanyl addiction, your life and future are in danger. Holdfast Recovery is here to provide you with high-quality, compassionate treatment in a safe and welcoming environment in Prescott. Our rehab services are all faith-based, which can give you the foundation you need to start fresh and relearn to live your life without relying on the crutch of drug abuse. Join us today for nonjudgmental support.

Contact us today to speak with one of our admissions counselors online or call (800) 680-7738. Break the cycle of abuse and dependence today and commit to long-term sobriety.

What is Fentanyl?

Like other opioids, fentanyl is a painkiller that has been marketed to treat moderate to severe pain, such as chronic pain associated with cancers or pain after surgery. Though many opioid painkillers are prescribed for short-term use, fentanyl is one of the few prescription opioids that has been approved for long-term treatment. It’s perhaps of this intent that fentanyl is particularly addictive. Fentanyl is also reportedly 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Fentanyl can be found and used in the following forms:

• Injectable liquid
• Nasal spray
• Lozenges
• Transdermal patches

Fentanyl is also known by its brand names like Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. Like other opioids, fentanyl acts on your brain’s opioid receptors to reduce feelings of pain and produce a pleasant high that many people enjoy. Common side effects of fentanyl use include extreme happiness, drowsiness, sedation, nausea, and unconsciousness.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Identifying signs of fentanyl addiction can be crucial in helping someone seek assistance or intervention. Here are common indicators that someone may be struggling with fentanyl addiction:

Behavioral Signs:

• Increased Use: Taking fentanyl more often or in larger amounts than prescribed or intended, despite attempts to cut down.
• Loss of Control: Inability to control or reduce fentanyl use, spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from its effects.
• Cravings: Strong urges or cravings for fentanyl, leading to compulsive use.
• Social Isolation: Withdrawing from social activities, hobbies, or previously enjoyed pursuits in favor of drug use.
• Continued Use Despite Consequences: Using fentanyl despite being aware of its negative effects on health, work, relationships, or other areas of life.
• Secrecy and Deception: Hiding fentanyl use, lying about usage patterns, or being secretive about activities and whereabouts.

Physical Signs:

• Drowsiness and Sedation: A person might seem excessively drowsy, nodding off, or appearing lethargic.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Fentanyl use often causes gastrointestinal issues, leading to nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation: Regular use can result in severe constipation.
• Slurred Speech and Impaired Coordination: Difficulty speaking clearly or coordinating movements can be noticeable.
• Changes in Appearance: Sudden weight loss, neglect of personal hygiene, and changes in physical appearance might be evident.

Psychological Signs:

• Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, including heightened euphoria followed by depression or irritability.
• Anxiety or Paranoia: Experiencing heightened anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks.
• Depression: Prolonged use can lead to symptoms of depression or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions.

Other Behavioral Clues:

• Financial Issues: Sudden financial problems or borrowing money without reasonable explanations.
• Legal Problems: Involvement in legal issues related to drug possession, buying, or selling.
• Changes in Priorities: Shifting focus to obtaining and using fentanyl over other responsibilities like work, school, or family.

Signs of Fentanyl Overdose

People can easily overdose on fentanyl because of its potency, even if it’s their first time using it. However, many overdoses are connected to individuals who have a history of drug abuse, as tolerance requires users to take higher doses of the drug to feel the same happiness. Taking too much can trigger an overdose.

Overdoses also happen when fentanyl is mixed with other drugs. This is a common practice among those with addictions, but sometimes drug dealers will also mix fentanyl with MDMA, heroin, and cocaine as a cheaper option.

Fentanyl overdose is extremely dangerous because it affects a person’s breathing, which can slow down or stop altogether. This leads to hypoxia, a condition caused by the lack of oxygen flow to the brain, and then leads to coma or death. As long as a person with a fentanyl addiction keeps using, they always run the risk of overdosing—calling a trusted rehab center like ours is your best chance of getting the professional help you need.

Short-Term Effects of Fentanyl Addiction

• Euphoria and Sedation: Fentanyl triggers feelings of extreme pleasure and relaxation, leading to euphoria and drowsiness.
• Respiratory Depression: One of the most dangerous short-term effects is slowed breathing, which can lead to respiratory arrest, coma, or death.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Fentanyl use commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
• Confusion and Dizziness: Users might experience confusion, impaired coordination, and dizziness.
• Tolerance and Dependence: Rapid development of tolerance necessitates higher doses to achieve the same effect, leading to physical dependence in a short period.

Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl Addiction

• Chronic Health Issues: Long-term use can lead to chronic health problems such as cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal complications.
• Addiction and Withdrawal: A continued pattern of use can deepen addiction, making it extremely challenging to quit. Withdrawal symptoms such as intense cravings, body aches, insomnia, and anxiety can be severe.
• Impact on Mental Health: Prolonged fentanyl use is associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
• Social and Financial Implications: Addiction can lead to strained relationships, job loss, financial instability, and legal troubles.
• Increased Risk of Overdose: Long-term users are at a heightened risk of overdose due to increased tolerance, inadvertently leading to higher doses that the body can't handle.
• Damage to Brain and Body: Fentanyl can cause structural and functional changes in the brain, impacting cognition, memory, and emotional regulation. It can also weaken the immune system and contribute to organ damage.

How We Treat Fentanyl Addiction

At Holdfast Recovery, we know that no two addictions are the same. That’s why we provide a variety of treatments and can personalize your plan to fit your needs and wishes. Along with our intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, we also offer sober living options, as well as specialized treatments for Christians, first-responders, and veterans.

Much of our treatment is rooted in addressing trauma, as we understand trauma to be an underlying cause of many types of substance use and mental disorders. We use proven, evidence-based therapies like EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other activities designed to teach you healthier coping mechanisms and help you find connections with others.

At Holdfast Recovery, faith and healing go hand in hand. Call our fentanyl addiction rehab in Prescott today to begin your journey at (800) 680-7738.