Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is mainly used to treat severe pain, typically abdominal. When administered under a physician’s supervision, fentanyl is supplied by an injection, a transdermal patch, or in lozenges.

Conversely, fentanyl is also used for different purposes on the streets that pose a danger to communities. In the streets, fentanyl has been linked to a recent surge in overdoses.

It’s generally sold as a powder, mixed with heroin, or as opioid-like tablets. Like many other opioids, fentanyl connects to the opioid receptors in the body, increasing brain dopamine levels.

Fentanyl is a dangerous substance that can lead to chaotic addictions. Our dedicated addiction counselors are here to guide you along the recovery journey as you overcome addiction. Keep reading to learn more about this dangerous drug, and how our fentanyl addiction treatment program in New Jersey can help.

How are Fentanyl Overdoses Impacting Communities?

Oxycodone was one of the main medications related to deaths from overdose in 2011. Heroin exceeded painkillers in opioid-related deaths starting in 2012 and continuing until 2015. Then came up fentanyl.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also called the opioid epidemic fentanyl the “third phase.”

By 2016, fentanyl-induced deaths had become the most common. Data indicate that the rate of fentanyl-related opioid overdose deaths doubled every year from 2013 to 2016.

Those numbers continued to rise in 2017, as reported by a brief of CDC data. Fentanyl-related deaths (overdoses) had risen to 9 per 100,000 people, compared with 6.2 per 100,000 in 2016.

Is Fentanyl Illegally Produced?

Fentanyl is illegally produced in labs. This synthetic fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or made into pills that look like similar prescription opioids.

Illegal Fentanyl is also commonly mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is because it takes very little to produce a high with fentanyl, making it a cheaper option.

What are the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl addiction is defined as having a severe dependency on the drug. This may also include continued use despite severe consequences. Consequences include legal trouble, damaged relationships, and many other interpersonal issues.

Other signs of fentanyl abuse and addiction include:

Fentanyl Overdose

A serious sign that an individual is addicted to fentanyl is experiencing an overdose. Since fentanyl is used to treat severe pain, it tends to be highly potent. Due to the potency of fentanyl, consuming more than what is prescribed can easily result in an overdose.

A fentanyl overdose can have fatal consequences if not dealt with immediately. An overdose can be recognized by depressing breathing and pinpointing pupils. Other symptoms include a faint pulse, loss of coordination, and unconsciousness. Fentanyl abuse is not only prevalent but continues to be the

Substance-Seeking Behavior

Those addicted to a drug such as fentanyl will deliberately go out of their way to obtain it. For example, one may go “doctor shopping” to obtain additional prescriptions. It’s also common for individuals to steal prescriptions or money from friends or family.

Experiencing Negative Life Consequences

Abusing a substance can lead to many serious consequences in an individual’s life. For example, they may begin to lose track of time and stop fulfilling their obligations. The negative effects of fentanyl addiction include financial hardships, losing friends or loved ones, job loss, and legal trouble.

Significant Behavioral Changes

It helps to keep in mind that the signs of addiction can be subtle, as well as obvious. Be honest with yourself when assessing whether or not you may have a fentanyl addiction.

It can creep up on you without your own realizing it. Significant behavioral changes may include:

• Fentanyl is taken in larger amounts or over a larger period than intended
• The individual has a desire to lessen use, but cannot successfully do so
• The person spends a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from fentanyl
• The individual loses joy and value in activities that were once important in their life
• The individual uses fentanyl in risky conditions

What Are Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms?

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms range in severity based on the length and severity of the addiction. These symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal can include anxiety, depression, headaches, and other discomforting synonyms.

These effects are known as drug withdrawal. This is the process in which the body deals with functioning without a substance it learned to depend on. Fortunately, we offer many resources to treat and alleviate these symptoms.

Discontinuing long-term fentanyl use can seem overwhelming. However, the more you educate yourself on the topic, the more confident you’ll feel in being able to overcome it. Fentanyl and other opioids can end up having extremely dangerous consequences with continued use.

Common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:

In severe cases, withdrawal symptoms can include hallucinations and seizures. This is why it’s critical to undergo treatment at an accredited treatment center with medical professionals.

We’ll make sure to monitor your withdrawal symptoms to ensure you’re safe through the detoxification process.

The withdrawal effects generally take place between six and 36 hours after the last dose of fentanyl. The length of an individual’s withdrawal process is dependent upon:

• How long fentanyl has been used
• Average dosage, including the last intake
• The individual’s medical history
• General tolerance level for pain and pain medication

How Does Detoxification Play a Role in Fentanyl Addiction Treatment?

Detoxification is generally the first step of a fentanyl addiction treatment program. Through detox, individuals will cleanse their bodies of harmful substances accumulated through substance use. Opioid addictions and illicit fentanyl use can end up causing damage to a person’s mind and wellbeing.

The three steps of medical detox are:

• Evaluation

The assessment consists of a questionnaire, a physical examination, blood tests, and a screening for co-occurring mental health or other medical conditions. Our medical professionals will be diagnosing the psychological and physical condition of the individual.

A medical practitioner would then use this knowledge to develop a personalized care plan and find which fentanyl addiction treatment options is right for them. It is a key step in tailoring a treatment process to fit the specific needs of an individual.

Stabilization

Stabilization is the step where recovering individuals stop using. Medical professionals then help the individual achieve a healthy, stable state.

Medication may be prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and lessen the discomfort for the individual.

Preparation

Preparation is a key step. This allows individuals to have a set plan for addiction recovery and overall improvement. A treatment plan will be carefully created including many different therapies targeting the roots of addiction.