Fentanyl Abuse and Deaths

The opioid epidemic has had three different waves of opioid overdose deaths. The first wave began because of the mass increase of prescriptions written for these medications. The second wave began when more people began to overdose on heroin, and the third wave began with a significant increase in deaths due to synthetic opioids. Fentanyl abuse was the main concern in this third wave.

At BlueCrest Recovery, we know how dangerous fentanyl is. Our team of addiction professionals has experience in both treating opioid addiction and helping individuals to stay safe. We provide medically-assisted treatment (MAT) with naltrexone, which helps clients manage their cravings while they work on developing a healthier lifestyle. We also offer access to support groups and individual counseling, as well as education about the risks of fentanyl use. Learn more about our fentanyl addiction treatment program by calling 888.292.9652 today.

Understanding Fentanyl Deaths Due to Overdose

Fentanyl abuse and availability is the main reason that the opioid epidemic continues to become more deadly for people struggling with addiction.

Deaths may increase for the following two reasons:

  • Many illicit drug manufacturers are lacing their drugs with fentanyl for the purpose of causing their products to be especially potent. Authorities believe that drug cartels are purposely adding fentanyl to other drugs with the intent of addicting more people to fentanyl.
  • Declining mental health is also directly contributing to the opioid epidemic. As more people begin to struggle with their mental health, they often turn to drugs to help them numb their emotions. Fentanyl is becoming easier to access and provides the short escape people with addiction crave.

While there are some legitimate medical uses for fentanyl, the main concern is the illicit manufacturing and use of the drug.

Illicit Use of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a drug similar to morphine, but it is a substance that is between 50 and 100 times more powerful. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning the Drug Enforcement Agency classified it as a medication that has limited uses in the medical environment. Generally, physicians prescribe fentanyl for people with chronic or severe pain. Schedule II drugs are also classified as such because there is a high likelihood that the substance will be abused.

Overdose Deaths Related to Fentanyl: Statistics

The main reason for the spike in synthetic opioid overdose deaths has been fentanyl. Overdose deaths increased by 38.4% from May 2019 to May 2020, and 10 U.S. states reported an increase in synthetic opioid deaths of at least 98%.

Experts also determined that deaths due to cocaine overdoses were increasing at this time. They discovered that cocaine overdoses increased by 26.5%, and they believed that the cocaine was laced with fentanyl.

The Consequences of Fentanyl Addiction

Whatever the reason for the increase in opioid-related overdoses, it is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue. Someone experiencing fentanyl abuse and addiction endangers their own health and those around them.

When someone with an opioid use disorder dies due to a fentanyl overdose, their friends, family members, co-workers, and community members are affected. In cases where the deceased individual was a family’s main provider, the entire family could suffer emotional stress and financial devastation.

If the victim was a student or a co-worker, the person’s school or place of work would also be affected by the person’s death. The lack of their friend’s presence may lower everyone’s will to continue with their jobs or their schoolwork.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at BlueCrest Recovery

BlueCrest uses evidence-based modalities and the 12-step program to treat clients. This means that we take care of your loved one’s mind, body, and spirit in the treatment of their substance use disorder.

The Partial Care Program

The partial care program is the most extensive program that we have at BlueCrest Recovery Center. Your loved one would be required to arrive at the recovery center every weekday, and they will need to agree to spend three hours there each day. We are prepared to treat your loved one for their substance use disorder, but many people are also diagnosed with a mental health disorder. If this is the case for your loved one, we can treat both disorders at the same time.

During their time in the partial care program, your loved one may receive group therapy, individual therapy, and 12-step education. In addition to that, they can take part in yoga and meditation. You and the rest of your family will be welcome to join your loved one in family sessions at the center.

The Intensive Outpatient Program

One other option for your loved one is our intensive outpatient program. If your loved one is newly addicted or the addiction is not that severe, this program may be for them. In this program, your loved one must commit to showing up at the treatment center three times a week. During those times, they must obtain treatment for three hours each day. The amount of time will depend on the type of program they will be recommended to attend. Sessions are highly flexible, and your loved one can decide to attend for three hours in the morning or evening. If they are working, they will not have to interrupt their job to get the help that they need.

Spiritual Treatment

At BlueCrest, we believe that we must treat substance use disorders spiritually. If we do not do this, any success that we have in overcoming a substance addiction will not last. This is what is missing from many medical and psychological programs, so we aim to make sure that your loved one receives it here. The feelings of emptiness that your loved one may experience can be a large part of the reason that your loved one engages in substance use. We will help your loved one find their purpose and spiritual nourishment.

Holistic Treatment

Substance use negatively affects the body, so your loved one may be in a very unhealthy condition at the moment. At BlueCrest, we address this side of the issue as well. Our on-site medical staff members are here to ensure that your loved one receives treatment for any physical conditions they may have. In addition, we encourage healing with holistic practices that include mindfulness, exercise, and ways in which to deal with anxiety and stress.

If your loved one has been having a particularly hard time, treatment at BlueCrest Recovery Center can help them get their life back on track. Contact us at 888.292.9652 today for assistance.

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