Since 2016, synthetic opioids—primarily fentanyl—have caused more overdose deaths than any other drug, including heroin. Fentanyl is a synthetic or human-made opioid used as a pain management drug for cancer patients and sometimes for patients in recovery from major surgery. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, up to 50 times stronger than heroin, and is one of the most powerful opioids on the planet. Unfortunately, it’s the newest mass murderer among drugs.
The scariest part is that fentanyl finds its way into other drugs, including pills, cocaine, meth, and marijuana. Thus, even those who don’t know they’re taking fentanyl are at risk of overdose and may need to enroll in a fentanyl addiction treatment program. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to fentanyl or other opioids, it’s essential to know the symptoms of an overdose so that help can be sought sooner rather than later. Contact BlueCrest Recovery at 888.292.9652 to learn more about recognizing the mental and physical symptoms of fentanyl overdose and addiction. We have professionals standing by, waiting to help.
Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
The effects of abusing fentanyl are the same as the effects of abusing any opioid, except intensified due to the strength of the drug. They include but are not limited to:
- Extreme relaxation or sedation
- Euphoria
- Confusion
- Dizziness and lack of motor skills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed breathing
- Slurred speech
- Absence of pain or a heightened pain threshold
- Pinpoint pupils
The overwhelming majority of opioid abusers begin with a prescription. Fentanyl is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs, so if you or anyone you know is prescribed, please be aware of the dangers of the drug. Due to its strength, fentanyl can easily cause an overdose, which can be fatal.
Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose
Physical symptoms of fentanyl overdose include but are not limited to:
- Very slow or stopped breathing
- Slowed heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Lack of consciousness
- Limp body
- Cyanosis—blue tint to lips and nails
- Cold or clammy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme dizziness and confusion
- Comatose-like state
Opioid abuse almost universally causes pinpoint pupils, slowed breathing, and motor skill impairment. The symptoms of fentanyl abuse and the signs of fentanyl overdose can appear similar, so it’s critical to always call 911 if you even think someone is maybe having an overdose.
Fentanyl Abuse Treatment Options
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction and fentanyl abuse, there are options for treatment available. The first step is medical detox, where the individual is medically monitored during withdrawal from opioids like fentanyl. From there, the client can enter a drug rehabilitation program to work on sobriety. During rehab, individuals learn how to cope with relapse triggers, apply relapse prevention methods, and work on the underlying mental health issues that led to their addiction.
At BlueCrest Recovery, we understand how hard it is to face fentanyl addiction and the need for treatment. We are here to help you or a loved one take those steps toward sobriety. Our treatment philosophy combines:
- Evidence-based therapies – Including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Addiction education – Including substance use disorder details and relapse prevention techniques
- Holistic care – Including yoga, meditation, and music therapy
- Aftercare planning – Including intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
If you’re curious about treatment options for substance abuse, you’re already on the right page. BlueCrest Recovery is an industry leader when it comes to recovery and sustained sobriety. The most important call you can make right now is to us.
Find Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in New Jersey at BlueCrest Recovery
The first step to recovery for an opioid addict is detoxification. With our professional guidance, we will make this as comfortable as humanly possible. Next comes a combination of medicinal and therapeutic treatments customized for each client. Contact us today at 888.292.9652 and take the first step toward recovery.
