What is fentanyl and why is it addictive?
Used as a pain-relieving medication, fentanyl serves as a strong synthetic opioid analgesic. When it comes to the effects it has on the body, it can be compared to morphine. However, fentanyl is several times more potent than morphine, which means it has an extremely high potential for abuse.
Similar to other opioids, fentanyl acts on the central nervous system by binding to specific opioid receptors. These are found in various areas of the brain and spinal cord, as well as in other tissues throughout the body.
What are the symptoms and signs of fentanyl addiction?
When someone develops fentanyl addiction, they start to seek the drug compulsively, and are simply unable to stop this habit. Even if they try to abstain from consumption, the withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that a relapse is inevitable. Fentanyl side effects that come with dependence can include anxiety, nausea, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. Additionally, these symptoms might be so severe that they can lead to life-threatening situations. Due to that reason, a fentanyl addiction treatment program is still the safest way to achieve full recovery.
Signs of addiction behavior
Fentanyl addiction symptoms can be similar to those caused by any other psychoactive substances that have a similar effect on the body. In fact, when it comes to fentanyl side effects they may greatly vary from one person to another, but the first signs of trouble can usually be seen in uncharacteristic behavioral changes.
People who are struggling with fentanyl drug addiction will completely reorder their lives in order to continue pursuing this destructive habit. This includes the loss of interest in things that were previously important to them, neglecting personal responsibilities and getting into frequent fights with their loved ones.
Symptoms of drug use
When a person starts to abuse drugs, inevitably, there will be some clear indications that something is wrong. Depending on the person or the amounts used, the first symptoms of fentanyl abuse may show up just days after developing dependence, but sometimes, months can pass before anyone notices a change. This is actually more dangerous, as it significantly increases the risk of fentanyl overdose.
Still, others might not be aware of the issues that fentanyl can cause, but in that case, a consultation with a doctor can help them realize what does fentanyl overdose feel like and what are the symptoms that may lead up to it. The sudden mood swings, problems with memory, lack of self-care and physical health issues can all mean that treatment for fentanyl addiction is necessary.
What are the side effects of fentanyl addiction?
As we have already mentioned, with fentanyl side effects are inevitable, but there is a difference in the level of addiction that occurs after a short-term and long-term consumption. In the subsections below, we will pay closer attention to the effects of this substance but also explain the signs of fentanyl overdose, a state where urgent medical intervention is necessary, as it might lead to a fatal outcome otherwise.
Short-term effects of fentanyl dependence
When it comes to fentanyl addiction symptoms that can be noticed after a short-term use of the drug, include the following:
- Pain relief
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Rash
- Risk of fentanyl overdose
While many of these fentanyl side effects might be minor at first, as the person delves deep into a fentanyl addiction treatment program in a rehabilitation center might be what is necessary in order to fully get rid of the substance abuse.
Long-term effects of fentanyl addiction
Long-term fentanyl addiction can have severe and lasting effects on both physical and mental health. With this way of consumption, it is practically impossible to avoid fentanyl addiction symptoms.
- Respiratory issues or complete respiratory failure
- Cardiovascular problems
- Compromised decision making
- Mental health issues with depression and anxiety
- Increased risks of infectious diseases
- Signs of fentanyl overdose such as a loss of consciousness or insensitivity to touch
- Fatal outcome due to fentanyl overdose
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or your loved ones, know that now is the right time to begin searching for the best treatment options for fentanyl. This is especially true if you notice fentanyl overdose symptoms, where neglecting these symptoms might be life-threatening.
Symptoms of fentanyl overdose
If you notice any of the following symptoms after the use of fentanyl, know that immediate medical attention is required. Here they are:
- Respiratory distress
- Weakness or limpness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Blue lips and fingernails
- Loss of consciousness
How and why does fentanyl addiction start?
It does not take long for the first signs of fentanyl addiction to show. It is even possible to notice some of the short-term effects after just a couple of consumptions. With increased intake, the body starts to develop tolerance to the effects of the substance, meaning that larger doses will be necessary in order to achieve the same effects in the future. This is a major warning sign that points to the early stages of addiction.
What is the treatment for fentanyl abuse?
Medical treatment for fentanyl addiction must encompass things like removing the substance from the body without fentanyl side effects, body recuperation and removal of the urge to abuse psychoactive substances. Besides that, most fentanyl treatment centers will also focus on creating a stable psyche, where a person will develop an aversion to drugs and defense mechanisms against relapse.
At Dr Vorobjev clinic, fentanyl addiction treatment is made according to every specific case. That is why every treatment at our clinic begins with a detailed examination of the patient, followed by a painless detoxification. During this procedure, fentanyl and any other toxins are quickly eliminated from the body.
For patients who showcase symptoms of a fentanyl overdose, a quick reaction is absolutely vital in order to avoid potentially life-threatening situations. That is why the treatment can usually last from 2 to 4 weeks of stationary care. This also includes work with psychologists and psychiatrists in order to remove the harmful habits that led to the addiction in the first place.
How to start treatment of fentanyl addiction?
You need to know that fentanyl addiction treatment is necessary because this substance can be extremely dangerous, and that you should never wait for fentanyl overdose symptoms to show up in case you need help. While the treatment for fentanyl overdose can help in the most severe cases, in that situation, a couple of minutes can be the difference between life and death.
If you need fentanyl addiction help, you can always call our medical consultants in order to get reliable information on the best ways to deal with this issue. They will listen to all you have to say and provide adequate answers that will help you to leave your addiction behind.
The cost of fentanyl addiction treatment
If you chose our clinic as the place to start your fentanyl abuse treatment, know that you have chosen an institution that will help you achieve complete recovery. This can only be done through personalized treatment programs, and due to that reason, the prices may vary. Contact us today to get the information regarding price and our methods.
Doctors
Doctors who are in charge of leading treatment for fentanyl addiction are experienced experts who have already undergone thousands of successful procedures like these. With proper therapy, all signs of fentanyl addiction can be eliminated in the quickest time possible.
Patents and certificates
In our fentanyl treatment center, all patients receive nothing but top-notch care, and we have many certificates and patents that demonstrate our ultimate devotion to providing the best possible conditions. For our work in fentanyl addiction treatment, we have been awarded multiple times at international medical gatherings.
- Katherine B.
„Even though I was addicted for a long time, I did not know what does fentanyl overdose feel like, until I went too far and had my own experience with fentanyl overdose. I barely survived and then quickly came to this fentanyl clinic for treatment, and I was amazed at the progress I was able to make in just a couple of days. After my fentanyl addiction treatment was completed, I began to feel like a brand new person.“
- Peter Z.
„I was afraid to admit that I had developed a fentanyl drug addiction, but everyone around me knew that something was wrong. Finally, I told my loved ones everything, and with their help, I came here for fentanyl addiction treatment. The amount of love and support I received during this time truly transformed my life.“
