Addiction to any kind of substance can be incredibly devastating, and professional treatment to overcome the use of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, benzodiazepines, and more is crucial. This can be especially true for those overcoming the use of fentanyl. Fentanyl is not just an incredibly potent and dangerous drug with intense ramifications on a person’s mental and physical health, but its intense addictive properties demand professional treatment to understand and overcome. The Redpoint Center’s dedicated outpatient drug treatment programs are paramount to overcoming fentanyl addiction and facilitating a healthier, sober life.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid originally designed for medical use only in circumstances to relieve intense pain. However, while its use in a medical setting is highly regulated, there are many illicit forms of fentanyl that have made their way to street markets, and their use is continuing to grow. In 2021 alone, about 70,000 overdose deaths were reported from synthetic opioids, primarily through the use of fentanyl.
However, this number does not account for the various other ways in which fentanyl may be affecting a person’s life or those who overdosed on the drug and survived. This stark and drastic spike in destructive outcomes as a result of fentanyl continues to rise, making addressing fentanyl addiction paramount across the United States.
Fentanyl is also approximately 100 times more potent than morphine. Between its intense potency and ubiquity across the country, being able to identify signs of fentanyl addiction in friends, family, and loved ones is crucial to pursuing professional help as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, not all of those who engage with fentanyl and experience its negative consequences may be knowingly doing so, adding to its dangerous potential as those not knowingly processing its effects can be at an increased risk of overdose and other effects.
The Forms of Fentanyl
Fentanyl’s ubiquity can also be attributed to its many forms. Not only are there multiple forms and methods of administering the drug, but it is also commonly cut into other substances when purchased illicitly, even without an individual knowing. Those purchasing marijuana, for example, may inadvertently receive some of the drug cut with fentanyl in an effort to increase its addictive properties and the potency of its effects. This is also common in substances like heroin or can masquerade as other drugs entirely, making it difficult for even those engaging with illicit substances to know if they are taking fentanyl or unknowingly developing an addiction to the drug.
Because of these factors, being cognizant of the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction is paramount, with education being the first step to helping oneself or a loved one identify fentanyl addiction and begin healing at The Redpoint Center.
Identifying the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl can have fast-acting and drastic effects on an individual. Some of the immediate signs of fentanyl addiction and use include:
- Dizzyness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constricted pupils
- Compromised motor skills
- Slurred speech
- Fragmented thought patterns
- Sudden changes in energy levels or hyperactivity
- Insomnia or inconsistent sleep schedules
- Disorientation or confusion
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
However, there can be even more signs of fentanyl addiction in daily life, even while not under the immediate effects of fentanyl use. Sudden changes in professional attendance or workplace performance, the onset of sudden financial challenges, a self-isolating lifestyle, disinterest in previous hobbies, and inability or unwillingness to tend to responsibilities are all common among those with a fentanyl addiction. Professional and dedicated drug treatment is essential for not just challenging the immediate effects of fentanyl use but overcoming addiction and each way in which fentanyl may continue to impact daily life and the lives of those closest to them.
Finding Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
There is nothing simple about overcoming fentanyl addiction, but identifying the need for treatment is always the first step. At Redpoint, the holistic approach to drug treatment is embedded into each program. The use of proven therapeutic techniques utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) combined with an essence of community and camaraderie are all designed to challenge feelings of isolation while educating those beginning their healing journey in outpatient care to recognize the extensive effects of fentanyl use and addiction.
These programs are also backed by comprehensive experiential therapies to help those in recovery define their new sober lives and identities. The use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is also available to address particular symptoms and challenges, such as withdrawal, physical aches and pains, or emotional challenges that commonly accompany the cessation of such an addictive and powerful drug.
There is no replacement for professional treatment in overcoming fentanyl addiction. With the drastic consequences of unaddressed fentanyl use, finding the right treatment plan for each individual is paramount. However, recovery and sobriety are always possible, and Redpoint is proud to help take this first profound and important step toward healing and a new and sober future.
Fentanyl demands professional attention to address. The professionals and community available at Redpoint’s multiple locations throughout Colorado can help you find the most effective and personalized approach to overcoming fentanyl addiction in your life. Our outpatient programs combine proven therapeutic modalities and strategies for navigating recovery from drug use with personalized healing strategies to address the ways in which fentanyl may have affected other areas of your life. From personal growth and spiritual healing to emotional support and family programs, we are committed to helping you navigate the most holistic care possible while still managing your own daily life outside of our facility. For more information on how we can help you address fentanyl, call us today at (303) 710-8496.
