Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is 100 times more powerful than morphine and has an extreme rate of abuse, addiction, and overdose. The effects of fentanyl addiction can be very devastating, as it can lead to serious medical complications, permanent brain damage, organ failure, and death. If you are taking fentanyl to treat pain, you should be aware of the dangers of fentanyl abuse and the risks that are involved with taking this powerful opioid. And, if you struggle with addiction of any kind, you should know that illicit fentanyl often appears in counterfeit and other unregulated drugs.

NorthStar Clinical Services offers fentanyl rehab and other forms of addiction treatment at our center in Charlotte, NC. We provide evidence-based substance abuse and co-occurring mental health treatment for clients entering the early stages of recovery. Find the help you or a loved one needs. Look to NorthStar for guidance by calling 888.373.8052 now.

A Potent Synthetic Drug

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and comes with a high rate of overdose and death. In some cases, a 2mg dose of fentanyl can be fatal. As a prescription, fentanyl effectively treats severe, acute pain. If you take more than prescribed or mix fentanyl with alcohol or other drugs, it can heighten the effects and cause your body to crave the increased effects.

Illicit fentanyl is a primary concern for those living with addiction and their families. Unregulated versions of the drug are often cut into counterfeit Xanax, OxyContin, and other prescriptions, as well as cocaine, heroin, and meth. Without a high tolerance to powerful opioids, even one use of a drug laced with illicit fentanyl can lead to overdose.

The Effects of Fentanyl Addiction

The effects of fentanyl addiction can include behavioral and physical symptoms that you should be familiar with if you or a loved one is taking fentanyl or other opioids. Behavioral effects include lying about their drug abuse, pulling away from friends and family, and losing interest in activities that they used to enjoy. Those who abuse fentanyl can also experience increasing anxiety, paranoia, and frequent mood swings. The physical effects of fentanyl addiction include:

• Sudden weight loss
• Malnourishment
• A lack of personal hygiene
• Slow or difficulty breathing
• Decreased heart rate
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal complications
• Physical withdrawals
• Intense cravings for more fentanyl

At NorthStar Clinical Services, we are well aware of the effects of fentanyl use and welcome individuals who are ready to work on regaining control of their lives. At the start of your recovery, we will go over your treatment plan with you and answer any questions you have about the experience and what you can expect.

Treating Opioid Addiction

Addiction is a treatable condition that requires a deep understanding of the person’s family history, peer relationships, and life experiences. Knowing what started the abuse is the first step in stopping the addiction and building a healthy lifestyle.

Here is what you can expect after enrolling in a treatment program that treats fentanyl addiction:

• Medication-assisted treatment – Using medication to ease withdrawals and cravings is effective when combined with behavioral therapies that treat the psychological aspect of addiction. Medical staff will administer medications and monitor each patient during their recovery program. They will make adjustments to the dosage to find the right combination to treat all withdrawal symptoms.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT is one of the most widely used therapies for treating addiction and other mental health conditions. It helps clients learn to identify what triggers their harmful behaviors and replace them with healthier ways to cope with the underlying issues behind the abuse. CBT and other types of behavioral therapies have proven results in reducing addictive behaviors and teaching a number of beneficial coping skills.
• Family therapy – Another important aspect of treating addiction is rebuilding family relationships. During recovery, all family members are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions to resolve lingering conflicts and begin rebuilding trust. Families will also learn about the harmful effects of addiction and how to create a stable and supportive home environment.

Understanding addiction is important for anyone who is prescribed fentanyl or knows someone who is misusing substances. Abusing fentanyl can cause serious health complications that will only worsen the longer it continues.

Reach Out for Help from NorthStar Clinical Services

Addiction can destroy relationships, cause extreme isolation, and result in long-term health effects. But recovery is possible, and we’re here to help. Contact NorthStar Clinical Services online or call 888.373.8052 and talk with one of our admissions counselors today. We are standing by, ready to be a guiding light on your path to recovery.