Treating Fentanyl Addiction in Port Matilda, PA
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has emerged as a leading cause of drug overdoses in the United States. Despite its legitimate medical uses when prescribed by a doctor, the illicit use of fentanyl poses severe risks and can quickly lead to addiction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.” Recognizing the dangers and identifying warning signs is crucial for initiating timely treatment and potentially saving lives.
St. Joseph Institute, located near State College, PA, specializes in comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals grappling with fentanyl use, as well as the misuse of other prescription opioids.
What is Fentanyl?
Originally intended for severe pain management, fentanyl has found its way into illicit drug markets, contributing significantly to the surge in opioid-related overdose deaths. What makes fentanyl especially dangerous is its potency, being 50 to 100 times stronger than the typical dose of morphine prescribed by doctors.
Fentanyl, often odorless and tasteless, is available in various forms, including injections, IV drips, pain patches, lollipops, pills or film, powder, and liquid. It is frequently added to substances like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, unbeknownst to users, heightening the risk of unintentional overdoses.
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, surpassed prescription opioids as the leading cause of overdose deaths by 2016, with 19,413 fatalities attributed to synthetic opioids out of a total of 42,248 opioid-related deaths that year.
Fentanyl Use is on the Rise
Even though fentanyl is so potentially lethal, it creates for users an intense high that is very appealing. In addition to relieving pain, fentanyl can also produce sedative effects, leading to relaxation, drowsiness, peace, and euphoria.
Despite its legitimate medical applications, such as pain management during cancer treatment and post-surgical recovery, fentanyl is frequently misused by patients, especially when they develop tolerance to it and require more of it to feel the same pain relief. Commonly known by brand names like Actiq, Sublimaze, and Duragesic, these prescriptions contribute to the growing concern surrounding opioid addiction.
The Effects of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of mental and physical side effects. Prolonged use can result in severe complications, both physical and behavioral:
- A weakened immune system
- Chronic constipation
- Seizures
- Withdrawal from social connections
- Loss of motivation for work or activities
- Rapid mood swings
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Impaired judgment
- Loss of appetite
Warning Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl, when used alone, can be fatal; when mixed with other substances like heroin, the risks escalate. Recognizing the warning signs of an opioid overdose is crucial for prompt action. Symptoms may include:
- Small or constricted pupils
- Difficulty walking or talking
- Dizziness
- Fainting/unconsciousness
- Shallow breathing
- Gurgling sounds
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Cold and clammy skin
- Unresponsiveness.
In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention and a call to 911 are essential. Naloxone can help reverse the effects, though multiple doses may be necessary depending on the amount of fentanyl consumed.
Withdrawing from Fentanyl
Withdrawal from fentanyl is a challenging and painful process. If you or a loved one suspect you might be addicted to fentanyl or another prescription opioid, don’t try to quit on your own. Talk to your doctor, or call our admissions office to ask about being admitted for medical detox. In addition to severe cravings for fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Irritability, anxiety, and depression
- Restlessness
- Weakness and exhaustion
- Aches and pains
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Sweating, chills, or fever
- Insomnia
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Treatment for Fentanyl or Opioid Addiction
Depending on the level of fentanyl dependence, most clients admitted for fentanyl misuse or addiction will begin their stay with medically supervised detox. With 24/7 supervision, our healthcare team will keep you safe, using medications and holistic therapies as needed to minimize the discomfort of withdrawal.
Detox is not the end of treatment. For a full recovery and long-term well-being, we recommend inpatient or intensive outpatient care. Both treatment tracks provide individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, relapse prevention, family programming, and continuing care. Our residential clients benefit from holistic programming as well, with access to yoga and Tai chi classes, an aqua therapy bed, classes about mindfulness and meditation, and time to relax in the sauna, hot tub, and endless pool.
Our center’s alumni program features continued access to therapy, alumni support groups and events, retreats, and the CaredFor app, which alumni can use to track sobriety time, read articles and resource material, and receive support from recovery experts.
Dual Diagnosis and Chronic Pain Treatment Options
It’s quite possible that you or your loved one’s fentanyl or opioid addiction is driven by or has resulted in a mental health disorder. Depression and anxiety disorders are often at play in people struggling with substance use disorders. This is because difficult feelings and chronic stress are easy to temporarily “fix” with substance use. Over time, the substances used to self-medicate become more and more heavily used, leading to addiction.
The same is true for those suffering from chronic pain that may have driven the misuse of prescription opioids. Fear of the pain returning becomes a mental block that makes it difficult to break the addiction.
In both cases, St. Joseph’s team can help. Our mental health professionals provide a mental health assessment to determine whether mental health disorders are at play and cater the treatment program to address both the mental health and the substance use disorder simultaneously. We also help clients who suffer from chronic pain learn how to manage that pain in ways that do not compromise their health.
Help for Fentanyl Addiction at St. Joseph Institute
If you or a loved one is grappling with addiction, St. Joseph Institute in Central Pennsylvania offers specialized treatment programs for substance use disorders. Our “co-occurring capable” approach addresses both substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive care. Contact us to find out more about what we have to offer.
