When someone talks about opioid addiction, one of the most common discussion topics is the drug fentanyl. This drug is a synthetic opiate that is more potent than other drugs that come from the opium plant, making it ripe for abuse. Unfortunately, all too often, this abuse quickly turns to addiction, which is difficult to overcome alone. Fortunately, treatment centers like Tides Edge Detox Center in Jacksonville, Florida can help individuals put an end to Fentanyl’s hold on their lives, allowing them to move forward with hope.
To learn about our detox center or our other substance abuse detox programs, please contact Tides Edge Detox Center today at 866.723.3127.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful opiate that was developed in 1960 and was approved for medical use by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States in 1968. Fentanyl was targeted to treat severe pain and chemotherapy pain. It is more than 100 times as potent as morphine and heroin. This makes it extremely dangerous when used recreationally or in an abusive manner.
Fentanyl comes in several forms, including pills, patches, and lollipops. When you take it, your brain releases a rush of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that induces pleasant and calming feelings and emotions. It’s also a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows down your breathing and heart rate.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl misuse can be extremely dangerous. Here’s why:
- Just three milligrams of Fentanyl can be fatal
- In 2016 alone, Fentanyl was involved in more than 20,000 overdose deaths in the US
Opiate abuse and addiction rates have consistently increased over the past ten years, especially among young adults. Opiate abuse among Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 has doubled in the past 15 years. Fatal overdoses have also dramatically increased. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 50 and the overall leading cause of accidental death nationwide.
How Long Do the Effects of Fentanyl Last?
The effects of Fentanyl can last for 6–8 hours, depending on the method of administration. Some users will open patches and smoke or ingest the contents in order to create a more intense high. When the effects of Fentanyl wear off, you experience a comedown because you suddenly have a significant dopamine deficiency.
During addiction, your brain can become dependent on Fentanyl in order to release the proper amounts of dopamine. Your brain’s pleasure and reward center can also begin to associate Fentanyl with pleasure and reward your use of it with a rush of pleasurable neurotransmitters. When you don’t use it, you can deal with intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 hours of your last use. This makes it difficult to remain clean and sober without help from a program like ours.
Should You Consider Fentanyl Detox Before Rehab?
Prescription opiates, like OxyContin and Fentanyl, are extremely powerful and highly addictive. Fentanyl is especially potent. Like other opiates, Fentanyl is physically addictive, meaning that you can experience painful and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it. For instance, many people trying to stop using it may experience symptoms such as:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Bone pain or muscle spasms
- Restless sleeping or insomnia
- Intense cravings
However, a detox program before rehab can help individuals with the worst of these symptoms. When you struggle with an addiction to this drug, it can damage your physical health, finances, and relationships. If you’re ready to begin the first step of recovery, you may want to complete a program at a fentanyl detox center before a rehab program(check out a virtual tour of ours here). This treatment program in Jacksonville, Florida helps you safely and comfortably withdraw from this drug.
What to Expect from a Fentanyl Detox Program
Our program focuses on helping you successfully withdraw from Fentanyl in a safe, supportive environment. You can choose to attend an inpatient or outpatient fentanyl detox treatment program. The more severe your addiction is, the more likely it is that an inpatient fentanyl detox program is the best fit for your needs.
A fentanyl addiction program can offer:
- Medication-assisted therapy
- Holistic treatments
- Discharge planning
- Referrals to inpatient and outpatient programs
- Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Fentanyl detox treatment programs before rehab commonly utilize medications like suboxone and methadone to help reduce and control your withdrawal symptoms. Each center can offer unique services. It is important to talk to a detox center or complete a virtual tour of it before arriving to ensure the program is a good fit for you.
Withdrawal symptoms usually last for no more than one week. However, you can experience some post-acute withdrawal symptoms for weeks or even months after completing treatment at a Florida fentanyl addiction program, making it important to continue treatment following inpatient detox treatment.
Reach Out to a Fentanyl Detox Center in Florida for Help Today
When you are trying to recover from a substance abuse disorder, getting help from an accredited program is the first step in your recovery. Tides Edge Detox Center in Jacksonville, Florida provides individuals with the necessary support and care through the withdrawal process and to recovery.
Withdrawal from Fentanyl (or even a prescription drug like benzos) can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it must happen for your recovery to be successful. Call us today at 866.723.3127 to find out more about our premier detox programs and your treatment options.