Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate, which has been found to be 50-100 times more addictive than morphine. Fentanyl was originally developed as a narcotic pain reliever for use after surgery to treat severe pain. This substance is found within prescription opiates like Fentora, Sublimaze, and Duragesic, and is often prescribed in tablet, spray, lozenge, or patch form. Each form is highly addictive and potent, putting individuals at risk of a fatal overdose when misused.
Fentanyl abuse has been linked to a long list of physical and behavioral symptoms, including a rapid heartbeat, mood changes, hallucinations, chest tightness, ringing or pounding in the ears, loss of coordination, and abnormal thoughts. Individuals struggling with fentanyl abuse will likely show signs of fear from the prospect of going without the substance and may begin to distance themselves from loved ones.
Continued use of fentanyl can result in harsher and more persistent side effects, including:
- Confusion & Nervousness
- Convulsions
- Blurred Vision
- Labored Breathing
- Fainting & Fatigue
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Cough & Dry Mouth
- Fever or Chills
- Loss of Appetite
- Pale Skin
- Pain in Back or Side
- Tingling or Numbness in Hands, Lips, or Feet
- Ulcers or Sores in Mouth
- Swelling in Joints
Of course, one of the most common side effects of fentanyl, when used therapeutically, is addiction. As the body becomes used to the presence of the substance, it slowly builds a tolerance. This eventually requires the individual using the drug to take higher and higher doses, increasing the potential for dangerous side effects and addiction.
In the event that an individual stops using fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
Common withdrawal symptoms for fentanyl include:
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Sweating
- Joint, Back, and Muscle Pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Rapid Heartbeat and High Blood Pressure
- Cramping
- Restlessness
However, when participating in a Drug and Alcohol treatment program for Fentanyl abuse in Tennessee, these symptoms can be properly managed. Participating in an inpatient Fentanyl detox treatment program in Tennessee like this is often an individual’s first step to recovery when dealing with a fentanyl misuse disorder.