The need for fentanyl addiction treatment is on the rise in the Tampa Bay area. Fentanyl is often prescribed to patients suffering from severe pain, but like many other pain killer can be addictive if not used properly. The opioid is used for patients recovering from surgery, during cancer treatments or during major flare-ups. While this drug has some positive uses to help people cope with pain, it has now become wrapped up in the opioid crisis throughout Florida and the around world.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment: 5 Important Facts
When it comes to fentanyl addiction treatment, its important to remember that addiction can happen to anyone, so understanding when the use of Fentanyl is becoming a problem is vital.
Use these 5 fast facts to help you better understand the life-threatening effects of fentanyl use.
1. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine
It is typically reported that using fentanyl at levels higher than what is prescribed by a doctor can lead to euphoria similar to that of heroin use. Symptoms of fentanyl abuse include:
- Slowed breathing
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision issues
- Constipation
- Nausea
- And more
2. Fentanyl has many different names
There are many name brands of this drug on the market, and some of the common ones include Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze and Subsys. When it comes to street names for fentanyl, common ones include apache, China girl, China white, dance fever and TNT.
3. Fentanyl was first introduced to the US in the 1960s
Due to its addictive properties, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 labeled it as a Schedule II drug. Illicit versions of the drug began growing in frequency later in the 1970s.
4. Fentanyl stays in your system for almost a full day
5. Fentanyl is designed to block pain receptors in the brain and increase production of dopamine.
When taken through a needle, fentanyl can take anywhere from 11 to 22 hours to completely leave your system.
6. Mixing fentanyl with other drugs can be deadly
Combining fentanyl with other drugs drastically increases side effects and can lead to accidental overdose. Common reactions include tightness of the chest, seizures, irregular heartbeat and, in some cases, death.
A Holistic Approach to Addiction at Footprints Beachside Recovery
At Footprints Beachside Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment options to help tailor our care to each specific client. With the opioid crisis raging in Florida and across the nation, we know how important it is to provide holistic, evidence-based opioid addiction treatment that can help you recover from prescription painkiller and fentanyl addiction.
Speak with one our admissions specialists today and learn about the available treatment options at our recovery center.
