Fentanyl: What Is It?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is prescribed to relieve serious pain and is usually given after surgery or if a person with chronic pain or cancer has become tolerant to other opioid medications. The effects of fentanyl can be compared to those of morphine, but it can be up to 100 times stronger. Some common brand names of prescription fentanyl include:
- Actiq – lozenge on a stick like a lollipop
- Duragesic – skin patch
- Sublimaze – injectable liquid
- Subsys – sublingual spray
- Abstral – quick-dissolve tablet
- Lazanda – nasal spray
Along with pain relief, fentanyl can produce a sensation of euphoria, which can lead to abuse, like taking a higher dose than prescribed, or using fentanyl in ways not prescribed (like snorting or injecting it or scraping the gel out of patches. Combining fentanyl with other drugs and alcohol is another form of fentanyl abuse.
Fentanyl is also made in illegal labs and sold as a powder, pressed pills, liquid put into eye droppers or nasal sprays, or even as drops on blotter paper. It can be snorted, ingested, smoked, or injected into the bloodstream. Common names for street fentanyl or fentanyl-laced heroin are:
- China white, China Town, or China Girl
- Dance fever
- Poison
- Apache
- Murder-8
- Goodfellas
- Friend
- Tango and Cash
- Jackpot
- TNT
- Great Bear
- He-Man
The abuse of fentanyl is extremely dangerous, carrying a high risk of overdose, which can occur even upon first use. This potent drug induces sensations of euphoria and relaxation but is also accompanied by adverse effects such as nausea and confusion. Notably, fentanyl can significantly depress the nervous and respiratory systems, leading to hypoxia – a state where not enough oxygen reaches the bloodstream. This can result in overdose, brain damage, and even death. It’s crucial to recognize these risks and seek help if struggling with fentanyl abuse. Drug rehab facilities Los Angeles are equipped to handle such severe cases of substance abuse. These centers provide specialized treatment and care, offering a safe space for recovery and the necessary medical intervention to prevent such dire consequences.
Detox for Fentanyl Addiction
Addiction, overdose, and other serious health problems associated with fentanyl abuse and addiction can only truly be avoided by quitting, which can be easier said than done. It is extremely difficult for many people to stop using opioid drugs, as they cause changes to the brain and body that may result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes continuing to use the drugs can feel like a better choice than going through withdrawal from fentanyl, and this is why, if you are wondering how to quit fentanyl, a professional medical detox program is a good idea if you want to quit.
Common withdrawal symptoms you may experience if quitting fentanyl include:
- Severe drug cravings
- Muscle and bone pain
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Cold flashes, goosebumps, and flu-like symptoms
- Sleep problems leading to exhaustion
If you want to stop using fentanyl without suffering, consider the medical detox program offered at the Muse treatment center. At Muse, we provide a comprehensive medical program that combines the use of traditional methods, evidence-based treatments, and holistic treatments, working to heal you as a whole person rather than focusing solely on getting the drugs out of your body. As part of our commitment to a full recovery journey, we recognize the value of sober living environments post-detox. That’s why we also recommend considering Newport Beach sober living options as a part of your ongoing recovery process. Our well-rounded inpatient medical detox program includes the following:
- A thorough intake procedure, where we get to know more about you, your medical history, and your history of addiction. We will work with you to create a program that suits your individual needs.
- 24-hour medical care, with staff on-site day and night to make sure you are safe, healthy, and comfortable
- A supportive drug- and alcohol-free environment, offering therapy and counseling services to help you with difficult thoughts and emotions and to show you new ways to deal with discomfort and anxiety
- Medications may be prescribed to help you avoid certain withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Dual-diagnosis treatments may begin right away to help you deal with co-occurring mental health issues - After your initial detox is complete (between 5 and 14 days on average), you may be placed in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program to continue using your positive momentum.
Learn about which household items can be abused to get high in our blog below:
How to Quit Fentanyl With the Help of Addiction Experts
Once you complete detox, the next step will be a customized rehabilitation program. For some, a 30- to 90-day stay in residential (inpatient) rehab is the best course of action. This is where you move into the treatment center full-time (it is what people are referring to when they say that somebody has “gone to rehab.”) At Muse Treatment Center, you will receive a combination of a variety of therapies and treatments during the day in a structured schedule, with free time at night. Treatments may include:
- Behavioral therapy
- One-on-one therapy
- Group therapy and process groups
- Family therapy
- Nutrition and fitness programs
- Art therapy
- Mindfulness practice
- EMDR
- Educational programs and lectures
- Dual diagnosis programs
- Life skills programs
- Relapse prevention training
- Spirituality and 12-step methodologies
- Structured daily living
Your program will include ongoing medical care, and for many who quit opioids, there is also a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, providing ongoing medication management services, so you can slowly taper the opioids out of your system instead of quitting cold turkey. For many people, it can make all the difference in their recovery because inpatient rehab gets them out of their old habits and environments and into a sober supportive place away from temptation.
There are levels of outpatient rehab that may follow inpatient detox and/or inpatient rehab, in which you live outside of the treatment center but come back on a set schedule for therapy and treatment. These are:
- The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – 5 to 7 days a week of full-day treatments
- The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – a flexible, milestone-based outpatient program with several hours a day, several days a week of treatment as you live your life, go to work, etc.
- Aftercare treatments – you are never alone in your sobriety with Muse. We offer connections to doctors, therapists, peer groups, alumni groups, 12-step groups, and other resources that last a lifetime
The Importance of Addiction Therapy
Beverly Hills drug rehab treatment recognizes that addiction extends beyond a physical affliction, encompassing social, emotional, and psychological dimensions that demand comprehensive care. Overcoming a substance use disorder involves addressing these multifaceted aspects. Relapse, often triggered by life events, boredom, or loneliness, underscores the importance of recognizing signs and acquiring coping mechanisms during addiction treatment. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab in Beverly Hills offer access to diverse therapy options, facilitating a profound exploration of the underlying causes of addiction. This approach ensures comprehensive healing rather than merely treating symptoms. Through therapy, individuals gain insights into the motivations and emotions behind their actions, fostering a deeper understanding of addiction. Armed with a diverse set of tools to navigate emotional pain, individuals are equipped to build a better, sober future in the vibrant
Quit Fentanyl and Change Your Life
If you are struggling with figuring out how to quit fentanyl or if you are trying to figure out how to get the help you need, please call Muse Treatment Center at (866) 336-9037 today. We are an addiction treatment center specializing in integrated treatment programs, providing holistic care with medical treatment, mental health care, behavioral therapy, and much more.
With comprehensive medication-assisted care and medical detox protocols, you will not suffer as you wean your body off of this powerful drug. We will help you get to the underlying root of your addiction, provide you with new relapse prevention skills, and help you gain the confidence in yourself that you need to get healthy and take back control over your life after fentanyl addiction.
