Treating Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a pharmaceutical drug often used as an anesthetic. Users experience a feeling of euphoria, pain relief, relaxation, and comfort when they use this drug. Unfortunately, though cheaper than many other opioids, it is often misused and makes users addicted. Therefore, it is important to find a facility that can help treat fentanyl addiction.
Describing Fentanyl Addiction
This drug was first developed in1960s as a pain-relieving agent and quickly rose to become one of the best painkillers worldwide. It is highly potent and several times more powerful than morphine. It can be used orally, intravenously, nasally, or topically to relieve pain. This, coupled with the fact that it is cheaper than many other in the market, make it a favorite for many. But, unfortunately, it also means that many people have abused it.
Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Users abusing this drug will have the following symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Sedation
- Vomiting
Fentanyl Withdrawal
The withdrawal of this drug becomes an issue after the addiction kicks in. When this happens, the withdrawal effects include:
- Cravings
- Nausea
- Cold sweat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Agitation
In severe cases, prolonged use of this drug leads to brain damage and comas, more so when combined with other substances. In addition, most users experience hypoxia, which is decreased amount of oxygen to the brain, slowing down breathing and eventually stopping to breathe. When this happens, most people go into comas and experience permanent brain damage, and, in the worst scenario, die.
Why Do People Take Fentanyl?
Originally, the drug was developed as a painkiller that helped patients with chronic pain such as the pain from cancer. Some people used it to help them get sleep especially when they suffered from insomnia caused by pain.
Unfortunately, over time people get addicted to it that theyu end up using it regularly when they shouldn’t. This often leads to poisoning especially when an overdose happens. The poisoning shows up as :
- sleepiness
- trouble breathing (it may sound like snoring)
- slow, shallow breathing
- cold, clammy skin
- unresponsiveness to pain or a person’s voice
Telling When one is Addicted to Fentanyl
Now that you know the severe consequences of long-term use of this drug, it is possible to intervene when a loved one is hooked. You should be able to identify signs and indicators that show the presence of the addiction. This way, you can intervene and save a life. Common signs include:
- Sudden weight loss
- Nervousness
- Fatigue
- Urinary retention
- Depression
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Poor coordination
- Respiration depression
- Low blood pressure
- Coma
- declined personal hygiene
- Unexplained mood changes
- financial troubles
- Missing important appointments
- Disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed
Once you realize that addiction is possible, you should act fast. First, convince your loved one to seek assistance at a facility of choice. The goal is to get them off the drugs as soon as possible. This can best and safely be done at a licensed facility with the qualified professional and necessary resources to guarantee successful addiction reversal.
