Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, meaning it is created in a laboratory. Like so many pharmaceutical drugs, fentanyl was originally intended exclusively for medical use. Unsurprisingly, this highly addictive opioid was abused and soon became available on the street. It is used by some drug dealers to increase the addictiveness of other substances, and regular users of drugs such as heroin or cocaine may take fentanyl unknowingly. Between 50 and 100 times more potent than the opiate morphine, fentanyl is one of the most dangerous contributors to the opioid epidemic. If you or someone you love has become addicted to fentanyl, a fentanyl addiction treatment program is the safest way to begin your recovery.
Learn more about fentanyl abuse, opioid addiction, and addiction treatment by reaching out today to Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC). We can answer your questions and inform you of your rehab options in our fentanyl addiction treatment program. To connect with a staff member today, fill out this online form or call us at 844.442.8673.
Signs of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction
Because of its extreme potency, fentanyl is highly addictive. Even someone taking prescription fentanyl exactly as instructed by their physician can easily become dependent on it. Dependency can lead to addiction, which is the most severe form of a substance use disorder (SUD).
There are numerous signs of fentanyl abuse and addiction, including behavioral, psychological, and physical symptoms. They include:
- Poor work or academic performance
- Absenteeism
- Social withdrawal
- Drug-seeking behaviors, including doctor shopping, prescription stealing, or buying on the street
- Declining concentration
- Impaired memory, judgment, and decision-making
- Suicidal thoughts
- Drug cravings
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Loss of interest in anything but drug use
Of course, if you notice drug-taking paraphernalia such as needles, spoons, or pipes, physical scars or track marks, or a tendency to wear long-sleeved clothing in all climates and seasons, you have additional warning signs that there is a problem.
A surefire sign of dependence and addiction is the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is withheld or unavailable. The fear of withdrawal often prevents those with a fentanyl or other opioid addiction from seeking help. But remember — withdrawal ends, which means life can continue.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Any drug to which someone is addicted poses serious risks to health and well-being, financial security, relationships, and more. It is important to know that there are certain things about fentanyl that make it especially dangerous. For example:
- Its extreme potency
- How fast it interacts with the brain
- Associated high risk of overdose
- Lack of transparency by dealers regarding its use in other drugs
- Lack of education about its effects and potency
It is important that physicians who choose to prescribe fentanyl for extreme pain clearly explain its risks to their patients. Education in schools, community centers, as well as addiction treatment facilities about fentanyl facts can help people avoid fentanyl abuse, addiction, and overdose.
If you or someone you love has already become dependent on or addicted to fentanyl — or any opioid — seek professional fentanyl addiction treatment.
PAATC’s Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
Opioid addiction affects millions of Americans every year. Only about 10% of people with a substance use disorder receive the treatment they need. At PAATC, we have a fentanyl addiction treatment program to address the specific factors that affect people addicted to this dangerously powerful opioid.
Learn about the evidence-based treatments offered at PAATC, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Our staff is on hand to answer your questions about fentanyl abuse and addiction and how we can help. Give us a call at 844.442.8673 or complete this online form to speak to someone today.
