Fentanyl Addiction & Treatment

Fentanyl Addiction
Detoxification

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain, most commonly in cancer patients. Fentanyl is between 50 and 100 times more potent than morphine, and in recent years fentanyl misuse, dependence, and overdose have been major causes for concern across the country. Today, this synthetic opioid narcotic is being manufactured illegally and combined with other substances like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana to increase their potency and street value. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 56% from 2019 to 2020. The number of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2020 was more than 18 times the number in 2013. More than 56,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids in 2020. The latest provisional drug overdose death counts through June 2021 suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.” If you or someone you love has been suffering from a fentanyl use disorder of any severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our program of medical fentanyl detox helps clients undergo a safe, pain-free withdrawal while actively preparing them for continued success in sobriety. Contact us today to learn more. 

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Fentanyl is a potent prescription narcotic that is between 50 and 100 times more potent than morphine. Medically, fentanyl is used to treat severe pain. It is often prescribed to cancer patients, for short-term use following a major surgical procedure, or to those who are resistant to less potent pain relievers. When prescribed by a medical professional, fentanyl can be given as a shot, applied as a patch that is placed directly on the skin, or taken in a lozenge form.

The illegally manufactured fentanyl associated with many recent overdose deaths is man-made in labs. Synthetic fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder or pressed into pills which are made to resemble other prescription opioids.

This specific medication is always prescribed as a short-term treatment because of its high potential for misuse and dependence. When used other than as prescribed, fentanyl is exceedingly dangerous and can easily lead to accidental overdose. Ingesting slightly more of the substance than the body can handle is often lethal. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports, “Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. In 2017, 59.8 percent of opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl compared to 14.3 percent in 2010.” 

Because it takes such a small amount of fentanyl for the user to experience a high, many drug dealers are now cutting illegal drugs with fentanyl to increase their potency. Some individuals who struggle with addictive disorders concerning drugs like heroin or cocaine will unwittingly develop a fentanyl use disorder over time, because they have been ingesting the synthetic drug without their awareness. 

Individuals who have been struggling with an opioid use disorder will typically exhibit a wide range of behavioral, psychological and physical symptoms. If you believe you or someone close to you might be struggling with a fentanyl use disorder of any severity, there are several signs and symptoms to look for.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) outlines a list of diagnostic criteria associated with opioid use disorder. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, entering into a treatment program of some degree is likely a good idea. However, it is important to note that symptoms associated with fentanyl addiction vary in severity, and a multi-staged program of recovery is not an ideal option for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about what type of treatment program will best meet your unique, personal needs. 

The DSM-V diagnostic criteria  for a fentanyl use disorder are outlined below. Ask yourself the following questions when attempting to determine whether or not professional treatment is right for you. 

1. Do you often use more fentanyl than intended for a longer period of time than intended?
2. Have you attempted to cut back on the amount of fentanyl you ingest only to find yourself unable to cut back or quit for an extended period of time?
3. Do you spend a significant amount of time obtaining fentanyl, using fentanyl and recovering from its effects?
4. Are you often consumed by thoughts of using fentanyl, or do you experience cravings for fentanyl throughout the day?
5. Does using fentanyl or recovering from the effects of fentanyl affect your ability to take care of personal responsibilities and obligations?
6. Has fentanyl use caused issues and interpersonal problems between you and your family and/or friends?
7. Have you given up activities you previously enjoyed because of your fentanyl use?
8. Have you experienced an increase in risk-taking activities as a result of your fentanyl use, like combining fentanyl with other chemical substances, driving while under the influence of fentanyl, or obtaining fentanyl illegally?
9. Have you experienced worsening symptoms of a physical or mental health problem as a direct result of your fentanyl use?
10. Have you developed a physical tolerance, meaning a larger amount of fentanyl is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved?
11. Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using fentanyl abruptly?

Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain that process pain and emotion. Common side effects of fentanyl use include:

• Increased feelings of pleasure and euphoria. 
• Drowsiness/inability to stay awake. 
• Vacillating in and out of consciousness (nodding out). 
• Nausea and vomiting. 
• Increased body temperature. 
• Respiratory depression. 
• Coma and death (in the case of overdose). 

When the body is exposed to any chemical substance it begins to make adjustments, adapting to the presence of the substance over time. If the body, brain, and central nervous system become accustomed to the presence of fentanyl, attempting to quit suddenly and without medical supervision and treatment can be dangerous. Medically monitored fentanyl detox is often an important initial step on the road to recovery.

At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center, we understand how difficult making the decision to seek professional help for fentanyl addiction can be. Because this specific opioid narcotic is so potent and habit-forming, and because withdrawal symptoms can be so severe, quitting might seem like an impossibility. Cravings are often extremely intense and the physical pain of withdrawal might seem like too much to overcome. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to making the detox process as comfortable and pain-free as possible while helping our clients get started on the necessary road to addiction recovery.

Quitting cold turkey can result in serious health complications, from respiratory depression to coma and stroke. If you have been struggling with a fentanyl use disorder and have been unable to successfully quit on your own, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our team of licensed medical professionals has extensive experience treating the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal, which are similar to the withdrawal symptoms associated with any opioid but often more intense based on the potency. These symptoms might include:

• Profuse sweating.
• Fever and hot and cold flashes.
• Body aches and muscle stiffness.
• Gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Insomnia and interrupted sleep patterns.
• Runny nose.
• Watery eyes.
• In inability to stay alert; nodding off.

At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we offer a combination of proven treatment modalities, delivering an integrated program of recovery that concerns more than physical stabilization. For those suffering from a moderate or severe fentanyl use disorder, the following treatment options typically come recommended.

• Medical detox. In medical detox a person undergoes a safe and comfortable fentanyl withdrawal under the close supervision of a team of medical professionals. 
• Residential inpatient treatment. This is the most intensive treatment option; residential programs typically last for between 30 and 90 days depending on the needs of the individual. Most inpatient programs incorporate individual, group, and family therapy, 12 Step program education and involvement, and holistic treatment modalities to provide a comprehensive treatment experience. 
• Partial hospitalization. This level of care is a step down from inpatient treatment, and includes full days of intensive therapeutic care (usually 7 days a week) with the freedom to return home in the evenings. 

• Intensive outpatient treatment. Also known as IOP, this level of care is ideal for those who have completed a short stay in medical detox and are looking for a flexible treatment option with an ample amount of personal freedom. IOP is ideal for those with an extremely short-lived fentanyl use disorder and no co-occurring issues. 

• Outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment, or OP, is one more step down from IOP, with group sessions typically only meeting between 2 or 3 times a week for several hours. 

• Aftercare. Because fentanyl addiction is a chronic health condition, ongoing treatment is necessary to longer term recovery. Most aftercare plans consist of ongoing involvement in a peer support group (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Recovery Dharma) and ongoing individual therapy. 

• 12 Step program involvement. While many recovering individuals choose to participate in a 12 Step recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, there are numerous other options available. Peer support is often an important part of most aftercare plans. 

• Individual therapy and/or ongoing psychiatric services. Because many individuals who suffer from a fentanyl use disorder simultaneously struggle with co-occurring issues, ongoing therapy and/or psychiatric care often come recommended.

Fentanyl addiction recovery is a multi-staged process, one that includes more than medically monitored detox. While fentanyl detox is an important first step, it must be followed by a comprehensive program of treatment and aftercare in order to be effective long-term. Once a client has been physically stabilized we will work with them closely to determine which subsequent treatment option would be the best fit. We then help them smoothly transition into the next appropriate level of care. Transitioning from detox directly into an inpatient rehab center has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse significantly.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a fentanyl use disorder of any severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our medically monitored fentanyl detox program was designed with client comfort in mind. We provide our clients with a safe, pain-free fentanyl withdrawal in a therapeutic setting, actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help you will be put in contact with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors, who will help you determine whether or not our fentanyl detox program is right for you. If we believe our program is a good fit, we will proceed with a brief pre-assessment and a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check. We accept coverage from most major national health insurance providers as well as most regional providers throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. To learn more about fentanyl addiction and treatment or to begin your own personal journey of fentanyl addiction recovery, contact us today.