Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Prescott, AZ

Since many patients don’t believe opioid pain relievers (OPRs) such as fentanyl are not as addictive as heroin or other illegal drugs, there has been a significant increase in accidental and intentional abuse in recent years. Fentanyl substantially affects the central nervous system, causing an excessive flood of dopamine that chemically alters the brain as time goes on.

When patients experience such a neurochemical change, they ultimately become dependent. After exhausting their prescription, they often attempt to obtain fentanyl through illegal methods or even become addicted to heroin.

Building a tolerance for fentanyl’s narcotic properties can result in patients needing more of the drug to experience the sensations they felt when they started using it. Our professional staff can identify problematic behavior such as tolerance development or suffering withdrawal symptoms.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, can cause various short-term effects when someone becomes addicted:

• Euphoria and Relaxation: Fentanyl produces intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation, which can be immediate upon ingestion. This can lead to a rapid onset of addiction as individuals seek to recreate these feelings.
• Drowsiness and Sedation: Users may experience extreme drowsiness and sedation, sometimes to the point of losing consciousness. This effect can be dangerous, especially if someone is operating heavy machinery or driving.
• Confusion and Disorientation: Fentanyl's impact on the brain can cause confusion and disorientation, impairing cognitive abilities and decision-making.
• Respiratory Depression: One of the most dangerous short-term effects is respiratory depression. Fentanyl can significantly slow down breathing rates, potentially leading to respiratory arrest or death, especially in cases of overdose.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some users may experience nausea and vomiting shortly after taking fentanyl.
• Constipation: Opioids, including fentanyl, can cause constipation due to their impact on the digestive system.
• Tolerance and Dependence: With continued use, tolerance to fentanyl can develop rapidly, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects. This often leads to dependence, where the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally.

Long-term fentanyl addiction can result in various severe and sometimes irreversible effects on both physical and mental health:

• Tolerance and Dependence Escalation: Long-term use often leads to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Dependence becomes more profound, making it challenging to quit without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Physical Health Effects: Chronic fentanyl use can damage multiple bodily systems. Respiratory problems persist and worsen, potentially leading to respiratory failure or other severe breathing issues. It can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Fentanyl abuse can cause heart problems, including irregular heartbeats, increased risk of heart attack, and potential damage to the cardiovascular system.
• Gastrointestinal Complications: Long-term opioid use, including fentanyl, often leads to severe constipation, which can result in bowel issues and complications.
  Neurological Impact: Prolonged use of fentanyl can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting cognitive abilities, memory, and decision-making. Chronic use may increase the risk of developing neurological disorders.
• Psychological Effects: Mental health issues can worsen with long-term fentanyl addiction. Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders might become more severe or arise due to the substance abuse.
• Social and Behavioral Consequences: Addiction to fentanyl can lead to strained relationships, loss of employment, financial instability, and legal issues. The intense cravings and focus on obtaining and using the drug can lead to neglect of responsibilities and social isolation.
• Risk of Overdose: Long-term users are at a significantly higher risk of overdose due to the body's reduced sensitivity to the drug's effects. Overdose can result in respiratory failure, coma, or death.

Seeking professional help is crucial for individuals dealing with long-term fentanyl addiction. Treatment programs can help manage withdrawal symptoms, address underlying issues, and support individuals in their journey toward recovery.
 

There are few things more painful than watching someone you love struggle with an addiction to fentanyl. You do not have to be a trained medical professional or an addiction expert to play a meaningful role in your loved one's recovery.

If your spouse, parent, child, friend, or other loved one is abusing fentanyl, consider the following:

• Educate yourself as much as possible about addiction so you can truly understand what they are going through. The better you understand how these drugs affect a person's body and mind, the better prepared you will be to provide support.
• Do not delay. Promptly tell your loved one you are concerned about their wellbeing and urge them to seek treatment. Do not make the mistake of thinking that they need to hit "rock bottom" before getting help. You could be saving their life.
• Be careful with your tone. Approach them from a place of compassion, not judgment. They will be more receptive to your offers for help if they do not feel they are being shamed for their struggles.
• Understand that they may not seek help at first. Be persistent.
• If they refuse to acknowledge an obvious problem, consider staging an intervention with professional help.
• If they do decide to seek treatment, stay involved in their recovery journey. Attend meetings with them, check in with them regularly, and continue to offer your support. This is the time where they will need you the most.

Call us at (844) 292-5010 today.