Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Overview: Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Ontario
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health is here to help those looking for fentanyl addiction treatment in Ontario. Our inpatient treatment facility is located just outside of Toronto (GTA), and for those unable to join us at our facility, we offer a virtual outpatient program for fentanyl addiction treament in Ontario and across Canada.
Table of contents
Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
The potency of fentanyl makes it extremely dangerous, as even a small dose can cause serious harm or death. The body may become physically dependent on fentanyl after just a few uses, which is why fentanyl is extremely addictive.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that has gained notoriety in recent years for its role in the opioid epidemic. For relieving pain, this medication is often prescribed to cancer patients and is said to be 50-100 times more powerful than morphine. There is a considerable danger of addiction, overdose, and death because to its highly addictive and euphoric properties, but it is also extensively misused. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of fentanyl use disorder, including its causes, effects, withdrawal, and treatment options.
Symptoms and Effects of Fentanyl Addiction
The pathway to opioid use disorder, like fentanyl addiction, can start from misuse of a prescription or from the illegal purchases made on the street. The truth is anyone who utilizes opioids is at risk of developing an addiction. Opioids hold high addiction probability because of physiological reactions in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Doctors prescribe Fentanyl to those recovering from traumatic injuries to numb pain. If taking Fentanyl for extended periods, the brain and body will adapt, and the effects of the drug will begin to diminish.
Though Fentanyl is used as a prescription drug to treat pain, when it is misused it can have many side effects, which can include:
- Euphoria
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
- Slowed breathing
- Vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Constricted pupils
- Constipation
- Overdose
What is Purple Fentanyl
Today’s “purple fentanyl” isn’t made from purple poppies. When fentanyl, acetaminophen, bromocriptine, and methamphetamine are mixed, a purple hue is produced. Because of its resemblance to fentanyl, this synthetic opioid comes in powder form and bears that name.
In 2018, scientists discovered the chemical currently known as brorphine.
Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
Observing a fentanyl overdose can be a terrifying experience. If you arrived soon after the drug was consumed, you might observe the following sequence of events:
- Drowsiness: A person will initially become drowsy (it will be difficult to awaken them if they do fall asleep).
- Changes in breathing: Afterwards, their respiration will become slowed and shallow.
- Falling asleep: A few minutes later, a person might fall asleep.
- Heaviness: If you attempt to move them, you will observe that their bodies are limp and heavy.
- Change in pulse: To determine whether it is likely Fentanyl, look and touch the individual’s face, which may be pallid or clammy. Perform a pulse examination as their pulse will be faint and sluggish.
Detoxing From Fentanyl
Detoxing from fentanyl should be done under medical supervision, as withdrawal from the drug can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
- Flu-like symptoms
- Cravings for the drug
After detox, individuals are typically referred to addiction treatment to address the root cause of their drug use and help them build a foundation for long-term recovery. If you are still curious about how long it takes to detox from fentanyl, the answer relies on the following variables:
- How much fentanyl is there in your body?
- Quantity of fentanyl abused
- Route of administration (patch or injection)
- Other chemicals present in your system
After the final use of fentanyl, detoxification might persist from 4 to 20 days or longer.
Withdrawing from Fentanyl
The dosage and frequency of fentanyl use both affect when withdrawal symptoms begin.
Fentanyl, like heroin and codeine, is a short-acting opioid. Because of this, the onset time for withdrawal symptoms is variable, ranging from 8 to 24 hours after the last dose.
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Treatment of Fentanyl Addiction
The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder. These medications work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to abstain from opioids.
Methadone and buprenorphine are the most well-known FDA-approved medications for treating opioid use disorder. Both medications are available in generic form and can be taken orally.
Naltrexone is another FDA-approved medication for treating opioid use disorder. It is available in both oral and injectable forms. However, naltrexone must be used in combination with other treatment modalities, such as counselling and behavioural therapy.
Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone that is used once monthly. It is important to note that all of these medications must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
Detoxing from fentanyl is a crucial step in getting over addiction. It is a process that requires professional medical help to deal with the severe withdrawal symptoms that often happen. The goal of detox is to help people stop using fentanyl and get them on the path to recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used to treat fentanyl use disorder. FDA-approved medications drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When used in combination with behavioural therapy, these drugs can be very effective at treating fentanyl addiction and helping people get better for good.
Fentanyl Addiction Rehab Options
Inpatient Treatment
Most rehabilitation centres offer 12-step programs as part of their treatment options. These programs typically last 30 days or more and involve detoxification, medication treatment, therapy, and education. However, at Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we do not offer a 12-step program. Instead, we utilize an evidence-based treatment program that provides our clients with the best results.
Inpatient programs for drug addiction focus on individual and group therapy. An inpatient program is ideal for residents who need a safe and controlled environment. The average length of stay in an inpatient program is between 30 and 90 days.
Counselling for Fentanyl Addiction
Counselling for Fentanyl addiction is often available in person or online. Counselling is typically less time-intensive than inpatient treatment programs and helps clients continue working on skills they started developing.
You no longer need to remain at a facility 24/7 to receive treatment or help. This makes it ideal for clients who need to work or have other obligations. Counselling programs also help you practice skills in real-world settings.
What to Look For When Picking A Rehab
If you’re in the process of seeking a rehab center, there are a couple of details you’ll want to inquire about.
A reputable addiction treatment facility for fentanyl should offer a comprehensive and individualized treatment program that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. Some of the types of treatment programs that should be available include:
- Medical detox
- Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if needed to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support recovery.
- Dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with concurrent mental health disorders
- Aftercare planning that includes follow-up care, support groups, and ongoing counseling and therapy.
- Holistic and alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy, to support overall wellness and recovery.
A comprehensive treatment program that addresses the unique needs and challenges of each individual is critical for achieving lasting recovery from ketamine addiction.
Fentanyl Aftercare Treatment
One of the essential components of rehabilitation after being treated for fentanyl addiction is the recovery process. At Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we can guarantee lifelong support to all of our graduates.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that is used medically for pain relief, but its illicit use has resulted in a nationwide opioid epidemic. Extreme cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and sweating are all possible outcomes of fentanyl addiction. Fentanyl addiction therapy is effective and generally consists of medication and behavioural treatments. When selecting a rehabilitation facility, it is important to look for a comprehensive program that offers medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and aftercare support to help maintain recovery and prevent relapse.
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health provides fentanyl addiction treatment in Ontario and across Canada. Our inpatient treatment centre is situated outside Toronto (GTA) Ontario, and we provide counselling for fentanyl addiction in person or online throughout Canada.
Illegal Fentanyl, commonly found on the streets, is sold as a powder or a pill and is mixed into other drugs such as heroin or cocaine. When Fentanyl is cut into other drugs, it’s nearly impossible to know unless other chemicals are used to dilute and see what reaction occurs.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is difficult to detect since it is odourless and colourless. Its difficulty to identify contributes to its widespread abuse and consequent danger.
The length of time that fentanyl remains in the system varies depending on several factors, including the individual’s metabolism, the dose taken, and how often it was used. Fentanyl may be detected in the blood for up to 24 hours and in the urine for up to 3 days on average.
Fentanyl can stay in the urine for up to three days.
Yes, fentanyl can be smoked. On the other hand, this mode of consumption is fraught with peril since it may precipitate an overdose and death in a very short amount of time.
The synthetic opioid fentanyl is produced in laboratories utilizing a variety of sophisticated chemical synthesis techniques and carefully chosen ingredients. Fentanyl is made by carefully combining a number of synthetic chemicals, some of which are known (acetic anhydride and N-phenethyl-4-piperidone), and others of which are unknown, into a very powerful and swiftly acting final product. Because of its tremendous strength, fentanyl should only be handled by trained medical personnel. Fentanyl is a strong, possibly lethal synthetic opioid, yet the ingredients used to synthesize it may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Medical professionals prescribe fentanyl for patients experiencing excruciating pain due to conditions including cancer, surgery, or accident. However, its misuse has contributed to an opioid overdose and mortality crisis throughout the country.
Fentanyl is one of the most potent and fast-acting synthetic opioids available on the market today.
