What Does Recovery From Fentanyl Addiction Look Like?

Fentanyl addiction has plagued communities worldwide. Recently, it has become a growing concern in the U.S. due to an already complex opioid epidemic.

But fentanyl is not like any other opioid. It’s known to be over 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes overdoses and lethal reactions significantly more likely to occur, which has unfortunately become a common story for emergency responders attending to thousands of calls a night.

However, it’s important to keep one thing in mind: with interventionist help and support, recovery is possible.

In this post, we’ll discuss fentanyl, its impact, why it’s become so commonplace, as well as what the recovery process looks like.

What is Fentanyl?

As discussed above, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that does have some medical uses. Medically, it is mostly delivered in highly controlled quantities to manage severe pain. As such, it’s often used for those recovering from invasive surgeries or those in hospice care.

Unfortunately, this opioid is also highly addictive. There is a blossoming black market for it. Given how cheap it is to produce and sell, many use it as a means of cutting other narcotics. In many addiction-ravaged communities, fentanyl is quickly becoming a replacement for the heroin supply.

Fentanyl overdoses have exploded in recent years because it only takes a tiny amount to cause real harm. In many cases, it is present in street drugs without buyers’ knowledge.

Why Is Fentanyl So Addictive?

Similar to morphine, heroin, and oxycontin, fentanyl interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain. This can lead to a sense of relaxation and euphoria that is often highly reliable and fast-acting.

It’s not uncommon for many on legally prescribed drugs to build an addiction and then find themselves seeking a replacement when their prescription lapses or becomes unaffordable.

Not only is the feeling of fentanyl addictive, but repeated use of the drug can lead to tolerance. This means that the higher tolerance you have to fentanyl, the more you will need to produce the same effect.

With prolonged use, the body will become accustomed and physiologically dependent on fentanyl. This is a common trait among many other addictive narcotics. Thanks to how little it takes to be lethal, it’s easy to see why fentanyl addiction has become such a widespread problem.

What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Withdrawing from any opioid can be difficult. Despite the hardships, walking this path is worth it.

Doing so with help from an inpatient rehabilitation facility can lead to dependable success, but your achievement will be absolutely yours to take credit for.

That said, information is key. Let’s discuss what the symptoms of Fentanyl withdrawal can look like:

Sweating and chills

Vomiting, nausea, and stomach issues

Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Muscle aches and pains

Depressive symptoms

Anxiety

Cravings and irritability

While fentanyl withdrawal is challenging—and perhaps one of the more unpleasant experiences you’re likely to go through—each day is a step in the right direction. Once the worst is over, the pathway to recovery will be one full of hope and healing.

Almost everyone going through recovery will admit that withdrawals were a challenge. They will also tell you that the withdrawals were ultimately worth it for the freedom they provided. Simply put, withdrawals are a positive sign that you’re making a healthy change.

How Are Fentanyl Withdrawals Treated?

Thankfully, a good rehabilitation center will be able to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms so that they aren’t too overwhelming.

First of all, a rehabilitation center will ensure you detoxify in the right way to safely withdraw from the substance. This may involve the use of a particular medication to ensure your health isn’t compromised by the shock of losing its dependency. This may be managed through medical means—such as through the use of methadone—but this can differ from facility to facility.

Inpatient facilities will give you access to a warm, confidential, positive environment. This can involve both individual and group therapy sessions. When you become more lucid, treatment measures such as educational sessions and learning coping skills will help arm you with the tools needed to stay clean.

In some cases, facilities will also offer outpatient treatment in the terms for discharge. An outpatient treatment program will support you in your own home and help you structure your life.

Lastly, a rehabilitation center will make sure you’re given the tools you need to face life outside of your addiction. This will include a solid aftercare program. You will be referred to appropriate support groups, ongoing treatments, and resources.

There’s nothing more assertive and positive in the life of a recovering addict than working towards slowly compounding achievements. With the right support structure in place, this can be a benefit you also make use of.

What Should I Know About Recovery?

Recovery is not linear. There will be good days and bad days. Our intent is to help you limit the bad and maximize the good.

Moreover, recovery is an investigative process. It’s not just about staying away from certain substances. It is more about realizing that they have no place in your life. This may entail identifying bad habits (such as a poor social environment) and taking those remedial steps one after the other.

Just take it day by day, and remember that full recovery is something you deserve.

Contact Jackson House Rehab Today

Asking for help can be one of the most difficult steps on your recovery journey. Yet when you admit you need help and have the courage to ask for it, you will feel empowered instead of weakened.

At Jackson House Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers, we are fully aware of the surrounding chaos and difficulties that can encompass fentanyl addiction. So, we have custom-designed our services to be as nourishing and supportive as possible.

Feel free to use our contact form. Alternatively, you can call our admission line at (866) 396-3655.

We look forward to speaking with you!

21 Jul 2023

Sobriety