Fentanyl is a powerful opioid medication typically only prescribed for people already taking other opioids for pain relief. However, even when taken as prescribed by a doctor, fentanyl can be dangerous. Fentanyl addiction can develop with continued use.
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, please seek professional help immediately. The Right Step Houston offers substance abuse treatment for those struggling with all types of opioids, including fentanyl. Call 1.844.768.0169 today to learn more about our fentanyl rehab program and how we can help you or your loved one get on the path to recovery.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever 100 times more potent than morphine. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, fentanyl can be safe. However, when people abuse fentanyl, they put themselves at risk for several dangerous side effects, including overdose and death.
Fentanyl was first synthesized in 1960 by Paul Janssen, a Belgian chemist working for Janssen Pharmaceutica. Janssen was searching for a new pain reliever that would be more potent than existing opioids but less likely to cause respiratory depression, which can be fatal. He succeeded in creating fentanyl, which was approved for medical use in the United States in 1968. Since then, it has been used to treat severe pain following surgery or injury and chronic pain in cancer patients.
Dangers of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a severe problem in the United States. the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that more than 130 people die daily from opioid overdoses. In 2017 alone, 47,600 people died from opioid overdoses—a rate of about 128 deaths per day. Of those 47,600 deaths, about 68% involved prescription opioids like fentanyl. Illicit drugs, like heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), caused the rest.
IMF is often mixed with other drugs like heroin to increase its potency. Technically, when someone takes IMF, they could be engaging in polysubstance abuse. This increases the risk of overdose and death because people don’t know how potent the drug is before they take it.
How to Spot Fentanyl Addiction
If you think you or someone you love may be struggling with fentanyl addiction, there are some signs and symptoms you can look out for:
- Doctor shopping, which is going to multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions
- Neglecting important relationships
- Taking larger doses of fentanyl than prescribed or taking it more often than prescribed
- Taking risks while using fentanyl, such as driving while under the influence or using needles
- Struggling to meet work or school obligations
However safe prescription opioids seem, they are still potent and have high addiction potential. Although fentanyl is only supposed to be prescribed to people already taking other opioids for pain relief, some doctors prescribe it for different reasons. For example, some doctors prescribe it off-label for anxiety or insomnia. When people abuse prescription drugs like fentanyl, they put themselves at risk of developing an addiction. People who abuse prescription drugs often get them from friends or family members who have legitimate prescriptions. Others buy them from dealers or on the internet.
What Are the Benefits of Fentanyl Addiction Treatment?
When you or someone you care about seeks professional help and undergoes fentanyl addiction treatment, you will experience many benefits, such as the following.
A Safe, Secure, and Comfortable Setting
One of the main benefits of addiction treatment is that it provides a safe and secure setting for people to detox and recover. When you come to The Right Step Houston, you will be in a comfortable and welcoming environment where you can focus on your recovery.
Medical Assistance
Another benefit of fentanyl addiction treatment is that you can access around-the-clock medical care. This is important because withdrawal and detox can be difficult and dangerous. Our trained medical staff will help you through every step of the process and ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
Therapy and Counseling
In addition to medical care, you will also have access to therapy and counseling. This is important because it will allow you to address the underlying causes of your addiction and develop the skills you need to maintain sobriety.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment in Texas at The Right Step Houston
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, please seek professional help immediately. The Right Step Houston offers evidence-based substance abuse treatment programs tailored to each individual’s needs. Our programs are based on the 12-step model of recovery and include individual and group therapy, as well as family support. Contact The Right Step Houston today at 1.844.768.0169 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one start on the path to recovery.