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Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. It was developed as a pain medicine; tiny amounts can relieve acute or critical pain. However, if someone takes street fentanyl without realizing it or knowing how much they are taking, even small amounts can cause an overdose. Fentanyl-laced heroin leads to addiction many times faster. Are you worried about your fentanyl abuse or concerned that someone you care about is addicted to this potent opioid? The best way to cope with a fentanyl problem is to enroll in a rehab center for fentanyl addiction and receive evidence-based substance abuse treatments.
New Bridge Foundation® provides cutting-edge addiction treatment in our fentanyl rehab center in the San Francisco Bay Area. We offer men’s and women’s treatment, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and programs specifically for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Learn more about how New Bridge Foundation® can help you with your addiction to fentanyl. Call us at 866.772.8491 or use our easy online form to connect with one of our staff.
Fentanyl Abuse
Any use of medical fentanyl taken not as prescribed or any use of fentanyl acquired illegally is considered abuse. Given the highly addictive nature of fentanyl, abuse often turns into addiction. Some of the street names for fentanyl are China Girl, China White, Apace, and Poison. No matter what it is called, fentanyl can be found in a variety of forms and introduced into the system in a variety of ways, including:
- Smoking
- Snorting
- Ingesting in pill form
- Injecting
- Taking it under the tongue on a blotter
Fentanyl is frequently hidden in other drugs, such as cannabis or heroin, meaning users may take it without realizing it until it is too late.
Effects of Fentanyl
Fentanyl floods the brain, disrupting its production of neurotransmitters, which are part of the communication system between parts of the body and the central nervous system. At first, the effects of fentanyl are pleasurable. For example, users initially feel some combination of the following:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Sedation
- Pain relief
Fentanyl can seem to take away anxiety and reduce stress. However, as use turns into abuse and addiction fentanyl can lead to increased anxiety, as well as other unpleasant symptoms. Among these are:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to empty the bladder
- Slowed respiration
Slowed breathing can become dangerous if it slows to the point of cardiac arrest or death. There is no positive side to fentanyl abuse; it is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. If you are worried that you or someone close to you is abusing fentanyl or is addicted to fentanyl, the time to reach out for professional help is now.
What to Expect at a Rehab Center for Fentanyl Addiction
Taking the first steps on the road to Fentanyl addiction treatment is not easy—Fentanyl is one of the most addictive drugs on the market. However, if you are experiencing addiction, finding a professional addiction treatment program for fentanyl is critical to your long-term health. When you are ready to begin recovery, it is important that you understand what to expect.
In an intake session, our team of addiction professionals will gather your medical, mental health, and addiction history, learn about your unique circumstances, including outside commitments, family life, and professional responsibilities, and work with you to clarify your recovery goals.
Next, in consultation with our specialists, you will be asked to make a series of choices regarding your recovery. Is inpatient or outpatient rehab right for you? Would you most benefit from a short- or long-term program? If you have a co-occurring mental health disorder, inpatient rehab may be recommended, but depending on your specific circumstances and outside commitments, you may feel that an intensive outpatient program best meets your needs.
Evidence-based treatment and peer support are critical elements of fentanyl rehab, and you will participate in individual and group counseling, as well as family counseling (if applicable to your circumstances). Many find that working on healing relationships and learning communication skills will support the work they are doing and helps improve long-term recovery outcomes.
New Bridge Foundation®’s Fentanyl Rehab Center
Let New Bridge Foundation® help you get started on your recovery from fentanyl. With 50 years of experience, New Bridge Foundation® has the depth and professionalism to support your recovery. Voted one of the “Best Addiction Treatment Centers” in America three years in a row by Newsweek magazine, New Bridge Foundation® offers unparalleled and affordable professional addiction treatment services.
We can answer all your questions about fentanyl abuse. Call us today at 866.772.8491 or fill out our simple online form to connect.