In recent years, fentanyl has dominated headlines as a potent opioid, significantly more powerful than heroin, with a high potential to cause overdose. Knowing how to recognize fentanyl overdose symptoms and when to seek fentanyl addiction treatment can be life-saving knowledge.
At Woodland Recovery Center, we understand that substance use can make you feel like you are alone and struggling. We offer a range of evidence-based programs and support to help you overcome substance use, including fentanyl. Give us a call today at 662.222.2989 to learn more about getting help with fentanyl use at Woodland Recovery Center.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl use has surged, becoming a leading cause of overdoses. But what exactly is fentanyl? It is a synthetic opioid, often 50 times more potent than heroin, making accidental overdoses alarmingly easy. Unlike many other drugs, fentanyl is tasteless and odorless, complicating detection when mixed into other substances or determining its potency.
Fentanyl frequently makes headlines due to its usage trends. It is often combined with other drugs to amplify their effects, posing a risk even to those who may not realize they are consuming an opioid, thereby increasing the danger of a fentanyl overdose.
Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose
It doesn’t matter whether you use substances or not—the ability to detect the signs of a fentanyl overdose can save someone’s life. A fentanyl overdose can occur regardless of whether a person has knowingly taken fentanyl.
Some of the most common signs of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Slow or stopped heartbeat
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Discolored skin, especially on the face
- Choking
- Inability to speak
- Pupils that look like pinpoints
If someone exhibits fentanyl overdose symptoms, they immediately need emergency medical attention. Never ignore the signs of a fentanyl overdose. An overdose without immediate medical attention can be fatal.
Getting Help with Fentanyl Use
There is no wrong time to seek help with fentanyl use. Fentanyl is highly addictive, and physical dependence quickly builds. This means that stopping fentanyl use is a difficult thing to achieve, but it is possible with the support of a quality addiction treatment center.
Effectively overcoming fentanyl addiction begins with a medically supervised detox. Attempting to undergo fentanyl detox without medical supervision is dangerous and can be fatal.
Once detox is finished, rehab should involve residential treatment followed by outpatient treatment. Fentanyl addiction is typically treated using talk therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in combination with medication.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of medications that provide relief from the severe cravings that accompany fentanyl recovery, helping greatly improve treatment outcomes. Even after treatment is complete, successful long-term recovery from fentanyl takes continued work.
Building a recovery community, staying connected to a treatment’s aftercare program, and participating in addiction recovery groups are all recommended ways of ensuring that the work done in a treatment program leads to a foundation for a lasting recovery.
Are You a Candidate for Addiction Treatment?
Determining if you are a candidate for addiction treatment involves reflecting on your relationship with substances and recognizing the signs of addiction. If you find that your substance use negatively impacts your daily life, mental health, or relationships, it may be time to seek help.
Here are some indicators that can suggest you would benefit from addiction treatment:
- You have tried to quit or reduce substance use but were unsuccessful
- Your substance use has resulted in legal problems or conflicts with loved ones
- You experience cravings or find it difficult to control your use
- You use substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- You engage in risky behaviors while under the influence
- You neglect responsibilities at work, home, or school due to substance use
If any of these situations resonate with you, reaching out for professional support can be a critical step toward recovery and a healthier life.
Call Woodland Recovery Center to Begin Fentanyl Treatment with Us
Fentanyl overdose is always a risk with substance use, even when you think you’re using a different type of drug, like cocaine. Getting treatment for substance use is a life-changing and often life-saving decision.
If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, the programs at Woodland Recovery Center can offer the compassionate, evidence-based support you need to achieve lasting addiction recovery. Contact us at 662.222.2989 today to learn more about fentanyl overdose symptoms and substance use treatment at Woodland Recovery Center.
