Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become a major concern in the ongoing opioid crisis due to its extreme potency and high risk of overdose. This drug, which is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, is often illicitly manufactured and mixed with other substances, making it exceptionally dangerous and contributing to a surge in overdose deaths across the country.
The rapid spread of fentanyl in both recreational and prescription drug markets has made it a significant public health crisis, with its effects reaching epidemic proportions. At Brooks Healing Center, we understand the gravity of substance use disorder and offer specialized Tennessee rehab programs for fentanyl designed to address both the physical and psychological aspects of this severe, life-threatening addiction (and many other drug use and dual diagnosis concerns).
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used for severe pain management but has a high potential for misuse and addiction due to its extreme strength.
- The rise in illicit fentanyl, often mixed with other drugs, has significantly contributed to the opioid crisis, leading to increased overdose risks.
- Addiction to fentanyl can develop rapidly, with both prescription and illicit use increasing the risk of physical dependence and overdose.
- Immediate action is crucial in fentanyl overdose – administering naloxone and calling emergency services are vital for saving lives.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically for pain management, particularly in cases of severe pain such as that experienced by cancer patients or those undergoing major surgery.[1] As a prescription medication, it is typically administered via patches, lozenges, or injectable forms to control intense pain. Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the way the body perceives and responds to pain. However, its potency – about 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, another powerful opioid – means that even small doses can have profound effects, making it both a valuable tool in medical settings and a substance with a high potential for misuse and addiction.[2] In recent years, fentanyl has gained notoriety due to its illicit use and the resulting public health crisis.[3] Illegally manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, without the user’s knowledge, leading to an increased risk of overdose. The drug’s potency means that even minute amounts can cause respiratory depression and potentially fatal outcomes. The widespread availability of counterfeit pills and fentanyl-laced substances has significantly contributed to the opioid epidemic, making fentanyl a critical focus for both prevention and treatment efforts in addressing addiction and overdose.
Fentanyl Addiction and Abuse
Like heroin and other prescription opioids, fentanyl poses significant risks for addiction and overdose.[4] Originally developed as a potent analgesic for severe pain management, its high efficacy makes it both a critical tool in medical settings and a substance with a high potential for misuse. Fentanyl’s power means that even minute amounts can have profound effects and induce severe cravings. This strength increases the risk of developing a rapid physical dependence, as people may require escalating doses to achieve the same pain relief, quickly leading to addiction. The abuse of fentanyl often starts with medical use but can escalate to non-medical use as people seek to prolong or intensify the drug’s effects. The illicit market has exacerbated this issue by introducing counterfeit pills and fentanyl-laced substances that mimic other drugs. These counterfeit products can be especially dangerous, as users may not be aware of the fentanyl content, leading to a high risk of overdose. Overdose symptoms include severe respiratory depression, which can be fatal without prompt medical intervention.[5] The combination of fentanyl’s potency and the uncertainty of illicit formulations highlight the need to get help with fentanyl (and other substances) to begin the recovery process.
Fentanyl Quick Reference Chart
| Drug Category | Commercial & Street Names | DEA Schedule | Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opioid | Apache, China girl, China town, dance fever, friend, goodfellas, He-Man, jackpot, murder 8 | Schedule II | Injected, ingested, snorted |
What Should I Do If Someone is Overdosing on Fentanyl?
If you suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl (or suffering from any other kind of drug overdose), immediate action is critical due to the substance’s potent effects and high risk of respiratory depression:[6]
- Call emergency services: Dial 911 or your local emergency number right away. Inform the dispatcher that you suspect a fentanyl overdose, as this will ensure that appropriate medical resources are dispatched promptly.
- Administer Naloxone: Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, including fentanyl. If you have naloxone available, administer it according to the instructions on the package. Naloxone can be given intranasally or as an injection, depending on the formulation. Multiple doses may be needed due to fentanyl’s potency.
- Perform rescue breathing or CPR: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, perform rescue breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. This can help maintain oxygen flow to the brain and vital organs until advanced help is available.
- Keep the person safe: Ensure the person is in a safe position, such as laying on their side if they are breathing but unconscious, to prevent choking in case they vomit. Avoid giving them food or drink, and do not attempt to stimulate them through rough physical means.
- Provide information to first responders: When emergency services arrive, provide them with all relevant information about the incident, including details of the fentanyl use and any naloxone administered. This will assist medical professionals in delivering appropriate care.
Acting quickly and effectively in the event of a fentanyl overdose can be life-saving. Having naloxone on hand and knowing how to use it, combined with prompt emergency response, are key to preventing loss of life.
Where Can I Find a Fentanyl Rehab Near Me in Tennessee?
Finding effective treatment for fentanyl addiction is so important due to the drug’s potency and the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with its use. Brooks Healing Center in Tennessee provides comprehensive care designed to address both the immediate and long-term needs of those struggling with fentanyl addiction. Our clinic offers specialized detoxification services that are essential for managing the intense fentanyl withdrawal symptoms that come with opioid addiction. This medically supervised detox helps safely and effectively manage the withdrawal process, reducing the risk of complications and providing a stable foundation for recovery. Following detox, Brooks Healing Center offers residential care that supports sustained recovery and addresses co-occurring conditions. Their approach includes a range of evidence-based and innovative therapeutic modalities and treatment options to cater to the unique needs of each patient:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with fentanyl use, promoting healthier coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies.
- Experiential Therapy: Engaging in activities and therapeutic experiences, this approach assists patients in processing emotions and developing practical skills for managing stress and triggers.
- Trauma-Informed Care: This method of care ensures that treatment is sensitive to past experiences and focuses on creating a safe environment for healing.
- Brainspotting (BSP): This technique helps resolve deep-seated trauma and emotional issues by targeting specific eye positions linked to these problems, facilitating profound emotional and psychological healing.
- 12-Step Programs: Adapted to meet the needs of those recovering from fentanyl addiction, these programs provide a structured framework and community support for ongoing recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl Treatment Centers and Drug Addiction Care
What is Trauma-Informed Care, and how does it help treat fentanyl addiction?
How can Brainspotting (BSP) help treat fentanyl addiction?
Brainspotting (BSP) is a therapeutic technique developed to help people process and resolve trauma, emotional pain, and deep-seated psychological issues. It involves identifying and focusing on specific eye positions that correlate with emotional and psychological experiences. The premise of BSP is that where you look affects how you feel, and by focusing on these “brain spots,” therapists can help clients access and address unresolved trauma and negative emotions. BSP can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with fentanyl addiction, as it helps uncover and process underlying issues that may contribute to substance use, supporting deeper emotional healing and recovery.
What are the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment for fentanyl addiction?
How long does fentanyl detox take?
The duration of fentanyl detox can vary depending on individual factors such as the length and intensity of use, overall health, and the presence of any co-occurring conditions. Generally, fentanyl detox may last from a few days to a week, with the most acute symptoms typically occurring within the first 48 hours. During this period, medical professionals provide support to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety. The detox process is an essential first step in addiction treatment, setting the foundation for continued recovery efforts and addressing any underlying issues related to the substance or opioid use disorder.
Sources
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016, June 6). Fentanyl. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/fentanyl on August 29, 2024
[2] DEA. (2020). What Is Fentanyl? https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Fentanyl-2020_0.pdf on August 29, 2024
[3] MacMillan, C. (2024, March 18). Why Is Fentanyl Driving Overdose Deaths? Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/fentanyl-driving-overdoses on August 29, 2024
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, June). Fentanyl drug facts. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institute of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl on August 29, 2024
[5] United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021, April 29). Facts about Fentanyl. Www.dea.gov. https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl on August 29, 2024
[6] SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention TOOLKIT Five Essential Steps for First Responders. (n.d.). https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/five-essential-steps-for-first-responders.pdf on August 29, 2024