The fentanyl crisis is no stranger to most. Referred to by the DEA as the “single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause. This includes heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide and other accidents. There is no question that fentanyl is a major problem for our nation, and it’s found anywhere and everywhere, meaning no community is safe.
NJ Recovery Solutions provides comprehensive treatment services for fentanyl addiction. We recognize how powerful and addictive this drug is, and we are prepared to arm our clients with the tools and resources they need to fight the disease. Since fentanyl is an opioid, it is treated like other opioid addictions using a combination of medication, counseling and therapy.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that treats severe pain in cancer patients and those who have built a tolerance to other opioids. Compared to morphine, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger. It can be prescribed as a skin patch, shot or lozenge.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is commonly made by mixing drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. The pills are primarily manufactured in labs and smuggled into the United States through Mexico. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous because the user doesn’t know what they are taking and in what quantity.
For reference, when the DEA tested fentanyl-laced drugs, they found that 42 percent of pills contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl, which is considered to be a potentially lethal dose. Furthermore, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids have risen 55 percent and appear to be the driver in overdose deaths.
Simply put, the stronger a drug is, the more addictive it is. Fentanyl is extremely powerful, being up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Due to this, it creates intense effects such as:
When fentanyl is consumed, it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, causing a surge of dopamine. People get hooked on this euphoric sensation, so they seek out the drug more and more, resulting in tolerance, dependence and addiction. But fentanyl is especially dangerous, carrying other risks beyond heroin and other opioids.
Like other drugs, fentanyl doesn’t always produce favorable effects. It can cause drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and breathing problems. When a lethal dose of fentanyl is ingested, which isn’t difficult to do when you don’t know how much you’re taking, the pupils become tiny and cold and the skin turns sweaty and blue.
If an overdose is left untreated, breathing can slow to a dangerous rate, raising the risk for coma, brain damage and death. Fortunately, a medicine called Naloxone can reverse these effects, but it needs to be administered right away. New Jersey allows anyone to carry Naloxone, particularly those who are more likely to witness an overdose.
Fentanyl is an opioid, so it’s treated in the same manner as other opioid addictions. With the right treatment program, it is possible to overcome a fentanyl addiction and lead a fulfilling and satisfying life. But you must be willing to put in the work and remain committed to your sobriety.
The treatment approach for a fentanyl addiction looks similar to this:
Before starting a rehabilitation program, a person needs to detox from fentanyl. This process usually takes about a week and involves removing toxins from the body. Withdrawal symptoms can be intense and include muscle and bone aches, insomnia, cold flashes, leg twitches, cravings and diarrhea.
Most medical detox programs incorporate medication to keep individuals comfortable during the withdrawal process. These medications include buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone.
After completing detox, the next step is to move onto a treatment program for ongoing support. Without this support, the chance of relapse is very high. Inpatient treatment lasts between one and three months but does require the person to stay at the facility. This is a good option for those with severe addictions and untreated mental health problems.
Outpatient treatment is another excellent choice, and one that is becoming more popular due to its flexibility, convenience and affordability. Individuals are able to live at home while receiving personalized treatment and access to therapy, counseling and support several hours a day, most days of the week.
A variety of treatments are offered in rehabilitation, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), individual counseling, group therapy and family therapy. Many treatment programs also have a holistic component that provides alternative treatments like yoga, massage therapy and nutrition therapy. These therapies help individuals relax their minds and bodies, find passion in new hobbies and develop healthy coping strategies.
Fentanyl addiction is a widespread problem that can happen to anyone. NJ Recovery Solutions is here to help individuals and families fight this problem and stop the cycle for future generations. To learn more about starting your journey to freedom from fentanyl, contact our admissions team.
Recovery from fentanyl addiction is not just about stopping drug use; it’s about building a new, healthier life. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to support you every step of the way, providing the tools and guidance needed to achieve lasting sobriety. We also understand the importance of family involvement in the recovery process and offer family counseling sessions to educate loved ones about addiction and how to best support each other.
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Contact NJ Recovery Solutions today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you reclaim control over your life. Let us be your partner in recovery and help pave the way to a healthier, fentanyl-free future.
At NJ Recovery Solutions, we approach fentanyl addiction treatment by first conducting a comprehensive assessment to understand the extent of the addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues. Treatment typically begins with a medically supervised detox program to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, we offer a range of treatment modalities, including individual therapy, group sessions, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to address the psychological aspects of addiction. Our holistic approach also integrates lifestyle and wellness therapies to support overall recovery and well-being.
We utilize various evidence-based therapies to treat fentanyl addiction effectively. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) assists in managing emotions and reducing stress that can trigger relapse. We also employ Motivational Interviewing (MI) to enhance motivation for recovery and adherence to the treatment plan. These therapies are complemented by support groups that provide peer encouragement and share recovery strategies.
Yes, medication-assisted treatment is a crucial component of our fentanyl addiction treatment program. MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine or methadone, which help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with fentanyl dependency. Naltrexone is another option that blocks opioid receptors and prevents fentanyl from having its usual effect. MAT is combined with comprehensive behavioral therapies to address the root causes of addiction and support long-term recovery.
NJ Recovery Solutions recognizes the vital role that families play in the recovery process. We offer family therapy and educational sessions designed to help families understand the complexities of addiction, improve communication, and rebuild trust. These sessions also provide strategies for supporting their loved one both during and after treatment, helping to create a supportive home environment that is conducive to recovery.
