Fentanyl entered the illegal drug scene like a tsunami. It covered everything and took much with it in its wake, leaving devastation behind. Due to how many people have become addicted to fentanyl in recent years, finding outpatient treatment for fentanyl abuse near you may be vital.
Successful fentanyl addiction treatment is now a goal at the forefront of addiction treatment. Finding a facility that caters to a client’s needs following fentanyl use and during recovery is necessary for sustainable long-term recovery.
At Atlanta Recovery Place, our caring and supportive staff are familiar with clients’ needs following fentanyl abuse. We believe in creating a safe and caring space to experience recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient drug rehab in Georgia.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a narcotic that directly impacts the opioid receptors to block interaction, causing numbness, slowing physical and mental response times, and decreasing the function of the central nervous system. A fentanyl high acts similarly to other opioid highs but with added risk due to the drug’s potency.
Over the last five years, fentanyl-related overdose deaths have grown drastically to over double other overdose death rates. In 2020, Synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) killed nearly 60,000 individuals. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the next closest drug overdose rate is for psychostimulants like methamphetamines, at approximately 23,000. Other commonly known drugs like cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants have yearly overdose rates under 20,000, so what makes fentanyl so dangerous?
Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is uniquely dangerous because of its strength of the drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration is highly concerned about the progress that fentanyl has made in the illegal drug trade, even going as far as stating, “fentanyl is highly addictive… and drug traffickers are increasingly mixing it with other types of drugs – in powder and pill form – to drive addiction and attract repeat buyers.” Additional statistics show that 67% of the 107,375 overdose deaths in 2021 were due to fentanyl poisoning.
The lethality of fentanyl increases its danger. The amount of fentanyl that can kill an individual is minimal and can be mixed with several substances to change or supplement the high. The DEA also states that fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin.
Fentanyl is exceptionally addictive, and individuals on prescription fentanyl are closely monitored for abuse symptoms.
What Are the Signs of Fentanyl Abuse?
Fentanyl abuse presents similarly to other opioid addictions. Fentanyl primarily causes feelings of depression, slowing of bodily functions, sleepiness, and lethargy. In addition, individuals can experience slowed heart rate, decreased blood pressure, inability to stay conscious, and weight gain.
With the strength of the opioids, individuals can become addicted to the drug. Additionally, with the small amount necessary for a person’s high, individuals can easily and often accidentally overdose.
One of the most dangerous aspects of this drug is its lower price point. Because it is easy to make and quick to addict, fentanyl is often added to other substances to increase the high and create repeat customers. This increases the danger surrounding fentanyl use by adding other addictive drugs with contradicting physicality. This can increase the risk of overdose and decrease the success of lifesaving measures if necessary.
Is There Outpatient Treatment For Fentanyl Abuse?
Treatment for fentanyl abuse is a critical aspect of the recovery process. Due to the impact of fentanyl on the body, many individuals need more intensive and comprehensive addiction treatment. This can be found in a number of addiction treatment placements. While some might feel that inpatient treatment is required, many outpatient treatments for fentanyl abuse are successful for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Treatment for fentanyl addiction at the outpatient level combines a number of traditional and holistic therapies to promote the program’s success. The best treatment for fentanyl addiction addresses the client’s individual needs and promotes a healthy outcome in multiple aspects of their lives.
At Atlanta Recovery Place, our clients can work individually, in small groups, and in designated learning groups to figure out how to manage their substance use disorder and maintain their sobriety reasonably and reasonably. Our Georgia drug and alcohol rehab program combines substance treatment with behavioral treatment based on the idea that changing the harmful or toxic behaviors that promote substance use can decrease the likelihood of relapse.
Atlanta Recovery Place focuses on the present and future, not the past. We support our clients through detox, initial treatment, and aftercare treatment to ensure their continued progress and growth towards their use and life goals.Speak with a counselor at Atlanta Recovery Place today to learn more about the fentanyl addiction treatment program at our Georgia addiction recovery center.
