Fentanyl Addiction Intervention Treatment in Pennsylvania
Fentanyl addiction intervention treatment in Pennsylvania includes inpatient medical detox programs, clinical drug detox programs, residential drug rehab, outpatient substance abuse treatment, and aftercare treatment. Well-rounded drug rehabilitation is important, and it should help a person physically, mentally, and spiritually. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical grade fentanyl is used for medical reasons. However, illegally produces fentanyl is much stronger, and the effects are unpredictable.
Drug rehabilitation begins with drug detox, but the first step is convincing the addict they need help. Most families organize a family intervention to help with the help of a professional interventionist. Fentanyl addiction requires medical detox to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient medical detox programs offer medical supervision, withdrawal management, and medications to manage cravings. Detox is only one part of treatment, and it is important to find the right counseling and therapy. Generally, no one form of treatment is right for every person, and treatment settings and interventions should meet the needs of the addict attending drug rehab.
What is Fentanyl, and How is the Drug Used?
Fentanyl is a powerfully addictive synthetic opioid. Synthetic opioids are made in laboratories and designed to have a similar chemical structure to natural opioids. Fentanyl, like other opioids, increases dopamine levels in the brain. The drug slows down the central nervous system causing a state of relaxation and pain relief. The effects of fentanyl are felt within minutes and can last 30-90 minutes. The effects of the drug are based on the amount taken, whether it is taken in combination with another drug, and the tolerance the person has for opioids.
Illegal fentanyl is found in different forms, but the most common are tablets made to look like pain medication. In addition, fentanyl is mixed with cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana. Illegal and legal fentanyl is also found as a transdermal patch, buccal tablets, sublingual sprays, oral lozenges, nasal sprays, and injectables. In addition, illegal fentanyl is sold as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays. Most opioid addicts attending drug rehab in Pennsylvania have used illegal Fentanyl in one way or another.
The Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl Use
The short-term effects of fentanyl use include sleepiness, confusion, disorientation, constipation, nausea, intense flushing or hot flashes, and breathing problems. The long-term effects of fentanyl use can damage the gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular system, immune system, and endocrine system. Fentanyl interferes with every functioning system in the body, causing chronic depression, pain, and the inability to experience pleasure. Drug rehabilitation programs in Pennsylvania help repair the physical damage done by fentanyl use. In addition, medical detox programs manage physical and psychological addiction caused by fentanyl abuse
Fentanyl Overdose and Recognizing the Symptoms
Fentanyl is a dangerous opioid, and the rates of overdose in Pennsylvania caused by fentanyl and other opioids have been some of the highest in the country. However, prescription opioid dispensing has been on the decline. The total quantity of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol products dispensed by Pennsylvania pharmacies decreased 15% from 2018 to 2019. It is important to recognize the signs of an overdose. The common symptoms of a fentanyl overdose are loss of consciousness, inability to respond to stimuli like lights, slow shallow or erratic breathing, pale bluish-purple skin, limp body, and an erratic pulse. Fentanyl overdose requires immediate medical attention and medical support. A fentanyl overdose can also be reversed if proper medical attention is gotten.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment and Detox in Pennsylvania
Fentanyl addiction treatment and detox in Pennsylvania include inpatient medical detox, residential drug rehabilitation, outpatient substance abuse treatment, and aftercare support. Treating fentanyl addiction begins with medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and alleviate drug cravings. Common withdrawal symptoms include muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings. Medical detox programs in Pennsylvania offer inpatient and outpatient services for those going through the detox process. It is important to consider a medical detox process because withdrawal symptoms are painful and even life-threatening.
After medical detox is complete, the next phase of drug rehabilitation involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab program in Pennsylvania. Residential and outpatient drug rehab programs offer short-term and long-term rehabilitation. The counseling and therapy methods include traditional and non-traditional methodologies. Traditional therapy approaches include behavioral therapies, 12-step facilitation, family-based counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and individual therapy. Non-traditional methods include holistic therapy, experiential therapy, and faith-based therapy methods. In addition, it is important to arrange aftercare support or recovery support. Recovery options include 12-step meetings, peer support groups, and sober living homes.
Fentanyl Addiction Intervention in Pennsylvania
Fentanyl addiction interventions in Pennsylvania are professional services aimed at helping families with an unwilling addict. Most people addicted to fentanyl are unwilling to accept help or admit they are addicted to opioids. In addition, the high risk for overdose makes interventions imperative in saving the life of the person addicted to fentanyl. The best way to plan and organize a family intervention is by hiring a professional interventionist. Family intervention is a carefully planned process bringing together friends, family members, and an interventionist. The purpose of the intervention is to demonstrate the consequences of addiction and how it has impacted the addict and their family.
Family interventionists in Pennsylvania are trained professionals that help families navigate the days before and the intervention itself. Drug addiction intervention helps the family regain control, set clear boundaries, and save the life of the addict. A properly planned and organized family intervention works and does as it is intended. However, a poorly planned family intervention can worsen the situation making the addict feel attacked and more unwilling to accept drug rehab.
Sources –
www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl
