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Opioids are a class of drugs designed to reduce pain. They come in many forms, from “street drugs” like heroin to prescribed medications like oxycodone. One of the most potent and addictive opioids is a synthetic opioid called fentanyl. Since the development of the drug in the early 1960s, fentanyl addiction has become a major public health crisis in the United States.
With a potency of 50 times that of heroin, fentanyl is one of the strongest opioids in the world. Its high potency makes it desirable for recreational use; however, because of its addictiveness and potential for misuse, the production and distribution of fentanyl are extremely regulated. To obtain fentanyl legally, you must have a prescription from a doctor.
Unfortunately, fentanyl is often produced illegally, obtained through a prescriber to be illegally distributed, or abused by the people it is prescribed to. As an opioid drug, it is designed to relieve severe or chronic pain. However, taking the drug for extended periods of time or in large doses can lead to tolerance. This can produce secondary effects, such as:
These effects are signs that your brain has become dependent on the drug. If use is not moderated or stopped, you could become addicted. Addiction is the most severe form of substance use disorder (SUD) in which you experience compulsive drug-seeking behaviors and cannot control your drug use. Other signs of chemical dependence include withdrawal symptoms, such as:
Fentanyl addiction is common in the US, with around 539,000 people misusing prescription fentanyl in 2021. That number does not include those who abuse illicit, non-prescription fentanyl. At the same time, fentanyl addiction is also extremely dangerous. Misusing it presents a high risk of overdose because of its potency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 150 people die every day from deaths related to synthetic opioid overdose.
Athens Area Commencement Center is committed to doing our part to end the opioid epidemic in the US. We believe that we can do this by helping one person at a time overcome fentanyl addiction and regain control of their life. Our philosophy is centered around whole-person healing through comprehensive treatment plans that balance mental health intervention strategies and much-needed medical support.
The most important facet of SUD treatment is mental health intervention. Most of the time, addiction doesn’t just happen on its own. Often, there are underlying mental health issues that contribute to the development of SUD. Addressing those underlying issues is the best way to ensure a full recovery from addiction and reduce the risk of relapse. There are many different approaches to healing mental health issues, including, but not limited to:
AACC offers all of these treatment options and more. If you’d like to learn more about these modalities or integrate them into your treatment plan, talk to your care team.
In cases of severe chemical dependence, which often occurs with fentanyl addiction, detoxification is needed at the beginning of the recovery journey. Detoxification, or detox, is the process of removing all substances from the body and managing the symptoms of withdrawal that usually follow. This process can be distressing, uncomfortable, and dangerous, which is why it’s important to undergo detox in a safe and supportive environment. Detox is often done in residential facilities where medical professionals are monitoring the patient 24/7. At AACC, we offer outpatient detox services for clients who are appropriately stable, allowing them to detox in a comfortable ambulatory location.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be necessary in some cases of fentanyl addiction. MAT combines medications, like buprenorphine or methadone, with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat SUD, including addiction to opioids like fentanyl. These medications alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, enabling individuals to focus on recovery. Whether you choose to pursue MAT is entirely up to you and your care team, but for some, it’s a good option for their recovery journey.
Throughout each step along the treatment journey, the medical team at AACC will perform regular checkups and assessments to make sure you’re on the right path. We believe that thorough medical monitoring can help cultivate an environment that champions safety and accountability.
At Athens Area Commencement Center, we believe that recovery care shouldn’t stop when primary treatment has been completed. Aftercare and continued support are crucial to maintaining sobriety and sustaining a lifestyle of wellness. For that reason, we set our clients up with individualized aftercare plans that give them the resources and support they need to continue their recovery.
Your aftercare plan may include plans for ongoing counseling, local support groups, 12-Step programs, or online forums. These resources are meant to help you build a support network outside of the center that can be there for you in your next stage of recovery. You’ll also learn about relapse prevention, which is a useful tool for transitioning back into everyday life. Having a solid aftercare plan is like having a toolbox full of all the right tools; you can take on any obstacle you face.
Fentanyl addiction is a serious and often deadly form of SUD, but it can be overcome. Reach out to Athens Area Commencement Center at (706) 546-7355 to get the help you need.
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