Fentanyl Rehab & Drug Information
Information about Fentanyl, identifying signs of addiction, and recovery.
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Healing from Fentanyl Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with the use of fentanyl, know that you are not alone in your journey. Fentanyl is a very potent synthetic opioid originally used for pain relief and anesthesia.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we are here to help. Our fentanyl rehab programs feature compassionate care and a tailored plan for treatment. From understanding the risks of fentanyl and how to prevent them to when one is ready for professional support, we stand with you. And together, we can take that first step toward healing and into a healthier, more hopeful future.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that, with repeated use, changes the brain and makes it increasingly difficult to experience pleasure or joy without the drug in the system. It almost always results in addiction once fentanyl use begins to run every aspect of life.
Today, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is one of the major contributors to the opioid epidemic, as it is often laced into other substances or pressed into counterfeit pills. This hidden danger increases the risk of overdose.
Common effects of fentanyl include:
- Intense feelings of euphoria
- Extreme drowsiness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
Can You Overdose on Fentanyl?
Yes. Fentanyl overdoses are tragically common and incredibly dangerous. Because fentanyl is so potent—up to 50 times stronger than heroin—it’s easy to accidentally take too much. Additionally, many people don’t even realize they’ve consumed fentanyl because it’s often mixed into other drugs or counterfeit pills.
When someone overdoses, their breathing can slow or stop completely, cutting off oxygen to the brain. This condition, called hypoxia, can cause a coma, permanent brain damage, or even death. The risks are serious, but understanding them and knowing how to respond can help save lives. In fact,
- The CDC estimates that over 110,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses in 2022, of which, almost 70% of these deaths were caused by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
- In 2023, the number of deaths related to drug overdoses rose to 112,322, where, again, nearly 70% were related to fentanyl
Understanding and Identifying Fentanyl
Origins of Fentanyl
What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
What Does Fentanyl Smell Like?
How Is Fentanyl Taken?
Paraphernalia
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, first synthesized in 1959 by the Belgian chemist Paul Janssen. It was originally designed to treat severe pain in surgical and cancer patients. In fact, it is 50x more potent than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine.
Today it’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States because of its medical value and potential for abuse.
General Fentanyl Information
Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl overdose is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by the ingestion of a toxic amount of this drug. Consequently, the great potency of fentanyl causes an overdose easily, even when used in small amounts, especially when combined with other drugs. Among the symptoms of fentanyl overdose are pinpoint pupils, shallow or absent breathing, loss of consciousness, and blue lips or fingernails. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can easily and rapidly reverse the effects of an overdose, provided it is administered within time.
Fentanyl and the Opioid Epidemic
The basis for much of the current opioid epidemic is the wide availability of illicitly produced fentanyl. It is cheap to produce and very potent, so many drug dealers lace other substances with it in order to drive up their profits. Thus, fentanyl’s presence in the illegal drug supply has pushed an increase in opioid-related overdoses and fatalities at a level that can clearly be recognized as creating a public health crisis.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Treatment for fentanyl addiction generally involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and support services. MAT involves the use of medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and promote long-term recovery. Behavioral therapies, in line with cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management, enable individuals to change their drug use patterns, develop appropriate coping skills, and deal with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction strategies are those that lessen the negative consequences of drug use, including overdose and infectious diseases. In the case of fentanyl, harm reduction strategies might include naloxone distribution to people who are at risk of overdose and the provision of fentanyl test strips to help users identify the presence of the drug in other substances.
Counterfeit Pills
There has been a staggering increase in counterfeit prescription pills containing illicitly manufactured fentanyl. These counterfeit prescription pills sometimes appear identical to legitimate medications, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone, yet contain potentially fatal doses of fentanyl. Many of those ingesting such pills have no idea what’s actually in them; consequently, such consumption entails the risk of overdose and possible death. This prevalence has made it hard for users to discern the potency and composition of the substances, further exacerbating the opioid crisis.
Naloxone Access
Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is important in saving people from dying of a fentanyl overdose, as it works rapidly to reverse the effects and restore breathing. Another critical aspect of fighting the fentanyl crisis is increasing access to naloxone, since timely administration can save lives. Most states responded by expanding access, allowing pharmacists to dispense it without a prescription and arming first responders with the drug. Meanwhile, community groups and harm reduction organizations distribute naloxone to those at high risk of overdose.
Recovering from Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction is hard to overcome, but it’s definitely possible with the right support and treatment. Our specialized fentanyl rehab programs offer 24/7 care in a structured environment to really focus on recovery.
Temporary medication-assisted treatment will ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and provide a foundation for lasting change with medications such as Buprenorphine. Behavioral therapies, such as CBT and contingency management, will help you unburden yourself from mental health challenges and break free from unhealthy patterns. Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, will provide connection and accountability to stay motivated in keeping focus on recovery.
Though the road ahead may be rough, it is one worth taking. With determination, self-compassion, and the right tools, you can move on and create a meaningful, healthy future.
View Our Beautiful Scottsdale Treatment Facilities
Cornerstone has two treatment centers located in Scottsdale and Phoenix that offer lifesaving addiction treatment services. The environment we create for our clients promotes healing and focus while also ensuring comfort and beauty. We have group and learning rooms that provide space for collective therapy sessions and educational workshops.
We have individual therapy rooms that provide privacy and comfort for one-on-one sessions, allowing our clients to work with their therapists on resolving personal issues. Clients have access to a large fitness facility, where they will take part in weekly fitness training classes.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we are committed to delivering a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment, blending comfort, therapy, and personal development for a full experience.
What is Fentanyl and why is it so dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. While effective in the treatment of severe pain in medical settings, the high potency of this drug makes it extremely dangerous when abused. Even very small amounts can cause a fatal overdose, especially when unknowingly mixed with other substances like counterfeit pills.
What are the signs of fentanyl addiction?
Some signs of fentanyl addiction include:
- Cravings and increased tolerance
- Ignoring responsibilities at work or home
- Withdrawal symptoms like nausea and sweating
- Risky behaviors to obtain the drug
- Social withdrawal and financial problems
Recognizing these signs early is critical to seeking help through a fentanyl rehab program.
What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Bluish lips or nails
- Unresponsiveness or limp body
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Tiny, constricted pupils
If you suspect an overdose, administer naloxone if available and call for emergency help immediately.
What should I do if I suspect a loved one is using fentanyl?
Approach any suspected use of fentanyl with empathy and support. Learn about the risks involved, and encourage professional treatment. Have naloxone on hand in case of emergencies and offer to help find rehab for fentanyl addiction. Support groups may also be able to offer guidance for you and your loved one in these difficult times.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, please fill out our commitment-free form to verify your insurance.
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