Fentanyl Addiction

What Causes Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl is highly addictive due to its potency. While it’s 50-100 times more potent than morphine, it’s also 30-50 times more potent than heroin. This means it’s fast-acting, quickly binding to opioid receptors in the brain and causing pain relief, along with euphoric effects. 

Regular use of fentanyl leads to tolerance—meaning a higher dosage is necessary to achieve similar effects or a similar “high.” Severe withdrawal symptoms can also quickly arise when discontinuing use, including:

• Extreme pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Intense cravings

These symptoms can make it difficult to stop using, even when you want to stop. Yet, a major risk of using fentanyl is overdosing. Even a small amount can be fatal. Many people may also mix fentanyl with cocaine, heroin, or other drugs without knowing it, which also contributes to fatal overdoses. Naloxone is commonly used to treat emergency overdoses, and these kits are frequently given out to help reduce deaths associated with the opioid crisis.

If you’re struggling with a fentanyl addiction, know that recovery is possible. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our caring and compassionate team is here to guide you through every step. From your initial detox to aftercare, our team ensures you have the tools, support, and resources you need to transform your life.

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Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Common symptoms of a fentanyl addiction include:

• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Excessive sweating
• Slurred speech
• Itchy skin
• Intense cravings
• Mood swings/irritability
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Doctor shopping
• Neglect of responsibilities (including career and family obligations)
• Participating in risky behaviors
• Social isolation

With a fentanyl addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms can arise within only six to 12 hours after your last dose. While this depends on the severity of addiction, this is often why the cycle of a fentanyl addiction can be so difficult to break. But with the right care and support, it is possible.

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Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

The best approach for treating a fentanyl addiction involves a combination of medically assisted treatment (MAT), therapeutic approaches, and other support to help guide your recovery. At FRC, your treatment plan may include:

Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the risk of relapse. Medications that may be used include:

• Methadone: This is a long-acting opioid that stabilizes withdrawal and reduces cravings without producing a high.
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone): This partial opioid agonist eases withdrawal while blocking the effects of fentanyl.
• Naltrexone: This medication prevents the effects of fentanyl altogether, which can help reduce the risk of relapse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

At FRC, our team helps address underlying issues or trauma contributing to your addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the main strategies often used to help identify your triggers, develop coping strategies, and learn healthy ways to manage your stress and emotions.

Alongside CBT, other therapies may include:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Anger Management‍

Health & Wellness Education

At FRC, we understand that addiction doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Most often, with addiction, our self-care habits fall curbside. However, we can help you get back on track. FRC offers various classes, workshops, and more to help you nourish your body in the best way possible. We also provide physical activity sessions, ensuring you get the support and care you need beyond traditional therapeutic approaches.

Community Support

Support and connection can play a profound role in your recovery journey. With workshops, activities, and group therapy, FRC strives to help each individual find connection and support along the way. The truth is that you aren’t alone in this journey. And having a sense of connection and belonging throughout the process can guide you toward success.

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Why Choose Freedom Recovery Centers

At FRC, we understand that each recovery journey is unique. We also understand how daunting and scary rehab can sound. However, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We believe that your best days are yet to come!

At our Richmond, Virginia, addiction recovery center, we go beyond standard treatment by providing a comfortable and rejuvenating environment. Enjoy cozy accommodations, chef-prepared nutritious meals, an on-site massage clinic, a nail studio, a fully equipped gym, and basketball courts—all designed to support your well-being. Here, recovery feels less like a facility and more like a place to heal, recharge, and rebuild your life.

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Take Back Control of Your Life

Our caring and compassionate team is here to answer your call 24/7. Whenever you’re ready, we can help you take that first step toward real change. When the time is right for you, call us at 804-635-3746. You don’t need to do this alone.

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FAQs

How long does fentanyl stay in your system?

While fentanyl itself has a short half-life (about three to seven hours), its effects can last much longer. Traces of the drug can be detected for days after use. However, the exact length of time depends on the dose, frequency of use, and other factors.

What are the side effects of fentanyl?

Side effects range from mild to life-threatening, including the risk of respiratory depression, dependence, and overdose. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms can be quite difficult to navigate, which is why fentanyl use often leads to addiction and relapse. However, it is possible to make a full recovery.

What is one of the first signs of withdrawal?

Some of the earliest signs of withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, and restlessness. This usually happens about six to 12 hours after your last dose. These feelings can further be accompanied by sweating, chills, muscle aches, and flu-like symptoms.