The opioid epidemic has been fueled by the ease of access to prescription painkillers. If a person suffers an injury or undergoes surgery, they are often prescribed opioid painkillers to help them manage moderate to severe pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may not suffice in these cases, so a stronger prescription painkiller is necessary. And for some people, the pain is so severe that commonly prescribed opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone are not sufficient to relieve the pain. When this happens, fentanyl may be prescribed, but this drug can introduce serious side effects. If you find yourself in the grips of fentanyl addiction, reach out to your local fentanyl detox center to break free from this highly addictive painkiller.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand how challenging it can be to quit fentanyl once addicted. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program will provide you with the patience and support you need to get through withdrawal. We do our best to minimize withdrawal symptoms with medication and help you work through cravings, stress, and addiction triggers to enjoy a long-lasting recovery. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about fentanyl addiction treatment in our welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
What Makes Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is so powerful that it is nearly 100 times as potent as morphine and about 50 times as potent as heroin. Many people unknowingly consume fentanyl when they buy illicit opioids. Some street drugs are now being cut with fentanyl, making it difficult to know the actual potency of the drug and running a much higher risk of overdose.
Common Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Some substances merely cause discomfort when you withdraw, while others can present some serious health risks. If you have an addiction and try to quit, you may experience fentanyl withdrawal symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Stomach cramping
- Achy muscles
- Sleep disturbances
Your fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on your history of use. If you experience excessive vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea, you can become severely dehydrated, which can be quite dangerous.
Ideally, you would go through withdrawal at a fentanyl detox center to receive immediate medical care as needed. However, if you or a loved one is severely dehydrated while withdrawing from fentanyl at home, you must receive emergency medical care. Healthcare professionals can provide you with intravenous fluids to help you rehydrate.
Fentanyl Overdose Signs You Need to Know
A fentanyl overdose can be fatal, so you must know how to spot the signs of overdose as early as possible. Some common fentanyl overdose signs are:
- Lethargy
- Slow movements
- Pinpoint pupils
- Limpness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Bluish tint to the lips and nails
- Slowed heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
A person experiencing a fentanyl overdose may seem sleepy and drift in and out of consciousness. It is always safer to check in with them and ask if they are okay rather than just assuming they are tired. If you suspect someone you know is overdosing on fentanyl, keep them awake as you call for emergency services.
Protect Your Health with Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Whether you are using prescription fentanyl or obtaining it on the street, you are at high risk for addiction and potential overdose. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand the challenges of trying to quit fentanyl, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. We strive to keep our clients as comfortable as possible while they withdraw from fentanyl so they can keep their minds focused on recovery. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn how our fentanyl detox program can help you achieve lasting sobriety.
