Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, roughly 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. It is often prescribed for severe pain but has become a major contributor to the opioid crisis due to its potential for abuse. Unfortunately, fentanyl is frequently mixed with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, without the user’s knowledge, leading to unintentional overdoses and deaths. The U.S. is seeing record numbers of fentanyl-related fatalities, with California being one of the hardest-hit states.
In California, fentanyl overdose deaths have significantly increased. In the first half of 2023, fentanyl-related deaths accounted for over 60% of all opioid-related overdose fatalities, with the state seeing a noticeable rise in synthetic opioid-related deaths. In Orange County, where Huntington Beach is located, fentanyl-related emergency department visits spiked by over 2,200% from 2017 to 2021, and Huntington Beach saw a high rate of opioid-related visits, with 178.9 per 100,000 people in 2021.
At Surf City Detox, we are committed to supporting clients through the challenging process of overcoming fentanyl addiction. Our compassionate team provides personalized care in a safe, supportive environment to help people take control of their recovery journey.
How Do Opioids Work?
How Do Opioids Affect the Brain and Body?
When opioids enter the body, they quickly affect the brain by releasing large amounts of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This surge in dopamine creates intense feelings of pleasure and can cause relaxation, but it also slows down important bodily functions, such as breathing. This is why opioid overdose can be so dangerous—by slowing or stopping breathing, opioids can lead to death. Chronic use can cause changes in the brain, making it difficult for people to feel pleasure from everyday activities, leading to further dependence on the drug. Additionally, people who use opioids may experience drowsiness, confusion, constipation, and nausea as side effects.
Why Is Fentanyl Dangerous and Addictive?
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction can develop quickly due to its potency. People who are addicted may exhibit signs such as:
- Intense Cravings: A strong desire to use fentanyl despite negative consequences.
- Tolerance: Need more fentanyl over time to feel the same effects.
- Physical Dependence: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking, nausea, sweating, and muscle aches when attempting to quit.
- Mood Swings: Sudden changes in mood, including unexplained feelings of depression or euphoria.
- Poor Decision-Making: Prioritizing fentanyl use over important responsibilities like work or relationships.
- Drowsiness or Sedation: Persistent fatigue or “nodding off” due to the drug’s sedative effects.
- Pinpoint Pupils: Small, constricted pupils are a clear physical sign of fentanyl use.
- Shallow Breathing: Fentanyl can slow down breathing, which can be life-threatening.
- Confusion: Difficulty focusing, remembering, or processing information.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms often resemble the flu, including chills, sweating, and body aches.
- Itching and Scratching: Constant itching is a common side effect of fentanyl use.
- Lack of Coordination: Trouble with balance and motor skills, often leading to clumsiness.
- Euphoria: A heightened sense of happiness or pleasure that can make it more difficult to stop using fentanyl.
Recognizing these signs early can help people get the treatment they need before their addiction worsens.
Causes and Risk Factors of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl abuse can happen for many reasons, with various factors increasing the likelihood of addiction:
- Chronic Pain: People prescribed fentanyl for pain relief, especially for long-term conditions, are at risk of becoming dependent.
- Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD may lead people to self-medicate with fentanyl or other opioids.
- History of Substance Abuse: A past of abusing drugs increases the likelihood of misusing fentanyl or other opioids.
- Easy Access: Fentanyl is increasingly available through prescriptions or illegal channels, raising the chances of abuse and accidental overdose.
- Lack of Support: Without a strong support system or access to fentanyl addiction treatment, people may turn to fentanyl as a way to cope with life’s stresses.
- Peer Pressure: Social influences, such as pressure from friends or family, can lead people to experiment with fentanyl and, ultimately, develop an addiction.
- Overprescription: In some cases, medical overprescription of opioids, including fentanyl, can lead to misuse and dependence.
The rise in fentanyl-related deaths reflects how easily people can become dependent on this drug, often with little warning. Understanding these risk factors can help people take preventative steps toward recovery.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
Medications for Fentanyl Addiction
Medications play a crucial role in the treatment of fentanyl addiction. They help stabilize the body, manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent overdose. Commonly used medications include:
A long-acting opioid that helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings by mimicking the effects of opioids without causing a high.
A partial opioid agonist that works similarly to methadone but with a lower risk of misuse. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
An opioid antagonist is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is often used in combination with buprenorphine or methadone to prevent relapse and overdose.
These medications are part of a medically assisted detox process that helps the body safely rid itself of fentanyl while reducing the risk of dangerous side effects.
Therapies for Fentanyl Addiction
A type of therapy that helps people identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT equips individuals with the tools to manage stress, avoid triggers, and make healthier decisions.
This therapy involves providing positive reinforcement, such as rewards or incentives, for staying sober. It helps encourage long-term behavioral changes and supports motivation during recovery.
By combining medications and therapy, people receive a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of addiction. This holistic approach increases the chances of a successful and lasting recovery.
Withdrawal Symptoms from Fentanyl Detox
- Nausea and Vomiting: The body reacts to fentanyl’s absence, causing gastrointestinal distress.
- Sweating and Shaking: Common physical signs as the body adjusts to the lack of the drug.
- Muscle Aches and Pain: Withdrawal often leads to intense muscle and joint discomfort.
- Anxiety and Irritability: Many people feel anxious, restless, or experience mood swings during detox.
- Fatigue: Exhaustion and low energy are common while the body recovers.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or disrupted sleep patterns can occur.
- Cravings: Intense urges to use fentanyl again are common as the body seeks relief.
These symptoms can vary in intensity but are a normal part of the detox process. Medically supervised detox can help people manage these challenges and support them through the recovery journey.
Break the Cycle of Fentanyl Addiction with Surf City Detox
Surf City Detox Accepts Insurance
We accept many insurance plans to help cover the cost of addiction treatment. Contact your provider to get more information or call our office to reach an intake specialist.
