As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our nation, the number of overdoses and deaths related to fentanyl has reached record-breaking levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were nearly 92,000 deaths from overdose in 2020, 21,000 more than ever before. By June of 2021, synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl, were involved in 87 percent of opioid overdose deaths and 65 percent of all drug overdose deaths. Up to 100 times more potent than morphine, fentanyl is highly addictive and dangerous. If you are addicted to fentanyl, your best chance at recovery is through a fentanyl addiction treatment program.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we are committed to being part of the fight against the opioid epidemic. Our experienced team of addiction treatment professionals is here to help you or your loved one overcome opioid addiction, even if you have been unsuccessful in the past. Call 833.551.2304 to learn more about our holistic, non-12-step approach to lasting recovery.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?
Prescription drugs, fentanyl, and heroin are at the root of the opioid epidemic. Also involved are illegally manufactured versions of prescription medications and even medicines designed to help treat addiction, such as suboxone.
Opioid abuse and addiction often begin with medications prescribed to manage pain associated with chronic illness, surgery, or injury. These powerful drugs are highly effective at managing pain but were never intended for long-term use. However, pharmaceutical companies marketed the drugs as non-addictive, which led to them being overprescribed in increasingly higher doses, causing millions to develop a dependency on them unwittingly.
It can be challenging for an individual to accept or recognize this, especially when taking prescribed medications. It is essential to be able to recognize the signs of opioid dependency, including:
- Not taking the medication as prescribed–Are you taking your prescription in larger doses or in a way that is not intended, such as snorting it?
- Can’t control use–Do you become agitated if you can’t take your prescription on time, or have you developed cravings for the drug?
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms–Are you experiencing symptoms like sweating, fever, body aches, and vomiting due to not taking your prescription?
- Negatively impacting daily life–Are you neglecting your school, work, or family obligations, or have you gotten into legal trouble?
- Drug-seeking behavior–Have you lied to medical providers about your need for medication, asked for medication from others, or illegally purchased prescription medications?
Answering yes to any of these questions could be a sign that your opioid drug use, even if it is a prescription, is putting your health and safety at risk. Of course, using opioids recreationally to get high is also a sign that you may need treatment from an opioid addiction treatment center.
The Side Effects of Fentanyl
f you are suffering from fentanyl addiction, you are not alone. Opioid addiction affects millions of Americans from all walks of life. Opioids like fentanyl work by activating receptors on cells throughout the body to block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine, and they work very well. Their effectiveness is precisely what makes them so highly addictive. Side effects of fentanyl can include:
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Dizziness and confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Euphoria
- Respiratory depression
- Increased tolerance
- Anxiety or depression
Opioid addiction can create long-term changes in your brain. As a result, opioids carry a severe risk for overdose that can result in death. Recent statistics indicate that opioids kill nearly 100 Americans daily. Because other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and meth are often cut with fentanyl, unbeknownst to the user, it is regarded as the most significant contributor to overdose deaths.
Discover Effective Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Gulf Breeze Recovery
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we know that people who struggle with opioid addiction often get caught in a dangerous cycle of chronic relapse, leading them to believe that recovery is not possible. Additionally, the fear of withdrawal symptoms often causes people to put off treatment or avoid it altogether. Our opioid addiction treatment center offers a cutting-edge holistic non-12-step approach to recovery that can help you overcome addiction once and for all. Call 833.551.2304 to discover a new path.