Fentanyl Rehab in Kennesaw, GA

Because Recovery Starts with the First Step

Fentanyl is the strongest prescription opioid available, with a potency 50 to 100 times that of morphine. Unfortunately, it is also becoming more and more common in illegal drug markets, and many dealers add fentanyl to other drugs without informing their customers. As a result, you may develop a fentanyl addiction without even realizing it – and opiate addictions are some of the most difficult to overcome.

Whether you took fentanyl intentionally or purchased street drugs that were cut with fentanyl, there is no shame in asking for help. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the leading causes of fatal overdose in the United States, so getting help could even spell the difference between life and death.

If you are ready to take the first steps towards fentanyl recovery, we are here to walk alongside you.

Call North Georgia Recovery Center at (678) 940-7873 to get started with fentanyl rehab in Kennesaw today.

What Is Fentanyl?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.” Doctors sometimes prescribe fentanyl to help patients manage severe pain, especially after surgery and in cases of advanced cancer pain. Brands of prescription fentanyl include:

• Actiq®,
• Duragesic®,
• and Sulimaze®.

Because fentanyl is so potent, many illegal drug laboratories have found ways to replicate it. Street names for fentanyl include Apache, China Girl, China White, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Murder 8, Jackpot, and Tango & Cash. Often, dealers sell illegal fentanyl as a powder, in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or as pills that look like other prescription opioids.

As we mentioned above, many drug dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs, like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA, because it is cheap and produces a stronger high. This is extremely dangerous because opioids are riskier when combined with other drugs and because fentanyl’s strength can easily lead to overdose – particularly with individuals who have not taken fentanyl before or are unaware they are taking the drug.

In addition to being dangerous, fentanyl is extremely addictive. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.3 million people aged 12 and older misused prescription painkillers like fentanyl in the past year. Many people are unable to stop using fentanyl without treatment.

Why Is Fentanyl Addictive?

People become addicted to Fentanyl because it binds to the parts of your brain that control pain and emotions, relieving physical and emotional pain and producing feelings of extreme happiness and sedation. When you take fentanyl for a long period of time, however, it can be difficult to experience pleasure from any other source, which leads to addiction – or compulsive and all-consuming drug seeking and use.

What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl also produces a range of physical effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Trouble breathing
• And unconsciousness

Too much fentanyl can lead to an overdose, and a fentanyl overdose can cause your breathing to slow or stop. If you stop breathing because of fentanyl use, your brain will not receive oxygen, which leads to hypoxia. Hypoxia can cause permanent brain damage, comas, and death.

Fortunately, a medication called naloxone can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose. Due to the strength of fentanyl, multiple doses of naloxone may be required.

If you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, always call 911 immediately.

What Fentanyl Addiction Treatments Are Available at Detox Centers?

Naloxone is not the only medical treatment that can help with fentanyl addiction. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications to help people reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms (unpleasant, flu-like symptoms that emerge when you stop using fentanyl). Buprenorphine and methadone, for instance, bind to the same opioid receptors and fentanyl without producing as strong of an effect, and naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, preventing fentanyl from having an effect entirely.

Other treatments for fentanyl addiction include therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. These options should be available to you at a fentanyl detox near you.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fentanyl Rehab in Kennesaw

What Can I Expect During Fentanyl Detox?

Fentanyl withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but our medical team is here to guide you through the process. Detox typically lasts 3-7 days and may involve medications to manage withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and insomnia.

Will I Be Able to Work or Go to School During Fentanyl Rehab?

North Georgia Recovery Center offers various treatment programs, including outpatient options, to accommodate your individual needs.  If you have work or school commitments, we can discuss a program that allows you to continue your responsibilities while receiving the addiction treatment you need.

If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, North Georgia Recovery Center can help. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We are here to support you on your journey towards a healthier, happier life.

Discover our positive community and family of support by calling us at (678) 940-7873 or contacting us online today.