Fentanyl Resource - Reward Path Recovery

Statistics about Fentanyl Use

81,000

DEATHS

DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS OCCURRED IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING IN MAY 2020, PRIMARILY DUE TO SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS LIKE FENTANYL.

70 PERCENT

OF WORLDWIDE DEATHS CAUSED BY DRUG USE ARE RELATED TO OPIOIDS LIKE FENTANYL.

10 PERCENT

OF PEOPLE WHO NEED TREATMENT FOR OPIOID DEPENDENCY ARE RECEIVING IT.

5 Fast Facts about Fentanyl

1

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but 50-100 times more potent.

2

Fentanyl is capable of causing respiratory arrest at smaller doses than heroin.

3

The high potency of fentanyl increases the risk of overdose.

4

The medication naloxone can prevent death from an opioid overdose if administered in time.

5

Fentanyl is addictive because of its potency and people who are addicted to fentanyl can experience withdrawal within hours after taking the drug.

Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse

Confusion

Labored Breathing

Irregular Heartbeat

Itching

Clumsiness

Seizures

Physical Weakness

Common Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

- - - Confusion
    - Chest Pain
    - Labored Breathing
    - Irregular Heartbeat
    - Sweating
    - Itching
    - Physical Weakness
    - Fainting
    - Fatigue
    - Nausea

Less Common Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

- - - Clumsiness
    - Seizures
    - Extreme Sleepiness
    - Trembling
    - Headache
    - Muscle Jerking

Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Addiction is one of the most common side effects of fentanyl abuse. When someone uses fentanyl regularly, they will build a tolerance to it, and therefore they will need more of the drug to achieve a high.

RESTLESSNESS

MUSCLE PAIN

IRRITABILITY

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

INCREASED HEART RATE

Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose

If you suspect someone has overdosed, the first thing you should do is call 911. The treatment for a fentanyl overdose is a medicine called naloxone – a safe and effective remedy that can rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Naloxone is given by paramedics, emergency room doctors and other designated first responders.

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

SLOWED/STOPPED BREATHING

LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

DECREASED HEART RATE

DIZZINESS

Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

If you or someone you know is addicted to fentanyl, there is hope for recovery. Overcoming opioid dependency is not a quick process, as treatment for fentanyl addiction typically lasts about a year. Medication along with behavioral therapy is an effective way to treat fentanyl addiction.

1 Detox

Detox from fentanyl should only be done with medical supervision to ease the symptoms and prevent relapse. The FDA has approved a non- opioid drug called lofexidine to treat withdrawal symptoms. Detox should be the first step as part of a larger, long-term plan for recovery.

Outpatient treatment – is a good option for people who have mild to moderate symptoms of addiction and do not need intensive care. With outpatient treatment, you will live at home and go to your scheduled appointments.
Inpatient treatment – provides patients with a more intensive approach that involves withdrawal management, medication, and counseling. With inpatient treatment, you will live onsite at a rehab facility for a short period of time.

2 Medications

Buprenorphine and methadone – opioid replacements designed to reduce drug cravings and can also be used to treat withdrawal symptoms.

Medication along with behavioral therapy is an effective way to treat fentanyl addiction. It’s important to note that individuals should not stop using narcotics suddenly, as this can cause severe and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

3 Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy – teaches patients in recovery to find connections between their thoughts, feelings and actions and increase awareness of how these factors impact.
Contingency management – rewards patients for positive behavior change, such as negative drug tests. After completing treatment, patients should think about having a relapse prevention plan, such as an aftercare program.