Fentanyl Addiction Intervention and Treatment in Texas
Fentanyl addiction intervention and drug rehab in Texas include different drug detox programs, residential treatment, family intervention, and outpatient resources. Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid responsible for countless overdose deaths in Texas. Treating opioid addiction requires multiple steps, but most families organize a family intervention to help their loved ones become motivated to accept help. Most individuals abusing opioids like fentanyl require a medical detox to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms and ease withdrawal discomfort.
Following medical detox, the next step with treatment involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab program in Texas. Residential drug rehab centers are better options because more counseling, therapy, and treatment modalities are provided. Residential and outpatient drug rehab programs offer short-term and long-term treatment. Typically, the severity and extent of the opioid addiction determine the length of time needed in drug rehab. Recovering addicts should also consider aftercare support. Common recovery programs in Texas include 12-step meetings, peer support groups, and sober living homes. Ideally, well-rounded drug rehabilitation should help a person physically, mentally, and spiritually.
What is Fentanyl, and How is it Used?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times stronger. Fentanyl is a prescription pain medication, but illegal non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is available on black markets and through street-level drug dealers. The drug is typically used to treat patients with severe or chronic pain. However, like any other opioid, individuals develop tolerance and dependence, causing withdrawal symptoms and addiction.
When fentanyl is prescribed, it is given as a shot and a patch placed on the skin or as lozenges used like cough drops. Illegal fentanyl is associated with most overdose deaths in Texas. Synthetic fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays. The drug is also made into pills that look like other prescription opioids. Drug dealers will likely mix fentanyl with other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, or MDMA.
Fentanyl was first developed in 1959 and introduced in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic. The drug is illegally manufactured and distributed in the United States. Between 2011 and 2021, both fatal overdoses associated with abuse of clandestinely produced fentanyl and fentanyl analogs and law enforcement encounters increased. In addition, the number of drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl increased. Fentanyl can be injected, snorted, sniffed, smoked, or taken orally by pill or tablet and spiked onto blotter paper.
What are Common Street Names for Fentanyl
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, common street names for fentanyl include Apache, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, King Ivory, Murder 8, and Tango and Cash. Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Fentanyl pharmaceutical products include oral transmucosal lozenges, effervescent buccal tablets, sublingual tablets, sublingual sprays, nasal sprays, and transdermal patches. Illegal fentanyl is sold in powder form or counterfeit tablets.
What Causes Fentanyl Drug Addiction?
Fentanyl addiction is similar to any other opioid addiction. Individuals become physically dependent, requiring larger doses. The effects of opioid analgesics include relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, and pupillary constriction. Opioid drugs like fentanyl bind to the body’s opioid receptors found in the area of the brain that controls pain and emotion. Prolonged use of fentanyl causes the brain to adapt to the drug, diminishing its sensitivity. Eventually, the person taking the drug no longer feels pleasure from anything besides the drug.
When someone becomes addicted to fentanyl, drug use and drug-seeking behavior take over. The effects of fentanyl include extreme happiness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, problems breathing, and unconsciousness. Fentanyl is addictive because of its potency. In addition, people addicted to fentanyl experience severe withdrawal symptoms forcing them to remain on the drug to avoid withdrawal. Opioids are powerfully addictive, and most opioid addictions begin with a prescription pain medication taken too long or misused. Unfortunately, this eventually leads to drug abuse and addiction.
Fentanyl Drug Addiction Treatment and Detox in Texas
Fentanyl drug addiction treatment and detox are essential because prolonged use of fentanyl increases the risk of overdose. When someone overdoses on fentanyl, their breathing can slow or stop. A lack of oxygen to the brain is called hypoxia, leading to coma and permanent brain damage or death. Treating fentanyl addiction requires medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Common withdrawal symptoms include muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings.
Withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable, but with medical detox combined with medication-assisted treatment, individuals can make a smooth transition to a drug rehab center in Texas. Residential and outpatient drug rehab centers in Texas are effective in treating fentanyl addiction. Counseling may involve behavioral therapies that modify a person’s attitude and behavior related to drug use. In addition, therapy helps increase healthy life skills and helps them follow through with recovery.
Examples of successful behavioral therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational interviewing, and 12-step facilitation. However, many of the drug rehab centers in Texas incorporate holistic treatment, experiential therapy, or take a faith-based approach. Generally, no one form of drug rehab is right for every person, and treatment settings and interventions should meet the needs of the addict. It is also important to follow through with aftercare support like 12-step meetings, peer support groups, or sober living homes.
Family Intervention for Synthetic Drug Addiction in Texas.
Opioid addiction causes a powerful physical and psychological addiction. The average person addicted to pain medication like fentanyl may not admit they have an addiction or accept help. Family intervention in Texas helps families motivate their drug-addicted loved one to accept treatment and commit to drug rehab. Family intervention brings together family, friends, and a professional interventionist to confront the addict about their drug use. During the intervention, it is demonstrated how the addict’s drug addiction has impacted their life and the lives of their family. With the help of a professional interventionist, family intervention is a successful method to take.
Sources-
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Fentanyl-2020_0.pdf
