Popping pills seem to be the answer to most pain-related issues that people face today. But the sad fact is sometimes it becomes difficult to avoid the addiction problems people face when they take pills to deal with severe pain on a regular basis.
What Fentanyl is
Fentanyl is a strong narcotic belonging to the opioid family. It is used to treat acute pain. In 2012, more than two million people in the US said they abused narcotics. However, just around 170,000 of them sought treatment for drug detox.
Also known as China Girl, China town, Apache, Friend, Goodfella, or Redrum, Fentanyl is among the few prescription opiates approved for long-term use.
Addiction symptoms
If you are worrying your loved one might be addicted to it, just lookout for the following symptoms:
- A preoccupation with fentanyl – whether using or buying
- Failing to quit when one wants to
- Avoiding social outings in order to use the drug
- Taking more and more to achieve the same effects
Some users may even be genetically predisposed to addiction, such as children of alcoholics. They are, in fact, almost 3-4 times likelier to become addicted to drugs like Fentanyl. In such cases, it is always advisable to speak with a center for drug rehab in Vermont. This is because getting professional help is the best way to rid yourself of this kind of addiction.
Fentanyl abuse side-effects
Just like with any other drug, there are many negative side effects of abusing fentanyl. Some of these are:
- Anxiety and hypertension
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
However, users are not just afraid of these, they are also scared of facing Fentanyl Withdrawal symptoms and so they just keep on using – while being fully well aware of its negative effects. Most users are those who have prescribed it for pain relief and then found themselves taking more and more over time to gain the same type of respite and failing to achieve it.
Treatment options
There is no easy or simple cure for addiction. It is a tough route and there is just no quick fix. Also, getting back to one’s old self won’t ever happen overnight. In most cases of fentanyl deaddiction, the treatment takes at least one year for the user to get the drug out of their body system, and mind.
Most users prefer taking the medication route to deal with withdrawal symptoms. Some medicines used in this treatment are methadone and buprenorphine.
As most users who become fentanyl addicts are familiar with stress and anxiety, medical professionals suggest a two-pronged tactic – medication along with meditation and yoga. This holistic approach aids users to deal successfully with triggers and anxiety.
Sometimes, doctors chart out a comprehensive plan that incorporates several treatment options to deal with complex cases.
If you feel any of your loved ones are facing substance abuse, call an addiction hotline at the earliest and get the right help for them before it is too late.