Fentanyl is a dangerous, highly-addictive drug. It has caused hundreds of thousands of overdoses in just a few short years, in people from all walks of life. This synthetic opiate was initially created to help relieve severe pain by changing how the brain reacts to and processes that pain. Because of the dopamine increase that comes with pain blocking, this drug has become a recreational favorite for many.
Unfortunately, it’s also highly potent and misused in various ways. Namely, fentanyl has been found mixed with other drugs to make them go further. At some point in the supply chain, the fentanyl is cut in, and most people have no clue, which results in an overdose most of the time or the creation of an ongoing addiction to this substance.
Anyone struggling with fentanyl addiction or another form of substance use disorder needs to know that they are not alone. There are Fentynal addiction treatment options in Indianapolis, IN, out there, including inpatient and outpatient fentanyl addiction treatment in Indianapolis, IN. Not all drug rehabs in Indianapolis, IN, are created the same, of course, so it’s going to be important to find one that works for you.
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Opioid addiction, including addictions to fentanyl, carries an array of behavioral, physical, and mental symptoms that you can be on the lookout for if you are worried that you or a loved one needs help. People who are addicted to fentanyl will do whatever it takes to continue to get that “good” feeling that this drug delivers. Some people who had a prescription for the drug may continue to use it for other reasons after the issue has been resolved.
Common signs include:
- Sudden behavioral changes and mood shifts
- Spending most of their time and money on getting and using drugs
- Stealing money or otherwise trying to generate fast cash to buy drugs
- Physical symptoms like oversleeping and frequent naps
- Slowed metabolism and weight loss
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness and shaking
- Itching and scratching
- Psychological signs like depression, paranoia, confusion, or hallucinations
- Irritability and agitation
- Extreme mood swings
It can be hard to identify when someone is using some drugs or abusing alcohol, to a degree. With fentanyl, however, it’s usually fairly obvious that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. If serious symptoms occur, people may need to seek medical treatment to avoid death from overdose or overuse of fentanyl.
The danger with fentanyl, of course, is that it takes such a small amount to do so much damage.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Overdose
A fentanyl overdose can result in death, with more than 56,500 deaths from opioids other than methadone in 2020 alone. It has continued to increase since then, with about 150 people dying every single day from synthetic opioid overdoses. There’s also the risk of illicit fentanyl versus prescription fentanyl—as you would expect, the former poses much more risk because of potential contaminants, improper manufacturing processes, and the greed of drug cartels who are looking to make money.
If an overdose isn’t fatal, it can result in severe mental, physical, and psychological damage that may or may not be able to be repaired over time. This is why it’s better to get help sooner than later.
States are Helping
Some states have started offering free naloxone, including Indiana, a substance known to reverse the effects of fentanyl or opioid overdose. In addition to stocking first responders with plenty of treatments, some states have even created programs that allow individuals to fill out a form and have naloxone sent to their homes so that they can keep it on hand in case they ever see an overdose happening. While this is good news, it’s also a shockingly honest look at the seriousness of this epidemic and the lives it impacts.
Not all states have these programs in place. However, there are a growing number of them available. And as mentioned, all first responders are equipped with naloxone at this point, so if someone is overdosing, you should first call 9-1-1 and get the help they need.
The Benefits of Getting Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Indianapolis, IN
Those dealing with fentanyl addiction can find several benefits from choosing treatment. For starters, the risk of accidental death from an overdose will stop as soon as the person stops using drugs. Not only that, but proper addiction treatment can help people get to the root cause of their addiction, figure out what’s going on, and start the recovery process.
Recovering from opioid addiction is especially hard because of all the “feel good” chemicals produced by using these substances. More than drugs, some people get addicted to the feelings they create, and that can make quitting problematic. Fortunately, addiction recovery centers understand all the different potential causes and challenges of overcoming addictions.
Treatment centers will be able to ensure that there are no medical issues or other concerns during the detox process. They will be able to evaluate the situation and create a treatment plan that is designed to help heal the person as a whole, not just to get rid of their addiction. Plus, they’ll do it all in a way that works best for you, whether that’s through inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, or a combination of the two.
Reach Out and Ask for a Hand
If you or your loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, you must ask for help as soon as possible. The sooner the recovery process starts, the sooner the potential risks and adverse outcomes can be prevented. It’s hard to ask for help, but with the resources available today, fentanyl addiction treatment in Indianapolis, IN, is open to all who need it. If you are ready to get your life back or help a loved one who needs a rehab center, you’ll be happy to know there are solutions for every need.
Addiction rehab centers in Indianapolis, IN, offer a range of treatment options for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. These centers may provide inpatient rehab, where individuals live at the facility for some time while receiving round-the-clock care and support. Outpatient rehab is also available, allowing individuals to live at home while receiving treatment part-time.
Some addiction treatment centers in Indianapolis offer PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) options. These programs typically involve several hours of treatment per day but allow individuals to return home in the evenings.
Treatment programs at addiction rehab centers may include a range of therapies, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. These therapies are designed to address addiction’s emotional, psychological, and social aspects and may be conducted by licensed therapists or counselors.
Medically assisted treatment may also be available at addiction rehab centers in Indianapolis. This may include using medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as support for individuals transitioning off of these medications.
Detox centers, specifically designed to help individuals safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol, is a part of addiction rehab centers in Indianapolis. These centers may offer round-the-clock medical supervision and support to help individuals manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
