Fentanyl was introduced in the 1960s to treat severe pain. Outside of a medical setting, the general public was largely unaware of fentanyl until approximately ten years ago, when it began being linked to increased overdose rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl has become the leading cause of death in Americans ages 18 to 49 since 2013.
Fentanyl is currently considered the most dangerous illicit drug in the United States. Because of its potency, it is possible to become addicted to fentanyl even when used under a doctor’s care. Using fentanyl recreationally is incredibly dangerous, as it carries the risk of overdose with every use. A fentanyl addiction treatment program is the best way to safely and effectively detox from fentanyl and receive comprehensive treatment to address the underlying issues contributing to addiction.
At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we are committed to combatting the opioid crisis by providing the full continuum of care for substance use disorders like fentanyl addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Call 866.931.6429 to discover how we can help you or a loved one.
Is Fentanyl an Opioid?
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid. The intended medical use of fentanyl is to treat pain associated with severe injuries, chronic illnesses such as cancer, or chronic pain that does not respond to other medications.
Like other opioids, fentanyl activates receptors on cells throughout the body to block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine, the body’s natural “feel good” chemical. Fentanyl has a high potential for addiction, mainly when used recreationally, which has become more common.
Just How Dangerous Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl use changes brain chemistry, and the body quickly becomes dependent on the drug to function normally. When fentanyl use is reduced or stopped, withdrawal begins as the brain attempts to restore its natural chemical balance.
The most significant danger of fentanyl is its potency. One milligram of fentanyl is approximately equal to:
- 50 milligrams of heroin
- 67 milligrams of oxycodone
- 100 milligrams of morphine
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that just two milligrams of fentanyl can be potentially lethal. Fentanyl is particularly dangerous for those who do not have a tolerance for opioids.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is especially dangerous because its production is not regulated. Recently, it has become common for other drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA to be cut with fentanyl because it increases the euphoric effects of these drugs and reduces their cost. The danger with this is the increased risk of overdose and death.
What to Expect from Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Detoxing from fentanyl is the first step toward recovery. At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, patients receive a thorough medical and clinical assessment to help determine the most effective course of treatment.
Studies have shown that treatment programs lasting 90 days or more are significantly more effective for long-term sobriety. Residential treatment for fentanyl addiction provides patients with intensive care in a safe environment, away from the stressors and triggers that likely contributed to their addiction.
Our highly skilled multidisciplinary treatment team takes time to get to know each patient individually to provide personalized care catered to their unique needs, circumstances, and recovery goals. Individualized treatment plans can include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational incentives (MI)
- 12-step programs
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
Because addiction and co-occurring disorders impact all aspects of a person’s well-being, we utilize a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to promote mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Change Your Life Today with Evoke Wellness’s Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
If you use fentanyl or other opioids, you put your life at risk with every dose. At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, our fentanyl addiction treatment program offers high-quality care in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Our admissions counselors are available around the clock. Call 866.931.6429 to learn how we can help you or your loved one break the cycle of fentanyl addiction for good.
