What Treatments Are Available For Fentanyl Drug Addiction?

Fentanyl drug addiction is a serious problem in both Canada and the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1,000 individuals have died from a Fentanyl overdose during the April 2005 through late March 2007.

Many people who are prescribed the drug in order to combat pain, can end up with an even more serious problem – and addiction. If you or a loved one is fighting an addiction, it’s important to first find a treatment facility that offers help to Fentanyl addicts.

If you think that a loved one might be battling Fentanyl addiction, look for the warning signs. When an individual is addicted to this drug, they may show the following symptoms:

• Hands and feet become swelled
• Constipation, nausea, vomiting
• Feeling weak
• Tiredness
• Shallow or weak breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Unconsciousness
• Coma

Because addiction to and abuse of prescription Fentanyl has become such a widespread problem in recent years, it is no surprise that a number of treatment options have also become available. Since each user is different, there is no single “right” method of treatment.

The important thing is to find a program with a good success rate that incorporates a team of professional counsellors and medical personnel to support you through your recovery.

One reason why many addicts fail in their attempt to get clean, is because of the severe withdrawal symptoms that they experience when they stop taking an opiate drug such as Fentanyl. Fortunately today there are medications which ease these symptoms and make success more achievable:

• Buprenorphine: This drug is typically used for treating withdrawal from opiates. The results tend to be more successful than other medications of its kind. When an addict takes this drug, the length of the detoxification process decreases.

• Methadone: Methadone is a narcotic prescribed by physicians for extreme pain. The drug is also use to help individuals addicted to opioids like Fentanyl.

While these and other medications can be extremely helpful in assisting a user to kick their addiction, a treatment program which utilizes these drugs should only be administered under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

One of the most well-known is Narcotics Anonymous. In 1953, Narcotics Anonymous was created with the purpose of bringing together individuals who as a group will support each other and encourage each other to live a drug-free lifestyle.

Another fantastic treatment program is SMART Recovery. This treatment program teaches and utilizes self-management skills for addiction recovery. These skills are based on the latest scientific research in addition to participate in a universal community. SMART Recovery 4-Point Program focuses on:

• Building and maintaining motivation
• Coping with urges
• Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors
• Living a balanced life

This 16-week behavioural treatment program crafted using over 20 years of professional, real-life experiences as research. Not only is it a widely recognized program, it has also been used to treat numerous Fentanyl addictions. This program covers:

• Individual / group therapy
• Early recovery
• Preventing relapse
• Family education
• Social support
• Drug testing

If you or a loved one is battling a Fentanyl drug addiction, it is not a fight that you have to go through alone. With the help of the right professionals and treatment program, you can get the support you need and increase your chances of success.