woman sleeping on the floor showing dangers of fentanyl withdrawal
By Published On: 06/06/2021Categories: Addiction, Detox, Opioid Abuse, Substance Abuse TreatmentComments Off on The Dangers of Fentanyl WithdrawalTags: , ,

As a highly powerful opioid, fentanyl is never safe to use without a doctor’s supervision. It takes a very small amount of this drug to create a high risk for addiction and overdose. For those who are using it now, suddenly stopping it can lead to intense fentanyl withdrawal, a painful experience most people cannot handle without professional support. With a comprehensive opioid addiction treatment program, Georgia Addiction Treatment Center can help you stop using this drug safely.

Why Fentanyl Withdrawal Occurs

Opioids interact with the function of the brain. More specifically, they alter the neurotransmitters and natural chemicals in the brain. The use of these drugs triggers the brain’s pleasure center. Since the brain is designed to seek out experiences that feel good, the brain wants more access to the drug. Often, the amount needed to create the euphoric feeling increases, too. Within a matter of time, those using fentanyl may not be able to stop doing so because the brain demands to function normally. Without it, withdrawal symptoms occur.

Common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Intense anxiety and agitation
  • Inability to sleep
  • Muscle aches and body pain
  • Abdominal cramping
  • High blood pressure and rapid heartbeat

Some people using this substance may also experience intense withdrawal symptoms. This may include seizures, hallucinations, and depression. Because it can have negative consequences, it is best for a person to get help as he or she works to detox from the use of the drug.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous

Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than other opioids like morphine. As a result, it takes just a small amount of this drug to put a person at risk for addiction and dependence if used outside of doctor guidelines. More so, as powerful as the drug is, there is a risk of overdose with each use of it. Yet, stopping suddenly and without any support is nearly impossible. When a person fails to stop on his or her own, they may relapse, often using too much and causing an overdose to occur.

There are also some situations where a person may suffer psychosis from no longer using the drug. Feeling helpless and struggling with pain, a person may be at risk for depression or an inability to control their actions. That’s why treatment needs to happen in a controlled environment where there is exceptional support available, including a medical team. To be clear, it is possible to stop using this drug and not feel the intensity of withdrawal symptoms in a treatment center.

How to Go Through Detox Safely

For those facing the need to go through opioid detox, there is support available. Medications can be used to help eliminate the intensity of cravings and control withdrawal symptoms. The type of support a person needs depends on the amount of the substance they are using and the length of time they’ve used.

At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, we offer a wide range of supportive resources to help you to turn the page on fentanyl use. You do not have to do this on your own. With the right tools and resources, you can safely overcome your addiction and dependence. We offer ways to help, including:

Georgia Addiction Treatment Center Is Here for You

Don’t attempt to stop using this powerful opioid on your own. Instead of facing fentanyl withdrawal or any opioid withdrawal alone, allow our team to provide the support you need every step of the way. Turn to Georgia Addiction Treatment Center now to learn more about the services we offer that can help you. Reach us now online or call [Direct] for an appointment.

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