The History of Fentanyl
For many years, morphine was the primary drug used in treatments such as pain relief following surgery and other ailments, yet in the 1950s-60s, scientists, and doctors sought to create a more potent drug. Fentanyl was first synthesized in 1960.
When first created, fentanyl was noted to be 100-200 times more powerful than morphine and other opioids and was a less complicated molecule to manipulate. In the 60s, it was used in mostly western Europe in attempts to create powerful anesthesia by mixing it with other drugs. Throughout the next couple of decades, fentanyl was used to aid cancer patients in easing pain intensity and allowed them to adjust to treatment without such intense symptoms.
Now, fentanyl is used in treatment of chronic pain and to manage severe pain post-operation. Being that it is an opioid, it is a common prescription given to patients leaving hospice.
As fentanyl has become more commonly prescribed and used in medical situations, the use of illicit fentanyl has seen an increase, as well as fentanyl abuse. Fentanyl overdose deaths are the #1 most common drug-related deaths in the US, and the number of people that die via overdose on fentanyl increases yearly.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
The number one sign of addiction vs recreational use is whether the ability to quit is barred by intense cravings or painful withdrawal symptoms. It can be almost impossible to quit alone due to the severity of withdrawal, which is why many addicts find it hard to stop at all.
If concerned for a loved one, common behaviors of opioid addiction include: reckless spending, lying, irrational behavior, bouts of intense emotion, and withdrawal from the social world.
Common Questions About Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
When investigating a fentanyl addiction treatment program, it’s important to ask questions, such as:
Is inpatient or outpatient rehab right for me?
What do I need to maintain sobriety, and lasting recovery, and how can rehab provide that for me?
And, of course, do they take your insurance?
Seeing a list of questions like this can seem intimidating, but it is important to remember that rehab is no small feat; finding the right one is just as important as admitting help is needed.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Programs in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts alone, hospitals have seen a 200% increase in fentanyl-related discharges and cases over the last few years. Further, it remains one of the states with an extremely high level of fentanyl overdose.
As bleak as this seems, there is a treatment program for those struggling with substance abuse.
State-wide, Massachusetts offers dozens of rehab addiction treatment centers and programs, even specific programs geared towards fentanyl addiction treatment.
Some of the most noted rehabilitation centers in Massachusetts are as follows:
BrightView: Located in Hyannis, Lynn, and Worcester.
Gavin Foundation: Located in Quincy.
Mayflower: Located in Wilmington.
First Things First: Medical Detox for Fentanyl Addiction
As noted before, withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly painful and unpleasant, which is what makes it extremely difficult to quit in the first place. Fentanyl addiction treatment can help with this.
- Fever
- Nausea/vomiting
- Chills
- Sweating
- Intense cravings for fentanyl
- Muscle and joint pain/aches
Due to the intensity of these symptoms and the high possibility of relapse, many rehabs emphasize 24/7 care when a patient is detoxing. Some administer medicine within the first couple of days, while slowly weaning off as the withdrawal symptoms continue.
If attempting to quit cold turkey, it is possible, yet extremely risky. Seeking fentanyl addiction treatment is essential in ensuring sobriety, as well as the supervision of trained medical professionals that truly seek to help you regain control in the battle of addiction.
Experienced, Compassionate Staff
When seeking rehab centers, it is just as important as anything else to explore if their staff is headed by compassionate addiction treatment professionals. Luckily, many rehabs do not accept anything less from their staff.
Rehabilitation staff not only maintains around-the-clock care during detoxing, but aftercare, as well. It is just as important to have care and support after the detox process, and individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy can aid in identifying the root of the addiction, addressing it, and letting it go, all in an attempt to achieve lasting recovery and to maintain a patient’s addiction recovery.
Not every doctor and medical professional is kind, which is why it’s vital to check the patient reviews of a rehabilitation center before deciding on one.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Another notable trait of rehab is whether they have personalized treatment programs for every individual that walks through their doors. Not every strategy works for every patient, which is why it’s essential to individualize the needs of every patient seeking fentanyl addiction treatment.
These treatment programs can include intensive outpatient program, rehab or inpatient, group therapy, individual therapy, or other approaches to therapy (such as behavioral therapies), as well as other strategies. You may consider finding a treatment program near your home or traveling to break away from the physical location where you addiction started. Rather that’s a fentanyl addiction treatment program Texas, California or any other state, it’s important to find a place you can heal.
Some patients benefit from gaining treatment at their homes, bringing some of their homes with them, or leaving home behind entirely. When looking for a fentanyl addiction treatment program, it’s essential to consider what you need.
A Long-Term Plan to Overcome Fentanyl Addiction: Drug Rehab Aftercare
Addiction recovery isn’t always on a linear path, and it’s normal to think about and even take the leap on relapsing. Rehabilitation centers urge their patients to remember that this does not mean failure, and it is perfectly normal and part of the human experience to stumble on such a strenuous journey.
A treatment program doesn’t last a small period of time; it should last as long as you need it to.