What are My Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Options in Palm Beach County?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain. It is a schedule to narcotic, meaning it has a significant potential for physical and psychological dependence. Many people may become addicted to fentanyl quickly after beginning to abuse it.

If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl addiction, it’s crucial to find the comprehensive treatment and support you need to overcome this life-threatening condition and remain sober for the rest of your life.

Fentanyl addiction treatment in Palm Beach County is accessible and easy to find. Contact the specialists at The Best Treatment now to learn more about our holistic substance abuse treatment programs or to find the support you need at any stage of your addiction recovery journey.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that comes from opium, which is derived from the seed pods of opium poppy plants. It is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. People may take fentanyl under medical guidance to relieve severe pain after surgery or other procedures. However, doctors typically prescribe fentanyl only for short periods to reduce the risk of abuse, dependency, and addiction.

Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in areas of the brain related to pain control and emotional regulation. These receptors also bind to endorphins, the neurotransmitters that provide natural pleasure and pain relief. The body naturally releases endorphins when people are engaged in pleasurable activities, like spending time with loved ones and exercising. Because of how fentanyl works in the brain, its effects may include pleasure in addition to pain relief.

Fentanyl users may experience unwanted side effects when using the medication, including:

• Slow breathing
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Constipation

While some people take prescription fentanyl to manage pain in a medical setting, others may use it recreationally for its pleasant effects. Recreational use is more likely to lead to physical and psychological dependence, but anyone using the drug– even with a prescription– may develop tolerance and dependence.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

The desirable effects of fentanyl may make people want to take it in higher doses, for a longer period, or more frequently than prescribed. These patterns of misuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence and addiction.

Addiction is a complex and deeply rooted condition, but receiving care at a Palm Beach fentanyl addiction treatment center can help. Recognizing the symptoms of fentanyl addiction is the first step toward getting treatment to overcome it.

Some of the signs of fentanyl addiction include:

• Using fentanyl without a prescription
• Using fentanyl differently than prescribed–using it for longer, more frequently, or in higher doses than your doctor told you to
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using fentanyl
• Neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Isolating yourself from others and giving up hobbies or interests
• Developing tolerance to opioids–meaning you need to take more to get the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking fentanyl or other opioids
• Continuing to use opioids despite the consequences to your health, safety, and relationships
• Having intense cravings for fentanyl or other opioids

Anyone can develop dependence and addiction to fentanyl, even when taking the drug as prescribed. It’s important to know the signs of fentanyl addiction and seek treatment as soon as possible.

What Happens in Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Palm Beach?

Fentanyl addiction can be devastating–and sometimes life-threatening. It is a complex condition with psychological, behavioral, and physical foundations. Fentanyl addiction treatment in Palm Beach uses evidence-based therapies to address the complexities of addiction and allow people to recover and move forward.

Palm Beach fentanyl addiction treatment happens in stages.

Detox

If you’ve been misusing fentanyl or other opioids and suddenly stop taking them, you are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches and bone pain
• Cold flashes, chills, and goosebumps
• Leg twitches
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Intense cravings

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may be intense and uncomfortable and can last for days or weeks. Most people who attempt to detox at home may relapse before the process is complete because they are so uncomfortable during withdrawal.

Medically-supported fentanyl detox programs provide treatment, emotional support, and supervision, letting people manage their withdrawal symptoms and stay comfortable during detox. Treatment includes medications to reduce physical and emotional discomfort and emotional support.

Inpatient treatment

Patients live in the treatment facility and focus primarily on recovery for the length of the program.

Treatment plans include evidence-based and holistic therapies that address the complex aspects of substance use, including:

• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Relapse-prevention education
• Coping skills practice
• Medications
• Mental health treatment
• Holistic therapies like yoga, exercise, nutrition support, and massage

People typically remain in an inpatient treatment program until they are stable and able to move to a different level of care.

Outpatient treatment

After completing inpatient treatment, people may transition into outpatient fentanyl addiction treatment in Palm Beach. Outpatient programs meet several days per week or more, depending on the level of care, and typically include therapy, group support, holistic practices, and mental health treatment.

Aftercare

After completing fentanyl rehab, people must create and follow an aftercare plan that keeps them active and engaged in recovery. An aftercare plan may include attending 12-step or other group support meetings, participating in individual therapy, or spending time in a sober living community.

Find a Palm Beach Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Center

If you or someone you love needs fentanyl addiction treatment in Palm Beach, you are not alone. At The Best Treatment, you will find supportive staff, innovative treatment, and high-quality care to help you move past addiction and into a healthier future. Call us today to take the first step of your recovery journey.