Many people are now aware of the opioid epidemic in the United States. The abuse of narcotics has increased significantly, resulting in addiction, overdoses, and death. In recent years, one opiate drug that frequently comes up in media reports is fentanyl. If you’ve been wondering, “What is Fentanyl?” read on.
What Is Fentanyl and How Is it Used?
Fentanyl is a narcotic that doctors sometimes prescribe for severe pain. The drug provides pain relief to patients post-surgery and, in some cases, doctors prescribe it to cancer patients to assist with pain management. In addition to managing pain symptoms, users may experience deep relaxation and euphoria while using it.
When physicians prescribe this drug, providers offer it in injectable, patch, ice pop or lozenge form. Street labs, on the other hand, produce and sell the drug as a powder or on blotter paper. Users and their families should be aware that sometimes people sell fentanyl as heroin on the street. Sellers sometimes cut it with other drugs, which can make its use even more dangerous.
Fentanyl Addiction
Like all opioid drugs, fentanyl has the potential for abuse and dependency. Unlike some painkillers, fentanyl’s effects only last a short period, which encourages addicts to use more to maintain the euphoric sensations.
Some people use fentanyl in addition to other narcotics. For example, fentanyl may boost heroin effects, increasing the likelihood of dependency as well as a possible overdose.
While an addiction to this drug can be dangerous and debilitating, help is available. People who struggle with addiction have recovered and learned how to live sane, sober lives that are fun and full of purpose.
What Is Fentanyl Treatment Like?
If you are a loved one is in the Pacific Northwest and looking for treatment and recovery options, consider Crestview Recovery. Based in Portland, Oregon, Crestview offers comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery options, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient and aftercare options.
Crestview’s philosophy includes individualized, personalized treatment options:
- Separate programs for men and women
- Programs for alcohol or drug abuse
- Supportive aftercare
Crestview meets the needs of clients who have a dual diagnosis, such as anxiety, personality disorders, or bipolar disorder. Clients receive expert treatment for their mental health condition while also participating in the recovery process.
The masters-level staff provides individual, family and group therapy as clients need it. Clients also fully enjoy all the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, including skiing, white water rafting, and snowboarding.
What is fentanyl doing to your life? Take back control by calling 866.262.0531 today for information about options.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
