Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become a nightmare fueling the opioid crisis ravaging communities across America. What started as a powerful painkiller has rapidly evolved into a highly addictive substance, destroying lives. In fact, nearly 75,000 people died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022.
At Engage Wellness Acton, we understand the complexities of fentanyl addiction and are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate treatment to help our clients break free from this vicious cycle.
Fentanyl’s Deadly Grip: How Addictive Is It?
Fentanyl’s potency makes it incredibly addictive — a staggering 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Its ability to rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier and induce intense euphoria is what drives its rampant abuse among those battling opioid addiction. But its strength is a double-edged sword — even tiny doses can cause life-threatening overdoses.
Culture of Crisis
Heroin seizures decreased by almost 70 percent between 2019 and 2023, and fentanyl seizures increased by a staggering 451 percent over the same time period, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
This synthetic opioid is increasingly being mixed into other drugs like heroin or counterfeit prescription pills, unknowingly exposing more users to its dangers. Statistics showed that by June 2021, synthetic opioids were involved in an estimated 87% of opioid deaths and 65% of all drug overdose deaths.
Unfortunately, accessibility to effective treatment is still a major obstacle. In 2022, an estimated 54.6 million people aged 12 and older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in the past year. Only 26% of those received any help for substance use disorder.
With fentanyl’s stranglehold on the illicit drug market showing no signs of letting up and huge gaps in treatment access leaving millions struggling, the crisis rages on – a devastating path of overdoses, shattered families, and lives cut short. Tackling this immense public health emergency won’t be easy. It’s going to take a multi-pronged approach, from cracking down on the poisonous drug supply to making evidence-based addiction treatment more widely available and accessible for those who desperately need it.
Recognizing the Signs: A Cry for Help
Identifying fentanyl addiction’s red flags is crucial for timely intervention. Common warning signs include:
Physical Signs
- Excessive drowsiness and sedation
- Constricted pupils
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination and dizziness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Volatile mood swings
- Intense, uncontrollable cravings
Behavioral Signs
- Missing school, work, and other commitments.
- Drop in performance at work or school.
- Withdrawing from family, friends, and hobbies.
- Change in friends and routine.
- Isolation and secretive behavior.
If you notice these symptoms in a loved one, don’t delay. Professional help could be the difference between life and death.
Body and Mind Affects: The Shattering Impact of Fentanyl Abuse
The devastation brought on by fentanyl addiction spans both physical and psychological domains. On the physical side, the effects can be catastrophic:
- Respiratory depression and failure, potentially fatal during overdose.
- Liver and kidney damage from long-term use.
- Increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis from intravenous use.
- Bowel obstruction and constipation.
- Muscle weakness and cramping.
- Impaired coordination and dizziness.
- Fluctuations in blood pressure.
Psychologically, fentanyl’s assault on the brain chemistry is equally destructive, manifesting in:
- Intense drug cravings and compulsive use.
- Mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Cognitive impairments are affecting memory, attention, and decision-making.
- Potential for psychosis and paranoia.
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
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Comprehensive Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Engage Wellness Acton
At Engage Wellness Acton, our mission is to provide all-encompassing fentanyl addiction treatment programs to help our clients regain their lives. Our approach integrates evidence-based therapies. At Engage Wellness Acton, we’ve got a whole arsenal of powerful therapies to help you kick fentanyl to the curb:
- For starters, we offer individual and group counseling sessions where you can unpack your experiences, get real with yourself, and strengthen your coping skills.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is all about diving into those negative thought patterns and behaviors that keep you stuck in addiction and learning how to flip the script.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is like a Swiss Army knife for recovery. It helps you sharpen your mindfulness skills, manage intense emotions, and navigate tricky relationships like a pro.
- Motivational interviewing is where we sit down to hash out any mixed feelings or hesitations you might have about making changes. It’s all about tapping into your inner drive and finding that fire to fuel your recovery journey.
- If medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is right for you, we’ll use FDA-approved medication to help you battle intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Clients looking to take a holistic approach to fentanyl addiction treatment can benefit from:
- Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga to promote present-moment awareness and stress reduction.
- Exercise and nutrition guidance to support physical health and overall well-being during recovery.
- Life skills development covering topics like stress management, goal-setting, and relapse prevention.
- Family education and support services to involve loved ones and rebuild strained relationships.
While we don’t offer detox directly, we partner with reputable detox centers to ensure a safe, medically supervised start to recovery. Our compassionate team guides clients through this first vital step before transitioning to our personalized treatment plans.
Recovery from fentanyl addiction is a journey, and our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to walking alongside clients every step of the way, providing unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the process.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
With a deep understanding of each client’s needs and challenges, we create a supportive, judgment-free environment that fosters healing and growth. Our evidence-based treatment modalities are designed to empower clients with the tools and strategies necessary for lasting recovery:
- Address root causes of addiction: Through individual and group therapy sessions, we dive into the psychological, emotional, and environmental factors that may have led to substance abuse, helping clients develop self-awareness and identify triggers.
- Develop coping strategies: By incorporating techniques like CBT and DBT, we equip you with healthy coping mechanisms to manage cravings, stress, and negative thought patterns.
- Build a sober support network: We know how crucial it is to have a solid support system in recovery. That’s why we prioritize connecting you with peer support groups and getting your family involved. We’ll ensure you’ve got a reliable crew to turn to, both during treatment and beyond.
- Fostering self-discovery: Through methods like motivational interviewing, we’ll guide you in exploring your own values, beliefs, and motivations. This process helps ignite your inner drive for positive change and fuels your commitment to recovery.
- Leveling up your life skills: Kicking addiction is just the beginning. We want to set you up for long-term success. Our programs go beyond the basics, teaching you crucial life skills like stress management, goal-setting, relapse prevention, and job readiness. We’ll give you the tools to not just stay sober but to truly thrive in every aspect of your life.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Engage Wellness Acton
Fentanyl addiction is a beast, but you don’t have to battle it alone. If you or someone you love is struggling and needs treatment for fentanyl addiction, reach out to Engage Wellness Acton today. Our compassionate team will walk alongside you on the path to healing and renewal.