Fentanyl addiction is one of the most common problems in Canada when it comes to substance abuse and dependence. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate which is 100% much stronger than morphine and this painkiller is only prescribed for breakthrough pain cases. Breakthrough pain is when the pain already surpassed the opiate barrier or when common opiates or opioid could no longer bring relief to the patient. With the strength of this drug, it is imperative that fentanyl should be carefully formulated and administered in order to avoid overdose. The effects of fentanyl are the main reasons why the drug is highly addictive thus dangerous.
More Facts about Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a fast-acting opioid especially in hospital settings when the drug is administered through injection thus it instantly enters the bloodstream. When fentanyl is injected but in a much higher and improperly calculated dosage, the result is fatal due to overdose. There are other forms of fentanyl which could also be addictive such as sublingual films, patches, and pills. There are also opiate derivatives in this category in a form of a lollipop as well as a sublingual spray that is prescribed for breakthrough cancer pain.
What are the effects of fentanyl?
Fentanyl addiction is due to the fact that the drug causes pain relief and a feeling of euphoria, however, this sensation is short-term. Thus, fentanyl addicts develop tolerance in order to experience the high on a regular basis, making this opiate derivative highly dangerous. There are other effects of fentanyl such as itching, lethargy, drowsiness, and respiratory depression or difficulty breathing.
There are both physiological and psychological effects of Fentanyl addiction which could manifest right away or over time. On top of the mentioned physical effects, the opiate drug may also cause vomiting and nausea, dizziness, swelling of extremities such as the feet, ankles, and hands, and headaches. Others experience extreme restlessness, yawning, sweating, runny nose, watery eyes, chills, bone and muscle pain, stomach cramps, insomnia, and high blood pressure. In terms of the behavior, fentanyl addicts are prone to hallucinations, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Fentanyl Treatment Requires No Substitute Drugs
Substitute drugs are not required or even allowed when dealing with Fentanyl addiction. In fact, the treatment program requires zero medication in order to achieve complete sobriety. Rather than use substitute drugs to stop fentanyl, there are healthier and holistic alternatives such as nutritional supplements and one-on-one regimen to calm the mind and body. Thus, you would find various holistic alternative methods used for Fentanyl addiction treatment such as music and art therapy. The treatment programs would vary from one rehab facility to another but in most cases, therapeutic programs only become successful when fentanyl substances are totally flushed out of your system.
Canadians are wrestling with the effects of Fentanyl addiction day in and day out. There are various reports that show the life-threatening aftermaths of fentanyl abuse and dependence, not just on the addicted individuals but the people around them as well. Contact a trusted rehab clinic for treatment now.