How to Find Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in Memphis, TN

Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid drug that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.[1] While it does have medicinal uses, recreational fentanyl use is extremely dangerous and addictive.

Over the past few years, fentanyl has been increasingly found in virtually all illicit substances in the illegal drug trade. It can be found in heroin, counterfeit pills, and even club drugs like Ecstasy. Fentanyl, even in tiny amounts, can cause a life-threatening overdose, especially in people who don’t have a tolerance to opioids. As a result, fentanyl is the primary driver of the drug overdose crisis in the United States.[2]

Although a lot of recreational fentanyl use is accidental, some people who get addicted to prescription opioids develop a high tolerance that encourages them to start using stronger opioids like heroin or fentanyl. These individuals are at risk of developing a fentanyl addiction.

Overcoming fentanyl addiction can be extremely challenging, but a professional treatment center can help. If you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction, speak with a team member at PAX Memphis today to learn about your treatment options.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is one of the most addictive opioids. It is both physically and mentally habit-forming. Common signs of fentanyl addiction include:

• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when you try to stop using fentanyl or when the effects of the drug wear off
• Needing to increase your dose over time to keep up with an increasing tolerance
• Lying to loved ones about your substance abuse, whereabouts, and well-being
• Spending too much time obtaining fentanyl, getting high on it, and recovering from the effects of it
• Trying to stop using fentanyl on multiple occasions but being unable to do so
• Continuing to use fentanyl despite the problems it may be causing in your personal or social life
• Engaging in dangerous or risk-taking behaviors associated with your substance abuse
• Having frequent cravings for opioid drugs

If someone you love may be abusing fentanyl, it can be helpful to know the side effects of the drug. Fentanyl side effects include:

• Flushed skin
• Constricted pupils
• Itching
• Drowsiness
• “Nodding out” or going back and forth between consciousness and semi-consciousness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomited
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Sedation

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is different from prescription fentanyl because it is highly unregulated. Even someone addicted to fentanyl who has developed a tolerance can overdose on the drug if the batch they get is stronger than they are used to. Due to the exceptional overdose risk, it is essential to seek treatment for fentanyl abuse and addiction as soon as possible.

How is Fentanyl Addiction Treated?

Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is physically and mentally habit-forming. Treatment must address addiction’s physical and psychological aspects to help patients recover. Fentanyl rehab centers in Memphis treat addiction to this drug using:

Medical Detox

Detox is the first step toward recovery. If you are addicted to fentanyl, you will experience painful flu-like withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Without treatment, symptoms can be so intense that you are tempted to continue using fentanyl rather than proceed with detoxification. As a result, it is vital to detox at a medical facility.

Medical detox centers provide 24-hour oversight and can prescribe opioid treatment medications like buprenorphine and methadone. These medications can alleviate symptoms of withdrawal and prevent detox complications. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is the most widely used opioid detox medication.

Inpatient Rehab

After detox, patients should transition to an inpatient residential recovery facility. Cravings and post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can linger for several weeks and months, but staying at a residential program can reduce your risk of relapse. Inpatient treatment also provides highly focused, individually-tailored care that can help you address the root cause of your opioid abuse.

Inpatient rehab consists of:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family systems therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Relapse prevention therapy
• 12-Step facilitation
• 24-hour support and supervision
• On-site medical care and psychiatric support

Inpatient rehab can last 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the severity of your addiction. After completing inpatient rehab, patients are encouraged to step down to an IOP or OP program where they can continue their recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment, commonly known as MAT, is the gold standard when it comes to treating opioid addiction. MAT refers to the use of behavioral therapies, counseling, and FDA-approved medications to provide a comprehensive, individualized treatment approach.

Patients who are detoxing from fentanyl may start using MAT medications during detox, but many will continue taking medications like Suboxone, Subutex, Vivitrol (Naltrexone), or Sublocade for several months or years into their recovery. These medications can reduce opioid cravings and block opioid receptors, discouraging the recreational use of opioid drugs like fentanyl.

MAT is proven to improve treatment outcomes, decrease drug-related crime, and reduce the risk of relapse.

How to Choose a Fentanyl Rehab Center in Memphis

Getting treatment for fentanyl addiction can save your life, but it’s important that you receive high-quality treatment so that you can truly recover. So, how do you choose the right fentanyl rehab center? You look for a treatment program that can meet your unique needs as well as provide effective, evidence-based care.

Qualities to look for in a fentanyl addiction treatment center include:

• Third-party accreditation
• Individualized treatment plans
• Licensed staff and clinical team
• Transparent billing policies
• In-network with your insurance
• Medical detox services and MAT (not all rehab centers offer MAT)

You should also consider your personal needs. For example, do you want to travel for rehab so you can get a fresh start? Or, do you want to stay close to home so you can be near your support group? Do you have a mental health condition that requires treatment, as well? If so, you should choose a dual diagnosis facility that can facilitate integrated mental health care.

In the end, you must make the decision that is right for you.

Find Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in Memphis, TN Today

Knowing what your needs are and which rehab center can treat your needs can be challenging, but that’s why we’re here to help. At PAX Memphis, our team of dedicated addiction specialists works with the highest-rated opioid treatment centers and MAT clinics in Tennessee. We can verify your insurance, evaluate your needs, and connect you with the right fentanyl treatment center for you.

Don’t wait any longer for the life-changing care you deserve. Call now to speak with an admissions coordinator.

References:

1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl
2. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm