Fentanyl detox is one of the main methods of treating a fentanyl addiction. Most rehabilitation centers, including Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, make use of detoxification to treat substance use disorders. The growing cases of fentanyl misuse and fentanyl overdose make fentanyl detox a popular practice. If performed responsibly and in correspondence with other techniques, detox can provide clients a second chance at life.
Fentanyl and an Epidemic Within a Pandemic
Table of Contents
By now, it’s not shocking that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it unfortunate levels of economic distress. According to a report by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Well Being Trust, the economic disparity and recession due to COVID-19 could possibly lead to a substantial increase in people passing away from alcohol misuse, drug overdose, and suicide.
It was found in the results of the study that during the pandemic, the usage of fentanyl increased by 35% compared to the baseline period (which was before the pandemic). These results were not about just one category in particular but applied to males and females across all age groups equally. One other reason for fentanyl misuse is the widespread availability of fentapills and counterfeit prescriptions.
The Effects of Fentanyl
Using fentanyl when it’s prescribed is often for pain management, but misuse may be due to the psychological euphoria brought forth by fentanyl. However, that is not the only effect of fentanyl. Listed below are some other factors.
- Extreme happiness
- Coma
- Confusion
- Respiratory depression
- Respiratory arrest
- Death
- Nausea
- Unconsciousness
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Addiction
- Constipation
- Tolerance
Does Fentanyl Create Dependence and Withdrawal?
Yes, fentanyl does create dependence, which leads to withdrawal symptoms. This is why fentanyl detox is important, it helps alleviate those symptoms. Fentanyl and brain chemistry are related. Prolonged administration of fentanyl changes the molecular structure of multiple neurotransmitters, rendering them dependent on fentanyl to function properly. As such, when fentanyl is not administered, the neurotransmitters do not work properly, and withdrawal effects show up.
Furthermore, chronic use of any drug develops tolerance. Tolerance makes dependence worse because then people start taking more fentanyl to obtain the same effects that they did before. This can be effectively cured using fentanyl detox. Emerald Isle Health & Recovery is a great place to go if you’re seeking fentanyl detox services.