Fentanyl is a powerful and addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.[1] People who are addicted to lesser opioids like prescription opioids or heroin often transition to using fentanyl when their opioid tolerance gets too high to feel the desired effects from other opioids. However, fentanyl abuse is extremely dangerous, and it is the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States today.
Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that nearly 75% of opioid overdose deaths and 70% of benzodiazepine overdose deaths in 2015 involved fentanyl.[2]
Although fentanyl is available via prescription for pain management in chronic and opioid-tolerant patients, the fentanyl that is abused on the streets is mostly illicitly manufactured, so there is no way to regulate it. If you or a loved one are abusing fentanyl, you never know when your next dose will be your last.
Fentanyl rehab centers in North Carolina exist to help individuals overcome an addiction to fentanyl and fight back against the opioid epidemic. To learn more about our fentanyl addiction treatment programs or to find help for yourself or a loved one, please contact Carolina Center for Recovery today.
Signs of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction
Fentanyl addiction develops rapidly because of how powerful the drug is. Seeking treatment early can be life-saving, but you must know when it is time to get help. Signs of fentanyl abuse and addiction include:
- Frequent fentanyl intoxication (pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, slurred speech, loss of coordination, flushed face and skin, increased itching, weakness, and “nodding out” in and out of consciousness)
- Lying to friends and family
- Risky or illegal behaviors
- Loss of interest in hobbies and passions
- Failure to manage responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Needing to use more fentanyl to feel the desired effects
- Having flu-like symptoms of withdrawal
- Spending excess time and money on fentanyl and using it
- Suffering one or more opioid overdoses
How to Choose a Fentanyl Rehab Center in North Carolina
Getting treatment for fentanyl addiction can mean the difference between life and death, so it’s important to choose wisely. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or a loved one, a great place to start is with insurance.
Fentanyl addiction treatment is covered by insurance, but you must choose an in-network provider in order to get the most coverage. Speak with your insurance provider or call our admissions team at Carolina Center for Recovery for free insurance verification and assessment.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to in-network fentanyl rehab providers, it’s time to vet the programs and choose the best one. Characteristics of a high-quality addiction treatment center for fentanyl abuse include:
- Accredited by the Joint Commission or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- Licensed and certified staff members
- Located in a safe area
- An individualized treatment approach
- A focus on mental health
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options
You should also consider your personal needs and lifestyle. If you know you need integrated mental health treatment for a co-occurring mental health condition, you should choose a program that offers dual-diagnosis treatment. If you know you’ll need detox services, choose a program that offers in-house detoxification services.
What is Fentanyl Rehab Like in North Carolina?
Fentanyl addiction treatment centers in North Carolina prioritize the health of patients by offering a full menu of substance abuse recovery services. While everyone’s treatment plan may differ based on their needs, fentanyl rehab generally consists of the following.
Fentanyl Detox
The first thing that happens when you stop taking fentanyl is your body tries to adjust to not having the drug in the system. This adjustment period is marked by painful and flu-like withdrawal symptoms. Although fentanyl withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, it can be nearly impossible to get through without medical intervention.
Fentanyl detox programs can prescribe medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or lofexidine (Lucemyra) to reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. These medications, combined with therapeutic support and a supervised setting, can reduce the risk of relapse and make the detox process easier.
Most people spend less than a week in a detox center for fentanyl withdrawal before transitioning to an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
There are many different approaches to recovery, but one that is considered most effective for treating opioid use disorders is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a combined approach using pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy along with support groups and other addiction recovery services.[3]
MAT medications that may be used to treat fentanyl addiction include:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) – A daily medication taken orally that reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Vivitrol (naltrexone) – A monthly injectable that helps stabilize brain chemistry and reduce drug cravings.
- Methadone – A daily oral medication used to treat opioid withdrawal and drug cravings.
Medications alone cannot treat fentanyl addiction, but they can help restore a healthy balance in the brain, alleviate cravings, and help you stay sober. In order for any of these medications to be effective, they must be combined with a comprehensive treatment program.
Inpatient Rehab
Fentanyl rehab may be offered at multiple levels of care such as inpatient and outpatient rehab. Inpatient or residential rehab centers offer intensive addiction treatment services on a residential basis. If you attend inpatient fentanyl rehab, you will stay at the treatment facility for the duration of your stay.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab programs are more flexible than inpatient ones. You can live at home or in a sober living home while attending scheduled group and one-on-one therapy sessions. Different types of outpatient fentanyl rehab programs include:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
Aftercare Planning and Support
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and in order to prevent relapse most people require some form of aftercare. Fentanyl relapse can be deadly, so it’s important to avoid it at all costs. Your therapist and case manager will work with you before you leave rehab to develop an aftercare plan tailored to your needs. Your aftercare plan may involve:
- Continued therapy sessions
- Sober living
- Alumni program
- 12-Step meetings
- Support groups
- Medication management
- Recovery coaching
Find Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in North Carolina Today
Overcoming fentanyl addiction isn’t easy, but it is essential for saving your life. At Carolina Center for Recovery, our holistic approach is designed to support physical, mental, and emotional growth using a range of evidence-based treatments. Our staff consists of highly trained mental health and addiction specialists who are licensed and certified in their respective fields.
If you or a loved one are looking for a trusted fentanyl rehab center in North Carolina, please contact us today to learn how we can help. Our team of admissions counselors is available to speak with you about your treatment goals, options, and more. Call now to get started.
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