Answer Addiction

Category: Fentanyl Overdose

  • What Is Fentanyl Addiction and What Are the Best Treatment Options?

    What Is Fentanyl Addiction and What Are the Best Treatment Options?

    Use this helpful guide to find out all you need to know about Fentanyl addiction.

    1. What is Fentanyl and what causes Fentanyl addiction?
    2.     What are the common street names for Fentanyl?
    3. What are the common Fentanyl side effects?
    4.     What are the commercial names for Fentanyl?
    5. How to treat Fentanyl addiction?
    6.     What are the rehab options available for Fentanyl addiction?
    7. How to find the best Fentanyl rehab near you?
    8. Conclusion

    Doctors recommend everyone to eat healthy and work out often. Do you know why? This is because our body needs to stay healthy and active to carry out its day-to-day tasks. 

    When we get sick, our doctors recommend we take medicine for it. But, using medicine frequently can stop our natural immune system from functioning correctly. When we take a pain medication frequently, the drugs in the medication may create a number of side effects that go unnoticed since they aren’t very prominent. Hence, we might ignore the minor side effects and go on taking more and more of these prescription drugs. A recent survey found that the number of people suffering from prescription drug abuse is increasing at an alarming rate. This should make us reconsider whether we really should take these prescription drugs, and for how long.

    About 38% of the total population in America has faced a drug use disorder at least once in their life. Addiction can sometimes lead to intense craving for drugs and/or alcohol. Addictive substances induce a pleasurable feeling in the brain, while blocking other drives like motivation and memory. Drugs are often used as a source of escape for stressful situations in life. When someone suffers from anxiety or depression, they may take drugs, thinking it will alter their mood and make them feel better. Although drugs may make you feel better for a while, they can cause a lot of physical and psychological problems later on.

    When someone becomes dependent on drugs, they usually start experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they don’t take them on time. Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable physical and mental reactions which occur when the body cannot get the drug it craves. To avoid this discomfort, addicts have to constantly seek out their drug of addiction and this cycle can go on for a long time. 

    Addiction often leads people to isolation. When someone struggles with addiction, they tend to avoid their family and friends. Addiction may also cause poor immunity, memory changes, and frequent mood swings. Some medications can also lead to addiction. Many painkillers that contain drugs to give instant relief from pain, can cause addiction if used for a long time. An overdose of these medications can prove to be fatal. 

    What is Fentanyl and what causes Fentanyl addiction? 

    Fentanyl is given to patients suffering from breakthrough pain such as the pain caused by cancer. Breakthrough pain occurs even when someone is on round-the-clock treatment for pain. Fentanyl should not be taken more than 4 times a day. Fentanyl is available in several forms, such as a lozenge (Actiq), sublingual (under the tongue) tablet (Abstral), a film (Onsolis), and between the gum and cheek tablet (Fentora). Your doctor will usually start the medication with a mild dose and then gradually increase it if the pain persists. 

    Being a synthetic opioid, Fentanyl is highly addictive and can cause an overdose if not taken carefully. Fentanyl is sold illegally in powder form or as eye and nasal drops. People with Fentanyl addiction often mix it with heroin or cocaine for heightened pleasure. Avoid splitting, chewing, or crushing the Fentanyl tablets. If you feel any discomfort, please seek medical help immediately. A fentanyl overdose can cause hypoxia, a condition where an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach the brain, causing coma or death. 

    What are the common street names for Fentanyl?

    Fentanyl is available illegally. It is sold under various street/slang names, such as:

    • Apache
    • China girl
    • China White
    • Dance Fever
    • Friend
    • Goodfella
    • Jackpot
    • Murder 8
    • TNT
    • Tango
    • Cash
    • Percopop
    • Shine
    • Serial Killer
    • Drop Dead

    What are the common Fentanyl side effects?

    The side effects of Fentanyl can vary from person to person. However, these common symptoms mentioned below are the most widely reported: 

    • Drowsiness
    • Confusion
    • Slowed breathing
    • Seizures
    • Headaches
    • Blurred vision
    • Constipation
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Itching
    • Euphoria
    • Weakness
    • Dry mouth
    • Decreased heart rate
    • Muscle stiffness
    • Lack of concentration

     What are the commercial names for Fentanyl?

    • Sublimaze
    • Durogesic
    • Duragesic
    • Fentanyl citrate
    • Lazanda
    • Nasalfent
    • Subsys
    • Actiq

    How to treat Fentanyl addiction?

    Fentanyl addiction can be treated in rehab or through professional counseling. The 12-step based process is often an effective method for overcoming addiction. This method is effective if your addiction level is low to moderate. However, for serious addiction issues, you may want to sign up for a rehab treatment as soon as you realize that you need help. Rehab can help you confront addiction safely and effectively without doing further harm to your health. Rehabs use modern medicines and methods to help you control drug cravings. Rehab treatment can be divided into three main parts: Detox, Therapy Sessions, and Aftercare.

    The detox session is the first step to control the addiction. Many, but not all people who opts for addiction treatment have to undergo detox first. Detox helps to remove all the traces of drugs from the body and prepare you to undergo further treatment. During detox, your dependency on drugs will be reduced by lowering the dosage, gradually; hence, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. But, you’ll be under observation all the time and will be assisted by medical professionals when such situations occur. 

    At the rehab center you can also have access to a balanced diet while getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, all of which helps reduce the pain and discomfort of detox. If you want a painless detox, you can opt for Rapid detox that takes much less time per session compared to conventional detox. Rapid detox uses medication to suppress the effect of the drug and to remove it from the system. During the session, patients are sedated so that they experience miminal discomfort.

    After the detox sessions are over, you usually have to undergo a few tests, after which you’ll be provided with a customized rehab program. Rehab programs combine individual and group counseling, various therapies, meditation, and other treatments which help patients overcome their addiction. The rehab program can last for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the condition of the patient.

    The final step of the rehab program is aftercare. Aftercare sessions are conducted to help avoid relapse in patients who have just completed their rehab program. Aftercare combines various activities, including therapy and gives guidance on how to control sudden cravings after overcoming addiction.

    What are the rehab options available for Fentanyl addiction?

    You can choose from two main types of rehab facilities, inpatient and outpatient, for your rehab treatment. You can consult with your doctor and ask them to recommend the best kind of rehab program for you.

    Inpatient rehab comes with a boarding facility for patients, where they can stay and get treated for their addiction issues. Inpatient rehab is often big enough to accommodate and handle large groups of people. The number of doctors and medical staff associated with inpatient rehab is also generally high. Inpatient rehab is usually recommended to people who have severe addiction issues and need round-the-clock care.

    Outpatient treatment can be a good choice for people who do not want to disrupt their daily lives while they go through treatment. Some outpatient treatment participants are new mothers, people with jobs, and students. Outpatient treatment doesn’t require people to stay in their facility and get their treatment. People can come just for their appointments and therapy or counseling sessions. 

    If you have the financial means, then you can also opt for luxury rehab. These rehabs allow people to undergo their addiction treatment in a private and luxurious location. You’ll find spas, coffee shops, salons, and swimming pools in luxury rehabs.

    How to find the best Fentanyl rehab near you?

    Finding a proper rehab can take you some time and effort. You should not hurry while choosing a rehab for you. If your rehab facility is good, your recovery may also be more effective and more worth the money spent. You can shortlist some rehabs and then try to select one based on the following factors.

    • Location

    Find a rehab that’s well connected to different parts of the city and has enough parking space so that your friends and family can drop by sometimes and spend time with you. You might want to ensure that the rehab is not located in a crowded or polluted area, but rather one situated in a peaceful and serene location.

    • Facilities

    Ensure that the rehab facility you choose has all the equipment and facilities required for your rehab treatment. Check if they use the latest methodologies and techniques to treat addiction patients.

    • Services

    Find a rehab that offers quality service and gives proper attention and care to its patients. See if they offer adequate aftercare sessions once the rehab treatment is over.

    • Affordability

    It is usually better to find a rehab whose expenses can be covered under your medical insurance. This will help you to afford the treatment without falling into debt.

    • Reputation

    You can check the ratings and reviews of a rehab facility to educate yourself on their quality of services.

    Conclusion

    Addiction is a life-threatening issue that can be treated if proper measures are taken at the right time. Rehab treatment can prove very beneficial, especially if it is provided at an early stage of addiction. When you delay treatment, the addictive substances have that much more time to reak havoc on your body and your life.

    Mental illness is often closely related to the addiction. Mental illness can make a person suicidal or depressed. When a person experiences addiction and mental health issues together, it is known as dual diagnosis. These patients need extra care and guidance and should generally be kept under observation.

    Due to the negative image that society places on addicts, many are afraid to come forward and get help. When members of society are tolerant and try to understand the concerns, they are often more able to speak of their challenges openly and ask for support. Friends and family of addicts can often help by being very kind and gentle towards them and giving full support when they decide to go to rehab.

    The biggest downside of issues like addiction is educating people about its harmful effects. A lack of proper knowledge is partially responsible for the increasing rate of addiction among youths. They sometimes take drugs and alcohol for recreation or due to peer pressure, and then get addicted. Talking with children about the effects of drugs and alcohol can sometimes prevent them from trying these substances later on. Keeping prescription drugs out of their reach is a great way to reduce their access to these harmful drugs.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Top Rehab Options for Abstral Addiction

    Top Rehab Options for Abstral Addiction

    Questions about Abstral addiction? Use this handy guide to help you easily recognize the signs and symptoms.

    1. What is Abstral and What is it Used for?
    2. Other Names for Abstral
    3. How Abstral Abuse Occurs
    4. Abstral Rehab – How Do I Know if I Need it?
    5. The Risks of Delaying Abstral Rehab
    6. Abstral Withdrawal Side Effects and Detox
    7. Types of Treatment in Abstral Rehab
    8. Abstral Treatment – How to Choose the Best Rehab for You

    Abstral rehab is the best way to overcome addiction to this strong, dangerous opioid drug. Known generically as fentanyl, Abstral is a risky drug to misuse because of the high likelihood of becoming addicted and because overdosing is easy to do. An overdose on fentanyl can quickly be fatal.

    If you are abusing this drug or know someone else engaged in Abstral abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Any degree of misuse of fentanyl can quickly escalate or become fatal. And anyone abusing fentanyl can benefit from rehab that includes therapy and medical treatment. Reach out for help or offer your assistance to a loved one struggling with this awful drug.

    What is Abstral and What is it Used for?

    Abstral is a brand name for the generic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means it was designed and is made in laboratories and is derived from natural compounds found in the opium poppy. Like other opioids, it works in the brain to change the response to pain and is prescribed as a painkiller. 

    Unlike other opioids, like oxycodone or hydrocodone, Abstral and other fentanyl products are only approved for treating specific patients. Abstral is supposed to be restricted to cancer patients 18 years old or older who are already using opioids to manage pain. When these patients become tolerant to other opioids or experience breakthrough pain that is not controlled by these other drugs, they may be prescribed fentanyl.

    The reason Abstral is so restricted is that it is extremely potent. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, a natural opioid. It is also more potent than heroin, an illicit drug. Abstral is a tablet that is placed under the tongue to dissolve. Its potency can make Abstral very risky for anyone without some opioid tolerance. 

    Other Names for Abstral

    Abstral is just one brand name for fentanyl. Others include Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Onsolis, and Sublimaze. These are important medications for cancer patients living with severe pain, but Abstral and fentanyl are often sold and used illicitly. Some names for fentanyl and other opioids on the street include:

    • Captain Cody
    • Cody
    • Doors and Fours
    • Pancakes and Syrup
    • White Stuff
    • Pain Killer 
    • Apache
    • China Girl
    • China White
    • Friend
    • Goodfella
    • Dance Fever
    • Juice
    • Dillies

    How Abstral Abuse Occurs

    Abstral and other fentanyl products are Schedule II controlled substances. This is because they are highly susceptible to abuse. In addition to relieving pain, opioids like Abstral can induce euphoria, an intense high. Some people abuse Abstral because they want to get high, while others do so because they have become dependent on opioids and don’t feel normal or comfortable without them. 

    Abstral dependence can occur quickly because it is such a potent drug. Any misuse of fentanyl, from using it without a prescription to using more than prescribed or taking more frequent doses, can easily lead to addiction. Even people who are not misusing this drug, patients with a genuine need for pain relief, can become dependent and addicted. 

    Abstral Rehab – How Do I Know if I Need it?

    You don’t have to be addicted to this drug to benefit from or need Abstral rehabilitation. Rehab is treatment for a drug addiction, but any level of misuse may require treatment. If you have lost control to any degree over your use of opioids or are concerned about the health risks, reach out for help and get treatment. 

    If you aren’t sure if your behaviors or those of someone you care about constitute an addiction, ask these questions:

    • Do you crave fentanyl often?
    • Have you tried to cut back but found you couldn’t or failed often when trying?
    • Do you regularly end up using Abstral more often than you meant to or using larger doses than you had planned?
    • Has a lot of your time been taken up with trying to get Abstral, using it, and recovering from using it?
    • Have you had to give up other activities because of the time drug use takes up in your life?
    • Are you often failing to meet responsibilities because of Abstral?
    • Does use of Abstral cause relationship problems, which in turn do nothing to stop you using the drug?
    • Do you continue to use drugs even though they are causing health problems? Or making them worse?
    • Have you developed a tolerance to Abstral, needing higher doses or more frequent doses to get the desired effect?
    • Do you start to go through withdrawal when not using?

    These are the criteria that professionals use to diagnose an opioid addiction and are the symptoms of Abstral addiction. Answering yes to even just two of these questions may indicate that you have a substance use disorder. Abstral effects are dangerous enough that even a mild addiction warrants a trip to rehab to get help before it’s too late. 

    The Risks of Delaying Abstral Rehab

    There are a lot of very serious risks of using and misusing this dangerous drug, including the risk of more frequent and severe Abstral side effects. Even recommended use of fentanyl can cause side effects, but the more you misuse it, the greater the risks you will experience them. Side effects may include:

    • Drowsiness and sleepiness
    • Slowed, shallow breathing
    • Constipation
    • Nausea
    • Confusion
    • Headaches

    There are also more serious Abstral effects you put yourself at risk for by taking larger amounts and more frequent doses: heartbeat changes, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, hallucinations, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, rash, and seizures. 

    While the side effects can be uncomfortable or even present real health problems, an Abstral overdose is the most serious risk of all. This potent drug can quickly cause a fatal overdose. Signs include slowed breathing, shallow breaths or difficulty breathing, a lowered urge to breathe, unresponsiveness, loss of consciousness, confusion, and fainting. Emergency medical attention is essential in the case of an overdose; the opioid antidote Narcan can be administered to reverse the overdose. 

    Abstral Withdrawal Side Effects and Detox 

    Abstral withdrawal effects are another consequence of abusing and becoming addicted to fentanyl. As the drug leaves your system and your brain tries to adjust, you will be going through detox and withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal causes early, unpleasant symptoms like anxiety, difficulty sleeping, agitation, aches, runny nose, sweating, yawning, and tearing. 

    As detox continues into the later phases of withdrawal, you may also experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, and goosebumps. How long detox takes depends on the severity of your addiction and the last dose of Abstral you took. It can be very easy to relapse during this process, so don’t go it alone. Supervised detox is more comfortable and safer. 

    Withdrawal from fentanyl is not dangerous in itself. As uncomfortable as it is, it will not cause serious health problems. However, the big risk of trying to detox alone is relapse. And a relapse when you’re feeling this desperate for the drug could easily lead to an overdose. Always detox with some degree of supervision, if not with real medical care. 

    Types of Treatment in Abstral Rehab

    Abstral addiction requires treatment, and Abstral treatment can be effective if you get the right care. Detox is the first step, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it is enough. In order to have a successful recovery, you need long-term treatment that includes therapy and medical care. Therapies you can expect to benefit from in rehab include:

    • Behavioral therapies. These are therapies that focus on recognizing and changing problematic behaviors. A therapist will help you explore the reasons behind some of the choices you make, triggers for drug use, emotional awareness, and making positive and lasting changes. 
    • Trauma-focused therapies. Traumatic experiences often underlie drug abuse and addiction. A good treatment facility will evaluate your mental health and prescribe the appropriate treatments. If you have trauma in your past, you can benefit from a therapy that helps you face and reprocess those negative experiences. 
    • Motivational therapies. A type of therapy useful in treating drug addictions focuses on uncovering your internal motivations for making positive changes. It may involve goal-setting, reflection and mindfulness, and rewards for meeting milestones and avoiding relapse.

    The other important aspect of treatment for fentanyl addiction in rehab is medical care. Opioid addictions are among the few that can be managed effectively with prescription medications. Medical treatment must be used along with therapy for the best outcomes, though. 

    The kinds of drugs you may be prescribed to treat Abstral addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naloxone. The first two are used to manage cravings and withdrawal. They activate the same receptors as Abstral and keep you from going back to fentanyl. Naloxone blocks those receptors. If you are given a 30-day injection of naloxone, any attempt to use an opioid to get high will fail. You will get no effects from it. 

    Abstral Treatment – How to Choose the Best Rehab for You 

    The best Abstral rehab will be long-term, at least a few weeks, and will include both therapy and medical treatment. These are the most basic things you should look for in a rehab. Additionally, consider whether you need inpatient care, with the 24-hour supervision and safe, treatment-intensive environment, or whether you would benefit from being able to stay with family and go to treatment on an outpatient basis. 

    With a potent drug like Abstral, it may be safest to go to true rehab, a residential facility, for a few months. This gives you the chance to focus on your care and avoid relapse. But ultimately, the choice is a personal one and should be made with your own best interests in mind. 

    There are other factors to consider in your treatment choice. For instance, you want a treatment facility that will fully evaluate you on intake and treat you as an individual with unique needs. There is no single treatment plan for addiction that works for everyone, so you need a team of professionals with the flexibility to adapt plans for your needs, limitations, and abilities, as well as your preferences. 

    Abstral addiction help is available. You just need to ask for it. It can be scary to admit you have a problem and to submit to treatment, especially in a residential rehab. But doing so could save your life, or the life of someone you care about. Push for treatment, ask for help, and get the care you need to overcome this addiction. 

    View the original article at thefix.com