The Rise in Fentanyl Misuse
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is one of the most dangerous types of drugs out there. Even just a little bit can become lethal very quickly. However, despite the danger of fentanyl use, there is a rise in the misuse of opioids still.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found there has been a significant increase throughout the years of fentanyl misuse. In 2020, there were 68,630 overdose deaths from opioids. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there are actually 70,000 Tennesseans who are addicted to opioids.
These statistics show the growth of fentanyl misuse, and these numbers are too great to ignore. The rise of fentanyl abuse comes down to how easily accessible it is and its lethal dosage. Too many people have been exposed to the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids in their life, but there is hope.
At Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, we provide a safe healing environment with effective treatments for fentanyl addiction. Deciding to end the cycle of drug abuse is hard to achieve. However, it is never too late to get help to live a healthy life. People can start their journey toward freedom today.
Fentanyl in Other Substances
Some people might ask where others acquire fentanyl thinking that it might be hard to get, but that is not the case. In fact, the main reason for the high statistics of opioid addiction and overdose is because opioids are easy to acquire. Fentanyl is a prescription drug, made and used illegally.
Usually, it is medicine to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery. It can come in many legal forms prescribed by a doctor such as patches, lozenges, and a shot. In its illegal use, it is sold as a powder, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, dropped onto blotter paper, or made into pills.
Fentanyl is very easy to overdose on because of how it is included in other substances. It is frequently mixed in with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. This is because it takes very little to get a high from fentanyl, making it a cheaper option than other drugs.
Fentanyl is around 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. The dangers from this is very high because someone might not know exactly how much they are intaking. This, in turn, can increase their risk of overdose more so than other drugs.
Fentanyl Addiction Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction may be different from person to person. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse will indicate whether someone or their loved one needs treatment.
These include:
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Social withdrawal
- Slurred speech
- No longer taking care of daily responsibilities
- Forging prescriptions in order to obtain fentanyl
- Continuing fentanyl abuse despite the detrimental consequences of direct use
Physical Symptoms:
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Problems breathing
- Nausea
- Unconsciousness
Psychological and Cognitive Symptoms:
- Depression
- Declined interest in things
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired memory
- Attention difficulties
- Concentration difficulties
Overdosing on fentanyl is very easy to do because of its potency. When people overdose on fentanyl, their breathing slows down or stops completely. Hypoxia is the condition where there is a decreased amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. It can lead to a coma, permanent brain damage, and even death.
If someone with fentanyl abuse and shows these signs, our fentanyl addiction treatment in Murfreesboro may be a perfect solution. They will become much better without these symptoms of drug abuse controlling their way of life. It is never too late to get help.
How Fentanyl Addiction is Treated in Murfreesboro
There are many ways fentanyl addiction can be treated in Murfreesboro. All of our programs aim to help people dealing with drug addiction get back into their lives sober. Here at Tulip Hill, we help patients go through what they need to achieve sobriety. We pride ourselves on offering programs to assist in whatever level of addiction they are at.
Here are a few we offer:
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) help those who have gone through detox with an intense level of addiction still present. PHP treatment allows patients to have constant help while in the process of staying sober. PHP involves going to several treatment appointments per week. They range from five to seven days a week for 30 days. Therapy is also provided at the same time. The program eases patients into other programs such as our intensive outpatient program.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
While going through fentanyl addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, our intensive outpatient program (IOP) allows for flexible treatment. IOP lets patients get the care they need when in sober living homes or in their own homes. Treatment sessions are multiple times a week, providing therapy, but in a more personal way. IOP is for those who have finished detox and are ready to work or live a life of sobriety. Most importantly, they do this while still receiving the treatment they need.
Addiction Treatment Therapies
There are many therapies we provide for addiction treatment to help overcome the difficulties of addiction. Those with substance use disorders use these therapies to help. Going through recovery often has therapies that go beyond the physical aspects of abuse. Our therapies range from cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, and much more.
Holistic Therapy
Addiction treatment is not just about overcoming physical symptoms. It is also important to stay sober through any means necessary. Holistic therapy is a great way to train the body, mind, and spirit into being sober through various tactics such as yoga, acupuncture, art therapy, and more. Patients can use these skills to improve relationships and reduce stress post-treatment.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
Our goal is to assist you in taking back control in your life. Our addiction treatment centers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee offer provides services for those in Hopkinsville and Bowling Green, Kentucky. We offer all the programs and services necessary to achieve the freedom you need. If you or a loved one suffers from fentanyl abuse, or cocaine, or meth abuse, we are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about how our services and programs can assist you in your journey to recovery.