Fentanyl use has become an epidemic in our country and is hitting especially hard with young people. It is very addictive and has become very accessible, legally and illegally. In the state of Texas, a campaign—the “One Pill Kills” campaign— was launched in 2023 to remind people that just one fentanyl-laced pill can be enough to take someone’s life.1 The drug does have a valid prescribed use to manage chronic pain and pain associated with recent trauma or surgery, but in most cases, it is a misused drug.
Call The Arbor at 844.413.2690 for more information about fentanyl rehab in Austin, Texas.
What Is Fentanyl?
If you are unfamiliar with fentanyl, it is a synthetic opioid that is lab-made. As with any opioid, the drug directly affects the brain’s function to control pain and also one’s emotional state. Once ingested, it works quickly by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain. When we talk about how powerful the drug is, it is about 50 times more potent than heroin, for reference. This potency is what makes it so dangerous and leads to unintended overdoses and fatalities.
Effects of the drug include:
- Euphoria
- Sedation
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
Users chase the desired effects, which, unfortunately, leads to addiction.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
If you are concerned that someone you care about is battling with fentanyl addiction, here are some signs you can be on the lookout for:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Uncharacteristic drowsy state of mind
- Gastrointestinal issues like constipation
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Lying or stealing
- Hiding the drug use
- Avoiding responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Risky behavior
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Depression
It will not necessarily be all or one of these symptoms to indicate an addiction. It can be any combination of out-of-the-ordinary behavior and health issues that feel like red flags to you.
How to Find Fentanyl Addiction Treatment near Austin, TX
Many resources can guide you to finding fentanyl addiction treatment near you. In fact, the Texas Health and Human Services website has a dedicated page focused on mental health and substance use.2
The Arbor offers fentanyl addiction treatment as well as treatment for a variety of other substance use disorders. In addition, dual diagnosis treatment is also available if a co-occurring mental health condition exists. Treatment for an addiction to fentanyl can include:
- Inpatient care for severe addictions
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Experiential therapies like art, yoga, and equine therapy
- Sober living
- Aftercare services like 12-step programs
Removing the drug from your system is a critical first step. If an addiction is severe, a professional treatment experience can provide the safest and most supportive environment for this part of the process.
The Arbor – Enroll Today in Fentanyl Rehab in Austin, TX
If you are looking for a rehab option in the Austin, Texas, area, The Arbor can help. Because it is such an addictive and dangerous drug, the chance of a severe addiction is high. In most cases, severe addictions require a medically supervised withdrawal from the drug in order to manage the symptoms associated with withdrawal.
All treatment programs at The Arbor are led by a team of professionals who are well-versed in the complexities of addiction. The goal of any treatment program is to reduce or eliminate the risk of relapse. This is done through implementing a number of therapies and arming clients with the tools and resources to help them effectively manage triggers in their everyday lives. Call on The Arbor at 844.413.2690 or complete the online inquiry form today.
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