Fentanyl is an opioid linked to the majority of opioid overdose deaths over the past several years. It is classified as a synthetic opioid, meaning it is made in a lab. The drug is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Although fentanyl is available for legitimate medical reasons under brand names like Duragesic, Actiq, Fentora, Abstral and Lazanda, it is also available illegally. When sold on the streets, it can be found under street names like:

• Apache 
• Dance Fever 
• Friend 
• Goodfellas
• Jackpot 
• Murder 8 
• Tango & Cash

If you or a loved one struggles with fentanyl, it is important to know what to expect with fentanyl addiction and how to seek help.

Understanding Fentanyl Addiction in Georgia

Fentanyl addiction is a worsening problem in Georgia. In 2020 alone, 896 Georgians died from an overdose of a synthetic opioid like fentanyl. However, matters have only worsened. Between 2020 and 2021, fentanyl overdoses in Georgia increased by 106.2%. 

Fentanyl is addictive because, as an opioid, it triggers the brain’s reward center. This means your brain associates opioids with pleasurable effects and encourages you to keep taking the drug to repeat these effects. Over time, this can lead to addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction often emerge when a person starts struggling with the substance. They generally include a combination of the following:

1. Taking more fentanyl or for a longer time than intended
2. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on or control fentanyl use
3. Spending a lot of time obtaining, taking or recovering from fentanyl
4. Cravings for fentanyl
5. Problems meeting obligations due to fentanyl
6. Interpersonal issues caused by the use of fentanyl
7. Giving up or cutting back on other activities due to fentanyl
8. Using fentanyl even when it is dangerous to do so
9. Taking fentanyl even though you know it is harmful
10. Needing more fentanyl to achieve the same effects as before
11. Withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop fentanyl

Side Effects of Fentanyl Addiction

When someone starts taking fentanyl regularly, they often begin showing some of the drug’s side effects. These effects can be both physical and psychological and include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling
• Dehydration

Dangers of Fentanyl Abuse

One of the biggest dangers of fentanyl abuse and addiction is overdose. When a person has taken too much fentanyl, they are at a high risk of overdose. This is especially true if combining fentanyl with other substances like opioids. For example, in 2020, 16% of opioid overdose deaths also involved a benzodiazepine drug. If you believe someone is overdosing on fentanyl, you should immediately give naloxone and then call 911. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Unresponsiveness
• Slow or weak breathing
• Choking sounds or gurgling
• Limp muscles
• Cold or clammy skin
• Bluish lips or nails

Treatment For Fentanyl Addiction in Georgia

Help is available for Georgians who struggle with fentanyl. The Recovery Village Atlanta offers a continuum of treatment options to get you off fentanyl — and keep you off the drug — for good. By working through a fentanyl rehab program, you can get off the drug and learn coping skills for a fentanyl-free life.

Fentanyl Detox in Atlanta

The first step in fentanyl recovery is medical detox. Stopping fentanyl on your own is challenging, as quitting the potent opioid cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are hard to overcome. These symptoms can include:

• Muscle aches 
• Insomnia 
• Sweating 
• Runny nose or eyes
• Yawning 
• Enlarged pupils
• Abdominal cramps
• Goosebumps
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Agitation
• Anxiety 
• Diarrhea

A medical detox program can help you through withdrawal while avoiding or minimizing these symptoms. While under round-the-clock medical care, doctors and nurses can treat your withdrawal symptoms as they arise. In addition, you may be a candidate for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with drugs like buprenorphine (Suboxone) as medically appropriate.

Residential Rehab Programs

Following medical detox, your body is cleansed of fentanyl. However, you are still at a very high risk of relapse until you explore why you began to use fentanyl and learn the coping skills required to avoid it. During this phase of recovery, residential rehab plays a key role.

During residential rehab, you live on-site at the recovery center. In this structured, sober living environment, your efforts can be entirely focused on your recovery and participating in the therapy and peer support groups necessary to teach healthy life skills. 

Dual Diagnosis

Unfortunately, mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are common in those who struggle with opioids like fentanyl. A dual diagnosis program treats both problems simultaneously, addressing your fentanyl addiction and any underlying mental health issues for the best outcomes.

Aftercare

Your recovery journey doesn’t end with rehab. To stay sober, you must maintain focus on your recovery. Aftercare programs help you remain focused on staying fentanyl-free over the long term. They may include relapse prevention plans, additional therapy, medical referrals, and other recovery resources.

Start Your Recovery Today

If you or a loved one struggles with fentanyl, you are not alone, and help is available. Through our continuum of medical detox, rehab and aftercare options, The Recovery Village Atlanta can help you overcome fentanyl addiction for good. Don’t wait: contact us today to see how we can help.