It is well known that we are facing an opioid epidemic in this country. As a result of the opioid crisis, it was declared a national public health emergency in 2017. The majority of drug overdoses–both fatal and non-fatal–involve opioids, primarily those illicitly made with fentanyl. At Believe Detox Center, we offer fentanyl detox in Los Angeles to help those struggling with opioid addiction.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It was first developed in 1959 and utilized in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic. Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic under the United States Substances Act of 1970.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved fentanyl as an analgesic and anesthetic. It is most often prescribed by doctors for the treatment of severe pain. For example, it can be taken immediately following surgery or can help with chronic pain or a terminal illness.
Because of its powerful opioid properties, cost-effectiveness, and highly addictive nature, fentanyl is made by drug dealers and used illegally. Fentanyl is added to heroin and other street drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, to increase potency.
It is also illicitly made into pills to resemble other prescription opioids. Many users are unaware their drugs are laced with fentanyl. They may be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose.
Access to timely data helps improve coordination among healthcare providers, local, state, and government agencies. Current data promotes readiness and improved outcomes.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following fentanyl and overdose facts:
Fentanyl is extremely potent and highly addictive. Like other opioids, fentanyl binds to the opioid receptors of the brain that control pain and emotions. Users experience intense but temporary feelings of euphoria.
With repeated use, the drug diminishes sensitivity in the brain, making it harder for users to experience pleasure from anything but the drug. This tolerance leads to addiction and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors that take over their lives.
Anyone dependent on opioids, including fentanyl, will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Untreated withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl leads to relapse.
Professional medical intervention during fentanyl detox in Los Angeles helps treat fentanyl addiction. We can also safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal syndrome is described as a flu-like illness.
Symptoms include:
Despite the serious consequences of using fentanyl, many people feel so ill from withdrawal that they cannot stop. Self-detox is not recommended. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can lead to complications including coma or death. At Believe Detox Center in Los Angeles, we offer safe and comfortable treatment from fentanyl addiction.
The timing and severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on many factors, such as how long the abuse has happened. Also, the quantity used and the method of abuse can be factors in withdrawal symptom intensity. Other factors play a role such as mental and physical health. Withdrawal symptoms can start between eight to 24 hours since someone last used fentanyl.
Symptoms usually peak between 48 to 72 hours. After that, physical symptoms usually subside within four to 10 days. Some people may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) longer than 10 days. This may include fatigue and body aches.
MAT is a crucial part of recovery from fentanyl addiction. MAT is an evidence-based treatment program that combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Believe Detox Center has the certification to use MAT throughout the addiction treatment process. Thus, our therapists use medications that help in minimizing the symptoms during the detox process.
We are certified by:
Medications we can use during the treatment:
The above medications have been approved and prescribed by authorities to treat fentanyl addiction in Los Angeles. Our therapists use the MAT program to design personalized treatment plans and ensure effective, comfortable, and long-term recovery from fentanyl addiction.
It is a misconception that MAT is simply switching out one drug for another. MAT is one of the best ways to handle the harsh symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal and cravings during the recovery process.
Our therapists use various techniques for stabilizing someone’s health, emotions, and behaviors. Our inpatient program uses a combined treatment approach using medication, motivation, and support. In addition to MAT, treatment is combined with other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET).
Partial hospitalization allows individuals to live at home, while visiting for treatment. Visits are scheduled from once a week to seven days a week, depending on the level of addiction. We use the same therapies as with our inpatient program.
Successful detox is only the first step on the road to life-long recovery. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires continued support and therapy to prevent relapse and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our team of addiction experts collaborates on the best-personalized aftercare plan for one’s specific needs.
At Believe Detox Center, our professional staff helps build your individualized treatment plan to achieve both long and short-term recovery goals.
Contact us today to take your life back from addiction.
At Believe Detox Center, everyone deserves freedom from addiction.
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