Fentanyl addiction has become an extremely dangerous issue in the US. As fentanyl becomes more prevalent, this drug affects many families. There is help for anyone suffering from fentanyl addiction. Here at Sober Life, we do not just treat those who suffer from addiction first-hand. We also provide family programs. These programs help educate and prepare you to face addiction’s toughest challenges.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic drug in the opioid family. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than drugs like heroin and 100 times stronger than drugs like morphine. There are two different categories of fentanyl. Firstly, a pharmaceutical version of fentanyl exists for medical uses. Secondly, people can obtain illicit fentanyl.
While both are considered synthetic opioids, the pharmaceutical fentanyl is used by doctors to treat severe pain after surgery or during advanced stages of cancer. It can also be prescribed in the form of a shot, a patch, or a lozenge.
The illicit version is illegally manufactured, distributed, and used like other street drugs. Illegal fentanyl comes in many forms, but some common ones are liquid or powder. It is popular among its users and distributors for its high potency and addictive value.
Sometimes it is mixed with another drug by someone looking to get a new permanent customer who won’t get enough of it. Drug dealers may combine it with a lesser-intensity opioid. The individual unknowingly uses this substance. Frequently, they won’t realize what has happened until coming down from a high they were not expecting. Unfortunately, some people die due to this practice of mixing drugs.
How to Recognize the Signs
Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction in a loved one could be critical to getting them the help they need. It may even save their life. If you’re concerned about your loved one’s potential fentanyl addiction, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of fentanyl use. Symptoms commonly seen in fentanyl addiction are:
- Dizziness and confusion
- Tightness of chest causing labored breathing
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Fever and chills
As fentanyl is extremely addictive, the sooner symptoms are noticed, the better. Depending on the relationship, you might feel nervous about addressing a loved one who may be addicted to fentanyl. That discomfort is preferred to the pain that could come from their continual drug use.
Family programs can even help with the discomfort of these conversations. You do not have to seek direct treatment for your loved one before finding support for yourself. We will help you help them.
Support Offered by Family Programs
Knowing about fentanyl and its symptoms is vital for helping your loved one. It may be a terrifying reality, but you need to know that the overdose deaths reported only continue to rise. Also, a large target market for this drug is young adults.
Outside of doing research online, you may want to talk to someone. Sometimes, the people around us have more information than we think. You might want to consider talking to someone through a family program who understands the ins and outs of fentanyl addiction. They have likely already experienced where you are at. These family programs are support groups for substance users and families of those in addiction. You can access a lot of information that can help both of you.
Once you have information on the drug and what an addiction to it looks like, you can start looking into resources. The woes of addiction do not solely belong to those who suffer from it directly. Addiction’s called a family disease for a reason. The painful impact branches out to families and loved ones as well. Just know that resources exist for you, too, to unburden your mind. We provide a safe space for you to heal.
Family Programs at Sober Life
You need to understand that addiction is a serious disease that’s taken hold of your loved one. This allows you to find ways to help. For example, you can look for detox resources and inpatient treatment. Additionally, you can set them up for success by finding an outpatient program for them to use after they’ve stabilized.
Sober Life’s intensive outpatient treatment program can benefit anyone suffering from addiction. It allows them to get the healing that they need. After assessing where they are in their addiction and what form of treatment they may need, you should address your support and coping needs.
We offer a family program that supports our clients’ support systems and families. Notably, the clients will not attend. This grants loved ones like you the space to process your emotions about the addiction. There is a weekly virtual meeting with a structured eight-week curriculum. Plus, we offer an ongoing platform of support. You can speak your mind with others who understand and can relate to you.
Fentanyl addiction is taking freedom and even taking lives. You can be instrumental in saving the life of your loved one if you know the signs. When you recognize fentanyl symptoms, you might want to discuss sobriety with them seriously. It’s also important to prioritize your mental well-being. Addiction is a family disease. Do not choose to suffer silently. There is support and help for you and your loved one at Sober Life. After you’ve gone through the detox process and any inpatient treatment necessary, we can serve as a middle ground. With us, you have the opportunity to live and interact with the outside world. For more info, call us at (619) 542-9542.
