Fentanyl is one of the most powerful opioid painkillers, often used in recovery from surgery. On the street, fentanyl is sometimes mixed with other drugs such as heroin, to make heroin more profitable, resulting in hundreds of deaths by overdose every year. This leads others to find a women’s heroin addiction treatment program. Fentanyl addiction can be very hard to manage and requires specialized treatment through a fentanyl addiction treatment program.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Opioids work by binding opioid receptors in the central nervous system, causing a reduction in the release of the neurotransmitters Substance P and Glutamate, which are often associated with the sensation of pain. Fentanyl comes in a variety of forms including:
- Lozenges and lollipops
- Tablets
- Injectable fluid
In addition to relieving pain, fentanyl produces a feeling of euphoria. Over an extended period, fentanyl users will develop a tolerance, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same high. The combination of euphoria and increasing tolerance is what makes fentanyl so addictive. The signs of a 
fentanyl addiction include:
- Slow breathing
- Seizures
- Headaches and dizziness
- Itchiness
Additionally, they include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to quit abusing fentanyl even if you want to
- Forgoing social activities in favor of using fentanyl
- Continuing to use fentanyl despite negative physical, social and economic effects
Fentanyl is sometimes mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine or meth. Some users do this on purpose to achieve a better high. Fentanyl is also mixed with drugs like heroin to increase profitability but without the user’s knowledge. This can easily lead to a deadly overdose. If you observe any of the following symptoms, seek emergency aid.
- Extreme dizziness and confusion
- Weakness or fatigue
- Slow breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Blue lips and fingernails
- Coma
Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, treats a fentanyl overdose.
About Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
A fentanyl addiction treatment program for women requires a multi-pronged approach of withdrawal management, counseling, and support. All of which may be best dealt with at a women’s heroin addiction treatment program.
Withdrawal Management
In seeking to end drug abuse, the pain of withdrawal symptoms may prove to be a barrier. When a person has abused a drug for some time, they can become physically and psychologically acclimated to the presence of the drug. Therefore, when they stop taking the drug, the withdrawal symptoms occur as the body attempts to acclimate. The withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl include:
- Restlessness
- Joint and muscle pain
- Chills
- Backaches and stomach cramps
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms are usually managed by substituting a slower acting opioid such as morphine or methadone for fentanyl. The doctor will slowly reduce the dosage, thereby avoiding the worst of the withdrawal symptoms.
Counseling
Those who have abused drugs will often require counseling to learn new coping mechanisms or deal with the underlying emotional issue that led to substance abuse. Therapy may include techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy or trauma treatment, depending on the circumstances. After completing treatment, the patient may also attend ongoing support programs such as the 12 Step Program.
Women’s Addiction Treatment Programs
If you are a woman struggling with addiction, the Willows at Red Oak Recovery can help. We offer a fentanyl addiction treatment program in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to heroin and fentanyl addiction, we also offer programs in alcohol abuse as well as relapse prevention and eating disorders. If you are ready to end the nightmare of substance abuse, please give us a call today at 855.773.0614.
