Macon Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Comprehensive and Compassionate Treatments for Fentanyl Addiction in Georgia 

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that has similarities to morphine but can be up to 100 times more potent. It has seen widespread use in medical settings as an anesthetic and pain reliever, but it also has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Fentanyl abuse can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, the misuse of fentanyl has become increasingly common across the United States due to its availability in many forms such as tablets, patches, powder, or even lollipops.

Any person struggling with fentanyl addiction should seek professional help so they can receive appropriate treatment and support. At the Georgia Recovery Campus, we recognize how insurmountable a fentanyl addiction may seem but are committed to leveraging our extensive resources to help patients detox and get on the road to recovery. Our Macon fentanyl addiction treatment professionals make it their mission to deliver quality care to those with substance abuse and mental health issues in a state-of-the-art facility that puts patients first.

Why Is Fentanyl Addictive, and Why Is It Dangerous?

Fentanyl is highly addictive because it triggers the same reward pathways in the brain as other opioids. When taken, fentanyl binds to opioid receptors which causes a flood of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, creating an intense feeling of euphoria that can be difficult to stop seeking. When abused, fentanyl can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death if combined with other drugs or alcohol. When used regularly, tolerance and physical dependence on the drug can develop quickly, forcing users to take more fentanyl or risk severe withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped abruptly. As such, fentanyl addiction often requires professional help to ensure long-term recovery success.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

If you or someone you know is showing signs of fentanyl addiction, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist for assessment and treatment options. Signs of fentanyl addiction can vary but may include:

• Increased Tolerance: Needing higher doses of fentanyl to achieve the desired effects over time.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when not using fentanyl, such as nausea, sweating, anxiety, or muscle aches.
• Obsessive Thinking: Spending a significant amount of time thinking about obtaining and using fentanyl, to the detriment of other activities and responsibilities.
• Social Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities in favor of spending time using fentanyl.
• Continued Use Despite Consequences: Continuing to use fentanyl despite experiencing negative consequences such as health problems, financial difficulties, or legal issues.
• Loss of Control: Feeling unable to control or stop using fentanyl despite wanting to quit or cut back.
• Changes in Behavior: Engaging in risky or erratic behavior to obtain fentanyl, such as stealing or lying.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Neglecting important obligations such as work, school, or family responsibilities due to fentanyl use.
• Changes in Appearance: Physical changes such as weight loss, changes in hygiene, or track marks from injecting fentanyl.
• Craving: Experiencing intense cravings or urges to use fentanyl.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Fentanyl Addiction?

The long-term consequences of fentanyl addiction can be far-reaching and serious. Physically, individuals may experience a wide range of health complications due to the drug’s powerful effects on the brain. Beyond creating a physical dependence, abusing fentanyl over time can cause changes to the brain’s structure and functionality, leading to cognitive impairments and memory loss.

Fentanyl addiction can also take a toll on an individual’s psychological well-being. Chronic users often become preoccupied with obtaining more drugs and avoiding withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to significant life disruption and social isolation from family and friends. Additionally, abusing fentanyl over time increases an individual’s risk of experiencing an overdose or other medical emergencies such as heart attack or stroke.

Our Macon fentanyl addiction treatment program is designed to effectively combat the short- and long-term health consequences of this drug. Our program includes medically assisted, professionally supervised detoxication combined with a robust mix of evidence-based treatments.

Is It Safe for a Person to Quit Fentanyl “Cold Turkey?”

It is not recommended to quit fentanyl “cold turkey” due to the risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Quitting fentanyl abruptly can lead to intense physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, chills/sweats, insomnia, depression or anxiety, cravings for more opioids, and increased sensitivity to pain. These symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not managed properly. Even if someone manages to “quit” fentanyl cold turkey, they are likely to eventually relapse if additional treatment is not sought. As such, it is important for those struggling with opioid addiction to seek professional help so they can receive appropriate treatment and support as they work toward recovery. 

If you or a loved one has developed a fentanyl dependency, do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about our treatment center. Call (478) 216-1110 or contact us online to get started.