Fentanyl addiction

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is many times stronger than heroin or morphine. It has legitimate medical uses for severe pain, but illegally made fentanyl has flooded the drug supply, and is now a leading cause of overdose deaths.

Because it is so potent, fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs, including counterfeit pills, heroin, and cocaine. Many people are exposed to it without realizing it, which is what makes it so dangerous.

Signs of fentanyl addiction

• Drowsiness, nodding off, or slowed breathing
• Needing more to feel the same effect
• Intense cravings and preoccupation with the next dose
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
• Pulling away from family, work, and responsibilities
• Counterfeit pills, powders, or drug paraphernalia
• Being unable to stop despite the danger

Overdose risk

Fentanyl's strength makes overdose frighteningly easy. Signs of an opioid overdose include very slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, limpness, and being unresponsive. It is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately, and use naloxone (Narcan) if it is available. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.

Withdrawal and detox

Fentanyl creates strong physical dependence, and withdrawal, though rarely life-threatening, is intensely painful: muscle and bone aches, sweating and chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and severe cravings. Medical detox makes this stage safer and far more bearable, and it is the right first step, not something to face alone.

Fentanyl treatment at Renaissance Ranch

At Renaissance Ranch, we treat fentanyl and other opioid addiction with medical detox on site at our Bluffdale, Utah residential facility, followed by clinically proven therapy and a faith-centered, 12-Step approach.

Our team, many in long-term recovery themselves, helps each man get safely through withdrawal, reach the causes underneath the addiction, and build a life worth staying sober for, with lifelong support through our Band of Brothers alumni network.