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what is rehab

You’ll Get Through This: What Is Rehab Really Like? A General Day in the Life

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

Did you know that 18 million Americans misused their prescription drugs in 2017?

Are you going to a treatment center but wondering what is rehab going to look like? Not to worry! In this article, we’ll go over what to expect at an inpatient addiction center. We’ll go over what a day in treatment looks like.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!

What is Rehab Like?

Inpatient treatment centers have an organized structure to their days. You’ll see similar therapies and activities in most centers. The reason being is it minimizes the uncertainty and stress among residents.

Having structure allows people to feel safe and supported while they heal.

Early Rise to Start the Day

Sleeping in isn’t part of the treatment program. You’ll have morning meditation, chores, and a hearty breakfast. Afterward, you’ll have a two-hour group session.

This group session led by a trained counselor. They may focus on topics related to the 12-step program.

You’ll also have a licensed Mental Health counselor that works with you one on one. A significant focus of the treatment plan is quality counseling. This includes both individual and group counseling.

In the Afternoon

After lunch, you’ll have another two-hour counselor-led group session. One of the meetings will include an intro to the disease of addiction. You’ll learn about the various stages of recovery. Relapse prevention and family are your final topics.

These meetings will help you gain insight into triggers and recognize behavior patterns.

Recreational Activities

In the late afternoon, you’ll have a chance to take part in some activities. You’ll have a quiet time for homework and reflection. Activities like swimming, basketball, and volleyball are options. 

These options allow residents to seek new and healthy habits. This is part of the recovery and treatment process. Residents start to build a new routine with hobbies for their post-discharge life.

Available Therapies

There are different types of therapies available for residents. Once you’ve met with your counselor, you’ll have a tailored treatment plan. Let’s examine some of the therapies available.

Moral Reconation Therapy meets the needs of clients with substance abuse legal issues. Pathways Florida created this treatment method in a community-based addiction treatment center.

MRT began in the criminal justice system and found great success there. It fosters pro-social thoughts in clients who have anti-social behavioral disorder. Individuals with this diagnosis have no regard for rules or laws.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the best methods. This therapy focuses on behavioral responses to triggers. Once identified, the therapist guides you toward healthier reactions to triggers.

This is a one-on-one therapy in a safe environment. You have the chance to open up about your concerns. The therapist can provide tools and alternative responses to your anxieties.

Here are five signs that reveal you could have an addiction. Get the help you need today.

Contact Us Today

We hope you found this article on what is rehab like insightful. Rehab treatment centers adhere to a structured day of individual and group therapy. You’ll have an individualized treatment plan to maximize your recovery.

Want to learn more? Contact us today. We would love to chat with you.

fentanyl pills

Nasty Side Effects: What Do Fentanyl Pills Do to Your Body?

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

If you’re aware of the opioid epidemic currently sweeping the United States, chances are that you’ve heard of one of its biggest perpetrators: fentanyl. This dangerous prescription drug is extremely strong and even more addictive.

But what is fentanyl? And what do fentanyl pills and other forms of this drug do to your body?

You’re in the right place to find out. Keep reading to learn all about fentanyl and its side effects.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Fentanyl?

So, what is fentanyl, exactly? And what is fentanyl used for?

Fentanyl is a prescription drug. It exists to treat high-level pain or chronic pain in people who have a resistance to opioids. These are the forms in which it’s prescribed:

  • Injection: a medical professional must administer fentanyl in this for
  • Pills: fentanyl comes in two different kinds of pills, one that dissolves under the tongue and one that dissolves between the gums and cheek
  • Patch: a transdermal patch slowly releases the drug into the body through the skin
  • Spray: fentanyl comes in a nasal spray and sublingual spray
  • Lozenge: an oral lozenge that dissolves in the mouth

No matter what way it’s prescribed, Fentanyl is a risky drug to take. In fact, it’s the number one culprit for opioid overdose deaths in the United States.

Fentanyl and Heroin: Similarities and Differences

Let’s break down how fentanyl and heroin differ and how they’re alike by answering some common questions.

Is Heroin an Opioid like Fentanyl?

Heroin and fentanyl are both opioids. Heroin comes from natural sources while fentanyl is synthetic.

How Is Heroin Made?

Heroin is a derivative of morphine, which comes from the poppy plant. But that doesn’t mean pure heroin is normally sold on the street. Drug dealers commonly cut heroin with any number of other substances to reduce costs and boost profits.

What Is Synthetic Heroin?

Fentanyl is a manmade opioid that’s between fifty and one hundred times stronger than morphine. For this reason, it’s often described as synthetic heroin.

Fentanyl and heroin are powerful drugs. Professional treatment is the best way to stop using these substances.

The Side Effects of Fentanyl Pills

How do fentanyl pills and other forms of this drug affect the body? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Fentanyl affects the opioid receptors in the brain. This will alter the way that a person experiences pain.

Over time, the brain will become tolerant. An addict will need stronger doses to get high or even to relieve withdrawal symptoms without any euphoria at all.

These are common side effects of fentanyl:

  • Drowsiness and lethargy
  • Swelling in the legs and arms
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • A loss of appetite leading to weight loss
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Depression
  • Sweating
  • Problems sleeping
  • Shaking
  • Vision issues

These side effects are serious. An overdose of fentanyl can cause coma or death.

Need Treatment? We Can Help

Fentanyl pills, patches, injections, or any other form of this prescription drug are powerful and dangerous. Abusing fentanyl can lead to addiction and even death.

If you or a loved one suffer from fentanyl addiction, don’t lose hope. There are professionals out there who can help get your life back on track.

Want to know how? Get in touch today. We’re here to support you.

how to help a drug addict

We Need to Talk, Now. How to Help a Drug Addict Realize Their Problem

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

Observing a friend or family member in the throes of addiction can make anyone feel helpless.

Their personality begins to change and they start to feel like a stranger. You watch as their drug dependency drains them of their potential.

As their loved one, you don’t have to sit back and watch them self-destruct.

Telling some you’re worried about their drug use is never easy. You don’t know how they’ll react or if they will take your words to heart.

But it’s important that you try. Luckily, there are a few approaches that may make the conversation go more smoothly.

Some addicts don’t see that they have a problem until it’s too late. Learn how to help a drug addict realize they need treatment.

Wait Until They’re Sober to Approach Them

Confronting an addict while they’re high is not a good idea for a few reasons.

For one, you’re likely feeling frustrated with them that they’re high again. You should approach the conversation when you can express yourself calmly.

You also want them to be in control of their feelings and reactions. When people are drunk or high, their mood is affected. You don’t want the discussion to escalate into a fight.

Practically speaking, people often don’t remember what happened when they were high. The conversation will have more impact on them if they’re sober.

Starting the Conversation

When they are sober, sit them down privately.

Start by expressing how much you care about them. Then, explain your concerns about their substance use. It’s helpful to have some concrete examples.

It’s effective if these anecdotes show how their drug use is affecting their life. Maybe they were put on probation at work for constantly showing up late. Perhaps a girlfriend dumped them because of their drunk, brutish behavior.

But, as you point out this bad behavior, remain empathetic.

Express Empathy, Not Blame

While you point out these examples, make it clear that though their behavior might be bad, they aren’t bad people. Use empathy to communicate with them instead of blame.

Let them know that you aren’t judging them. You just want to offer them support. After you explain this, have some suggestions for what they should do next.

Next Steps

At this point, your loved one might not be fully convinced they have a problem. In that case, you could suggest that they just see a professional to be evaluated.

If they already know they need treatment, you can offer to help them find a program.

How to Help a Drug Addict: The Takeaway

The answer to the question, “how to help a drug addict?” is never clear and concrete. In the end, they have to be the ones to help themselves. All you can do is be honest while you show them love and support.

Having a loved one with addiction problems can take a toll on your wellbeing. To learn more about our support group offerings, click here.

who makes fentanyl

Who Makes Fentanyl and How Do They Sleep at Night? A Look into the Industry

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

You’d have to be living under quite a heavy rock to have not heard of the Opiate Crisis in America. 

Over the past decade, overdoses from opiates have skyrocketed. Addiction rates are still on the rise, and the cost is nearly incalculable. 

But how did we get here? How is it possible that something like Fentanyl, 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, is available to the public? Who makes fentanyl, and who has the audacity to market it as medicine?

We’ve got the answer. Let’s take a look. 

What Is Fentanyl? 

Fentanyl is an opioid. It’s a painkiller, and a powerful one. Fentanyl tends to be used for post-surgical patients and those who have used powerful painkillers long-term and developed a tolerance. 

Unlike its cousin, morphine, Fentanyl doesn’t require the natural opium from the poppy plant. Rather, it’s produced in labs and is totally synthetic. This makes it highly versatile, since moving its molecules can make it more or less potent.

When used in hospitals, it’s regulated and relatively safe. 

However, fentanyl is popular among illegal drug labs because it is so easy to manufacture and manipulate. Because of this, it’s often used to cut other, more expensive drugs. 

This means outside hospitals, Fentanyl is widely available and easy to obtain, even on accident. In 2017, there were nearly 30,000 overdoses linked to Fentanyl in the United States. Compare that to less than 800 deaths only two decades prior. 

But who is making this stuff, and where are addicts getting it?

Who Makes Fentanyl?

The obvious answer here is that drug companies make Fentanyl. Just like any drug, it is manufactured to regulation and shipped to hospital pharmacies. 

Opioid addiction has been a problem in America for decades. But the issue with many opioids was that they were difficult to get without a prescription. That didn’t stop the problem, obviously. But the difficulty in getting Morphine or Oxycontin without a doctors note did present a problem. 

Fentanyl, though, is different. It’s easy to make in a lab, with just a little bit of know-how. 

Which brings us to the secondary, and more dangerous makers of Fentanyl. Illegal drug manufacturers. 

When illegal labs create fentanyl, they aren’t selling it as itself. Rather, they are using it to cut other drugs, like heroin or cocaine, or compounding it into tablet and pills and selling it as other drugs, like oxycodone.

The Hidden Danger of Fentanyl

Fentanyl can be a lifesaver for those with high levels of pain. And in a controlled environment overseen by medical professionals, most are able to take it safely. 

But when the answer to “who makes Fentanyl” is “illegal drug manufacturers”, the danger becomes quite apparent. People who are looking for a fix of heroin or cocaine may be given their drug cut with Fentanyl and overdose accidentally. The same is true of opioid addicts looking for Oxycodone. If the pills are fake and made with fentanyl, one pill may be enough to trigger an overdose. 

If you or someone you love is worried about the possibility of Fentanyl overdose or opioid addiction, give us a call today. We are here to help. 

common drug

You’re Not Alone: The Most Common Drug Addictions People Seek Treatment For

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

The scariest thing about addiction is that it can affect anyone you know — and you may not even know it. Each year, millions of people, both adolescent, and adult succumb to addiction.

Whether you’re hoping to help a loved one get on the road to recovery or you’re looking for a better life for yourself, learning the facts is the first step toward healthier, addiction-free living.

Here are the most common drug addictions people seek treatment for.

Alcohol

Many people don’t think that alcohol qualifies as a drug. Yet according to traditional definitions, it indeed fits in the category.

Miriam-Webster defines a drug as, “a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body.”

Though alcohol is the most common drug in terms of social acceptance, its abuse isn’t any less dangerous.

An estimated 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related fatalities, including alcohol poisoning. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, that makes it the third greatest leading cause of death in the entire country.

Don’t let societal permissibility fool you, frequent alcohol use can kill.

Opioids

It’s impossible to turn on the news without hearing a story about another fatal opioid overdose. In fact, few drugs have seen a rise as sharp as that of opioids.

While many health experts are left scratching their heads, things are so bad that opioid addiction has become a full-blown epidemic.

An estimated 46 people die each day due to opioid abuse each day, and trends show no signs of a change.

Perhaps the worst aspect of the crisis is that most opioid addictions don’t start by choice. Many common painkillers, such as Oxycontin and Vicodin, feature the highly-addictive chemicals.

Marijuana

Before we go any further, we feel it’s important to note that marijuana use in and of itself isn’t altogether bad.

In fact, speaking from a medical standpoint, marijuana isn’t without its benefits. Proper usage can aid with inflammation, anxiety, and even some cancers.

Yet most marijuana use isn’t for medicinal purposes and can lead to overconsumption, thus causing a disruption in the user’s life. In fact, marijuana use is so common that it qualifies as the most common drug.

Cocaine

With a basis in the South American coca plant, cocaine is one of the most addictive stimulants on earth.

Cocaine use can make users feel extreme sensations of euphoria and rushes of energy, only to cause them to crash moments later. Cocaine is so addictive that a few experiences with the drug are enough to cause addiction.

And once a drug user becomes addicted to cocaine, things only get worse.

Soon, the addict will find that they need more cocaine to feel even a fraction of the high they felt before. They’re also likely to experience severe bouts of depression, paranoia, and respiratory issues.

A Common Drug Is Dangerous All The Same

These substances cause the most common drug addiction issues, ruining the lives of thousands each year.

If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, consider your treatment options.

And if you’re the loved one of an addict, don’t forget that we offer support groups to help you learn how to help and love your addict through this tough time.

how to be social

Can I Ever Go out Again? How to Be Social Without Relapsing

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

It’s inevitable that your social life will change once you get sober. 

Your old life consisted of long nights out with friends who enjoy drinking on the weekend together. The question to ask yourself is how to be social once you get clean?

Let’s discuss a few options you need to exercise in public to be social without relapsing. 

1. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

One of the best tips to take into consideration involves understanding the importance of who you let back into your life. 

The friends and even family members who you were close to while you had your addiction may not be the best influence for your sober life. Staying clean and forgoing any chance of experiencing a relapse takes plenty of careful steps. One of the first steps is to rid your life of anyone who may lead you down the wrong path. 

To stay healthy, find friendships with people who understand your new sober life. You may need to stop hanging out with old pals who spent weeknights getting high at home or out partying at clubs where temptation lingers. 

Surround yourself with positive influences to stay clean and sober for good. You can still maintain a healthy social life if you do activities with people who are aware of your recent trip to rehab.

2. How to Be Social After Rehab: Meet Sober Friends

Hanging out with sober friends can seem daunting at first if you don’t have any. However, there are a lot of places to find sober friends. 

Start by attending 12-step meetings. If you attend these meetings on a regular basis you are likely to develop close relationships with the other sober people who make the effort to attend, too. 

You can also try to find dry bars in your city. If you used to consider yourself to be one of the 15 million alcoholics living in the United States, you should consider switching things up and spending time at a dry bar once you’ve changed your life around for the best.

Dry bars offer opportunities for you to make new friends who can become your new accountability partners. Once you have a few solid relationships you will be on track to lifelong sobriety. 

3. Take Up New Hobbies In Your Sober Life

In your old life, you had friends who fed your addiction. If some of the hobbies you had prior to entering a rehab facility included drinking and taking drugs, then you must realign your lifestyle with better activities.

Why not take up exercise classes? Invite some of your sober pals to join you for a rock climbing class or a yoga practice. Exercise is another way to keep yourself occupied and away from temptations. 

Hobbies are essential for your sober life so you fill your days with happy feelings and activities that bring you joy.  

Ready To Seek Treatment For You or a Loved One?

These are three techniques to figure out how to be social once you are sober. Becoming sober takes time. At Pathways Florida we devote our time to helping you or your loved one achieve success in our various therapy programs found at our facility. 

Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about the options for alcohol and drug treatment in Sarasota, Florida. 

signs of alcoholism

Am I An Alcoholic? 7 Signs Of Alcoholism You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

No one ever intends to develop a problem with alcohol. People start drinking at different ages, and for different reasons. But for many people, it can become a serious issue.

So how can you know if you have a problem? There are actually certain signs of alcoholism that can help you identify whether things have gotten out of hand. Let’s take a look at some signs of alcohol abuse that will alert you to the fact that it’s time to seek help.

Am I An Alcoholic? 7 Signs Of Alcoholism You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many alcoholics are functioning. However, there are some signs of alcoholism you shouldn’t ignore. Learn more about how to determine if you are addicted here.

1. Experiencing Withdrawal

Keep in mind that withdrawal is not the same as having a hangover. Withdrawal is your body’s reaction to the lack of alcohol rather than too much alcohol. This reaction can cause you to feel anxious, nauseous, depressed, irritable, or tired.

You might also experience shakiness, trembling, or have trouble sleeping.

2. Difficulty Maintaining Relationships

Many people with a drinking problem will notice trouble with relationships such as friends or your significant other.

Relationship trouble is a major sign that your addiction is beginning to deeply impact your life.

3. Unable To Stop Once You’ve Started

Do you feel the impulse to drink all the beer in the house or finish a bottle of wine once it’s opened?

This can be a big red flag that you have a problem.

4. You’ve Developed An Increased Tolerance

Tolerance of alcohol is another key sign of addiction.

If you’re able to drink more than you used to without getting drunk, it means that your body has been exposed to alcohol enough to cope with it. 

5. You’ve Started Blacking Out

Blacking out is when you wake up with no memory of what happened while drinking.

Quite simply, this means not only that you’ve had too much to drink, you’ve had way too much. Blacking out once in a while is bad, but blacking out on a regular basis means you need to get help as soon as possible.

6. You Need To Drink to Relax

Many people use alcohol as a way to deal with their emotions. This can be due to anxiety, stress, or any number of other things. But drinking shouldn’t be used a means of self-medicating.

After all, alcohol provides only temporary relief and will only serve to make things even worse in the long run.

7. Lying About Your Drinking

Another significant warning sign that you have a drinking problem is when you begin lying about your drinking, or trying to hide it from the people in your life.

You might be in denial that you are suffering from addiction, and hiding the addiction is a way that many addicts choose to deal with the problem.

Getting the Help You Need

Learning the signs of alcoholism is the first step toward recognizing that there might be a problem. The better you understand the nature of addiction, the easier it will be to put yourself on the path to getting help.

The symptoms of alcoholism are easier to spot once you know what to look for. But taking the steps necessary to begin the recovery process requires more than knowledge, it also requires great courage. 

Click here to learn about addiction treatment programs.

am I an addict

Am I Addicted? 5 Signs You Might Be an Addict

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

In the United States, 54 million people 12 and older have admitted to using drugs that weren’t prescribed to them. 

There’s nothing wrong with relaxing at the end of the day with your choice of healthy and safe activity. Having a good time isn’t criminal, and as long as you’re responsible, moderation is key.

This chain of thought extends to every aspect of our lives, not just drugs, and alcohol. Sitting down and binging Netflix after a long day of work isn’t a big deal. But sitting down for weeks on end without the drive or desire to do anything different is a problem.

Have you ever looked at one of your behaviors and wondered “am I an addict?” If you have, keep reading. We’re taking a closer look at the fine line between enjoyment and addiction.

How Important Is It?

Let’s talk about drug use. You might feel as though you’ve got everything under control and that you only use on occasion, a recreational thing. But it’s time to be honest with yourself.

How important has this behavior become to your life? Do you do it all the time? Does it stop you from doing other things?

Where do you place it on your priority list?

If it’s pretty high up there, it might be an addiction.

How Often Do You Do It?

Is this behavior something you do more often and for longer than you initially planned? It all comes down to compulsion. If you feel like you always have to have more, there might be a problem.

How Do You Feel When You Stop?

Think about a time when you stopped using drugs or alcohol. How did it make you feel?

Were you uncomfortable? Anxious? Could you stop thinking about it?

Take a look at how you respond emotionally and physically to giving your habit a break. If you feel panicky or pained, it’s time to take a look at what kind of hold these behaviors have on you.

Does It Disrupt Your Life?

Another good rule of thumb for addiction is taking a look at the things that the behavior has disrupted. If you choose to spend your time high or drunk instead of going to work or spending time with your friends or family, take a look at why that is.

If you regularly carve time out of your schedule for your addictive behaviors, what are you cutting out?

Can You Stop?

And last, let’s ask the most basic question. Can you stop?

It’s a knee-jerk reaction for most people. They’ll always say yes. But really be honest with yourself here.

If you think beyond a shadow of a doubt that you can stop, you might be in the clear. Maybe you need to cut back a little bit, but people with a true addiction cannot stop the thing they’re addicted to.

However, if you think you would have a hard time stopping, it’s time to see help.

Am I an Addict?: Get Help Today

If you find yourself asking the question “am I an addict” don’t worry, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans deal with addiction every day. There is help around every corner, all you have to do is search for it.

The first step is admitting to yourself that you have a problem. If any of this sounds like you, take a look at the available treatment programs and get help today.

what to pack for rehab

What To Pack for Rehab: Your Complete Packing List

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

A study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 90% of people who need rehab the most don’t go.

If you want to take back your life, going to a rehab facility that offers therapy and plenty of activities is your best chance at recovery.

If you or a loved one is getting ready for this incredible journey, here is a comprehensive list of what to pack for rehab to stay happy, comfortable, and safe.

1. What Should I Pack for Rehab? Things that Make You Feel Comfortable

Getting through the detox phase can be difficult, so keeping your comfort in mind is vital. Be sure to pack the right clothes and small mementos from loved ones so you can feel your best.

What to bring to rehab to wear:

  • A week’s worth of comfortable clothes
  • An exercise outfit
  • A modest bathing suit
  • Sneakers and flip flops
  • Cozy pajamas (and a bathrobe and slippers, if you choose)

Other small items to keep your spirits lifted:

  • Letters of encouragement from loved ones
  • Cherished photos
  • Tiny gifts or items that are extremely important to you
  • A cozy blanket that smells like home

Do keep in mind that space is limited at rehab facilities, so you don’t need to pack as much as you think. Since you’ll be able to do laundry, you only need a handful of outfits for your stay.

2. What to Pack for Rehab to Stay Healthy

Many people who go to rehab have pre-existing conditions that require medication to treat. When packing for rehab, make sure everything you bring has in-tact labels. Bringing unopened items is preferable.

Any medication should have your name, your doctor’s contact information, and the date of your prescription on the label. Make sure you bring enough medication for the duration of your stay.

If your rehab center doesn’t provide vitamins, you may want to pack a multivitamin to make sure your body stays healthy during your detox.

All essential toiletries like deodorant, mouthwash, toothpaste, makeup, shampoo and conditioner, soap, and sunscreen need to be alcohol-free.

3. A Journal Should Definitely Be on Your Rehab Packing List

Although it’s not essential like clothes or toiletries, a journal is highly recommended for anyone entering rehab.

Writing down your thoughts and experiences each day will help you reflect on your progress and process what’s happening. Not only is it uplifting to see how far you’ve come, but writing down your goals will also hold you more accountable.

4. Bring Entertainment that Doesn’t Require Internet

Smartphones, laptops, and other electronics are at the top of the list of what not to bring to rehab. Your stay is all about finding yourself. Unsupervised contact with the outside world can hurt your progress.

Paperback books and appropriate magazines are great ways to enjoy some downtime. Many facilities will offer several different types of entertainment so you don’t get bored. Small electronics like mp3 players are usually permitted if their only function is to store music.

5. Keep Small Bills and a Debit Card on Hand

You’ll need small bills and change if you want to get snacks from vending machines or use pay phones to speak with loved ones when allowed.

Lots of rehabs will organize small outings to the store so you can stock up on toiletries and snacks, so having a debit or credit card will allow you to make purchases.

Want to Go to the Best Rehab Facility in Florida?

Now that you know what to pack for rehab, you can make sure you or a loved one is prepared for the journey of getting clean.

If you want to go to an effective rehab center that utilizes the best methods, Pathways Florida would love to help you. Learn more about us to see why our facility helps so many people get sober.

fentanyl abuse

Fentanyl Abuse: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on by Barbara Cruz

Are you concerned that someone you love has fallen victim to Fentanyl abuse? 

This opioid is often initially prescribed to help patients recover from surgery and manage chronic pain. However, it’s one of the most addictive medications in the country — and it’s about 50 times more powerful than morphine and heroin. 

In fact, over 130 people die every day due to Fentanyl and other opioid abuse. 

So, what are the most common abuse of fentanyl symptoms? 

Keep on reading this post to find out what to look for, and learn where you can get help for yourself or someone you care about.

The Most Common Signs of Fentanyl Abuse

Over 11 million people have misused their opioid prescriptions in the past year alone. 

The Opioid Crisis has certainly put the spotlight on Fentanyl abuse, but it can be hard to know what to look for. 

The Physical Signs

First of all, you might notice that the person you suspect of abusing it is tired all of the time. The dreamlike state of a Fentanyl high is often called the “Opioid nod off.”

The abuser may fall asleep quickly and at random times. You may also notice that they breathe much more slowly when they’re asleep than they normally would. 

Physically, the abuser may also frequently vomit, complain of being dizzy, and even experience swelling in the hands and feet. 

They may often appear confused and disoriented and display a serious lack of focus overall. 

In some cases, you may notice that their pupils are seriously constricted and that they’re often scratching themselves. They may have a slower overall reaction time and they could even look flushed and red.

Other times, they may sweat and shake profusely — often, this is a sign that they’ve gone into a withdrawal. In order to mitigate these symptoms, they’ll need to take more of the drug.

The Emotional Signs

Someone who is addicted to Fentanyl may experience extreme mood swings. They can act euphoric and loving one moment, and then, when they come off the drug, become angry and even violent. 

You might have noticed they’ve been isolating themselves much more recently. They also seem incredibly anxious all of the time. They lash out at you for no reason, and you’ve even noticed that cash and valuables have gone missing. 

Interestingly, the emotional signs of an addiction are often much easier to spot than the physical ones. 

The abuser may have lost their job, compromised their relationships with friends and family, and even stopped partaking in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed. 

Getting Help for Fentanyl Abuse

Now that you know some of the most common signs of fentanyl abuse, we know that you want to learn more about how to get help for yourself or someone you love. 

Recovery is possible — but it will take serious commitment and expert care. You’ll also need to be able to detox in a safe and medically-monitored environment. 

We can help you to get your life back on track. 

Learn more about our treatment and recovery services, and get in touch with us when you’re ready to end an addiction to opioids.