Mesa, Arizona’s Preferred Fentanyl Addiction Hospital

Once someone has started to recreationally or regularly misuse fentanyl, the speed at which they develop an addiction to it can vary depending on a number of factors, such as frequency of use, access to the drug, and reasons for use. The signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction can vary from person to person, depending on how much the person has been using fentanyl and for how long.  

Common signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction include: 

• Track marks on arms and legs 
• Constricted pupils 
• Mood swings 
• Anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia 
• Possession of drug paraphernalia like burned spoons, needles, syringes, and glass pipes 
• Slurred speech 
• Increased sleep 
• Apathy 
• Attempting yet failing to stop fentanyl use  
• Needing more fentanyl or using fentanyl more often to achieve the desired effect 
• Spending an increasing amount of thought, time, and money to get and use fentanyl 
• Neglecting responsibilities  
• Decreased ability to get or hold a job 
• Poor academic performance 
• Avoiding loved ones 
• Lying about drug use 
• Continued use in spite of negative outcomes 
• Loss of interest in former hobbies 

When someone stops using fentanyl after developing a tolerance for it, they can go through a withdrawal process that involves uncomfortable symptoms and intense drug cravings. While fentanyl withdrawal shares characteristics with other opioid withdrawal processes, its potency can lead to more intense withdrawal symptoms and a more rapid onset.  

Signs and symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal can include: 

• Extreme fentanyl cravings 
• Sweating 
• Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting 
• Weakness 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Restlessness 
• Agitation 
• Dilated pupils 
• Chills 
• General fatigue 
• Fever 

Because the fentanyl withdrawal process can be so uncomfortable and sometimes even unsafe, it is necessary to get professional help at a place like Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital. We provide detox and inpatient treatment for adolescents and adults who are struggling with fentanyl addiction. In our medical detox program, our doctors and nurses monitor patients and can prescribe medications like Suboxone to help keep them safe and comfortable. 

Opioid abuse has been declared a national emergency in the United States in recent decades, and currently, experts note that this epidemic is becoming more and more fueled by illicit fentanyl, which is an extremely potent, lethal synthetic opioid. In a recent publication on fentanyl, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the following statistics and information about fentanyl addiction and lethal fentanyl overdose: 

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.  
• Fentanyl is a major contributor to death by overdose in the United States.  
• More than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. 
• There are two kinds of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally manufactured fentanyl, which can come in powder or liquid form. 
• Illegally made fentanyl is responsible for most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose. 
• Even in small doses, fentanyl can be lethal. 
• It can be impossible to tell whether illegally purchased drugs have been laced with fentanyl without using fentanyl test strips. 
• Fentanyl mixed with xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is a combination linked to more and more opioid-related deaths. 

National organizations like CDC offer education on fentanyl testing and overdose awareness. They recommend that people who use fentanyl carry test strips, which are inexpensive and can provide results within five minutes. They also provide this list of fentanyl overdose signs to educate people on how to identify someone who may have overdosed: 

• Constricted, pinpoint pupils 
• Losing consciousness 
• Slow or no breathing 
• Choking or gurgling sounds 
• Limp body 
• Cold, clammy skin 
• Discolored, blue, or pale lips and nails 

If you see someone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of fentanyl overdose, get emergency help as soon as possible. After they stabilize, they can receive care at a place like Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, where experienced professionals specialize in fentanyl addiction treatment.  

Fentanyl use can lead to devastating impacts on a person’s physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Additionally, because of its potency and rampant use in the illegal market, fentanyl is one of the most dangerous and lethal opioids available today.  

Fentanyl abuse may lead to the following undesirable outcomes: 

• Respiratory depression 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Itching and rash 
• Strained relationships 
• Onset or worsening of mental health concerns 
• Trouble getting or keeping a job 
• Legal problems 
• Financial difficulties 
• Homelessness 
• Constipation 
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Cognitive impairment, such as attention, memory, and decision-making problems 
• Increased risk for accidents 
• Risk for overdose and death by overdose 
• Suicidal ideation 

If you have a fentanyl addiction, you may feel discouraged and even stuck, but you don’t have to suffer. You can get the fentanyl addiction treatment you need to feel better and make lasting improvements. At our fentanyl addiction treatment center, we can help you heal and live a happier, healthier life.  

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we believe that customized care can best help our patients heal. Every person who receives care at our fentanyl addiction treatment center completes a thorough evaluation so that we can learn about their past substance use, medical history, and current symptoms. Based on what we learn during the evaluation, we create a personalized treatment plan for each patient outlining our recommended therapies and services.  

At our hospital, someone’s customized fentanyl addiction treatment plan may include: 

• Detoxification services: For patients who arrive at our facility with fentanyl in their systems, we provide medical detoxification services. Because fentanyl is particularly potent, withdrawal symptoms can be especially difficult to manage without professional assistance. In our medical detox program, our doctors and nurses oversee every part of a patient’s withdrawal process to ensure their comfort and safety. While a patient receives detox services, they can also participate in therapies designed to help them develop relapse prevention skills. Patients typically participate in detox programming for seven to 10 days, though that length of time can vary depending on each person’s specific needs.  
• Basic medical care: Each patient we treat completes a medical assessment when they are admitted to our care. Our physicians and nurses can provide basic medical care, but if someone needs more advanced treatment, we can refer them to one of our medical partners. 
• Medication management services: For patients whose treatment plans include medications, our registered nurses and licensed practical nurses provide medication management services.  
• Group therapy: At our hospital, group therapy is the main component of fentanyl addiction treatment. Our experienced counselors and staff lead four group therapy sessions each day. During these sessions, patients can share their experiences with each other and discuss topics like the principles of the 12-Step program, life skills, and coping strategies.  

It can be devastating and stressful to watch a loved one struggle with a fentanyl addiction, but family members can do a variety of things to help their loved one get the help they need and deserve. The following suggestions may help your loved one begin or continue their recovery journey: 

• Express your concern for your loved one’s well-being. 
• Learn about the symptoms, effects, and risks of fentanyl addiction. 
• Research fentanyl addiction treatment options. 
• Encourage your loved one to get help from a qualified professional or to find a fentanyl addiction support group. 
• Find a support group for family members whose loved ones are struggling with fentanyl addiction. 
• Set healthy boundaries to encourage your loved one to take accountability for their actions. 
• Offer to help your loved one find a fentanyl addiction treatment center. 

Fentanyl addiction can have devastating effects on a person’s life and the lives of their family members. At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we can provide professional guidance and treatment to help you or your loved one achieve lasting recovery. Please reach out to our team if you have any questions about our services or would like to begin the admissions process. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital.