Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid medication that alleviates extreme pain, such as that felt by cancer patients or people having major surgery. It is a highly addictive substance that is thought to be 50–100 times more effective than morphine. Fentanyl relieves pain and induces a euphoric feeling by attaching to opioid receptors found in the brain and other regions of the body. Fentanyl is regrettably also often misused and sold on the black market for narcotics, frequently combined with other substances like heroin or cocaine. Given that the strength of fentanyl can result in respiratory depression, overdose, and mortality, this combination can be very hazardous. The practice of treating those who have become addicted to fentanyl is referred to as fentanyl rehab.
Medications used in Fentanyl Rehab.
Behavioral treatments, counseling, and medication-assisted therapy (MAT) are frequently used in fentanyl addiction treatment to help patients overcome their addiction, manage withdrawal symptoms, and acquire coping mechanisms to prevent relapse. The medications commonly used in fentanyl rehab include:
- Methadone
Methadone is a prominent drug used in medication-assisted therapy (MAT) for those with opioid addiction. It helps lessen the cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to fentanyl addiction. It is a long-acting drug that can assist people in maintaining stable, regular opioid blood levels over an extended period, minimizing the need for frequent dosage and the danger of withdrawal symptoms. It is often given every day while being closely monitored by a doctor.
- Buprenorphine
The most common way to take buprenorphine is as a sublingual tablet or film, inserted under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can help prevent drug addiction and is frequently administered with buprenorphine. Buprenorphine can be prescribed by medical professionals for use at home, making it a more practical choice for fentanyl rehab than methadone, which is typically delivered in a clinical environment.
- Naltrexone
There are two ways to ingest naltrexone: an extended-release injection or an oral pill. The injection is given every four weeks, whereas the oral tablet is usually taken once a day. Naltrexone does not cause a feeling of exhilaration and is not addictive. This makes it a safe and viable alternative for people worried about the possibility of addiction to drugs used in medication-assisted therapy.
- Clonidine
Mostly, clonidine is used in combination with other drugs like buprenorphine or methadone during fentanyl rehab. Moreover, it can be used as an adjuvant treatment to lessen the anxiety and sleeplessness brought on by opiate withdrawal. Remembering that clonidine should only be administered under a doctor’s care is crucial.
- Gabapentin
The anticonvulsant gabapentin lessens the severity of withdrawal symptoms linked to opioid addiction by changing the activity of a few neurotransmitters in the brain. It aids in the minimization of withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process. Typically, gabapentin is taken orally as a pill or capsule, and the dosage is raised gradually over a few days.
- Antidepressant
Although they do not directly cure opioid addiction, antidepressants may help treat the underlying psychological and emotional causes of addiction.
Reach Out to Skyward Treatment Center for The Best Fentanyl Rehab Options.
Several drugs may be utilized in fentanyl rehab depending on each patient’s circumstances and treatment objectives. Many facilities, including inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities, detox clinics, and rehabilitation hospitals, can offer fentanyl rehab. The individual’s demands and the extent of their addiction will determine the precise form of therapy and environment. Contact Skyward Treatment Center in Houston to develop a tailored treatment strategy.
