Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times stronger. Like morphine, it is a prescription drug that can treat patients with severe pain, such as after a surgery. However, it can also be made and used illegally to make users feel happy, relaxed and drowsy.
Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, deaths involving synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) continue to rise, with 56,516 overdose deaths reported in 2020.
Due to how addictive and destructive fentanyl is, you may be wondering if it’s possible to recover from this drug. The answer: Yes, it is possible to completely recover from a fentanyl addiction. But, it is tough work and you will need to commit to a treatment center in Arizona, perhaps for an extended period of time.
Finding the Right Level of Care in Arizona
Addiction is a medical condition that requires treatment, just as other medical conditions do. The first step is to prevent overdose death and find a treatment program that meets your needs. As you look for treatment centers in or outside of your area, you’ll need to consider the different levels of care.
The highest level of care is an Arizona residential treatment center. This type of care requires you to live at the facility 24 hours a day. You will likely detox and receive treatment all under one roof. However, this type of care is most expensive and requires you to take time away from work and family.
If you’re looking to have more flexibility, you can consider an intensive outpatient (IOP) or outpatient program (OP). These programs offer a lower level of care, as you will only spend part of your day in counseling, usually 15-20 hours a week for an IOP and 10 hours for an OP. This allows you to maintain some of your normal schedule.
Other levels of care to consider are partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and extended care programs. Keep in mind that you do not have to choose one type of program. Rather, you should look at addiction treatment for fentanyl as a spectrum with many different levels.
Understanding the Different Therapies for Treating Fentanyl Addiction
Treating a fentanyl addiction can vary depending on the person’s individual needs. But there are certain treatments that have been shown to be effective in treating opioid use disorders, including evidence-based approaches and medications to prevent cravings.
Rehab centers in AZ tend to offer the following treatment approaches for opioid use disorders:
- Counseling and behavioral therapies. Your chances of fully recovering from a fentanyl addiction increase when you take part in counseling and behavioral therapies. Counseling with a qualified mental health professional helps you deal with personal or social problems that may be leading to your substance use. Examples of behavioral therapies include:
- Motivational interviewing
- Contingency management
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- 12-step groups
- Support groups
- Medications. Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone can be prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). These drugs reduce withdrawal symptoms, relieve cravings and rebalance brain chemistry.
The combination of medication and counseling are shown to be most effective for treating fentanyl addictions.
Recover from Your Fentanyl Addiction at Our Drug Rehab in AZ
If you or a loved one is struggling with a fentanyl addiction, it’s time to get help. This drug is extremely powerful and addictive, and it’s causing a huge uptick in overdose deaths. With the right treatment center in Arizona, you can fight your addiction and get your life back on track. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery to learn more about our approach to treating opioid use disorders.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.