Fentanyl Treatment Center
- Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Lucille Thomas
Recovery is Possible
Southern California Fentanyl Treatment Center
Fentanyl addiction and overdose are some of the most serious drug-related health issues facing our country today. Fentanyl is an incredibly potent, highly addictive opioid. Even when taken as prescribed by a doctor, it can quickly lead to a debilitating addiction. The ARTS is a fentanyl addiction treatment center specializing in compassionate, personalized recovery care. Our outpatient programs are tailored to your specific needs, using evidence-based therapies and resources to help you take back control of your life and re-discover the best version of yourself.
If you’re ready to create lasting change in your life, contact us or call 866-525-5458 to speak with a staff member today.
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The Addictive Effects of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid—a class of drugs that includes a wide range of prescription and illegal substances. Other common opioids include oxycodone, morphine, heroin, and codeine. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous due to its potency.
These drugs affect the central nervous system and are often prescribed as painkillers and sedatives. Fentanyl comes in many forms, such as pills, lozenges, transdermal patches, and injections. When produced illegally, it’s also found as a powder.
Opioids, like fentanyl, act on the dopamine receptors in the brain and block pain signals, causing feelings of euphoria. Tolerance develops quickly, and even individuals using fentanyl as prescribed by their doctors can find themselves needing to take higher and higher doses to feel its effects. This can quickly snowball into an opioid use disorder (OUD).
At our San Fernando Valley treatment center, we help individuals overcome the challenges of fentanyl addiction. Our programs address the physical, emotional, and mental impact of opioid addiction, and our dedicated staff is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care.
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What to Know
The Unique Dangers of Fentanyl
Opioids are responsible for more overdoses than any other drug, and fentanyl is the most deadly. Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, meaning a very small amount can have drastic effects on the body and brain. It’s often mixed with other drugs, like heroin and cocaine. This increases the likelihood of accidental overdoses and serious complications.
Because opioids suppress the nervous system, they slow vital bodily functions, leading to decreased heart rate and respiratory failure. Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) is the biggest concern when it comes to fentanyl overdoses and deaths.
Individualized Care For You.
When to Seek Help
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Because addiction is a unique and personal experience, not everyone will experience the same symptoms. However, there are some common signs to look for if you’re worried about fentanyl use. The following are some behaviors and physical changes that may point to a problem.
Short-term effects of fentanyl:
- Periods of euphoria, followed by depression
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Increased heart rate
- Swollen hands and feet
- Dizziness
- Confusion and clumsiness
- Small, constricted pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchy skin
Long-term use of fentanyl can have serious physical and mental health consequences, such as:
- Sleep apnea (trouble breathing while asleep)
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic constipation
- Liver damage
- Hormone imbalances and reproductive issues
- Reduced bone density, leading to a higher risk of fractures
- New or worsening mental health conditions
How to Spot a Fentanyl Overdose
Because fentanyl is such a potent drug, it carries an especially high risk of overdose. It mainly affects the central nervous system and can slow one’s breathing to the point where it becomes life-threatening or stops completely. Non-prescription fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, increasing the chances of dangerous side effects and accidental overdose. In recent years, fentanyl has become the leading cause of overdose-related deaths in the United States. Overdoses can happen quickly and often by mistake. If you’re concerned for your own safety or the safety of someone you love, it’s important to be prepared.
In the event of a fentanyl overdose, a rapid response is key to saving a life. Here’s what to look for:
- Loss of consciousness
- Unresponsiveness and limp limbs
- Slurring words or an inability to speak
- Labored, irregular, shallow breathing, or not breathing
- Cold and clammy skin
- Tiny, pinpoint pupils
- Gray/blue/pale skin, lips, or nails
- Vomiting, choking, or gurgling sounds
Fentanyl overdoses happen quickly. To reverse an overdose, use Naloxone and call 911 immediately.
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What to Expect at Our Fentanyl Treatment Center
Addiction is a disease that affects everyone in different ways. Depending on the length, severity, and nature of your substance use, our expert treatment team will develop a plan to help you build a resilient foundation for recovery.
We offer several treatment levels, ensuring you receive the attentive support you need to meet your goals. Our levels of care include:
Individualized Care For You.
Dual Diagnosis Support
The Value of Mental Health Treatment
Fentanyl is mainly used to relieve pain, but it also reduces overall stress and anxiety. Because it overloads the brain’s dopamine receptors, once they’re no longer stimulated, this can lead to feelings of depression and an inability to find joy in normal activities. This can cause the development or worsening of existing mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder or anxiety.
At The ARTS, mental health services are an essential aspect of the recovery process. By integrating mental health care into the recovery process, we can reduce the risk of relapse and nurture stronger, more sustainable coping skills. Prioritizing your mental health means learning to care for your unique mind, feelings, and past traumas, establishing a groundwork for a healthy, balanced life.
Therapies We Offer
To help you navigate your mental health journey, we offer a number of evidence-based therapy practices so you can overcome personal obstacles and build a better relationship with yourself. Our therapy options include:
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Call The ARTS: Your Southern California Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Center
Fentanyl is an extremely addictive and dangerous drug. Addiction can happen quickly, even when individuals use it as prescribed. It’s one of the most deadly drugs in the country today, but there is always hope for recovery. Feelings of shame and isolation are normal when you’re trapped in the cycle of substance use, but you don’t need to face these challenges alone.
The ARTS is a safe, secure, supportive treatment center that offers a variety of modern, evidence-based therapies to help you realize your recovery goals. We can help you cultivate the skills you need to make addiction a thing of the past. Get in touch today or call 866-525-5458.
