Fentanyl is an incredible drug that can relieve severe pain and make everyday life easier.
Unfortunately, like many opioid pain relievers, fentanyl is also incredibly addictive. Not only can it ruin the lives of those who become addicted to it, but the drug can also even cause overdose and death from just one use.
Are you or a loved one struggling with a fentanyl addiction? Need to know more about treatment and rehabilitation options?
Below, we’re covering what you need to know about fentanyl addiction, including how treatment works and how to set yourself on the road to recovery.
Fentanyl Inpatient
Is a loved one in your life struggling with a fentanyl addiction? If so, they’re in dire of need of fentanyl inpatient treatment. Without this care, they won’t be able to overcome their addiction.
What Is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment programs are ones where the patient lives at the rehab facility. People use it as a safer and easier way to transition back to everyday life. The controlled environment protects them from the pressures and temptations of the outside world.
The first step in a fentanyl inpatient treatment is a professional detox program. There is a high risk of death during drug withdrawal, which is why you need a doctor there. It’s also great to have professional support because withdrawal effects can cause:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Panic
- Nausea
- Extreme drug cravings
These effects can be quite scary. Recovering addicts often relapse because of them. That’s why it’s important for people to have a safe place to detox and a great doctor to help them through it.
People receiving inpatient care go to individual drug counseling and group counseling. During individual counseling, the patient meets one-on-one with a counselor. The counselor helps them work through their psychological and behavioral issues around addiction.
They help the patient develop short-term strategies for working through those feelings. They also look into the root causes of the addiction. These strategies help the patient begin to understand their addiction and curb cravings.
During group counseling, the patient meets with a support group. This gives patients the chance to listen to and connect with similar people. Group therapy can make patients feel less alone and help maximize their recovery process.
If the person in recovery is in need of round-the-clock assistance, they should consider inpatient care. This treatment provides them with the mental and psychological support they need to get back on their feet. Without the distractions of the outside world, the patient can focus on themselves and their recovery.
Standard Length of Fentanyl Inpatient Treatment
Most standard fentanyl inpatient treatment programs last between 28 days to six months.
Patients need that time to withdraw and get back on their feet. During this time period, they learn how to live a life without substances. They also develop coping mechanisms for their addiction.
Fentanyl Outpatient
Is your loved one dealing with mild-to-moderate drug withdrawal? Or are they unable to actually live at an inpatient facility? If so, fentanyl outpatient is most likely their best shot at recovery.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is care that doesn’t require the patient to live at a facility. Instead, they visit a rehab center for 10 to 12 hours a week. They attend drug abuse education classes and meet with counselors.
Standard Length of Fentanyl Outpatient Treatment
Fentanyl outpatient programs can last between three to six months or even a year. Outpatient treatment is good for people who are only dealing with mild-to-moderate drug withdrawal. It’s also ideal for people who don’t have the financial resources for inpatient treatment.
Detox should always be done in a professional health care setting. But once a patient has detoxed, it’s up to them to decide between inpatient and outpatient care. To make their decision, they should consider the pros and cons of each program, the severity of their own addiction, and what they really need to recover.
Fentanyl Sober Living
Recovery isn’t complete just when inpatient or outpatient treatment ends. In many instances, recovering addicts move into fentanyl sober living treatment programs to continue their recovery.
What Is Fentanyl Sober Living?
Fentanyl sober living is a program where recovering addicts live in homes free of alcohol and drugs. This allows them to recover in a safe place surrounded with people who understand the struggle.
Sober living facilities are great for people worried about their transition back into everyday life. It’s also a safe space for those who fear they may relapse if they return home too soon.
What to Expect?
Many sober living homes operate like co-ops. Residents split the costs and help maintain the upkeep of the home. Each sober living home operates differently, however, although some may require random drug testing.
Generally, the sober living facility does not provide addiction treatment. Instead, they offer the foundation of sober living through meetings and group discussions. Most of the time you’re allowed to come and go as you please for work or family, so long as you abide by the home’s rules.
Ongoing Recovery
Moving on from rehab can be exciting (and scary). Recovery is an ongoing process, especially for people struggling with a fentanyl addiction. Staying sober requires commitment, but there are ways to avoid temptation and keep yourself on the right track.
First, build a support network full of people who understand you and empathize with your situation. Surround yourself with sober people, and say goodbye to anyone who doesn’t have your best interest at heart. You should also find a support group.
Avoid any people or places that may trigger a relapse. Meet on a regular basis with your counselor if possible. And, begin to replace your old habits with healthy new ones.
By doing these simple things, you increase your chances of avoiding relapse.
Find the Help You Need to Overcome Your Fentanyl Addiction
Overcoming fentanyl addiction isn’t easy. Over 2 million people in the United States alone struggle with an opioid or prescription pain reliever addiction.
Recovery takes time. But, by accepting you need help, you can set yourself on the path toward recovery. You’ll receive the expert care you need to live a happy and healthy life.
Here at Addiction Treatment Services, we are dedicated to helping you find the most effective rehab center for you. If you have any questions about addiction, support resources, or need help finding a treatment center, please reach out today.