Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Colorado

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug that is used as a pain reliever and anesthetic, approved by the FDA. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is abused by snorting, smoking, taking pills or tablets, or putting it on blotter paper or patches. Fentanyl can cause a variety of effects including relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, and drowsiness. However, an overdose of fentanyl can result in serious symptoms such as coma, respiratory failure, and even death. Some of the signs of overdose include changes in pupil size, cold skin, cyanosis, and coma. Achieve Whole Recovery provides fentanyl addiction treatment in Colorado to support individuals in fentanyl overdose recovery.

The Dangers of Fentanyl

Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are responsible for a high number of overdose deaths, with more than 150 people dying every day due to overdoses linked to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The problem is that even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal. As little as 2 milligrams, roughly equivalent to a few grains of table salt, can cause respiratory depression and death. Many drugs may contain dangerous levels of the drug without it being visible, tasteable, or smellable.

Why Do Drugs Get Laced with Fentanyl?

Due to its extremely high potency and low cost to produce, fentanyl is commonly used as a cutting agent in heroin and other illicit drugs, including counterfeit pills made to look like prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. There is no way to know how much fentanyl is contained in any given pill or batch of drugs. Therefore, it is hard to know if drugs are laced with fentanyl unless they are tested with fentanyl test strips, which are affordable and quick, providing results within minutes. However, while test strips can detect fentanyl in drugs, they may not always detect more powerful fentanyl-like drugs, such as carfentanil.

Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose

Recognizing a fentanyl overdose quickly can save a life. Signs include slow, shallow, or stopped breathing; unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness; pinpoint pupils; limpness; pale, clammy, or bluish skin; and a slow or stopped heartbeat. Symptoms can appear within minutes of exposure. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse a fentanyl overdose if administered in time. It works by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the drug’s effects, restoring normal breathing. Because fentanyl is so potent, multiple doses of naloxone may be needed. It is available in nasal spray and injectable forms without a prescription at many pharmacies and can be administered by anyone.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Options in Colorado

Various fentanyl addiction recovery treatments, such as medicines and behavioral therapies, are effective in helping people quit using fentanyl and recover from overdose. To provide the best possible treatment, it is important to match the appropriate treatment approach to each patient’s individual needs. Medicines such as lofexidine, buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone can be helpful in reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and preventing opioid drugs from having an effect. Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management can be effective in modifying drug-use expectations, behaviors, and managing triggers and stress. If you are interested in fentanyl addiction treatment, learn more about our medically assisted treatment (MAT) and psychiatry today or call us at (303) 749-5150.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl

What does fentanyl look like?

Fentanyl comes in many forms, which is part of what makes it so dangerous. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced as patches, lozenges, and injectable liquids. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl appears as a powder, liquid, or pressed into counterfeit pills designed to mimic prescription medications like oxycodone or Xanax. It is seen in a variety of colors, including what is sometimes called “rainbow fentanyl,” which refers to brightly colored pills or powder that can be mistaken for candy.

How long does fentanyl stay in your system?

Fentanyl is generally detectable in urine for 24 to 72 hours after last use, though this can extend longer with heavy or repeated use. It can be detected in blood for up to 12 hours, in saliva for 1 to 4 days, and in hair follicles for up to 90 days. Detection windows vary based on frequency of use, dosage, individual metabolism, and the type of test used.

Does Narcan work on fentanyl?

Yes. Naloxone (Narcan) works on fentanyl and all opioids by binding to the same receptors and blocking the drug’s effects. However, because fentanyl is so potent, a single dose of naloxone may not be enough. If normal breathing does not return within 2 to 3 minutes after the first dose, a second dose should be administered. Anyone at risk of a fentanyl overdose, or who is around someone who may be, should carry naloxone and know how to use it.

How long does fentanyl withdrawal last?

Fentanyl withdrawal typically begins within 12 to 30 hours of the last dose. Acute symptoms peak around days 2 and 3 and generally include muscle aches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, and intense cravings. The acute phase usually lasts 5 to 7 days, though some individuals experience extended withdrawal symptoms, including depression and cravings, for weeks to months beyond that.

How do fentanyl test strips work?

Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. A small amount of the drug is dissolved in water, and the strip is dipped in the solution. Results appear within a few minutes. One line means fentanyl was detected; two lines means it was not. Test strips are inexpensive, widely available, and can be an important harm reduction tool. However, they cannot determine how much fentanyl is present, and they may not detect more potent fentanyl analogs such as carfentanil.