Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug that is used as a pain reliever and anesthetic, approved by the FDA. It is much stronger than morphine and 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 treatment in Colorado to provide fentanyl overdose recovery.

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, and many drugs may contain dangerous levels of the drug, without it being visible, tasteable or smellable. Therefore, it’s 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 the test strips can detect fentanyl in drugs, they may not always detect more powerful fentanyl-like drugs, such as carfentanil.

Various fentanyl 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’s 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. Visit Achieve Whole Recovery today to learn more about fentanyl treatment in Colorado or contact us for more information.