Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain after surgery or chronic pain due to certain cancers or other conditions. It is 100 times more potent than morphine and has a high addiction rate when abused. How lethal is fentanyl? Several reports show tens of thousands of men and women die each year across the country from a fentanyl overdose due to dangerous combinations of fentanyl and illicit drugs. Fentanyl addiction treatment is available through an accredited treatment facility for those who are ready to make a positive change in their lives.
At Swift River, we provide men and women struggling with fentanyl addiction with a safe and welcoming environment to recover and thrive. Patients will participate in group and private therapy to talk about their struggles and develop healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms. At the same time, medical staff will administer medications to minimize withdrawals and cravings that interfere with the recovery process. To learn more about our fentanyl addiction treatment, call 413.570.9698 or send us a message online, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
How Lethal Is Fentanyl?
When taking prescription fentanyl, it is safe when you follow the prescription and do not take alcohol, cannabis, or other depressants with the prescription. It is only when patients take higher than normal amounts or mix fentanyl with other drugs or alcohol that it becomes deadly. Patients should work with their doctor to taper off the medication as their pain subsides to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
Because fentanyl is so powerful, only a small amount is necessary. In comparison, a lethal dose of heroin is 30 milligrams, whereas a lethal dose of fentanyl is only 3 milligrams. Illegal drug manufacturers will often cut cocaine and heroin with unregulated doses of fentanyl, meaning that just one dose can kill you.
If you or a loved one is taking fentanyl, here are some of the signs of a fentanyl overdose that you should be familiar with:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Unresponsive when you try to wake them
- Shallow breathing
- Cold or clammy skin
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Feeling like they can’t wake up
- Bluish tint to fingertips and lips
At Swift River, we know how lethal fentanyl is when combined with other narcotics like alcohol, cocaine, and other substances. We work closely with each patient to understand the root cause of the addiction and work on restoring their confidence in leading healthy and sober lives.
The Benefits of Enrolling in a Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
Opioid addiction is a serious problem in Massachusetts, with several thousand deaths happening each year, according to several state and federal reports. Enrolling in addiction treatment is the best way to stop abusing fentanyl and learn about the dangers of addiction.
Just some of the benefits of enrolling in a fentanyl addiction treatment program include:
- Patients will participate in evidence-backed cognitive-behavioral therapy to uncover the root cause of the addiction and develop healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms and triggers.
- To minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings, medical staff will administer medications that effectively reduce physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. They will monitor patient reactions and make adjustments to their dosage for maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
- Patients will work with their peers in group therapy to practice coping skills and receive valuable peer feedback from their unique perspectives.
- Family therapy is an essential part of any well-rounded addiction treatment program. Parents, siblings, and spouses can talk about any frustrations or negative feelings caused by the addiction in a safe environment. They also learn about the dangers of fentanyl addiction and how they can be a part of the recovery process.
How lethal is fentanyl? It is a fast-acting narcotic with a high addiction rate with just one use. When fentanyl is mixed with cocaine or other drugs, it increases the fatality risk significantly.
Get Effective Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction at Swift River – Massachusetts
At Swift River, we support working professionals, students, stay-at-home moms, and single parents who are struggling with an addiction to fentanyl, heroin, or other harmful opioids. Our team has experience treating all types of addiction and its various causes and offers a complete range of treatment programs to see you through your recovery journey.
Take that first step toward a healthy and sober life by calling 413.570.9698 today to speak with our friendly staff about enrolling in our addiction treatment facility, or fill out our online form and allow us to get back to you.
