Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has caused major concern for struggling addicts. As more illicit drugs are being laced with fentanyl, the overdose rates are rising. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), overdose deaths involving fentanyl rose 55% from 2020 to 2021.[1]
Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Because of this, even a small amount of fentanyl can produce life-threatening effects. With that being said, most fentanyl abuse is accidental because many other illicit drugs are laced with fentanyl.
However, some individuals with a high tolerance to other opioids like heroin may deliberately seek out fentanyl. Fentanyl is extremely potent, making it highly addictive as well. Unfortunately, even individuals with a high opioid tolerance still face a high risk of overdosing.
A fentanyl addiction treatment program helps individuals detox, understand the causes of their substance abuse, and learn coping skills to stay sober.
How Does a Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program Work?
Fentanyl rehab centers use evidence-based recovery methodologies and peer support practices. Recovery from fentanyl addiction always begins with medical detox.
Once a client completes detox, they will move on to individual therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning. To ensure long-term success, most fentanyl rehab programs in New Jersey provide aftercare services for their alumni.
Medical Detox
The withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this causes many individuals to return to their drug abuse. This can be extremely dangerous, especially if the individual attempts to use the same amount of fentanyl as they were when they had a tolerance.
Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Excessive sweating
- Hot and cold flashes
- Teary eyes
- Runny nose
- Muscle pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
Thankfully, medical detox provides clients with relief from their withdrawal symptoms and cravings through the use of FDA-approved medications. This eliminates the client’s main risk factor for relapse in early recovery.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy helps clients recover from the emotional causes and effects of fentanyl addiction. Oftentimes, people struggling with addiction have a history of trauma, unresolved grief, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Addressing the underlying factors that may have contributed to the development of a client’s substance use disorder is vital. Fentanyl rehab programs in New Jersey use evidence-based behavioral therapies to help their clients stay sober.
Examples of the therapies used during a fentanyl addiction treatment program include:[2]
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Contingency Management (CM)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- The Matrix Model
- 12 Step Facilitation Therapy
- Family Behavior TherapyÂ
- Adventure Therapy
Individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions may be given psychiatric medications to manage their symptoms. An integrated approach involving therapy and medications is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Fentanyl addiction treatment centers in New Jersey use an individualized approach to ensure that each client receives treatment specific to their needs.
Group Counseling
Group counseling is extremely important to addiction recovery. Typically, counseling groups are specialized, allowing clients to connect with their peers about specific recovery-based issues they are facing. For example, one client may attend a trauma-informed group counseling session, while another client attends group therapy specific to depression or anxiety.
Therapy groups are facilitated by licensed therapists to ensure that the discussions are helpful and supportive. However, clients have the power to discuss the topics that are important to them. This allows them to address underlying issues, fears, and find support from other clients who are going through similar issues.
The benefits of group counseling in a fentanyl recovery program include:
- Patients learn they are not alone
- Building connections and social skills
- Learning effective communication skills
- Receiving a broader range of feedback on specific issues and situations
- The ability to practice new coping skills
- The therapist can observe how each client interacts socially
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Planning
When it comes to addiction treatment, recovery does not end when a client completes a rehab program. This is especially true for individuals recovering from fentanyl addiction.
Before an individual leaves their fentanyl rehab program, they will work with their therapist to create a relapse prevention plan. This is one of the most important aspects of maintaining long-term sobriety.
Leaving the safety of an addiction treatment program can be a difficult transition. Once individuals are living outside of a facility, they will face an array of triggers and temptations.
Relapse prevention plans help individuals identify their triggers and allow them to adopt healthy coping mechanisms to use in the real world. They provide clients with the skills and tools they need to overcome real-world triggers, temptations, and stressors.
What do relapse prevention plans include?
- List of recovery goals to help individuals stay on track
- List of triggers, stressors, and temptations
- Coping strategies that work for the individual
- Recovery maintenance activities such as sober support meetings, alumni meetings, and therapy
- People to call for support in times of need
- Plans for detox and treatment in case of a relapse
Get Connected With a Top-Rated Fentanyl Rehab Program in New Jersey
Fentanyl is an extremely potent substance, claiming the lives of millions. As a result, fentanyl addiction must be treated quickly and effectively. Programs like Moving Mountains Recovery use evidence-based treatment and emphasize the importance of interpersonal connection, providing their clients with a strong foundation of recovery.
If you or a loved one require fentanyl addiction treatment in New Jersey, Moving Mountains Recovery is your best option. Contact us today to get started!
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