Fentanyl is one of the most powerful, addictive, and deadly drugs found on the streets of America today. In 2021, more than 70,000 drug overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl), making fentanyl the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S.[1]
While some people take fentanyl accidentally when they use other types of substances that actually contain the lethal opioid, others become addicted to fentanyl after regularly abusing opioids for an extended period of time. But no matter how many times you’ve used fentanyl in the past, you never know when your next high will be your last.
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, getting treatment can save your life. A fentanyl rehab center in North Carolina can help you address the root causes of your addiction, gain insight into your addictive behaviors, and prepare you with the tools and resources you need to stay sober.
When is it Time to Get Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction?
Because of how potent fentanyl is, addiction to it can develop quickly. Whether you’ve used fentanyl one time and have the urge to use it again or you can’t seem to control your fentanyl use, it’s time to get help.
Common signs of fentanyl abuse and addiction include:
- Regularly having pinpoint pupils, flushed skin, slurred speech, or symptoms of opioid overdose
- Engaging in risky or illegal behaviors
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Lying to friends and family
- Isolating from friends and family
- Needing to use more fentanyl to feel the effects that you desire
- Having symptoms of withdrawal if you don’t take fentanyl or another opioid
- Continuing to use fentanyl even after it causes problems in your life
What Happens at a Fentanyl Rehab Center in North Carolina?
Treatment for fentanyl addiction must be both comprehensive and individualized, meaning it must address the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of your recovery and it must be tailored to meet your personal needs. Although each person’s treatment plan may vary based on their needs, fentanyl rehab usually involves:
Detox for Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is uncomfortable and may lead you to relapse if you try to detox alone. The best way to detox and start your recovery is to do so in a medical detox facility.
Fentanyl detox programs in North Carolina can prescribe medications like methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone) to treat your withdrawal symptoms and alleviate cravings. When combined with therapeutic support in a monitored setting, these medications can reduce your risk of relapse and make detox more comfortable.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Fentanyl addiction is often treated using medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is an integrated treatment approach that combines FDA-approved medications like Suboxone, methadone, or Vivitrol with evidence-based behavioral therapy and peer support.[2]
By themselves, medications can alleviate symptoms of withdrawal and cravings, but they can’t keep you sober. MAT medications are most effective when they are combined with a comprehensive treatment program.
MAT may be offered across all levels of care, including:
- Inpatient rehab
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program
Group and Individual Therapy
Group and individual therapy sessions are at the core of fentanyl addiction treatment. Group sessions allow you to process emotions or struggles with like-minded people who can relate to you and support you, while individual therapy gives you a chance to work one-on-one with your therapist to create a treatment plan that is successful for you.
Types of therapy used may include:
- Group psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Trauma & PTSD Therapy
- Family behavior therapy
Holistic Support
Fentanyl abuse can take a serious toll on your mind, body, and spirit, so treatment should address each of these aspects. At a holistic rehab center, you will receive whole-person support. In addition to behavioral therapy, holistic services such as the following may be offered:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Nutritional counseling
- Outdoor adventure or wilderness therapy
Aftercare Planning
Fentanyl relapse can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening, so it is essential that you avoid it. Before you leave treatment, the clinical team will work with you to develop an aftercare plan that will help you stay on the right path. Aftercare may include group counseling, sober living, an alumni program, 12-Step meetings, medication management, and more.
How to Find The Right Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Center in North Carolina
Overcoming fentanyl addiction is crucial for your future, so you want to choose the best possible treatment center. But if you’ve never been to rehab before, choosing a rehab center can be difficult. Be sure to look for the following qualities and characteristics to make sure you’re choosing the right fentanyl rehab center.
- State-licensed and third-party accredited
- Bachelor’s and master’s-level clinicians and experienced staff members
- Positive online reviews and client testimonials
- An individualized approach
- Options for medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Located in a safe environment
- In-network with your health insurance
If you have any questions about finding the right fentanyl treatment program for you, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated addiction specialists at Next Step Recovery in Asheville, North Carolina.
Start Fentanyl Rehab in Asheville, North Carolina Today
Next Step Recovery aims to provide the highest quality of drug rehab programs possible for those continuing their journey to sobriety. These programs include Intensive Outpatient Programs, transitional sober living, relapse prevention, and medication-assisted treatment specifically designed for men ages 18-40 in early recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders in The Greater Asheville Community in North Carolina.
We implement evidence-based and dual diagnosis treatment in a safe environment where men can successfully overcome addiction, take control of mental health disorders, and transition back into society as productive citizens.
You don’t have to battle fentanyl addiction on your own. Call today to take the next step toward the life you deserve.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Overdose Death Rates, Retrieved March 2023 from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications for Substance Use Disorders, Retrieved March 2023 from https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
