A Schedule II prescription drug, fentanyl, is 50-100 times more powerful than the opioid, morphine.
It is often used by people recreationally in place of heroin. What happens when people take it is it bids itself to the body’s opioid receptors and causes a feeling of wellness and relaxation. This feeling is so strong that the user starts craving this euphoria again and again, which soon leads to its addiction.
Fentanyl withdrawal is not an easy task. It causes issues like:
- Stomach cramps
- Chills
- Restlessness
- Muscle weakness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
And these are just the tip of the iceberg!
Weaning or cold turkey?
If you are wondering which way would be better for you or a loved one, you should get suggestions from a good center for drug rehab in Florida.
This is because their trained medical professionals have reviewed hundreds of cases and are in the best position to tell you which method would suit you the best.
Sudden discontinuation of this drug can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Vomiting
- Hot and cold flashes
- Runny nose
- Agitation and anxiety
- Dilated pupils
Most of these symptoms show up within 12 hours of the last dose of this drug, and remain for a week or more in the patient. As these are quite unpleasant to bear, most users give in to the temptation of relapse and get re-addicted.
The experts at centers for drug detox in Florida suggest tapering off of the drug, which means slow removal over a set period of time. This allows the body to adjust slowly to the discontinuance and adapt to its absence in the system.
Some professionals switch the user to another opioid, like long-acting morphine, which is reduced by some percentage daily till it is down to zero. However, tapering is not universal and each user’s case is carefully analysed to create a customized treatment plan for them.
Choosing a suitable Florida drug rehab center
If you are looking for a good place for deaddiction, here are some tips that will help you to choose an effective one.
- Check if it offers personalized treatment programs for your addiction. Some facilities specialise in treating specific addictions and have teams in place whose area of expertise is in the management and cure of these addictions. You should go for a specialised one to meet your deaddiction goals.
- Check the qualifications of the staff carefully. Ideally, they should be board-certified or have advanced degrees.
- Fully developed treatment plans are usually created in tandem with partnerships among various medical professionals. See if the center has such partnerships in place. If not, steer clear as you wouldn’t like to run from pillar to post for different lines of treatment.
- Lastly, check if they offer support or supplemental services once your treatment is over.
With a good rehab center, you can rest assured of getting the best-possible help and can hope to live a normal life very soon.