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Fentanyl Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment in South Carolina
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain. It interacts with opioid receptors in the brain to limit the amount of pain signals sent to your body. Unfortunately, illegal drug manufacturers have been creating a dangerous version of fentanyl called illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF).
If you have heard about fentanyl overdoses in the news, you are familiar with IMF. Most people abusing the substance are not receiving it by prescription. Instead, they buy it from drug dealers, putting them at an increased risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is not created in a lab with checks and balances, it is impossible to tell exactly how potent it is. Typically, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. As a result, even a small amount can be fatal.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 65% of drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved fentanyl.[1]
If you or a loved one suffer from fentanyl addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Understanding the signs of addiction, the risks of fentanyl abuse, and how substance abuse treatment programs work might motivate you to seek the help you need.
What you will learn:
What is fentanyl
What are the signs of fentanyl addiction
What are the dangers of abusing fentanyl
How treatment for fentanyl addiction works in South Carolina
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a prescription opioid that medical professionals use to treat severe pain. You might be prescribed fentanyl after surgery or injury, or to manage pain associated with a chronic health condition like cancer.
The fentanyl that is found on the street is different from pharmaceutical fentanyl. Since it is created in illegal drug labs, there is no telling how potent it is. Frequently, IMF is used as an adulterant in other drugs, leading to accidental overdoses and poisonings.
The side effects of fentanyl might include:[2]
Pain relief
Relaxation
Dizziness and drowsiness
Confusion
Sedation
Nausea and vomiting
Urinary retention
Small, pinpointed pupils
Respiratory depression
Stomach and back pain
Dry mouth
Difficulty sleeping
Heartburn and gas
Changes in appetite or weight
Whether you are abusing pharmaceutical fentanyl or IMF, it is incredibly addictive. You can develop a substance use disorder rather quickly. Thankfully, drug rehab programs in South Carolina can help you recover from addiction and regain control over your life.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
The main signs of fentanyl addiction include being unable to control how much you use, needing to increase the dose to experience a desired effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. However, it can be difficult to notice the signs of addiction in yourself. As a result, knowing all of the symptoms of fentanyl addiction can help you determine whether it’s time for treatment.
The signs of fentanyl addiction may include:[3]
Losing control over how much fentanyl you use
Wanting to quit but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the use of fentanyl
Experiencing cravings or urges to abuse fentanyl
Being unable to fulfill responsibilities at home, school, or work
Continuing to use fentanyl despite facing relationship problems
Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to use more fentanyl
Using fentanyl in dangerous situations, such as while driving a car
Continuing to use fentanyl even though it is causing physical or mental health issues
Needing to take a higher dose to experience the desired effect
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you are not high on fentanyl
To have a substance use disorder, you only need to experience 2 to 3 of these symptoms. 4 to 5 symptoms indicate a moderate addiction, while six or more suggest you have a severe substance use disorder.
What are the Risks of Fentanyl Abuse?
There are plenty of risks when it comes to abusing fentanyl. Because of how potent it is, a dose as small as 2mg can lead to a fatal overdose. That is equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt.[4]
The signs of a fentanyl or opioid overdose include:
Small pupils
Pale and clammy skin
Limpness of the body
Unconsciousness and not being able to speak
Bluish tint to fingernails and lips
Choking or gurgling noises
Breathing or heartbeat slows or stops
Other risks of fentanyl abuse include addiction, damage to various organs, painful menstrual cycles, significant weight loss, and severe harm to the fetus among pregnant women.[5]
How Does Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in South Carolina Work?
If you are struggling with fentanyl, you should seek help from a drug abuse rehab center in South Carolina. These programs will help you overcome addiction using a variety of evidence-based services. The first step is always medical detox, where you will be given medication to manage symptoms of withdrawal.
Holistic care like nutritional counseling and exercise
Addiction education groups
Relapse prevention planning
Aftercare services
The goal of fentanyl addiction treatment is to address the root causes of your substance use disorder and prepare you for sobriety in the real world.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Fentanyl Rehab Program
If you or a loved one suffers from fentanyl addiction, it’s time to seek help. At The South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center, we offer a range of clinically proven services to help you overcome addiction.
Contact us today for more information on our fentanyl addiction treatment center.
844-727-3298 
