Fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is estimated to be 50-100 times stronger than heroin and morphine, is responsible for more than two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Sadly, many of these overdoses are preventable with the right treatment. At The Living Room at Princeton, our fentanyl rehab programs in New Jersey are designed to help people detox safely, embrace sobriety, and prevent future relapse so they don’t become another statistic of the opioid epidemic.
Understanding the Toll of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction can have severe and devastating consequences on individuals and communities as a whole. Communities across the world have experienced spikes in mortality rates due to the prevalence of fentanyl in illicit drug markets.
Although fentanyl was created for pharmaceutical purposes, it is often sold on the streets in the form of a powder or liquid. Colorless, odorless, and difficult to detect, many people ingest fentanyl unknowingly as it is often found in heroin, counterfeit opioids, and other types of fake prescription drugs like Xanax.
Fentanyl is so powerful that an overdose can occur if a person takes as little as two milligrams, similar to 5-7 grains of salt. Further, 42% of pills that contained fentanyl and were tested by the FDA contain a lethal dose of it. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people.
Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Respiratory depression
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Pinpoint pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Weak pulse
- Loss of consciousness
- Cyanosis (bluish tint to lips and fingertips)
Prompt medical attention is essential in cases of suspected fentanyl overdose. If someone is exhibiting symptoms, emergency services should be contacted immediately. Naloxone, when administered promptly, can reverse the effects of opioid overdose and save lives.
While naloxone can reverse the effects of fentanyl and help restore breathing in the event of an overdose, the best prevention is sobriety.
Fentanyl Rehab Programs in New Jersey: Levels of Care and What to Expect
Fentanyl addiction treatment programs provide comprehensive support, addressing the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction. There are many different treatment options to choose from, with fentanyl rehab offered across multiple levels of care.
Fentanyl Detox
Detox marks the beginning of the recovery journey. If you are addicted to fentanyl and stop taking it, you may experience uncomfortable or painful withdrawal symptoms.
Common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Body aches
- Sweating
- Chills
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
Fentanyl withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, however, it can be incredibly difficult to endure without medical care. As a result, clients typically begin treatment in New Jersey within the safety of a detox program.
Medical detoxification, often referred to as medical detox, is a supervised and medically managed process designed to help individuals safely withdraw from fentanyl. Typically conducted in a hospital or specialized detox facility, healthcare professionals can monitor your symptoms, administer medications, and ensure your comfort during the detoxification process.
Treatment plans for medical detox are individualized based on factors such as the severity of fentanyl addiction, overall health, and any co-occurring medical or mental health conditions. Detox may also involve counseling, therapy, or support groups to address the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.
Inpatient Residential Treatment
Inpatient residential treatment involves individuals residing in a facility dedicated to addiction treatment for a specified period. These programs provide a highly structured and supportive environment which can be beneficial when recovering from an addiction as powerful as fentanyl.
During inpatient rehab in New Jersey, individuals receive round-the-clock supervision, reducing the risk of relapse and ensuring constant support. Clients participate in a range of therapeutic interventions, including individual and group therapy, counseling, and support groups.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs allow individuals to receive treatment while living at home. They offer flexibility in scheduling and are suitable for individuals with a supportive home environment.
There are three different types of outpatient programs:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP) – PHP is a structured and intensive day program that provides comprehensive, all-day mental health and fentanyl addiction treatment without requiring overnight stays.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – IOP offers a more flexible but still intensive treatment approach, allowing individuals to receive therapy and support for several hours each week while accommodating daily responsibilities.
- Outpatient program (OP) – OP provides a less intensive treatment option, allowing individuals to attend a few hours of weekly therapy sessions, counseling, and support groups while maintaining their regular daily activities.
With outpatient fentanyl rehab programs in New Jersey, individuals can continue with work, school, or other responsibilities while receiving life-saving treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to address opioid addiction, including fentanyl. Common medications used in MAT include:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade, and others) – Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Methadone – Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can be addictive, so it is not used as frequently as buprenorphine or naltrexone.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol, ReVia) – Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist medication used in the treatment of opioid addiction, blocking the effects of opioids and reducing cravings. Unlike the other two medications, it does not alleviate withdrawal symptoms and is intended for use after complete detoxification.
Clients often start on MAT during detox to alleviate their withdrawal symptoms. People who are considered at a high risk for relapse or those who struggle with cravings may continue MAT throughout and after treatment as it can help them cope with cravings and avoid relapse.
Begin a Fentanyl Rehab Program in New Jersey Today
At The Living Room at Princeton, our state-of-the-art fentanyl rehab facility fosters a supportive environment for addiction recovery. We recognize that fentanyl addiction is a complex condition, which is why our treatment programs take an individualized approach, addressing your individual needs and any underlying conditions you may suffer from. To learn more about our New Jersey treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.