Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Midway, Utah

Fentanyl is a serious drug with a high potential for abuse and addiction. The substance is easy to become addicted to — and can be difficult and even dangerous to try and quit.

Because of that, it’s imperative that those experiencing addiction to fentanyl seek professional recovery and rehabilitation services to help them recover.

What is Fentanyl?

What is Fentanyl? Technically, it’s a synthetic opioid that isn’t derived from natural sources like morphine or heroin. Although it is chemically similar to morphine, it has a distinct chemical structure — and is about 50 to 100 times stronger.

Unlike morphine, which is derived from the seeds of the opium poppy plant, fentanyl was first synthesized in a medical laboratory in the 1950s. It’s a Schedule II drug, which means it has medicinal uses.

Like other opiates, fentanyl enters the brain and attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, especially those associated with pleasure and pain. Medically, fentanyl pills and other forms of the drug are used to treat severe pain — including post-surgical pain.

However, fentanyl is commonly abused as well. Synthetic opiates like fentanyl are currently the most common drugs that lead to overdose deaths in the United States.

What Causes Fentanyl Addiction?

Opiates — such as fentanyl compared to other drugs — are highly addictive. These drugs hijack your brain’s pleasure centers and make it dependent on the pleasure you may feel at first.

Basically, opiates trigger the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) in your brain. However, when they wear off, your brain begins craving the number of endorphins the drug facilitates, which is the first step toward addiction.

Drug addiction is defined as an unstoppable craving for a particular substance that often leads to compulsive behavior or use. Because it’s so powerful, it is easy to become addicted to fentanyl.

What are the Symptoms of a Fentanyl Addiction?

There are a number of fentanyl long term effects, including many symptoms of addiction. If you’re looking into fentanyl drug rehab programs for yourself or a loved one, it’s helpful to know the signs.

Changes in Behavior

People who are experiencing addiction to fentanyl or other narcotics can express a number of negative signs or symptoms.

It’s common for people addicted to fentanyl to carry out risky behavior in pursuit of getting another dose of fentanyl. For example, those addicted to fentanyl may self-isolate or lose essential relationships. There’s also a good chance they’ll face legal trouble and have difficulty functioning at work.

Changes in Physicality

Fentanyl also carries several different physical side effects, including internal organ damage, tremors, unusual weight gain or loss, swelling, difficulty breathing, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

This is on top of the strong desire to continue abusing fentanyl because of the physical addiction. Without proper fentanyl recovery, many people will likely continue using the substance.

Changes in Mental State

People addicted to fentanyl may find themselves experiencing confusion, depression, mood swings, anxiety, agitation, irritability, decreased attention to personal hygiene, and a lot more.

Of course, all of this is in addition to the strong compulsion to keep abusing fentanyl — and likely lie about that usage to friends and loved ones.

Fentanyl Side Effects: What Impacts Users the Most?

Without proper fentanyl addiction treatment, users of the powerful drug are subject to various adverse side effects.

When first taking fentanyl, it’s common to experience side effects such as relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. However, the adverse side effects can far outweigh any positives.

These negative side effects can include labored breathing, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, ulcers, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, respiratory depression, pupillary constriction, and more.

The side effects of fentanyl withdrawal specifically can be deadly, which is why it’s critical to be aware of the signs and ensure that a person addicted to the drug gets the proper fentanyl rehab they need.

How does Fentanyl Compare to Other Drugs?

Fentanyl is quite different from other commonly abused drugs like MDMA or hallucinogens. However, it is very chemically similar to other opiates like morphine or heroin — which is why it’s a good idea to get granular about the differences.

Fentanyl vs Heroin

As mentioned earlier, fentanyl and heroin are related narcotics that fall under the broader category of opioids.

Heroin is created from morphine. That’s a natural substance derived from the seed of opium poppy plants. It’s not a synthetic drug, but it still carries with it a high risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose.

In contrast, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means that it is manufactured. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl is about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Although it is chemically similar to morphine, fentanyl has a slightly different chemical structure.

Another point of difference: fentanyl is a Schedule II substance because it has some accepted medicinal uses. Heroin is a Schedule I substance because of its high potential for abuse and lack of medicinal uses.

When do you Know it’s Time for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment?

As mentioned earlier, there are a number of fentanyl addiction symptoms to look out for. If you spot these in yourself or another, you will want to get the person checked into a professional fentanyl addiction treatment center as soon as possible.

Fentanyl drug rehab programs are a safe and effective way of overcoming addiction. At Acqua Recovery & Addiction Treatment Center , we offer a sanctuary for healing.

In addition to beautiful facilities and a relaxing environment in which to recover, we also provide many proven treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medicated-assisted treatment, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).

Our fentanyl rehab clinicians and staff are also highly trained, compassionate, and knowledgeable about this work — ensuring you get the care you need to overcome addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fentanyl treatment and addiction are complicated subjects, so there’s a good chance you have questions. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked ones.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last in the System?

It depends on what you mean by “last in the system.” Fentanyl is detectable in urine for about 72 hours after the last use — but a hair test can detect the narcotic for up to three months after the last use.

As with other opiates and narcotics, it takes the body between four and five days to fully rid itself of the drug. During this period, the worst withdrawal symptoms will be present, though physical and mental issues can persist long past that timeline.

How Strong is Fentanyl?

All opiates are potent drugs with a high potential for abuse and addiction. This is because they hijack powerful reward centers in the brain — basically using your brain chemistry against you.

Fentanyl is one of the most commonly abused substances because it is so much more potent than morphine or heroin. According to most statistics, fentanyl is about 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.

Where does Fentanyl Come From?

Fentanyl is a synthetic form of opioid. Other opioids, such as heroin and morphine, are derived from poppy plants. However, fentanyl, as a synthetic drug, is synthesized in a laboratory.

The drug was first created by physician Paul Janssen in Belgium in 1959. Since then, it has become available in several medicinal forms as a prescription narcotic used for pain management.

What is the Best Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the most effective fentanyl addiction treatment is medications such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. There are different types of addiction treatment, however.

Of course, monitoring and care by trained physicians are also critical during the initial withdrawal period. Attending fentanyl rehab at a professional facility can also teach people essential skills so they can overcome addiction for good.


Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Midway, Utah

Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

Fentanyl is a serious drug with a high potential for abuse and addiction. The substance is easy to become addicted to — and can be difficult and even dangerous to try and quit.

Because of that, it’s imperative that those experiencing addiction to fentanyl seek professional recovery and rehabilitation services to help them recover.

What is Fentanyl?

What is Fentanyl? Technically, it’s a synthetic opioid that isn’t derived from natural sources like morphine or heroin. Although it is chemically similar to morphine, it has a distinct chemical structure — and is about 50 to 100 times stronger.

Unlike morphine, which is derived from the seeds of the opium poppy plant, fentanyl was first synthesized in a medical laboratory in the 1950s. It’s a Schedule II drug, which means it has medicinal uses.

Like other opiates, fentanyl enters the brain and attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, especially those associated with pleasure and pain. Medically, fentanyl pills and other forms of the drug are used to treat severe pain — including post-surgical pain.

However, fentanyl is commonly abused as well. Synthetic opiates like fentanyl are currently the most common drugs that lead to overdose deaths in the United States.

What Causes Fentanyl Addiction?

Opiates — such as fentanyl compared to other drugs — are highly addictive. These drugs hijack your brain’s pleasure centers and make it dependent on the pleasure you may feel at first.

Basically, opiates trigger the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) in your brain. However, when they wear off, your brain begins craving the number of endorphins the drug facilitates, which is the first step toward addiction.

Drug addiction is defined as an unstoppable craving for a particular substance that often leads to compulsive behavior or use. Because it’s so powerful, it is easy to become addicted to fentanyl.

What are the Symptoms of a Fentanyl Addiction?

There are a number of fentanyl long term effects, including many symptoms of addiction. If you’re looking into fentanyl drug rehab programs for yourself or a loved one, it’s helpful to know the signs.

Changes in Behavior

People who are experiencing addiction to fentanyl or other narcotics can express a number of negative signs or symptoms.

It’s common for people addicted to fentanyl to carry out risky behavior in pursuit of getting another dose of fentanyl. For example, those addicted to fentanyl may self-isolate or lose essential relationships. There’s also a good chance they’ll face legal trouble and have difficulty functioning at work.

Changes in Physicality

Fentanyl also carries several different physical side effects, including internal organ damage, tremors, unusual weight gain or loss, swelling, difficulty breathing, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

This is on top of the strong desire to continue abusing fentanyl because of the physical addiction. Without proper fentanyl recovery, many people will likely continue using the substance.

Changes in Mental State

People addicted to fentanyl may find themselves experiencing confusion, depression, mood swings, anxiety, agitation, irritability, decreased attention to personal hygiene, and a lot more.

Of course, all of this is in addition to the strong compulsion to keep abusing fentanyl — and likely lie about that usage to friends and loved ones.

Fentanyl Side Effects: What Impacts Users the Most?

Without proper fentanyl addiction treatment, users of the powerful drug are subject to various adverse side effects.

When first taking fentanyl, it’s common to experience side effects such as relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. However, the adverse side effects can far outweigh any positives.

These negative side effects can include labored breathing, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, ulcers, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, respiratory depression, pupillary constriction, and more.

The side effects of fentanyl withdrawal specifically can be deadly, which is why it’s critical to be aware of the signs and ensure that a person addicted to the drug gets the proper fentanyl rehab they need.

How does Fentanyl Compare to Other Drugs?

Fentanyl is quite different from other commonly abused drugs like MDMA or hallucinogens. However, it is very chemically similar to other opiates like morphine or heroin — which is why it’s a good idea to get granular about the differences.

Fentanyl vs Heroin

As mentioned earlier, fentanyl and heroin are related narcotics that fall under the broader category of opioids.

Heroin is created from morphine. That’s a natural substance derived from the seed of opium poppy plants. It’s not a synthetic drug, but it still carries with it a high risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose.

In contrast, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means that it is manufactured. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl is about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Although it is chemically similar to morphine, fentanyl has a slightly different chemical structure.

Another point of difference: fentanyl is a Schedule II substance because it has some accepted medicinal uses. Heroin is a Schedule I substance because of its high potential for abuse and lack of medicinal uses.

When do you Know it’s Time for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment?

As mentioned earlier, there are a number of fentanyl addiction symptoms to look out for. If you spot these in yourself or another, you will want to get the person checked into a professional fentanyl addiction treatment center as soon as possible.

Fentanyl drug rehab programs are a safe and effective way of overcoming addiction. At Acqua Recovery & Addiction Treatment Center , we offer a sanctuary for healing.

In addition to beautiful facilities and a relaxing environment in which to recover, we also provide many proven treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medicated-assisted treatment, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).

Our fentanyl rehab clinicians and staff are also highly trained, compassionate, and knowledgeable about this work — ensuring you get the care you need to overcome addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fentanyl treatment and addiction are complicated subjects, so there’s a good chance you have questions. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked ones.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last in the System?

It depends on what you mean by “last in the system.” Fentanyl is detectable in urine for about 72 hours after the last use — but a hair test can detect the narcotic for up to three months after the last use.

As with other opiates and narcotics, it takes the body between four and five days to fully rid itself of the drug. During this period, the worst withdrawal symptoms will be present, though physical and mental issues can persist long past that timeline.

How Strong is Fentanyl?

All opiates are potent drugs with a high potential for abuse and addiction. This is because they hijack powerful reward centers in the brain — basically using your brain chemistry against you.

Fentanyl is one of the most commonly abused substances because it is so much more potent than morphine or heroin. According to most statistics, fentanyl is about 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.

Where does Fentanyl Come From?

Fentanyl is a synthetic form of opioid. Other opioids, such as heroin and morphine, are derived from poppy plants. However, fentanyl, as a synthetic drug, is synthesized in a laboratory.

The drug was first created by physician Paul Janssen in Belgium in 1959. Since then, it has become available in several medicinal forms as a prescription narcotic used for pain management.

What is the Best Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the most effective fentanyl addiction treatment is medications such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. There are different types of addiction treatment, however.

Of course, monitoring and care by trained physicians are also critical during the initial withdrawal period. Attending fentanyl rehab at a professional facility can also teach people essential skills so they can overcome addiction for good.


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