The prescription drug fentanyl was developed in the late 1950s as an anesthetic and pain treatment. It is 50 to 100 times more powerful than other opioids like morphine. Doctors use fentanyl to manage pain for cancer patients and individuals with nerve damage. However, outside legitimate medical use, fentanyl has become a significant problem in the illegal drug market, which makes fentanyl detox in Nashville, TN crucial for those battling addiction. Often, dealers mix fentanyl with other substances like heroin, further increasing its dangers.
Fentanyl Overdose Epidemic
In the past decade, fentanyl overdoses have reached epidemic levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Recent data reveals that fentanyl plays a role in over half of all fatal overdoses. The drug’s potency drives this crisis, as just 2 mg can be lethal. People addicted to fentanyl face a higher risk of fatal overdose compared to those using other opioids. In 2022, Forbes highlighted fentanyl as the nation’s most significant public health crisis, making fentanyl detox in Nashville, TN even more critical for recovery.
Why Quitting Fentanyl is Critical
Because of the high risk of overdose, quitting fentanyl becomes a matter of life or death for individuals struggling with addiction. Starting a fentanyl detox in Nashville, TN can offer medical supervision and support during this challenging process.
Short Overview of the Detox Process
Our fentanyl detox process starts with a phone call, where we gather information about your addiction and review your insurance coverage. After this confidential conversation, we schedule an in-person exam to assess your health and addiction history. This ensures you are ready to begin detox.
Once you’re cleared, we agree on a start date. Because our process includes medical monitoring, you will stay at the facility 24/7 until the program finishes. Withdrawal symptoms often begin within 12 hours of the last fentanyl use. We provide treatments to ease discomfort from symptoms like muscle cramps, sweating, and gastrointestinal issues. Medications such as buprenorphine or methadone may help reduce cravings, and they are gradually tapered off as your symptoms improve. After detox, we may prescribe naltrexone to block fentanyl’s effects and prevent relapse.
Detox usually lasts between three days and a week, depending on the severity of the addiction. After detox, we may prescribe medications like naltrexone and encourage you to continue counseling or join a 12-step program. Post-detox care is critical for long-term recovery since psychological factors often contribute to addiction.
Health Risks of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl poses serious health risks, with overdose being the most dangerous. Illegally sold fentanyl often contains varying doses and is frequently mixed with other drugs. This unpredictability leads people to misjudge how much they can safely take. Even without overdose, long-term fentanyl use can cause health problems like low blood pressure, lung issues, and irregular heart rhythms.
During an overdose, fentanyl can slow or stop breathing. Naloxone (NARCAN) can sometimes reverse overdose effects, but its success depends on how quickly it’s administered and the amount of fentanyl taken.
Common Street Names for Fentanyl
Illegally sold fentanyl often goes by other names. Some common street names include:
- He-Man
- Tango and Cash
- Apache
- Dragon’s Breath
- Goodfellas
- Dance Fever
If you hear a loved one mention any of these names, it could indicate fentanyl use. This presents an opportunity to discuss the dangers and explore treatment options.
