Fentanyl addiction treatment can help you manage withdrawal, reduce cravings, and lower your risk of overdose. Medications for opioid use disorder are a key treatment option, alongside therapy and support for daily life.
If you’re looking for addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio, White Light Behavioral Health tailors treatment to your needs. Evidence-based therapy can also address behaviors, triggers, and mental health concerns connected to addiction.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Risks
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain. Illicit fentanyl is made and sold illegally without the same quality controls.
Illicit fentanyl may be mixed into other drugs or pressed into counterfeit pills. A person may not know fentanyl is present, increasing the risk of accidental overdose. Combining fentanyl with other substances that slow breathing, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, can further increase overdose risk.
Take the First Step with White Light Behavioral Health
Recovery from addiction starts with a decision to seek help. At White Light Behavioral Health, we’re here to guide you through every step of that journey, offering a comprehensive treatment program that respects your individuality and addresses your specific needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we invite you to learn more about our detox and treatment options in Ohio. Let us be part of your journey to a healthier, sober life.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction can affect a person’s health, behavior, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
Common signs of fentanyl addiction include:
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Strong cravings for fentanyl
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Using more or more often than intended or prescribed
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Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
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Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back
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Spending significant time obtaining or using fentanyl
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Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
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Having difficulty functioning without fentanyl
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you love, a treatment provider can assess what’s happening and discuss options for care.
Levels of Care for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Treatment can involve different levels of care depending on a person’s symptoms, safety needs, and progress.
Medical Detox
Medical detox provides supervised care during fentanyl withdrawal. Clinicians can monitor symptoms, address complications, and provide appropriate medical support.
Detox helps manage withdrawal, but ongoing treatment is needed to address opioid addiction and reduce overdose risk. Medication may begin during withdrawal care and continue afterward. The fentanyl withdrawal timeline covers typical symptoms during this period.
Residential, PHP, and IOP Levels of Care
Ongoing treatment can range from residential care to outpatient services, depending on the level of support a person needs.
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Residential treatment involves living onsite while receiving 24/7 clinical support and a structured daily treatment schedule.
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Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) provide about five hours of treatment a day, five days a week, while clients live outside the clinical facility.
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Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) involve treatment for a few hours a day, several days a week — typically nine total hours each week. Clients can live at home or in sober living and may be able to continue working or attending school.
Treatment may also include relapse prevention planning. People with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression may receive dual diagnosis care.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Fentanyl
oooMedications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treat opioid addiction, including addiction involving fentanyl. The three FDA-approved options are buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Treatment centers commonly use the following medications:
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Buprenorphine partially activates opioid receptors and can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is provided through certified opioid treatment programs.
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Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and prevents opioids from producing their usual effects. It is not an opioid and must be started after a period of opioid abstinence.
Medicatin can be combined with counseling and behavioral support to address triggers, coping skills, and other recovery needs.
A study of more than 17,000 Massachusetts adults who survived an opioid overdose found that people who received methadone or buprenorphine had a lower risk of dying from an opioid overdose during the following year than those who received no medication treatment.
Recognizing and Responding to a Fentanyl Overdose
A fentanyl overdose requires immediate medical attention.
If you suspect an opioid overdose:
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Give naloxone (Narcan) if available and call 911 immediately.
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Follow the dispatcher’s instructions for rescue breathing or CPR.
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If normal breathing has not returned after two to three minutes, give another dose of naloxone according to the product instructions.
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Once the person is breathing normally, place them on their side to help prevent choking.
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Stay with them until emergency help arrives, even if they wake up.
Locating White Light Behavioral Health
White Light Behavioral Health is conveniently located in Ohio, making it accessible for individuals across the state seeking help with fentanyl addiction. Our facility is designed to offer a peaceful, supportive environment conducive to recovery.
How White Light Behavioral Health Treats Fentanyl Addiction in Columbus, Ohio
White Light Behavioral Health provides fentanyl addiction treatment in Columbus, including medical detox, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and medication-assisted treatment.
If you’re ready to explore treatment, contact White Light Behavioral Health to discuss your options and next steps. You can also verify your insurance online.
Sources:
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder After Nonfatal Opioid Overdose and Association With Mortality: A Cohort Study — PubMed/NLM
- Effectiveness of Naloxone Distribution in Community Settings to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths Among People Who Use Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis — PubMed/NLM
- Fentanyl Facts — National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fentanyl detox take?
Fentanyl detox doesn’t follow one fixed timeline. Withdrawal can vary based on factors such as duration of use, amount used, and overall health. Medical professionals can monitor symptoms and provide appropriate support throughout the process.
What happens after detox?
After medical detox, ongoing care may include residential treatment, PHP, IOP, or another level of support based on clinical needs.
Medication-assisted treatment may also continue as part of ongoing opioid use disorder care.
Is medication-assisted treatment safe for fentanyl addiction?
Medications for opioid use disorder are established treatments for addiction involving fentanyl. A clinician reviews your health, recent opioid use, and other medications to choose an appropriate option and monitor for side effects. Instructions for starting treatment differ by medication.
