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Fentanyl Addiction in Canadian Metros The ground zero for opioid abuse and addiction particularly fentanyl is British Columbia. The province has already recorded 622 unintentional overdose tragedies and deaths from illegal drugs in the initial 10 months of 2016. Of the reported deaths, half or 332 have been linked to bootleg fentanyl, a synthetic opiate derivative which is 100 times stronger and more potent than morphine. ď‚Ą Despite the continuous devastation of fentanyl to Canadian communities, medical experts, as well as first responders, warn of an increase in the opioid overdose in 2017. Authorities have confirmed that the spread of bootleg fentanyl has begun moving eastward across Canada. A public health emergency in British Columbia has already been declared and this is rooted from an alarming increase in the reports of overdose-related deaths. Life-saving drugs such as naxolone are the first aid remedy for opioid overdose and B.C. first responders and firefighters are now well-equipped to deliver them when the need arises. ď‚Ą
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Surging Fentanyl Overdoses Shatter Canadian Families ď‚Ą
The overdose death trend is taking its toll and numerous families are hit especially in Alberta where 338 residents have died due to opioid overdose. Out of these deaths, 193 have been attributed to Fentanyl overdose and these occurrences happen between January and October of 2016. There are heartbreaking stories from coast to coast, leaving families shattered, children orphaned, and parents burying their child due to tragic overdose from this synthetic drug. There are also reported deaths in Ontario, Toronto, and Manitoba, among many other locations in the country.
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Fentanyl addiction changes the behavior and way of thinking of an individual, making the fentanyl addict reluctant to get professional treatment. Some individuals who are suffering from Fentanyl addiction do not even realize that they are experiencing a downward spiral due to their addiction to the substance. The inability and reluctance of the individual to seek professional help is the main indicator that suggests a drug intervention is necessary. Fentanyl addicts often deny the fact that their substance abuse problem is the main reason why they are having health, relationship, work, or school problems. Addicts would often blame other people for their downfall and decline any help when offered. Drug intervention for Fentanyl addiction is a venue where the individual can break through his denials and finally see the effects of fentanyl abuse in their lives. It aims to help the fentanyl addict submit to treatment through entering a treatment rehab clinic or facility.
Fentanyl is Easily and Quickly Absorbed through the Skin
Fentanyl is administered through a skin patch which may last up to 48 hours. Though fentanyl patches are carefully administered, it could be deadly when the patches are just discarded and thrown into the garbage which could potentially come in contact with other people, causing adverse and fatal effects when the drug is absorbed through the skin.
Mixing Fentanyl with Other Drugs is Fatal
When you blend it with other drugs, the potency and effects of the drug in your system is downright fatal. There are potential side effects of mixing fentanyl with other medications and narcotics including dry mouth, headache, anxiety, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea.
What is fentanyl?
that of morphine or heroin.
Fentanyl is an opiate derivative that is Is fentanyl addictive? manmade or synthetic. Fentanyl addiction is a It functions as a reality because longpainkiller especially for term use of this opiate patients suffering from drug can lead to breakthrough pain. This addiction and tolerance. type of pain is severe The drug interferes with and chronic and has the body’s response to gone beyond the opiate pleasure through barrier. Breakthrough stimulating certain areas pain is experienced with of the brain, particularly low-dosage painkillers those that are in charge no longer work or of the pleasure and provide effects. The reward systems. potency of fentanyl is 100 times higher than
What are the side effects of fentanyl?
One of the most common and popular effects of using fentanyl is the sense of pleasure or euphoria. Fentanyl addiction gives users a kind of high and that sense of relaxation, however, this is only for a short period of time. The feeling of depression is quite inevitable especially in the stage of coming down from the effects of this opiate derivative.
Are there possible treatments for fentanyl?
Just like any other types of addiction, fentanyl abuse could also be remedied through various treatment options. Fentanyl addiction treatment starts with the withdrawal process which is a prerequisite of the main treatment program.
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An opioid is a class of narcotics that basically functions as a depressant for the central nervous system. The main use of opioid, including fentanyl, is as analgesic or painkiller. Opioid reduces or suppresses the response of the body to pain. This narcotic is quite addictive because it produces a sense of euphoric rush. When the consumed opioid is much larger than what is prescribed, it prolongs and intensifies the effects. An opioid is categorized in 3 main classes including naturally occurring opiates such as morphine, a semi-synthetic opioid like heroin, and the fully synthetic group where fentanyl belongs to along with methadone and oxycodone.
Fentanyl Addiction Crisis Overview
The real question is that how did Canada get to the point of having an alarming increase of fentanyl-related overdose cases today? According to Dr. David Juurlink, clinical pharmacology and toxicology head at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, the massive increase in narcotic painkiller prescription first started 2 decades ago and this also opened the door for the fentanyl crisis as Canada experiences today. Opioid, particularly fentanyl, is a potent and strong painkiller that is only prescribed for acute or breakthrough pains. In the recent years, medications in this category have become widespread and commonly prescribed especially for chronic pains, resulting in a downward spiral towards fentanyl addiction.
Widespread Opioid Prescription
Medical communities started to realize the danger of prescribing opioid such as fentanyl which results in a dramatic shift. However, this culture has already taken roots and despite the stoppage of prescription among medical practitioners and physicians, countless individuals are already hooked on the drug. Thousands of Canadians were already addicted to fentanyl and the narcotics have become widely available especially in the black markets
Extended Care
Admitting to an extended-care rehab center is relevant if you are undergoing different points in your recovery process. These facilities are open for individuals who have already completed their initial rehabilitation treatment program. Fentanyl addiction treatment is a program that could last from 30 to 180 days, depending on the needs of the patient. Extended care programs offer additional support for the patient before he returns home.
Long-Term Rehab
The traditional residential or inpatient rehab treatment is also known as long-term rehab. The setting includes a dramatically longer stay in the rehab facility, generally between 6 and 18 months. This type of Fentanyl addiction treatment is quite helpful and ideal for patients who are suffering from chronic and severe addiction.
The Longer, The Better
Individuals highly benefit from a much longer and intensive treatment program where the therapy could last from 60 to 90 days. There are even facilities that offer an 180-day comprehensive treatment program to ensure sobriety and recovery for a longer period of time. Studies basically show that the longer the treatment program, such as in the case of a 3-month therapy, the better the rates of a long-term and effective recovery would be.
What happens during rehab?
Fentanyl addiction treatment is an ongoing and longterm process to manage addiction and finally get it out of your system. Addiction rehab programs for fentanyl abuse are tailored to the specific individual needs of the fentanyl addict. However, there are general phases that an individual should undergo for quality and long-lasting rehabilitation.
Detox
Fentanyl is a potent and powerful narcotic which makes it difficult to withdraw from during the detox process. Fentanyl addiction treatment starts with a medication-assisted treatment or detox to assist the individual throughout the excruciating process.
Formal
Treatment Program
Fentanyl addiction treatment comes in varied lengths and forms. For instance, you can get inpatient or outpatient treatment, depending on your needs and the recommended treatment of the physician who diagnosed and assessed your case.
Continuity of Care
Aftercare services continuously help the individual through providing a stable and strong support system or network. Continuous care is provided regardless of where you stay or live in the present. There are aftercare plans that provide phone support care or online counseling to ensure flexibility as to the access of the aftercare support and services.
What other features are included in an aftercare plan? There are other salient features that are included in the aftercare service including seminars and workshops that are conducted at the rehab center, resources and referrals for relapse prevention, and fitness support. Comprehensive Fentanyl addiction treatment that offers aftercare and continuing care may also include weekly support group counseling and meeting, community support, sober living arrangement, and nutritional follow-up and support.