Signs, Symptoms, and Fentanyl Rehab in Fort Lauderdale

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid developed for use in healthcare to relieve severe pain, is often given with careful monitoring due to its strength. Fentanyl binds to specific types of opioid receptors in the brain and in the body, reducing pain and creating feelings of calm, relaxation, or sometimes euphoria.[1]

Fentanyl is available on the street in the form of powder, pills, or liquid. Street fentanyl, however, is frequently mixed with other drugs, sometimes even with counterfeit pills or toxic substances, which substantially increases the potential for overdose.

Using fentanyl over time alters the brain’s chemistry, including the areas of the brain that control rewards, impulses, and emotions.[2] The brain rewires itself as the body gets used to receiving fentanyl. Because of the way that fentanyl alters brain chemistry, fentanyl addiction can develop relatively quickly and often requires treatment from a professional to overcome.

A fentanyl addiction often happens after someone is exposed repeatedly to the drug. 

Because fentanyl is so much more powerful than many other opioids, individuals often establish a tolerance to the drug in a fairly short period of time and must begin using larger amounts of fentanyl to achieve the same level of euphoria or relief from pain.[3] From this point on, the focus changes from obtaining euphoria or relieving pain to avoiding withdrawal symptoms, emotional anxiety, or pain from not using the drug.

Because fentanyl acts on the central nervous system quickly, it is possible for users to experience impaired judgment early on in their use of the drug.[4] This significantly increases the likelihood of continued use, even after experiencing adverse consequences as a result of fentanyl use.

Some of the signs that a person may have an addiction to fentanyl include:

• Intense craving and preoccupation with the possession of fentanyl.
• A pattern of using more often or in larger amounts than intended.
• Difficulty stopping fentanyl use, even when the user wants to stop.
• Continuing to use fentanyl even when experiencing negative consequences with their health, family, relationships, or the law.
• Changes in mood, sleep, or functioning.

Recognizing these signs early in the development of a fentanyl addiction can allow a person or someone close to the person to seek treatment and begin the recovery process before the potential consequences of continued use escalate.

Fentanyl has a very high risk of overdose.[5] Fentanyl is so powerful that even a very small amount can stop the person’s ability to breathe, leading to death. Compared to other opioids, fentanyl acts much more rapidly and powerfully. This fast onset increases the risk of overdose, as its effects can overwhelm the body before a person realizes what is happening.[6]

The potential for overdose increases when fentanyl is combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines.[7] Because illicit fentanyl can be mixed with other substances and can be of varying purity and potency, people who use illicit fentanyl have difficulty determining how much fentanyl they are actually using, and as a result, they are at a greatly increased risk of dying from overdose.

Fentanyl addiction often co-occurs with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, or other substance abuse disorders.[8] Mental health issues may predispose people to developing an addiction to fentanyl, and the effects of ongoing fentanyl use may contribute to the worsening of emotional instability and distress in individuals.

It is critical to address mental health issues when treating fentanyl addiction in order to promote long-term recovery. Integrated treatment will allow individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms while continuing to promote abstinence from fentanyl.

At Agape Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, outpatient fentanyl treatment is designed to provide structured, evidence-based treatment that focuses on both substance use recovery and mental health treatment. Patients will receive individualized treatment interventions based upon their fentanyl use history, mental health history, and the responsibilities that they have in their daily lives. MAT may be incorporated as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help manage cravings and support stability, alongside therapy and behavioral health services.

At Agape, we implement a dual diagnosis treatment approach that includes behavioral health care into every level of treatment provided for fentanyl addiction. We are conveniently located in Wilton Manor, right outside of Fort Lauderdale, giving easy access for patients in the South Florida region.

Fentanyl addiction is tough to deal with – if you are struggling to control your fentanyl use, then structured outpatient support may help you on your journey to recovery.