22 Sep Fentanyl Addiction Interventions in Kelowna, British Columbia
What if Fentanyl? Kelowna, British Columbia
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid painkiller, man-made similar to opioids like morphine and heroin. Fentanyl has a high potential for abuse and dependency and is primarily used as a pain medication, typically in cases of severe pain or as a result of surgical procedures. The difference between fentanyl and other opioids is the magnitude of the strength it provides. Fentanyl can be up to 100 times more potent than both morphine and heroin. Which in turn makes it effective for pain management and its intensity. That being said it, also increases the potential for overdose. The illegal use of fentanyl has become an increasing concern because of its association with a notable amount of opioid-related overdose deaths.
Fentanyl can be dangerous to use, especially when used without the supervision of a doctor, or when it is obtained in illegal ways. This unsuitable use with accidental exposure to fentanyl can result in life-threatening consequences.
Fentanyl Use and Misuse in Kelowna
Fentanyl has the opportunity to be used appropriately in cases where there is medical supervision to manage severe pain, most likely in cases where other opioids are ineffective. Fentanyl is most commonly prescribed in situations where there is post-surgical pain, or with individuals with chronic pain who require this intensity of pain relief. In turn, fentanyl has a high possibility for misuse and abuse of what it entails. Fentanyl can be misused by taking higher doses than prescribed, taking it without a prescription, or using it in other ways other than the way it is directed. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs and has become a significant concern because of its involvement with our large amount of overdose deaths.
The misuse of fentanyl has serious consequences as the potency is so great. Even a slight increase in dosage can result in overdose and respiratory decline, and this can be life-threatening. The risk is further enhanced when fentanyl is combined with other substances, for instance, alcohol or benzodiazepines, because this can result in a dangerous combined effect.
It is vital that the use of fentanyl is only done so as prescribed and is followed by the instructions given by a health care professional.
Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms Kelowna, British Columbia
Symptoms as a result of fentanyl can vary depending on the dosage which is taken and the individual. When used as it has been prescribed it has the benefits of pain relief without the causation of serious effects. However, misuse and abuse, and cases of overdose many symptoms could occur including:
– Respiratory depression
– Sedation or drowsiness
– Confusion or disorientation
– Pupil constriction
– Nausea and vomiting
– Slowed heart rate
– Dizziness or fainting
– Itching and skin rashes
The misuse and abuse of fentanyl can result in other habits including:
– The use of fentanyl more than intended
– Using for longer than intended
– Time spent to gather, use, and recover from the effects of fentanyl
– Cravings for fentanyl
– Unable to complete everyday tasks
– Continued use of fentanyl even with negative impacts on life
– Dropping things you once enjoyed
– A tolerance is developing from the use of fentanyl
– The experience of withdrawal symptoms when not using fentanyl
Withdrawal from Fentanyl in Kelowna, British Columbia
Fentanyl withdrawal becomes present when an individual has become physically dependent on the drug and uses it regularly, stops taking the drug. This is because an individual’s body has become physically dependent on the drug and does not know how to react and adapt without it in the system. Fentanyl withdrawal can be difficult and uncomfortable but can be overcome.
Withdrawal symptoms and their severity can be dependent on the duration and frequency of the fentanyl use, an individual’s physiology, and how quitting taking the drug is approached. Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal can include:
– Intense drug cravings
– Flu-like symptoms
– Gastrointestinal symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps
– Insomnia
– Anxiety and agitation
– Depression
– Increased sensitivity to pain
Fentanyl withdrawal can be intense, and abruptly stopping the drug without medical supervision is not recommended. Professionals can assist in the management of these withdrawal symptoms and help you gradually reduce your fentanyl use and minimize your discomfort to help you achieve sobriety.
Fentanyl Overdose
A fentanyl overdose can occur for many reasons including:
– Slowed breathing – this could lead to suffocation
– Heart rate decreases – to the point of stopping
– Aspirating on vomit
Individuals who are at a higher risk of a Fentanyl overdose is someone who:
– Is not a regular user because they have no tolerance to the effects of the drug
– Using fentanyl with other drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills.
– Using fentanyl with other stimulant drugs like cocaine, meth, and Adderall
– Those who have poor health
Signs a fentanyl overdose is being experienced:
– Shallow, infrequent, or absent breathing
– Choking sounds in the throat
– Blue lips, gums, or nails (lack of oxygen)
– Drowsiness or trouble staying awake
– Unable to wake up
– Limp body
– Pinpoint pupils
Fentanyl Addiction Intervention
When experiencing a loved one who is battling a fentanyl addiction, it can be hard on all who are involved in this loved one’s life. An intervention can be a helpful way to approach the situation and encourage your loved one to seek help and get treatment to address their fentanyl addiction.
When preparing an intervention with the goal of your loved one getting treatment to ultimately achieve long-term recovery, it is important to approach an intervention in a way that will provide the best possible outcome and opportunities for your loved one. Taking on the intervention step by step can be seen as:
- Plan the intervention and consult an intervention specialist. Holding an intervention on the spur of the moment can result in a worsened situation where the addicted individual feels attacked, and will be even more resistant to treatment if not approached in a well-thought-out way.
- Get on the same page. Everyone who will be present at the intervention should be on the same page, and plan who will say what when, and so everyone has a big picture of the extent of the addiction, and the strain it has caused on relationships.
- Contingency planning and writing notes for what you would like to say. If your loved one refuses to get treatment after the intervention everyone present needs to have a plan for the boundaries they will set, and what they will do if they do not get treatment (ex. You can’t live here If you do not get treatment).
- Practice the intervention before the real thing. An intervention is a highly stressful situation, and it can be worrisome that it will not be effective for the addict. To mitigate the worries of the execution it can help to do a practice run before the real thing, and practice how you will react to possible aggressions of the addicted individual.
- Being prepared for your loved one’s reactions. This can help you prepare for the worst-case scenario and how you will react if faced with this uncertainty.
A successful intervention can be seen as your loved one accepting the fact that they need help and accepting treatment, ultimately heading in the right direction for a life of long-term recovery.
If you are looking to plan an intervention for your loved one in Kelowna, British Columbia, contact Andy Bhatti Interventions and Addiction Services. Our intervention services save lives.
Call us today and let us help you set up a treatment plan that has succeeded as the long-term goal, for someone you care for.
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An intervention is not about how to control the substance user; it is about how to let go of believing you can. Our professional addiction therapists and interventionists work closely with families to reach a successful intervention. Our interventionists work all over British Columbia.
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