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What is Fentanyl?
More and more people are becoming aware of the drug fentanyl, which is used to treat severe pain quickly and effectively. In addition, many people are familiar with the term “opioids” and a broad understanding of what these prescription medications accomplish. Taking pharmaceutical fentanyl as prescribed by a doctor offers several significant advantages for the patient. However, fentanyl is 50 times more potent than morphine, which makes it very lethal. This means that anyone using fentanyl whether illegally or legally is highly susceptible to fentanyl addiction.
Fentanyl Addiction and Mental Health: Dual Diagnosis and Fentanyl Addiction Treatment.
People from all areas of life are vulnerable to developing fentanyl addiction. In addition to the complexities of addiction itself, underlying mental health issues may further complicate treatment. More than half of individuals who struggle with addiction also deal with a mental health problem, a phenomenon known as a dual diagnosis. Long-term sobriety from fentanyl addiction requires treating the addiction and any underlying mental health conditions.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
The term “dual diagnosis” describes a situation in which a person is diagnosed with both a mental health condition and a drug abuse problem. Anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are typical co-occurring mental health conditions of fentanyl addiction. People with mental health problems often abuse drugs like fentanyl to alleviate their symptoms.
Treating Dual Diagnosis.
In order to effectively treat a person with a dual diagnosis, treatment must focus on both the drug and the mental health problem. A thorough evaluation is the first step in order to identify the severity of the addiction and mental health condition. The next step is to formulate a personalized treatment strategy, which may include a mix of psychotherapy, medications, and other methods.
Fentanyl addiction treatment programs that address co-occurring mental health issues should prioritize therapeutic engagement. Often, people turn to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help them identify and alter unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving. Another useful method of helping people learn to control their emotions and have healthier interactions with others is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Medications are often used to treat co-occurring mental health issues and addiction. Those with depression, for instance, may be offered antidepressants, while those with anxiety problems may benefit from anti-anxiety drugs. Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) is also critical in managing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Other treatments.
Group therapy, family therapy, and holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can also be used to treat individuals with a dual diagnosis of fentanyl addiction and a mental health issue.
Individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction often have the additional burden of a coexisting mental health disorder. Integrating care for addiction and underlying mental health issues is necessary for successful treatment.
Skyward Treatment Center Offers the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction and Mental Health Conditions.
Addiction to and misuse of fentanyl may be very dangerous and even fatal. The good news is that fentanyl addiction can be effectively managed with the right care. The competent and caring team at Skyward Treatment Center in Houston, Texas, offers the best fentanyl rehab options that one can think of. Get your life back on track at Skyward Treatment Center.
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