Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Center in North Atlanta, GA

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller. It’s in the same family as morphine, heroin, oxycodone, and many other pain-reducing drugs. The narcotic packs a punch 100 times morphine’s strength. It is 50 times more potent than heroin. The drug has gone from prescription to a feared poison.  

Used in medical settings, the prescription drug manages severe pain. This is the type of pain after major surgery or cancer treatment. It’s a welcome salvation for individuals suffering from immense pain. The drug also has a high that creates euphoria, relaxation, and disconnect.

This rewarding feeling makes it addictive for some individuals. Hospital patients take the pills as an escape from nonstop pain. Many individuals don’t think anything of the pills their doctor prescribed.

The narcotic plays double duty. It blocks the brain from feeling pain signals and boosts dopamine production. Dopamine is the body’s “pleasure” chemical. Continued fentanyl misuse alters the brain’s chemistry. 

Illegal powdered fentanyl is a unique threat on its own. You can snort it, smoke it, or inject it. Without realizing it, you can quickly consume too much. Mexican cartels produce the narcotic in mass amounts to smuggle across the border. The drug then travels through trafficking hubs like Atlanta. 

Our addiction treatment center understands how quickly it can occur. We also know the stigma that fentanyl addiction carries. Our customized treatment plans reflect your unique needs, including difficult emotions affecting your mental health. 

The Dangers of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug ever encountered. These are the words Anne Milgram, administrator for the DEA, used to describe the drug. She reiterated no community is safe from the poison. What exactly makes it so feared? 

2012 a disturbing trend emerged in fentanyl overdose (OD) deaths. This is the year fentanyl fatalities started to rise. The number of lives claimed has gone up each year. A decade later, in 2021, fatal overdoses were 26 times higher.

The insidious nature of the substance makes it ideal for cutting or “lacing” other drugs. The CDC states two milligrams can be lethal, depending on your body size. This looks like a few crumbs. Dealers mix illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) with heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine. 

In 2022, 107,375 individuals lost their lives to overdoses and poisonings. Over half, 67%, of the deaths involved synthetic opioids. The majority of users likely had no idea they were taking it. 

The more a person uses (whether they’re aware or not) fentanyl, the more the brain is altered. It undergoes a neurochemical transformation. 

Taking back control can save your life. We treat fentanyl addiction with extreme care. Our clinicians stay on top of the latest methods and developments.

How Prevalent is Fentanyl Dependence?

One person in America dies from fentanyl poisoning every 8.57 minutes. It’s fair to say calling it a national epidemic is accurate.

In 2019, 269,000 individuals ages 12 or older misused prescription fentanyl. This is only reporting on prescription fentanyl. Illegal fentanyl manufactured in hidden laboratories is as common. 

In 2021, out of the general population, 73% of life-ending overdoses involved IMFs. For young adults aged 15 to 24, this number hit 84%. 

Once tolerance develops, the drug tightens its hold. Your system expresses displeasure if you don’t use or try to cut back. It does this by sending out unpleasant to unbearable withdrawal symptoms. Using more of the drug is the “fix” for these signals.

A more permanent cure exists. You’ll find this at our recovery center in vibrant Atlanta, Georgia. Our addiction treatment center is modern and accommodating. We’re located close to Hartsfield Jackson Airport (Atlanta airport). Our clinicians go the distance for you. This comprises therapists, doctors, mental health advocates, counselors, and staff.

The Impact of Fentanyl in Georgia

Most drug seizures in the eastern U.S. have traveled through Atlanta. In 2021, overdose deaths among young people in Georgia hit 800% compared to the prior year. 

Overdose deaths from fentanyl in Atlanta and nearby counties have increased. 

Here are some of the communities impacted:

• Fulton County lost 150 lives to overdose in 2021.  
• Cobb County reached more than 100 deaths.
• DeKalb County ranked third with 80  fatalities.
• Georgia endured 1,400 overdose deaths in total.

Southeast Addiction Center is ready with proven evidence-based and wellness interventions.

Why Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Matters

Fentanyl steals your freedom before you realize it. Our rehab has answered Georgia’s call for help. We’re in the eye of the opioid storm. This gives us a unique advantage at the forefront of delivering effective treatment. We are here for those seeking shelter from the storm.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl use disorder shares many similarities with its opioid family. Starting to abuse fentanyl displays itself in various ways.

Physical symptoms of abuse can include:

• Incredible euphoria
• Pain relief
• Drowsiness
• Itching throughout the body
• Slowed heartbeat and breathing
• Constipation, cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness, disorientation
• Seizures

Behavioral symptoms can look like this:

• “Doctor shopping” in an attempt to gain multiple prescriptions 
• Forging or altering drugs to get fentanyl or other opioids
• Declined performance and absence at work or school
• Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using, and recovering from using
• Mumbled and slurred speech
• Continuing to abuse fentanyl after it starts to cause problems in your life
• No longer taking care of daily responsibilities, neglecting relationships.

The risk grows with continued drug abuse. The symptoms increase over time.

Consequences of fentanyl abuse can include:

• New or amplified mental illness symptoms emerge
• Suicidal ideation 
• A lack of oxygen in the body’s tissues, known as anoxia
• Chronic stomach and digestive issues 
• Legal interactions due to risks taken to obtain fentanyl 
• Broken relationships
• Being fired from work or expelled from school 
• Homelessness
• Sexually transmitted infections from needle use like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.

If you want off this cycle for good, we can help you stop and stay stopped most safely and comfortably possible. 

What is Fentanyl Withdrawal Like?

Fentanyl will not leave without a fight. The detox process is anything but fun. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program caters to providing you with personalized attention and expertise.

Withdrawal symptoms can show up as:

• Cravings for fentanyl that won’t let up
• Insomnia, racing thoughts, anxiety
• Chills, cold sweats, vomiting, sweating
• Diarrhea, nausea, fever
• Achy muscles and body pains

The risk of overdose is present each time you use the synthetic opioid. Calling emergency services is the first step if you see a possible overdose. 

Overdose hits fast with signs such as:

• Slurred speech, struggling to speak
• Confusion
• Slipping in and out of awake or consciousness
• Unable to talk and think normal
• Cold and pale skin 
• Intense dizziness, not being able to move

The only thing that can stand between an overdose is naloxone (Narcan). This isn’t a guaranteed defense. Fentanyl is so strong that it might need multiple doses to work.

Why Choose Southeast Addiction Center for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

We have been on the frontlines of this nightmare since it arrived in Georgia. This has allowed us to refine our methods. We manage your treatment with five-star standards. We maintain our accreditation by the Joint Commission as part of this commitment. 

Our team works hard to deliver unmatched service you won’t find at your average rehab. We don’t say it; we show it. Our small clinical caseloads have a 2:1 client-to-staff ratio. 

From detox to outpatient, we are by your side. Our online reviews and recovery stories inspire us on our mission.

How We Treat Fentanyl Addiction

Our treatment center in the heart of Georgia uses the top methods for long-term sobriety. We provide this in a warm, positive environment. You and your treatment team will determine what your blueprint looks like.

Medication-Assisted Treatment 

The FDA has approved certain non-addictive medications to treat opioid dependence. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) lowers cravings and other withdrawal side effects. Many studies show MAT is effective with a total treatment program. 

Talk Therapy

We have a toolkit of the most optimal evidence-based therapies. You learn a lot from talking (and listening).

Motivational Interviewing (MI) explores your uncertainty about change. This is a non-confrontational approach that builds confidence in recovery.

Group Therapy is a guided session that connects you with your peers. You gain insights from shared experiences. You’ll improve your social skills and communication with others.

Individual therapy sessions take place between you and your therapist. You work through the personal aspects of your meth addiction. You can focus on facing your challenges sober.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies unhealthy thought patterns and gains insight into your actions. This enhances your awareness of how factors can impact your recovery.

EDMR Therapy

We treat fentanyl abuse with a therapy called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It utilizes sensory stimulations like eye movement to address past trauma.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy is another way we treat the whole of you, not just specific addiction-related symptoms. These wellness activities center on mind, body, and spiritual well-being. These blends allow them to achieve balance and develop coping skills. 

Some of the holistic services we offer include: 

• Guided meditation
• Yoga
• Therapeutic fitness classes
• Chiropractic care
• Nutritional classes
• Nature activities

Get the Help You Deserve for Fentanyl Addiction 

One pill can kill. One call can change this. If you or a loved one is ready to break free from fentanyl, we can help. Reach out before it’s too late. Contact our team at (888) 981-8263 or email us at info@southeastaddiction.com.