Shadow Mountain Recovery is helping individuals and families across the country who are worried that their loved ones may be addicted to the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl. The New Mexico-based detox, residential, and outpatient treatment center has published a blog post that details the tell-tale signs of fentanyl addiction, talks about some of the possible causes of addiction, and offers advice on the best way to seek treatment.
The CDC reported that there were 56,516 overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) reported in 2020. This was an increase of almost 60% as compared to 2019. To add some context to just how much deadlier synthetic opioids like fentanyl and its ilk are, it is worth noting that opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone were involved in around 12,000 preventable deaths during 2020. So, overdose deaths from synthetic opioids are nearly 4 to 5 times as high as those from natural and semisynthetic opioids and more than twice as high as overdoses from psychostimulants including methamphetamines.
A spokesperson for Shadow Mountain Recovery talks about the dangers of fentanyl addiction by saying, “Every day 150 people in the United States die of a synthetic opioid overdose. It is one of the deadliest addictions facing our nation today. What makes it much more dangerous is that you only need a tiny amount to overdose on fentanyl. Moreover, it also gets mixed in with other illicit substances to increase their potency. So, those suffering from fentanyl addiction may often misjudge their usual dosage or may even be completely unaware that they are consuming it. If you suspect that someone near you who you care about is giving in to this affliction, we urge you to reach out to the nearest well-reviewed rehab, detox, or outpatient care center that understands the mechanism of fentanyl addiction. If you are in New Mexico, consider contacting Shadow Mountain Recovery. Our addiction treatment programs are focused on helping you bounce back and sustain lifelong recovery.”
In its blog post, Shadow Mountain Recovery says that the most obvious sign of someone developing a fentanyl addiction is failing to keep up daily habits, routines, and appearances. The person will likely withdraw socially, give up their favorite pastimes, and stop caring for their hygiene. Other signs include exhibiting mood swings or becoming lethargic, sleepy, or dazed.
Since fentanyl use overwhelms the dopamine system in the brain, long-term fentanyl use can damage the body’s psychological well-being and can induce psychosis, paranoia, isolation, delusions, and personality changes. Fentanyl also affects the coordination between the body’s physiological systems causing symptoms such as constricted pupils, drowsiness, motor problems, cognitive issues, slurred speech, and unconsciousness.
Individuals struggling with an addiction to fentanyl will usually be unable to keep steady employment and may soon start asking those around them for money, complaining of withdrawals, or making their loved ones feel guilty. They may even get manipulative, aggressive, or inappropriate to get prescriptions for equivalent opioids or to get money for more drugs. If they go without taking fentanyl for a prolonged time, they might get withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, sleep disturbances, chills, aches, muscle weakness, anxiety, and more. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms depends on how long the person has been addicted.
The spokesperson for Shadow Mountain Recovery talks about the reasons for fentanyl addiction and possible solutions to the problem by saying, “There is no one reason that pushes a person to seek the temporary relief offered by this potent drug. Everyone has their own story and, consequently, their own journey toward recovery. The best we can do is to ease them through the difficult physical and mental withdrawals and give them the tools that they need to fight their demons. Here at Shadow Mountain Recovery, our specialties include trauma-informed care, evidence-based treatment, spiritually neutral treatment, family therapy, whole-body wellness, aftercare planning, and more. Call us at (855) 847-5684 to talk to our experienced caring recovery advisors today.”
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For more information about Shadow Mountain Recovery Intensive Outpatient Center, contact the company here:
Shadow Mountain Recovery Intensive Outpatient Center
505-361-2634
info@shadowmountainrecovery.com
7005 Prospect Place NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87110
