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Unmasking Fentanyl: The Dangerous Opioid & Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Solutions

The opioid epidemic in the United States is due in no small part to the dangerous and potent synthetic opioid fentanyl. Initially designed for medical use as a powerful pain reliever, it has since been widely misused as a deadly street drug. It is often mixed into other substances without the user’s knowledge.

In fact, as of May 2024, the DEA has declared fentanyl to be “the nation’s greatest and most urgent drug threat.”[1] And unfortunately, it’s readily available. With the use of modern technology and social media, illicit substance manufacturers and dealers can distribute their products widely.

But not all hope is lost. With the right support and innovative medical and therapeutic interventions, you or your loved one can overcome fentanyl addiction and build a safe, healthy future. At IKON Recovery, we’re committed to the highest quality care and the longest-lasting support to ensure you can safely transition back into daily routines without jeopardizing newly formed habits.

  • Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid substance used medically for pain relief and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
  • Fentanyl interacts with the reward systems in the brain, which means that even with minimal use, fentanyl can easily lead to dependence and addiction or even overdose.
  • Over 74,700 people died of drug overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl in 2023.
  • Treatment for fentanyl addiction should be approached with a holistic method that addresses the whole person and supports them long-term after formal treatment programs have ended.
Drug Category
Analgesic, synthetic opioid
Commercial & Street Names
Fentanyl, Goodfella, jackpot, TNT, murder 8, tango and cash
DEA Schedule
Schedule II
Administration
Injection, absorption (patch), oral (lollipop)

Therapies and Treatment For Fentanyl Addiction

Treatment for fentanyl addiction must be approached from a holistic perspective, one that addresses the condition itself and any underlying mental health concerns that may also be present. The IKON Recovery rehab for fentanyl addiction and co-occurring disorders offers a variety of evidence-based, multidisciplinary modalities, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This approach is based on the idea that harmful thinking patterns influence undesirable behaviors. Working with a therapist, you will learn to identify harmful thoughts and create new, healthy thinking and behavior patterns. Read More

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT integrates acceptance of difficult circumstances and challenges into CBT techniques to help build resilience and emotional management skills. Read More

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivation drives us, but lacking motivation keeps us from making positive changes. This modality helps to cultivate personal motivation surrounding behavior change. Read More

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT):

This approach nurtures acceptance of thoughts and emotions to help individuals align their actions with their values to accomplish meaningful goals like recovery. Read More

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Our support system is built on those we have healthy relationships with. IPT helps resolve relational issues and build stronger connections. Read More

Family Therapy

Bringing family members together, family therapy is a treatment option that incorporates your support system into your recovery. You all get the support and education you need to stay the course. Read More

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

This noninvasive intervention is primarily used for treatment-resistant depression and is being researched for other mental health and substance use disorder concerns. It employs a magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells that influence electrical activity in the brain. Read More

Art Therapy

Creative arts therapy leverages artistic mediums to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Guided sessions help you cultivate healthy coping skills that extend beyond treatment. Read More

Yoga Therapy

Yoga is movement therapy that enhances physical and mental well-being while providing space for reflection and mindfulness. Read More

Music Therapy

Guided music therapy sessions use the power of music to heal. These techniques support your recovery process from listening and playing to writing and sharing. Read More

Exercise Therapy

Movement and fitness are closely tied to wellness. We use this connection to aid in mood regulation, mindfulness, and a renewed sense of purpose. Read More

NAD+

This is an IV intervention with the NAD+ coenzyme, which is essential for cellular function. It is believed to help regulate the body’s natural processes of recovery and may mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Read More

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Programs

Is methadone stronger than fentanyl?

What medications are used in fentanyl addiction treatment?

How is a fentanyl overdose treated?

Sources

[1]DEA releases 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment. DEA. (n.d.-a). https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2024/05/09/dea-releases-2024-national-drug-threat-assessment

[2][4][8]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, March 3). Fentanyl drugfacts. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl

[3]Drug scheduling. DEA. (n.d.-b). https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[5]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). U.S. overdose deaths decrease in 2023, first time since 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240515.htm

[6][7]Ramos-Matos, C. F. (2023, May 29). Fentanyl. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459275/