What is Carfentanil?

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It is primarily used as an animal tranquilizer but has also been used illicitly as a recreational drug. The side effects of Carfentanil include respiratory depression, sedation, confusion, unconsciousness, and death. It is highly addictive, and users can develop a tolerance to it quickly, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect. There is an increased risk of overdose with Carfentanil; even a tiny amount can be lethal.

Side Effects of Carfentanil

Carfentanil is a powerful synthetic opioid primarily used as a tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants. However, it has also gained notoriety as a highly potent and dangerous drug of abuse. The side effects of Carfentanil can be severe and potentially life-threatening, including respiratory depression, sedation, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Due to its extreme potency, Carfentanil can lead to overdose and death if not used under strict medical supervision. Additionally, Carfentanil is highly addictive and can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used regularly.

Addicted?

Carfentanil addiction can resemble other opioid addictions, including cravings, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and dependence. However, due to its potency, Carfentanil addiction can be even more dangerous and deadly than other opioid addictions, as even tiny amounts can cause overdose and death. Seeking professional help and treatment is essential for anyone struggling with Carfentanil addiction.

Overdose Risk

The risk of overdose with Carfentanil or opioids is very high as they are highly potent and can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to death. These drugs can also cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, which can be life-threatening. Even a tiny amount of Carfentanil or opioids can cause an overdose, and the risk is increased when these drugs are combined with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. It is essential to use these drugs only as a healthcare professional prescribes and seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

How to get off Carfentanil

Carfentanil is a powerful opioid medication and should not be stopped suddenly or “cold turkey.” It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to create a tapering plan with them if they suggest one. Tapering gradually reduces the dose of Carfentanil you take over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This can also help reduce cravings and make it easier to stick with the plan. Your doctor may also recommend alternative pain medications that do not contain opioids, counseling, or other treatments, such as physical therapy, to reduce your need for the drug. Finally, support groups or psychotherapy should be considered to manage difficult emotions during the cessation of Carfentanil use.

How is it treated?

Carfentanil addiction is typically treated using a combination of medical and therapy treatments. The first step in treating Carfentanil addiction is detoxification, which involves safely managing withdrawal symptoms as the drug leaves the body. This process can be managed with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) under the supervision of a medical professional. MAT involves using methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

What happens when you begin treatment?

The first step in opioid addiction treatment is detoxification, which involves safely and gradually removing the opioid from the body. This can be done in a medical setting under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Detoxification is followed by ongoing treatment that may include counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and behavioral therapies to address the underlying causes of addiction and help prevent relapse.

Once detoxification is complete, therapy and counseling are typically used to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are commonly used to help individuals develop coping skills and strategies to manage cravings, triggers, and stressors. Group therapy and peer support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, can help maintain recovery and build a supportive community.

Can you quit without rehab?

It is not recommended to quit opioids like Carfentanil without professional medical help or rehab. Carfentanil is a highly potent opioid, and withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Stopping opioids abruptly can cause intense physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, anxiety, and depression. The treatment for Carfentanil addiction and opioid addiction is a comprehensive approach that involves medical, psychological, and social support. Individuals need professional help and support to manage addiction and achieve long-term recovery. Rehab programs offer medical supervision, counseling, and support to help individuals safely detox from opioids and manage withdrawal symptoms. It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction.

Co-occurring disorders

People with addictions who use street drugs like Carfentanil are self-medicating to mask the symptoms of their mental illness. Left untreated, the undiagnosed conditions can not be medically treated.

Cross addictions

When you have a chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol and quit using them, your body and brain go into overdrive. You experience physical withdrawal symptoms while the central nervous system tries to rebalance itself without the substances it’s accustomed to. The time it takes to detox from drugs or alcohol physically is different for everyone but typically ranges from a couple of days to a week. However, it usually takes longer for brain chemicals to rebalance fully. This period is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). During this time, you’re at risk for mental health issues like anxiety and depression symptoms, mood swings, and low motivation.

Some people replace substance abuse with other addictive behaviors to feel better during PAWS. Cross addictions that are commonly experienced include:

• Sex addictions
• Compulsive shopping
• Eating disorders
• Compulsive gambling
• Compulsive exercising

Cross-addiction occurs when someone dependent on an opioid drug tries to quit but instead becomes dependent on another drug like alcohol or benzodiazepines. This change in substance use could sometimes be due to a person’s tolerance level decreasing, which leads them to find alternate ways of coping with withdrawal symptoms.

You can learn more about Carfentanil.

While the immediate effects of Carfentanil use are well-documented, the long-term effects of this drug are less clear. Heavy users of Carfentanil have an extremely low life expectancy due to the drug’s powerful sedative effects and a high potential for overdose. Carfentanil resembles a white powder commonly found in tablets, capsules, or pre-filled syringes. According to the Department of Justice, Carfentanil poses a serious risk to public safety as some forms of Carfentanil can be absorbed through the skin or accidentally inhaled. Carfentanil poses a significant threat to first responders, who can unintentionally handle this drug with fatal consequences. Carfentanil is moving on the street through illegal sources such as drug dealers or is being purchased online through dark web markets.

Carfentanil is a new drug in the category of opioids. The long-term effects are not yet fully known. It is known that, similar to other opioid addictions; it requires a robust, complete treatment plan, including detox, counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication management for withdrawal symptoms, support groups, and 12-step programs to maintain recovery.

Our staff is composed of highly trained professionals who know exactly what to do to help you. The Ness Center provides the entire continuum of care to support you with Carfentanil detox and rehabilitation. Our campus spans nearly 35 acres and houses:

• outpatient programs for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders
• individual and group therapy
• medication management
• crisis intervention
• programs serving veterans and first responders
• residential, supportive living
• drop-in crisis support services

There is a high risk of overdose with Carfentanil, and even a tiny amount can be lethal. Treatment and recovery from Carfentanil take a team of experienced medical professionals and a support system. A personalized treatment plan to address past hurts, and co-occurring disorders helps to get to the root of behaviors and triggers to eliminate the need for self-medication and reliance on street drugs. The experienced staff and medical professionals at The Ness Center will work with you and your support system to create a personalized treatment plan to meet your recovery goals and needs.