Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid more potent than morphine and heroin. It is commonly prescribed for severe pain due to its rapid onset and relatively short duration. Sadly, due to its wide availability and relatively low cost, many have started using fentanyl recreationally, and a large number of people have succumbed to fentanyl addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, the team at BrightView can help. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program gives patients the foundation and support they require to break free from addiction. If you or a loved one needs fentanyl addiction help, call 888.501.9865 today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.
Recognizing Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms
Anyone who is using opioids is at high risk of developing a substance use disorder due to how these drugs affect the brain. Those who misuse fentanyl will often take the drug to experience the sense of euphoria and relaxation that it induces.
If you are concerned that a friend or loved one may be misusing fentanyl, it’s a good idea to know the signs of fentanyl addiction. Fentanyl addiction symptoms and behavioral changes may include:
- Lying about how much fentanyl they are using
- Spending the majority of their time thinking about fentanyl or trying to acquire it
- Forgoing social, work, or school responsibilities
- Engaging in risky behavior to obtain fentanyl
- Wanting to quit using fentanyl but are unable to do so
Physical symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Restless itching and scratching
Knowing these signs and symptoms could help you save someone from a fentanyl overdose. Getting help in a fentanyl rehab program is the best way for someone to quit using fentanyl.
FENTANYL ADDICTION FAQS
Why is fentanyl so addictive?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that affects the brain’s reward system more intensely than many other opioids. It creates a rapid and potent sense of euphoria, leading to physical dependence in a short amount of time. Because fentanyl is often used without medical supervision and can be mixed with other substances, the risk of developing a substance use disorder is extremely high.
How addictive is fentanyl compared to other substances?
Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and significantly stronger than heroin. This potency makes it one of the most addictive and dangerous opioids available. Even small amounts can trigger intense cravings and a rapid progression to physical dependence.
How long does it take to get addicted to fentanyl?
There’s no fixed timeline, but addiction can develop in a matter of days or weeks with repeated use. Factors like dosage, frequency, mental health status, and prior substance use all influence how quickly someone may develop a substance use disorder involving fentanyl.
What percentage of people who are addicted to fentanyl successfully recover?
While every person’s journey is different, studies show that patients receiving medication assisted treatment (MAT) along with counseling are significantly more likely to maintain long-term recovery. At BrightView, many of our patients report noticeable improvements in quality of life, employment, relationships, and health within the first 30 days of care.
What does fentanyl addiction look like?
Signs of fentanyl addiction may include changes in mood or behavior, avoiding responsibilities, secretive or risky behavior, and intense focus on obtaining and using the drug. Physical symptoms can include drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, and impaired coordination. If you’re seeing these signs, BrightView can help.
How long does it take to detox from fentanyl?
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may begin within 12 to 30 hours of the last use and typically peak within a few days. At BrightView, we provide withdrawal management (also known as detox) as part of our comprehensive outpatient program. Our medical team uses FDA-approved medications to ease symptoms and support patients safely through this process.
How does BrightView successfully treat fentanyl addiction?
BrightView provides personalized, outpatient treatment tailored to each patient’s needs. Our approach includes:
- Medication assisted treatment (MAT) with FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine-based options (e.g., Suboxone, Sublocade, Brixadi, Subutex)
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Telehealth and flexible scheduling
- Walk-in appointments and low wait times
We treat fentanyl addiction like a disease, and we treat every patient with dignity and respect. No referrals are required, and patients are never turned away, even if they don’t pass a drug test.
How do I help someone with fentanyl addiction?
Start by encouraging open, compassionate conversation. Let them know that help is available and recovery is possible. BrightView accepts walk-ins, offers same-day appointments, and answers calls 24/7.
Our Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
At BrightView, our approach to fentanyl addiction treatment involves personalizing the program to each patient’s unique situation. Everyone has different needs and wants, so what works for one person may not work for another.
However, some facets of addiction treatment have proven to be highly effective for a majority of our patients. As such, our outpatient addiction treatment program incorporates:
- Medication assisted treatment (MAT)
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
We also offer telehealth options for those who may find it difficult to regularly visit a fentanyl abuse treatment center. We are committed to making our programs as accessible and convenient as possible for our patients.
How Our Rehab for Fentanyl Can Help
MAT, as part of fentanyl addiction treatment, helps to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. This allows patients to focus on the core issues underlying their addiction, such as trauma or mental health disorders.
Group therapy and individual counseling provide a supportive environment for patients to address these underlying issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms. We aim to help patients achieve long-term recovery and improve their overall well-being.
Each patient going through our fentanyl addiction treatment program will also work with a case manager. The case manager will help the patient address other parts of their life that may have been affected by their substance use disorder, such as employment, housing, and transportation. They will also be there to guide the patient throughout recovery and help prevent relapse.
Call Today to Start Your Recovery Today at BrightView 
If you or a loved one needs rehab for fentanyl, BrightView is ready to accept you. Our team members are standing by to answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Don’t wait for fentanyl addiction to steal your health and happiness. Contact us at 888.501.9865 or complete our online form to learn about your treatment options and how we can help you reclaim your life.
“It’s working for me.”
Within six months, unemployment among BrightView patients decreases by over 50%.
Proactivity of Proper Healthcare Use Improves Dramatically
BrightView patients report a nearly 50% increase in engagement with regular medical providers (for example, primary care providers) after just 90 days in our program.
Progress Toward Abstinence
BrightView patients decrease use of illicit substances by nearly 70% on average within the first 90 days, with many patients achieving complete abstinence.