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When discovering a loved one is using opioids, it’s concerning. When opioid use turns into addiction, it can be devastating. In 2021, an estimated 107,622 people died from drug overdoses, with 66 percent of those deaths having links to synthetic fentanyl. Fentanyl overdoses a leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45, according to CDC data. Opioid overdoses linked to fentanyl are no longer segregated to a spattering of cities across the country.
Opioid use is now a national public health crisis.
Fentanyl Prevalence In Counterfeit Drugs
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration reported in 2021 that 40 percent of counterfeit pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. Only 2mg of fentanyl laced into a counterfeit Xanax, Oxycodone, or Adderall is enough to kill. This is alarming because it is often difficult to distinguish between a prescription pill and a counterfeit drug.
Often loved ones will get their opioids from prescriptions around the house. For instance, if someone in the family recently had surgery and has a prescription for oxycodone. This provides an opportunity for an addict to score their drug of choice. When that source runs out, they may turn to counterfeit pills in an attempt to get the same high. This is when an already dangerous drug use can become deadly.
Signs Of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl works by chemically binding to the G-protein couple receptors in the brain. These receptors mediate the body’s response to drugs, hormones, and neurotransmitters. When fentanyl meets these receptors, a variety of symptoms will occur, including drowsiness, nausea, sedation, confusion, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, coma, and in some cases, death.
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing an overdose from fentanyl-laced drugs, certain physical signs become noticeable. Common signs of a fentanyl overdose include constricted pupils, gurgling, wheezing, blue or gray lips or fingernails, shallow or no breathing, or no response to physical stimuli, such as slapping their cheek or rubbing their sternum.
Stopping An Overdose
When a loved one experiences an overdose the first thing is call 911. Get the paramedics to your location.
The next step is having Naloxone, commonly called Narcan, on hand to counteract the fentanyl in their system. Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of the drug. Narcan is often administered in the form of a nasal spray or sometimes as an injection into the muscle of the thigh, buttocks, or arm. Narcan is available to purchase at any pharmacy without a prescription. Some cities offer free Narcan doses at city-run clinics.
Once the Narcan begins working, the person should regain consciousness. If they don’t, administer another dose of Narcan and wait for the paramedics. Lay them on their side in case they vomit, and if they regain consciousness, do your best to keep them awake. Stay with them until medical personnel arrives.
Wilderness Therapy Treatment
Wilderness therapy uses a more hands-on approach than traditional drug treatment programs. This form of treatment provides exercises for clients such as hiking, zip-lining, surfing, and other outdoor activities. The purpose of these exercises is to use the experience of participating to reach certain therapeutic goals. Individuals learn leadership skills, coping skills, self control. and how to interact with people in tense situations.
The experiences involved in wilderness therapy challenges the person to gain insight into their feelings and beliefs as they relate to the current situation. In the case of people going through addiction, many isolate and do not trust or know how to communicate with others. Wilderness therapy challenges people to cooperate with others to reach a common goal. By experiencing situations where they need to trust others, experience cooperation with others and how to confide in others the person can address their underlying issues with drug abuse in a therapeutic environment.
Benefits Of Back2Basics Program
At Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery, our counselors understand what drug addiction does to a family. We also know how to help get your loved one on a path to sobriety. Using a nature-centric approach to opioid abuse treatment through camping, snowboarding, surfing, and rigorous outdoor hiking, we help rebuild physical and mental strength within their sobriety.
Combining outdoor recovery techniques with traditional counseling and therapy, your loved one will gain an increased sense of self-worth and self-concept. Your family member will begin understanding and embracing the physical and emotional benefits of connecting their mind, body, and spirit to the outdoors. These techniques will rid your loved one of the harmful behaviors associated with opioid and fentanyl abuse leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Insurance Accepted
Health insurance plans generally cover the cost of treatment for substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions. The health insurance plan you have will determine how much they will cover for treatment. Back2Basics will work with you and your insurance provider to help you get the coverage necessary to help your loved one. We accept most private health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and more. To find out the scope of coverage your insurance company provides for drug rehabilitation, call our representatives so we can help verify your benefits.
Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery addiction specialists understand the struggles of getting help for a loved one in the midst of addiction. Give us a call at 928-814-2220 or fill out the form below for more information and see how our program can help your family member get the treatment they need.