We’re Here to Help You Rise Above Your Addiction
Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC) provides comprehensive and evidence-based care for fentanyl addiction treatment.
Our programs include:
- Medical detox
- Counseling
- Ongoing support to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at MHRC
Our fentanyl addiction treatment facility in Denver, Colorado is dedicated to providing comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment.
Specializing in fentanyl addiction treatment, our center employs evidence-based and holistic methods to ensure effective and lasting recovery. Our approach to treatment ensures that care is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Understanding Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, up to 100 times more potent than morphine and about 50 times stronger than heroin. It is often prescribed for severe pain management, particularly for cancer patients.
However, the substance has increasingly been involved in illicit drug use due to its high potency and addictive properties.1
Fentanyl addiction occurs when someone develops a dependence on the drug. Dependence is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and use despite harmful consequences. This addiction can develop quickly, often after only a few uses, due to the drug’s intense euphoric effects.
How Fentanyl Works
Fentanyl’s potency significantly increases the risk of overdose, as even a small amount can be lethal. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, producing:2
- Pain relief
- Euphoria
- Sedation
However, it also depresses the respiratory system. This can lead to respiratory failure and death if not promptly treated.3
Impact of Fentanyl Addiction
The widespread impact of fentanyl addiction on individuals and communities is profound. According to the CDC, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were involved in over 36,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. This number has continued to rise in recent years.
The presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug market has worsened the opioid crisis, contributing to a significant increase in overdose deaths and straining public health resources.
Fentanyl addiction not only affects the individuals struggling with dependency but also has a ripple effect on families, communities, and healthcare systems. It underscores the urgent need for effective Fentanyl addiction treatment and prevention strategies to address this growing epidemic.
Complexities of Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Fentanyl addiction treatment can be particularly challenging. This is due to the drug’s extreme potency and rapid development of dependence. The intense euphoria produced by fentanyl can lead to addiction after just a few uses.
As people develop tolerance, they need an increasingly higher dose to achieve the same effects. This further increases their dependency.
Life-Threatening Risks
The high risk of overdose adds a critical layer of complexity to fentanyl addiction treatment. Even a slight miscalculation in dosage can result in fatal respiratory depression. The presence of fentanyl in many illicit drugs, often without the person’s knowledge, worsens this risk.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal can range from moderate to severe in intensity. It often includes symptoms such as:
- Extreme anxiety
- Muscle and bone pain
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Intense cravings
These symptoms often drive people back to use the drug to avoid the discomfort. This makes sustained recovery difficult without professional intervention.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Assessment Process at MHRC
At Mile High Recovery Center, the assessment process for identifying and diagnosing fentanyl addiction is thorough and multifaceted. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s condition are understood.
This allows for the development of an effective treatment plan.
Physical Evaluation
The physical evaluation involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. This includes:
- Assessing the person’s current physical health
- Understanding any underlying medical conditions
- Evaluating the extent of fentanyl use
Laboratory tests may be conducted to detect fentanyl levels in the body and to identify any co-occurring health issues.
Psychological Evaluation
The psychological evaluation assesses a person’s mental health status. The goal is to look for signs of co-occurring mental health disorders such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
This evaluation includes structured interviews and standardized psychological tests to determine the impact of fentanyl use on the person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Social Evaluation
The social evaluation examines the person’s social environment, including their relationships, work or school situation, and living conditions.
This assessment helps identify potential social factors contributing to the addiction, such as:
- Family dynamics
- Peer influence
- Socioeconomic status
Importance of Comprehensive Assessment in Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
A comprehensive assessment is crucial for tailoring personalized treatment plans for fentanyl addiction. Understanding the full scope of the person’s physical, psychological, and social circumstances allows clinicians to create a treatment plan that addresses all aspects of their condition.
This personalized approach increases the likelihood of successful recovery by ensuring that the treatment addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by each person.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment: Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a crucial component in the treatment of fentanyl addiction. It uses medications to:
- Manage withdrawal symptoms
- Reduce cravings
- Stabilize clients in early recovery
Opioid Replacement Therapies
Some common opioid replacements used in fentanyl addiction treatment include:
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist, methadone helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by activating the same opioid receptors in the brain as fentanyl, but in a controlled and less euphoric manner. It is often administered through specialized clinics on a daily basis.
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine produces milder effects compared to fentanyl. It has a ceiling effect that lowers the risk of misuse and overdose. It is often combined with naloxone (Suboxone) to deter intravenous abuse.
- Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist, naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, preventing any high if fentanyl is used. It is available in oral form or as a long-acting injectable (Vivitrol), which is administered monthly.
Medications for Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Common medications used for managing withdrawal symptoms include:
- Clonidine: Often used to treat high blood pressure, clonidine can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, muscle aches, and sweating.
- Lofexidine: Specifically approved for opioid withdrawal, lofexidine reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and helps ease the transition to full detoxification.
Role of MAT in Early Recovery
MAT plays a vital role in stabilizing people during the early stages of fentanyl addiction treatment. By reducing cravings and managing withdrawal symptoms, these medications help people maintain their commitment to treatment and reduce the risk of relapse.
Importance of Stabilization
MAT helps stabilize people by normalizing brain chemistry disrupted by chronic fentanyl use. This stabilization is crucial for allowing clients to focus on recovery activities, such as counseling and behavioral therapies, without the constant distraction of intense cravings or withdrawal discomfort.
Making Detox More Tolerable
The use of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone directly addresses the physical dependence on opioids. These medications help to significantly reduce the cravings that often lead to relapse.
By managing withdrawal symptoms, MAT makes the detoxification process more tolerable. This is essential for encouraging people to stay engaged in their treatment programs.
Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapies in Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
In addition to MAT, other evidence-based behavioral therapies are critical components of fentanyl addiction treatment.
These therapies are crucial in helping people to:
- Develop coping skills
- Address underlying issues
- Promote positive behavioral change
These therapies focus on modifying harmful behaviors, thoughts, and emotions associated with addiction. This provides clients with tools to maintain long-term sobriety. At Mile High Recovery Center, some of the evidence-based methods we use include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Managing stress
- Avoiding triggers
- Dealing with cravings
By reshaping how people think about and respond to situations, CBT helps them build healthier habits and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a form of CBT that emphasizes balancing acceptance and change. It is particularly effective for people with co-occurring mental health disorders.
DBT focuses on teaching skills in four key areas:
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotional regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
These skills help people manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors. This makes it easier to cope with the challenges of recovery.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a specialized therapy used to address trauma-related issues, which are often underlying factors in addiction.
During EMDR sessions, clients process traumatic memories by focusing on external stimuli, such as side-to-side eye movements or tapping. This helps desensitize the emotional impact of these memories and reprocess them in a way that reduces their power over the person.
EMDR can significantly alleviate symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, aiding in the recovery process.
PTSD Therapy
Treating PTSD is crucial for many people with fentanyl addiction, as trauma often plays a significant role in substance use disorders. PTSD therapy can include a variety of approaches, such as trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, and other specialized interventions.
These therapies help people:
- Confront and process traumatic experiences
- Reduce symptoms of PTSD
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms
By addressing the root causes of their addiction, clients can achieve more sustainable recovery outcomes.
Holistic Therapies for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at MHRC
At Mile High Recovery Center, holistic therapies are integrated into fentanyl addiction treatment to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of recovery. These approaches complement traditional evidence-based treatments, offering a comprehensive and personalized path to healing.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation practices help people develop greater awareness of their thoughts and feelings. This promotes relaxation and stress reduction.
These practices aid in:
- Managing cravings
- Reducing anxiety
- Enhancing emotional regulation
- Helping people stay grounded and focused on their recovery journey
Yoga and Physical Exercise
Yoga and physical exercise are incorporated to:
- Improve physical health
- Increase strength
- Reduce stress
- Improve mood
- Boost energy levels
Yoga, specifically, enhances flexibility and mindfulness, contributing to both physical and mental health.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional counseling focuses on restoring and maintaining a healthy diet, which is often neglected during addiction.
Proper nutrition plays several beneficial roles, including:
- Supporting physical recovery
- Boosting the immune system
- Improving mental clarity
A balanced diet can also help stabilize mood and energy levels, aiding in the recovery journey.
Art and Music Therapy
Creative therapies like art and music therapy provide non-verbal outlets for expression and healing.
These therapies allow people to:
- Explore and express emotions
- Reduce stress
- Foster a sense of accomplishment and self-discovery
By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of recovery, holistic therapies at MHRC support a more comprehensive and integrated approach to overcoming fentanyl addiction. This holistic focus helps people build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Co-Occurrence of Mental Health Disorders with Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
Dual diagnoses, or co-occurring disorders, complicates the treatment process because each condition can worsen the other.
For example, someone may use fentanyl to self-medicate their mental health symptoms, leading to dependence. Addiction can worsen the symptoms of their mental health disorder.
Importance of Integrated Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Integrated treatment is crucial for effectively addressing both fentanyl addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Treating only the addiction without addressing the underlying mental health issues often leads to relapse. This is because the untreated mental health symptoms can drive people back to substance use.
Conversely, treating only the mental health disorder without addressing the addiction is equally ineffective. Ongoing substance use can hinder mental health recovery.
Our Commitment to Integrated Care
Mile High Recovery Center provides integrated treatment that addresses both fentanyl addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders at the same time.
By addressing both fentanyl addiction and mental health disorders in an integrated manner, Mile High Recovery Center helps people achieve more sustainable recovery and improved quality of life.
Overcome Fentanyl Addiction at MHRC
Reclaiming life from fentanyl addiction is a challenging but achievable goal with the right support and treatment. Mile High Recovery Center offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to help people overcome this powerful addiction and restore their well-being.
We offer a comprehensive approach to fentanyl addiction treatment, starting with thorough assessments to diagnose addiction and any co-occurring disorders. Medication-assisted treatment using methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone manages withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings.
Evidence-Based Care
Evidence-based therapies help develop coping skills and promote positive change. We offer a range of evidence-based methods, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- EMDR
- PTSD-specific treatments
Holistic therapies, including mindfulness, yoga, and nutritional counseling, support well-being. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment ensures comprehensive care by addressing both addiction and mental health disorders.
Contact Mile High Recovery Center Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, MHRC is here to help. Our personalized fentanyl addiction treatment options are designed to meet your unique needs and support you on your journey to healing and recovery.
Don’t wait to reclaim your life—reach out to Mile High Recovery Center today and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.
