Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that’s highly addictive. Over the past few years, fentanyl addiction rates have spiked, and the drug was involved in the majority of drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl addiction treatment can help people stop using the drug, manage cravings, and learn how to stay drug-free in the future. Red Oak Recovery®’s rehab program in North Carolina provides support for men struggling with fentanyl and other drugs.
How Opioids Affect the Brain
Opioids affect the way a person experiences pain, which is why they are often used in medical treatment. Fentanyl is a prescription opioid that can be used to manage severe pain after surgery or who live with chronic pain. When someone takes an opioid, the drug binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which lessens feelings of pain and can produce sedating and euphoric feelings. People living with chronic pain often experience stress related to their pain, which can make the effects of opioids even more attractive. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on opioids to produce these feelings, often leading to addiction. With dependence comes tolerance, which is when someone needs more of a substance—or a more potent one—to feel the same way. Fentanyl is even stronger than other prescription opioids like oxycodone, and illicit versions of the drug are even stronger. When someone develops a tolerance to opioids, they may turn to fentanyl because it is more potent.Treatment Is Essential for Fentanyl Addiction Recovery
Trying to quit using fentanyl after becoming addicted is challenging. Once the brain and body depend on the drug to feel normal, stopping its use can result in intense withdrawal symptoms. Even if someone successfully quits using fentanyl, intense cravings may cause them to relapse. Fentanyl addiction treatment works because it addresses the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Managing cravings, building coping skills, and receiving support from others are all part of a successful treatment program. When someone has the resources to get better, they can learn how to curb cravings in healthy ways, rebuild relationships, and avoid relapse triggers. While there is no cure for addiction, people who attend fentanyl rehab have a much higher chance of recovery than those who try to quit using on their own.How Treatment Works
Treatment for fentanyl addiction at Red Oak Recovery® involves a personalized treatment plan for you or your loved one. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), talk and experiential therapies, support groups, and co-occurring mental health support are all major parts of our program.Medication-Assisted Treatment
FDA-approved medications can be safe and effective for treating opioid use disorders, including for people who are addicted to fentanyl. MAT is not just replacing one addiction with another. Instead, the medications work to block the effects of opioids, reduce cravings, and ease withdrawal symptoms. For people with chronic pain or co-occurring mental health conditions, this can be especially useful since cravings can be even more intense.Talk and Experiential Therapy
Clients at Red Oak receive at least 30 hours of clinical hours a week, including two to three sessions in individual counseling. Each client may experience a different mix of talk therapy methods, like:- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma
- Psychoeducation to explore the root causes of addiction and triggers for relapse
Support Groups
Addiction is isolating, and building connections with others during recovery is one of the most important parts of long-term progress. During group therapy and support group sessions, clients connect with others going through similar challenges and share their experiences. Everyone can offer support and encouragement, helping each other as they navigate through treatment.Co-occurring Mental Health
Many people who struggle with fentanyl addiction also live with a co-occurring mental health condition. Trauma-related disorders like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more are common in people with opioid use disorders. Through dual diagnosis treatment, clients can learn how to manage their mental health symptoms while receiving addiction treatment.What to Expect at Red Oak Recovery®
From the moment you step onto our tranquil campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can feel the difference of our treatment philosophy. We believe in treating every individual with compassion and dignity, helping them uncover their strengths and work toward their unique goals. The Red Oak team isn’t filled with businesspeople but with addiction treatment clinicians dedicated to helping our clients find a new way forward.- Stunning natural beauty – Located just outside of Asheville, NC, our campus provides peace and quiet for clients.
- Experiential therapies – Our program includes outdoor experiences, equine therapy, and other non-traditional therapies for a holistic approach.
- A gender-specific environment – Men living with addiction and mental health challenges can feel comfortable reaching for a better life in our supportive environment.
- Clinical excellence – Our team of clinicians are trained, experienced, and prepared to help each client find a new way forward.
- Family support – We don’t just treat addiction; we provide education to families and support as they rebuild relationships with their loved one in treatment.