Fentanyl Detox Treatment Rehab

The Treatment Approach for Fentanyl Dependence

Like medical detox, the approach to treatment for fentanyl dependence will be based on several individual factors, such as the specific drug used and the person’s intensity of misuse. Still, it typically involves using a multi-faceted approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT for opioid dependence treatment includes medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These are pharmaceutical interventions intended to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support the individual throughout their recovery. MAT may be used for weeks, months, or years if necessary, depending on the person’s needs and whether their health provider deems them appropriate.

Behavioral Therapies

Various evidence-based behavioral therapies can be effective in addressing fentanyl dependence. Among these are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and dialectical behavior therapy. These approaches are designed to help individuals identify underlying issues, alter unhealthy thought patterns, and develop better coping skills to foster long-lasting recovery.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is intended to provide community support in which individuals can share experiences with peers, express a sense of understanding, and make use of guidance from others facing similar issues. This method can help forge interpersonal connections, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote personal accountability. Therapists, counselors, or other experts in the field of addiction frequently lead group therapy sessions.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can be integral to an individual’s recovery progress. These sessions can address family dynamics, improve communication, and offer education and support for loved ones. Contrast this intervention with informal peer groups like Al-Anon, where peers with a history of sobriety facilitate the meetings rather than therapists. However, both are semi-structured forms of family interaction that can be especially beneficial when used in conjunction.

Holistic Approaches

Holistic strategies serve as ancillary or complementary approaches to addiction treatment, with the intent to address the “whole” person. They are designed to recognize the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual’s life and promote overall mental, physical, and spiritual health and wellness.

Holistic Approaches Include:

• Mindfulness meditation.
• Yoga and movement therapies.
• Sports-related activities.
• Art and music therapy.
• Outdoor, adventure, and wilderness activities.
• Nutrition and exercise.
• Acupuncture and acupressure.
• Massage therapy.
• Religious and spiritual services and activities.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment & Co-Occurring Disorders

Dual diagnoses, also known as co-occurring disorders, are very common among individuals with substance use disorders. Mental health issues can compel a person to use drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medication. Another reason is that addiction itself can cause or worsen mental health conditions due to the chemical and emotional imbalances that occur with substance use and dependence.

Ultimately, the two disorders can exacerbate each other and lead to a vicious cycle of drug use and psychological distress. Similar underlying factors, such as genetics, can also contribute to the development of both issues. For this reason, intervention is necessary to stop the cycle, and both conditions must be treated simultaneously to prevent one disorder from fueling the other.

Rehab Options & Treatment Programs for Fentanyl Addiction

There are many treatment options for fentanyl addiction. They vary in intensity and flexibility and are often combined to provide clients with a multi-staged treatment plan. Levels of care include inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient services, and standard outpatient services. However, the specific components and duration of these programs vary based on the treatment center itself and the severity of the fentanyl use disorder.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab involves individuals living at a facility 24/7, including overnight stays. This is the most intensive level of care available. Inpatient programs offer intensive therapeutic care, relapse prevention training, and holistic activities such as mindfulness meditation and art therapy. The goal of inpatient rehab is to provide a safe, comfortable, substance-free living environment where peers can gather, share in groups, and offer each other advice and support.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial Hospitalization Programs are organized treatment programs that, concerning intensity, fall somewhere in the middle between inpatient and outpatient programs. Individuals participating in PHP stay at a facility most of the time but return to private residences in the evenings. 

These programs are frequently ideal for those who require a greater level of care than outpatient offers but need the round-the-clock supervision seen in highly structured inpatient environments. They typically provide similar therapies and services as inpatient treatment programs.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) & Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs can serve as a transition between PHP and standard outpatient rehab, offering therapeutic sessions that require participation for several hours on average on five or more days per week. The precise program duration can vary from several weeks to months depending on the program’s specific design and the interventions provided. They may have a predetermined length or be tailored to the individual’s needs.

In standard outpatient programs, sessions are less frequent and may be held only once a week or once a month.

Virtual & Online Treatment or Counseling

Online therapy provides mental health support from any location. The benefits of online therapy include lower rates, convenience, easy access, privacy, and the avoidance of public stigma. Guardian Virtual, our latest treatment option, allows you access to our highly effective and individualized intensive outpatient program from the comfort of your own home.

Fentanyl Addiction Aftercare Planning & Relapse Prevention

Aftercare planning and relapse prevention strategies are vital components of fentanyl addiction treatment. They are designed to help people in recovery maintain their sobriety and reduce the risk of relapse after they’ve completed formal treatment. 

Various Components Can Include:

• Continuing professional care, including individual and group therapy and counseling.
• Supportive services, including case management, vocational assistance, or legal support.
• Continued medication-assisted treatment and changes to the individual’s treatment plan.
• Participation in self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.
• Relapse prevention strategies include identifying triggers, developing improved coping mechanisms, and establishing a relapse prevention plan. These plans typically involve identifying early warning signs of relapse, devising a plan of action, and having a support system in place to respond appropriately and promptly in cases of relapse.
• Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting healthier habits (e.g., exercising, eating a balanced diet, and practicing good sleep hygiene). This can also include mindfulness and self-care strategies, such as medication and deep breathing exercises.
• Building a support network of family, friends, and sober peers to provide accountability, encouragement, and a sense of community and belonging.