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Substance Use Treatment for Teens

Teen Fentanyl Addiction Treatment & Rehab

Use this resource page to explore different fentanyl addiction treatment options that are right for your teen.

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Fentanyl Overdose – Use, Abuse, and Side Effects

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid commonly compared to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.

Although it is a prescription drug that may be used to treat patients with severe pain or chronic pain, it is also made and used illegally.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic opioids, which include fentanyl, are the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States.

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How addictive is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is highly addictive because it is so potent.

Even someone prescribed fentanyl can develop a dependence, which involves experiencing withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using a substance. Dependence is not the same as addiction; however, it can quickly lead to it.
 

How strong is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is an extremely strong and powerful substance.

To put it in perspective, the CDC also reports that fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Substances can contain deadly amounts of fentanyl without a person being able to see it, smell it, or taste it.

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Fentanyl strength comparison between heroine and morphine
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How does fentanyl make you feel?

Some teens may use fentanyl to feel “euphoric” or extremely happy.

However, its euphoric effects are only temporary and come with a number of negative effects. Fentanyl can make a person feel drowsy, confused, nauseous, and constipated.

When a person becomes addicted, the brain seeks the drug over and over again to feel “normal” again. Additionally, someone experiencing withdrawal may become agitated or depressed because of the changes in brain chemicals.

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What does a fentanyl exposure feel like?

Someone who has been exposed to fentanyl or has become intoxicated may experience symptoms such as:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness or disorientation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness

What does fentanyl do to kids?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, accidental exposure to fentanyl patches can cause overdose and become fatal for kids.

The FDA highlights the need to store and dispose of it properly. Some people may be prescribed fentanyl patches for long-term pain medicine; however, it is extremely dangerous and deadly if a child gains access to it.

What are fentanyl withdrawal symptoms?

People who develop a dependence or addiction to fentanyl may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms can include:

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Muscle pain
Nausea or vomiting
Cold flashes
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Cravings
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Sleep problems
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Diarrhea
Uncontrollable leg movements
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The Continuum of Care

Care for Wherever You Are in Your Journey

Access a full range of treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. Whether you need a safe transitional living community, inpatient care, or outpatient therapy, we have a program to help.

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What are the warning signs a teenager is addicted to fentanyl?

A teen who is using fentanyl or has an addiction may show signs such as:

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Constricted pupils
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Slurred speech
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Drowsiness or insomnia
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Isolating themselves
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Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
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Problems at school or work
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Signs you may need addiction treatment

What are the short-term effects of fentanyl addiction in teens?

Short-term effects of fentanyl addiction in teens can include:

  • Temporary relaxation or “euphoria”
  • Sedation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Urinary retention
  • Breathing problems
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What are the long-term effects of fentanyl addiction in teens?

Long-term effects of fentanyl use and addiction in teens can include:

  • Severe constipation
  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems such as heart attack
  • Compromised immune system
  • Reproductive issues

Fentanyl use may also put a person at higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

It is common for mental disorders to co-occur with substance use disorders; however, it can make the treatment process more complex.

Some people struggling with mental health issues may turn to substances to self-medicate, and vice versa.

When considering treatment, it is important to identify and address each problem rather than treating it as one disorder.

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Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous and highly addictive drug.

Teen fentanyl addiction treatment can involve medication and behavioral therapies. Sandstone Care is here to support teens and young adults struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

How do I know if my teen needs treatment for a fentanyl addiction?

Signs your teen may need treatment for a fentanyl addiction may include:

  • Forging prescriptions
  • Lying or stealing to get more
  • Needing more of the drug to get “high,” becoming irritated or angry when they can’t get it
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
  • Engaging in risky or destructive behaviors
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How to talk to your kid about drug abuse
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What is the best treatment for teen fentanyl addiction?

The most common and effective treatment for teen fentanyl addiction involves a combination of medication with behavioral therapy.

Medications like buprenorphine and methadone can help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone is another medication that can help prevent the effects of fentanyl.

For teens, it is important to talk about the safety of medications for teen addiction treatment use with their healthcare provider.

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How long is fentanyl treatment?
The length of fentanyl addiction treatment completely depends on the individual. Because each person’s circumstances are unique, treatment shouldn’t be approached as one-size-fits-all. Therefore, there is no set number on how long fentanyl treatment will take.
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How long does it take to detox from fentanyl?
The length of withdrawal and detox from fentanyl can vary from person to person. For some, it could be around a week, and others may experience less severe withdrawal symptoms for months.

Therapy Treatments

Explore Fentanyl Therapy for Teens.

We deliver evidence-based therapy treatment for teens in a number of areas. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions.

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Find Teen Fentanyl Treatment Centers Near You

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Addiction Treatment Richmond VA

4880 Sadler Rd, Suite 110, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23060

(804) 534-2950
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Substance UseDual-Diagnosis
Tinley-Park-Exterior-SUD

Tinley Park Drug Rehab

16325 S Harlem Ave # 200, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477

(708) 766-7735
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Substance UseDual-Diagnosis
Naperville-SUD-Center-Featured

Naperville Drug Rehab

8140 S. Cass Avenue Suite A, Darien, Illinois, 60561

(331) 444-7907
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Substance UseDual-Diagnosis
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Alexandria Drug Rehab

5400 Shawnee Rd #101, Alexandria, Virginia, 22312

(571) 556-7505
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Substance UseDual-Diagnosis
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Buffalo Grove Rehab Center

195 N Arlington Heights Rd #101a, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, 60089

(847) 908-5461
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Substance UseDual-Diagnosis
Towson Rehab Center

Towson Rehab Center

521 East Joppa Road, Suite 105, Towson, Maryland, 21286

(410) 847-7574
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Substance UseDual-Diagnosis

FAQs

You have questions. We have answers.

Our goal is to provide the most helpful information. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions. We are here to help in any way we can.

Teens and young adults are at a higher risk of developing a fentanyl addiction. The brain is still undergoing major development throughout the teenage and young adult years.

This development, along with genetics and environmental factors, increases teens’ vulnerability to addiction.

Teens may obtain fentanyl by being prescribed it for severe pain. They may also get it from a friend or family member who was prescribed fentanyl.

Fentanyl is also illicitly made and sold and sometimes mixed with other substances without a person knowing, which can be extremely dangerous.

According to Anesthesia & Analgesia, a study showed that fentanyl could be detected in urine 24 hours after administration.

Additionally, hair tests can detect fentanyl for up to 3 months.

Fentanyl can be made in many different forms.

It can be sold illegally as a powder, which looks like many other drugs, and can be unnoticeable when combined with heroin or cocaine. It may also be made into pills to look like other prescription opioids.

Additionally, fentanyl can take the form of a liquid in nasal sprays, eye droppers, or blotter papers.

When fentanyl is illegally made and mixed with other substances, it can be extremely dangerous and result in overdose.

Signs of opioid overdose can include:

  • Constricted pupils
  • Loss of consciousness or falling asleep
  • Choking
  • Cold or discolored skin
  • Limp body

If you think someone may be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.

It can sometimes be difficult for parents or loved ones to tell that their teen may be struggling with addiction.

Warning signs that a teenager may be addicted to drugs can include:

  • Stealing money, lying, or being secretive
  • Isolating themselves from family or friends
  • Sudden changes in their eating or sleeping habits
  • Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
  • Physical changes such as poor hygiene, bloodshot eyes, frequent nose bleeds, shaking or fidgeting

A teen who is struggling with addiction may also exhibit significant mood changes. They may be extremely irritable, agitated, paranoid, or have trouble concentrating or staying focused.

Many signs of substance abuse or addiction also show similarities with warning signs of mental health conditions. If you suspect your teen may be struggling with addiction or mental health, it is important to seek professional help to receive proper diagnosis and care.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, biology, environment, and development are factors that put a person at risk of developing an addiction.

Teens and young people are especially vulnerable to addictive behaviors.

Many young people are faced with peer pressure and stressors and may be exposed to drugs during their teenage years.

Certain areas of the brain responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and judgment are still developing throughout a person’s teenage and young adult years, making teens more susceptible to risky behaviors like drug use.

Moreover, the earlier substance use begins, the more likely it is for the person to develop an addiction.

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We understand taking the first step is difficult. There is no shame or guilt in asking for help or more information. We are here to support you in any way we can.