Fentanyl Addiction in Los Angeles
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s fueling a national crisis. At Ritz Recovery, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatment in Los Angeles for individuals suffering from fentanyl addiction. Our clinical team is experienced in treating opioid use disorder, managing withdrawal symptoms, and helping patients rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive, and luxurious setting.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid known for fentanyl’s potency, being 50–100 times more potent than morphine. While it’s legally prescribed for severe pain—especially after surgery or for cancer patients—most overdose deaths are now linked to illicit fentanyl, which is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine without the user’s knowledge.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a leading driver of overdose deaths in the United States. Just a tiny amount—equivalent to a few grains of salt—can be fatal.
How Fentanyl Addiction Happens
Many people begin by taking prescription opioids for chronic or severe pain. Over time, individuals may require higher doses to achieve the same pain relief, increasing the risk of dependence and misuse. These medications, known as opioid analgesics, include drugs like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Unfortunately, prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and opioid misuse.
Illicit fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills sold as legitimate prescription pain relievers. These fake prescription pills are indistinguishable in appearance but may contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Drug dealers increasingly use it to boost the effects of heroin or other opioids—often with tragic consequences.
Learn more from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Risks of Fentanyl and Overdose
Fentanyl’s potency dramatically increases the risk of overdose. Symptoms include:
- Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue lips or fingernails
The overdose effects of fentanyl can be severe and life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Immediate use of naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, can help. Nasal sprays like Narcan are widely available and easy to administer. You can also test for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips, an important harm reduction tool.
Warning Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction often develops rapidly and may include:
- Increasing tolerance to opioid effects
- Taking opioids outside of prescription guidelines
- Seeking out multiple prescriptions or street drugs
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, or muscle pain
- Using pills with unknown ingredients (risk of illicit fentanyl)
If you or a loved one is showing these signs, it’s critical to seek help from a licensed treatment provider.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Ritz Recovery
At Ritz Recovery, we combine clinical excellence with personalized care. Our treatment for fentanyl addiction includes:
1. Medically Supervised Detox
Detox is the first step to treat patients with fentanyl addiction. We help patients manage opioid withdrawal safely and comfortably, reducing the risk of complications.
2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
FDA-approved medicines like buprenorphine and methadone help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Naloxone may also be used for overdose prevention.
3. Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Support
Many individuals with fentanyl addiction also struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health disorders. Our integrated care model addresses both substance use disorder and mental health issues simultaneously.
4. Behavioral Therapy
We use evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and group therapy to address the root causes of addiction and build healthy coping skills.
Our therapy sessions are available both in person and through telehealth to accommodate individual needs.
5. Aftercare Planning
Long-term recovery requires support. Our team works with patients to create custom aftercare plans, including outpatient therapy, sober living, or connections to community-based organizations.
Harm Reduction and Public Education
Ritz Recovery supports the broader mission to raise awareness, prevent opioid misuse, and save lives. We encourage:
- Use of fentanyl test strips to identify counterfeit pills
- Community education through partnerships with public health organizations
- Equipping loved ones with naloxone and emergency overdose training
- Supporting efforts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
We provide resources to the community to help raise awareness and implement effective overdose prevention strategies.
Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction Today
You don’t have to face fentanyl addiction alone. At Ritz Recovery in Los Angeles, we provide compassionate care grounded in science and centered on you.
Call or contact us online to learn how we can help.
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