When a loved one, especially a son, starts to use a drug like Fentanyl, it can feel world-changing. Sometimes the person may seem like themselves, at other times they may not seem like themselves at all. Spotting Fentanyl addiction warning signs in children may be difficult and scary. The initial reaction may range from fury to disbelief to panic, but it will likely be intense. After this response occurs is time to direct that energy towards positive change.
Warning Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
It may be easy for warning signs of addiction to go unnoticed. When you are a parent, you never want to believe your child might have fallen into addiction. It is only natural to want the best for your child, but sometimes that clouds judgment around how that person is doing and what they are doing with their time. It may even lead to enabling behaviors that keep them locked into addiction. Common signs parents can watch for if a son may be using Fentanyl:
- Slower breathing
- Drowsy
- Relaxed
- Less coordinated
- Difficulty focusing
- Insomnia
- Swelling in their arms, feet, or ankles
- Feeling anxious
- Nausea
When these things cluster together, it begins to form a picture of what is happening. This may seem scary, but don’t be alarmed. It is the first time to notice it and now is the time to act.
Begin Recovery
Figuring out the next steps is crucial to success in recovery. It may come with myriad emotions around the diagnosis, but it is possible to help a child with addiction to fentanyl get well. Start with some of the following:
- Interventionist: consult with someone who has the ability to prepare a professional intervention with the support of family and friends. They will educate everyone and offer support to keep things going smoothly (and hopefully result in treatment for the loved one in the end)
- Don’t encourage shame: use ‘i’ statements and don’t focus on them. Talk about specific things stemming from addiction that has impacted your journey as a parent. Release blame and shame. It will not help them understand their addiction in light of everyone else and will only push them away
- Help them see dangers: when they understand the risks they’re taking, maybe they will be willing to quit. Doing this without professional help can be difficult as many people are prone to relapse when they don’t go to treatment. Let them know they can go with full support and they will have a better life ahead
Even if it takes a few tries, don’t give up. Residential treatment is a good way to start, followed by transitional programs in a supportive network outside rehab. Their best bet is to seek longer than 30 days when possible to give themselves time to turn their mind, head, and bodies around to get used to the new way things are now, which is clean and sober.
The Guest House is based on a Therapeutic Communty model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. One thing Palmetto understands is family dynamics. We are here to support everyone in the family who loves their son, brother, colleague. Recovery is harder without support. We are here to offer treatment and bring you to hope in the midst of challenges with addiction. Call us to find out more: 855-483-7800.