Key Takeaways:
- Fentanyl is a key element of the problem that causes the most drug overdose deaths in the U.S. among adults between the ages of 35 and 44, as per cdc.gov.
- From 2020 to 2023, the number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Las Vegas went up by 97%, especially among those who were also using meth or cocaine.
- People with substance use disorders can get structured and intense treatment through Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs). They are a step between going to the hospital and getting therapy at home.
- There are five stages of addiction recovery: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. You have to go through all of these steps to get better from fentanyl addiction.
- To effectively recover from addiction, people in Las Vegas need extensive treatment regimens that include Drug Detox Programs, therapy, and support groups.
Introduction
Las Vegas is famous for its fun nightlife and entertainment, but it is also dealing with a growing public health crisis: adults aged 35 and older are dying from fentanyl overdoses. There have been a lot more overdose deaths in this group, which has made people rethink how to help people with addiction recovery in Las Vegas. To fix this problem that is getting worse, it’s crucial to know what causes it and what treatments are available.
Healthcare providers, legislators, and community groups have all made it a primary goal to help people in Las Vegas recover from addiction. The rise in fentanyl-related overdoses shows that there is a need for complete treatment programs that address the issues that people in this age range are dealing with. This blog post talks about why adults over 35 overdose on fentanyl, how Partial Hospitalization Programs function, and the numerous ways people can get better in Las Vegas.
Why Are Adults Aged 35 More Vulnerable to Fentanyl Overdoses?
People between the ages of 35 and 44 had the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the US. In 2020, there were 53.9 fatalities per 100,000 people. In 2021, that number rose to 62.0 deaths per 100,000 people. This trend is especially scary in Las Vegas. The Southern Nevada Health District said that between 2020 and 2023, the number of overdose deaths among Clark County residents who took fentanyl with methamphetamine or cocaine went up by 97%. The number of deaths went from 73 to 144.
There are a few things that make this risk higher. People in this age range generally have a lot of stress in their lives, like work stress, family obligations, and money troubles. This can make people use drugs to deal with it.
How Do Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) Support Addiction Recovery?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an organized, rigorous treatment option for persons who have problems with drugs or alcohol. It provides care that is somewhere between being hospitalized and getting regular outpatient therapy. PHPs help people recover from addiction by giving them medical care, treatment, and support services all at the same time.
In Las Vegas, Partial Hospitalization Programs are a big part of the addiction recovery landscape. They have individualized plans that help folks who are having trouble with Fentanyl Addiction.
What Are the Five Stages of Addiction Recovery?
It takes five steps to get healthy from a fentanyl addiction:
- Precontemplation: People might not think their drug use is a problem.
- Contemplation: You think about the problem more, but you haven’t made a promise to change yet.
- Preparation: People start to make plans for change by looking for knowledge and guidance.
- Action: People take steps to improve their behavior, and treatment programs, such as the Partial Hospitalization Program, are often part of this process.
- Maintenance: Continuous work is done to keep recovery progressing and prevent relapse.
You need to know these stages so you may change your treatment based on where the person is in their recovery. People who are trying to get over their addiction in Las Vegas can get help with each step of the way from the 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery From Substance Use. These programs give them the tools and support they need to stay sober for good, as per NCBI.
What Treatment Options Are Available in Las Vegas for Fentanyl Addiction?
People in Las Vegas who are addicted to fentanyl have a lot of ways to get help, such as:
- Drug Detox Programs: Medical supervision throughout detox to help people deal with the symptoms of withdrawal and get ready for more therapy.
- Residential Treatment Programs: You reside in a place where you can get care all the time and have a structured place to get better.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): These programs help patients get better while still accomplishing their daily tasks by giving them treatment options that work for them.
Conclusion
The increase in fentanyl overdoses among persons aged 35 in Las Vegas demonstrates the necessity of identifying effective methods for aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. To deal with the challenges generated by this crisis, addiction recovery in Las Vegas is changing. Programs like Partial Hospitalization Programs are beneficial for giving people structured, intensive care.
There are many ways to get help for fentanyl addiction at Virtue Recovery Las Vegas. These choices are made to fit the unique needs of each person. If you or someone you care about is ready to start getting better, call Virtue Recovery Las Vegas at Tel: 866.520.2861.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is fentanyl, and why is it so dangerous?
Fentanyl is an opioid that people make that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is powerful; thus, it is more possible that someone will inadvertently overdose on it, especially if they mix it with other substances.
2. How do I know if someone has taken too much fentanyl?
If someone has taken too much fentanyl, their breathing may slow down or stop, they may not respond, and their pupils may be very small. It is vitally important to get medical help right now.
3. Are there any ways to get over an addiction to fentanyl without going to the hospital?
Yes, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) offer flexible treatment choices that help people get care while still doing their everyday tasks.
Citations:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 2001–2021.” CDC, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db457.htm.
- Southern Nevada Health District. “Overdose and Substance Use Update.” SNHD, Mar. 2024, https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/siteassets/content/boards/boh/meetings/20242/SNHD.pdf.
- Brookings Institution. “From Cradle to Grave: Responding to Nevada’s Fentanyl Crisis.” Brookings, Oct. 2024, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/from-cradle-to-grave-responding-to-nevadas-fentanyl-crisis/.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Overdose Prevention Strategy.” HHS.gov, https://www.hhs.gov/overdose-prevention/.
- Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. “Nevada Opioid Crisis Needs Assessment.” DPBH, June 2018, https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/siteassets/content/resources/opioids/dhhs-data/NevadaOpioidCrisisNeedsAssessment061818.pdf.
