Experience Effective & Lasting Recovery from Fentanyl Abuse & Withdrawal with Greensboro Halfway Houses

Greensboro, North Carolina, brims with Southern charm and a rich history. Steeped in the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, Greensboro offers a multitude of museums like the International Civil Rights Center & Museum and the Greensboro Science Center. A vibrant art scene thrives here, with galleries and studios lining the streets. Catch a performance at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts or explore the Greensboro Arboretum’s 26 acres of gardens and trails. While Greensboro has many special qualities, it is not immune to the problems of other cities such as fentanyl addiction and abuse. This powerful synthetic opioid has spiked overdose deaths, and public health efforts are working to raise awareness and provide harm reduction resources.

In 2017, over 2,000 North Carolinians lost their lives due to opioid overdoses, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. In 2021, there were 3,163 fentanyl-related deaths in North Carolina. This represents a significant increase compared to the 2,426 deaths recorded in 2020. The monthly rolling average of fentanyl-positive deaths in 2020-2021 ranged from 160 to 307.

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms occur when someone who is dependent on fentanyl stops using the drug. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also sometimes illegally manufactured and sold. People who become dependent on fentanyl may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug abruptly. Common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include cravings for fentanyl, chills, diarrhea, irritability, and many others.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, it’s crucial to reach out to a certified North Carolina halfway house for assistance. Halfway houses in Greensboro can function as centers of harm reduction education and distributing resources within the community. This includes raising awareness about the dangers associated with fentanyl abuse & withdrawal, providing fentanyl test strips, and ensuring the availability of overdose reversal medication like naloxone.

What credentials does North Carolina offer for addiction professionals?

In North Carolina, the Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board provides several credentials for addiction professionals such as:

• • Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS): Also known as the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, this credential necessitates 180 hours (all substance abuse-specific) and is attainable through distance learning. This is the highest level of credential and allows for independent practice. It requires a master’s degree in a human services field with a clinical application, supervised experience, and passing an exam.
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): Formerly known as CSAC, this credential requires completion of 270 hours (with 190 hours specific to substance abuse) and can be obtained through distance learning. This credential allows professionals to work under supervision. It requires completing an education program and supervised training hours.
  • Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS): For clinical supervisors, this credential involves supervisory training and is essential for overseeing other addiction professionals.
  • Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS): Formerly known as CSAPC, this credential focuses on prevention efforts and requires specialized training. This certification is offered to those persons who frequently are not involved in one-to-one and group counseling with persons who have substance abuse problems. Rather, it is offered to those persons who identify and work with people in high risk categories and/or in alcohol and drug education settings 

• Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP): All applicants for the CCJP must first complete the LCAS or CSAC credential first. This credential is designed for addiction professionals who work in three settings: law enforcement, the judiciary and/or corrections. The CCJP credential, unlike the other clinical credentials of the Board, does not require an active caseload of clients.

Keep in mind that each credential has specific requirements, including clinical ethics training and ongoing supervision. If you’re interested, it is recommended to explore the official board’s website for detailed information.

What was a halfway house in the 1800s?

Halfway houses have a long history, dating back to the 1800s. In those early days, they served a slightly different purpose than they do today.

Originally, halfway houses focused on helping people who were struggling with poverty or homelessness. These institutions provided a structured environment with support services to get residents back on their feet. This support might include finding work, securing permanent housing, and potentially addressing underlying social issues that led to their situation.

Before the mid-18th century, the more popular method of corrections centered around deterrence, where punishment served as a way to discourage wrongdoings, emphasizing swift and severe penalties. Halfway houses introduced an alternative philosophy emphasizing rehabilitation and equipping individuals for reintegration into society after incarceration.

The concept of halfway houses emerged in the early 1800s and gained traction by the mid-1800s. One example is the Isaac T. Hopper House in New York City, which specifically served discharged female prisoners. However, around the late 1800s, the focus of halfway houses began to shift more towards accommodating people released from sentences.

How did halfway houses begin changing in the 1950s?

The 1950s marked a significant shift in the way halfway houses operated. Prior to this decade, these facilities primarily served as transitional housing for released offenders, offering a roof and nothing much else. This began to change in the 1950s as the focus moved towards rehabilitation. Halfway houses started incorporating programs designed to help residents reintegrate into society.

This shift was influenced by advancements in psychology and psychiatry. As these fields shed light on unjust behavior and mental health issues, halfway houses could now offer more targeted support based on individual needs. Additionally, overcrowded cells and a growing desire to reduce recidivism rates fueled interest in halfway houses. These facilities were seen as a way to ease the transition to society and ultimately lower the chances of people returning to confinement.

Recognizing the potential benefits, governments in the 1950s began providing more funding and support for halfway houses. This allowed for an expansion of services and overall improvement in the quality of care offered. The decade also saw the early signs of specialization within halfway houses. While still in its early stages, some facilities began catering to specific needs, such as offering drug or alcohol treatment programs for residents. In essence, the 1950s transformed halfway houses from simply offering a halfway point between confinement and freedom to becoming more structured environments focused on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Seek Hope & Heal from Fentanyl Abuse & Withdrawal with Greensboro Halfway Houses

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as 12 to 30 hours after the last dose. The symptoms are usually worse within the first 2 or 3 days and gradually improve over the next week. However, some people may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) that can last for weeks or even months. PAWS can include symptoms such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

According to the NCDHHS, fentanyl-related deaths have been rising sharply, with 1,517 deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2020.  In 2022, there were 4,243 suspected overdose deaths in North Carolina, according to preliminary figures from the N.C. Medical Examiner’s office. The state also witnessed 9,243 opioid overdose emergency department visits during the same period.

Given the widespread presence of fentanyl, combating the opioid crisis in Greensboro demands a comprehensive approach. Halfway houses in North Carolina offer individuals the necessary resources and assistance to reintegrate into society and pursue fulfilling lives free from addiction. Amidst the escalating battle against addiction, halfway houses in Greensboro help furnish a nurturing environment for individuals embarking on their recovery journey from fentanyl abuse & withdrawal. They provide essential guidance and community support vital for breaking the chains of substance abuse. Recovery is possible with the right environment and a strong support system in place. Begin your journey to a healthier tomorrow now. Call us today!

Resources:

[1] Halfway Houses – Oxford Bibliographies

[2] North Carolina Addictions Specialist Requirements – NCASPPB

[3] North Carolinians died of opioid overdoses in 2022 – WUNC