Fentanyl Rehab in Arizona: How AnchorPoint Supports Recovery

Terry A. Vaughan

Terry A. Vaughan, M.D., F.A.P.A.

Medical Director

Dr. Terry Vaughan is a physician specializing in psychiatry who has over 20 years of experience treating psychiatric and addiction patients in Prescott, Arizona. She graduated with her medical degree (M.D.) from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1993. Afterwards she began her internship in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Hospital and completed her psychiatry residency in 1997 at Indiana/Purdue University.

She began her career as Medical Director of a geriatric inpatient psychiatric unit and outpatient clinic with Tenet Hospital Corporation in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Starting in 1999 Dr. Vaughan moved to West Yavapai Guidance Clinic in Prescott where she was promoted to medical director and supervised a medical staff of 16 physicians and mid-level practitioners over her tenure of 10 years at the clinic.

She started her private practice, Psychiatric Services Of Prescott in the year 2010 and has been seeing private patients in her office while consulting with and treating patients in residential treatment centers over the last 10 years. Dr. Vaughan has also served as medical director of an inpatient detoxification center and has significant experience in treating withdrawal and medication assisted management of addictions, including certification for treatment with Suboxone. Dr. Vaughan has experience in treatment of dementia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder as well as anxiety disorders, substance dependence, process addictions, gambling disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, developmental disabilities and neurocognitive dysfunction due to traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders as well as psychotic disorders.

Dr. Vaughan has passed board-certification testing in general psychiatry and works with both adults and adolescents. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is a fellow of the APA. One of her greatest honors was being selected as one of the country’s exemplary psychiatrists in 2009 by the national alliance for mentally ill (NAMI).

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Since 2015, fentanyl-related deaths in Arizona have risen by nearly 4,900% and are the leading cause of overdoses in the state. 

Rehab centers in Arizona are addressing these challenges through comprehensive treatment programs that include supervised detox, evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and sober living homes. State efforts are also being made to fund prevention programs and expand access to life-saving interventions, including fentanyl testing strips and Narcan [1].

If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl abuse, read on to learn more about how a comprehensive treatment program such as AnchorPoint can support the recovery journey.  

Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous? Understanding Its Risks 

Millions of Americans and their loved ones have been impacted by fentanyl. According to the CDC, over 80,000 people have overdosed and died from fentanyl in 2023 alone. And in Arizona, it accounts for more than 60% of all drug-related deaths [2]. 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It is 50x more powerful than heroin and 100x more powerful than morphine. Many consume it unknowingly, mixed with drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine. 

Fentanyl acts on several regions of the brain, as well as the spinal cord and central nervous system (CNS). It is considered a “depressant” and slows down CNS activity, providing a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief [3]. One of the regions affected is the brainstem, which plays a significant role in overdoses as it controls automatic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. 

Some of the signs of a fentanyl overdose include: 

  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Cold, clammy skin, purple/blue lips or fingertips
  • Slowed or stopped breathing
  • Lack of consciousness, unresponsive 
  • Choking or gurgling sounds 

Why Fentanyl Addiction Requires Specialized Treatment 

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, many fentanyl users want to quit but are unable to on their own due to the intensity and strength of fentanyl and its withdrawal symptoms. Fentanyl users often spend an average of 8 years in active addiction before entering treatment, and are at an increased risk of relapse [4]. 

A specialized treatment program for fentanyl often consists of detox, residential treatment, and ongoing aftercare. Many fentanyl programs also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms: Why Medical Detox is Necessary

Fentanyl withdrawal causes physical symptoms that can be extremely painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous if not addressed with medical intervention. This is also why it can be so challenging for users to quit. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms affect both mental and physical health. 

Physical SymptomsPsychological Symptoms 
Increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressureDepression, isolation
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipationAnxiety, paranoia 
Muscle and joint pain, tension Mood swings, emotional instability 
Sweating, trembling, feeling on edge Mental exhaustion, trouble focusing
Flu-like symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, low-grade fever)Intense cravings 
Extreme fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite Restlessness, irritability  

What Comes After Fentanyl Detox? 

Detox is only the first step and the beginning of fentanyl addiction recovery. After detox, it is strongly recommended that patients enter a residential program where they can focus on building coping skills and addressing underlying emotional triggers or thought patterns that drive addiction. 

Studies show that around 59% of patients relapse within the first week after detox, and 80% within the first month, highlighting the need for long-term care and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Residential rehab programs often last for at least 30 days, but may be longer for opioid or fentanyl users due to the intensity of cravings and long-term withdrawal symptoms [5]. 

During a fentanyl rehab program, patients can typically expect: 

  • Individual therapy, like CBT and DBT, reframes negative thoughts or emotions that drive addiction and builds positive coping skills.  
  • Group therapy fosters connection, community, and a sense of mutual understanding. It also helps keep users accountable and helps build them a network of peer support and advocates. 
  • Lifestyle changes are encouraged throughout the rehabilitation stay to help patients establish a routine that supports their overall health. This includes a combination of regular, daily exercise, eating a balanced diet that supports nutrition, and stress management.  

Our Fentanyl Rehab Program at AnchorPoint 

AnchorPoint is a Christ-centered healing center rooted in neuroscience and guided by the Neurofaith model, integrating faith healing and evidence-based therapies to treat trauma and addiction. We offer several levels of care to guide patients through their recovery journey from start to finish. 

Some of what you or a loved one can expect during our fentanyl rehab program includes: 

  • Residential treatment 
  • Outpatient therapy and ongoing care
  • Evidence-based therapies, including CBT and motivational interviewing 
  • Holistic healing activities such as yoga, mindfulness, and creative arts 
  • Faith-based healing tracks like bible studies and church groups  

Our compassionate, evidence-based program empowers those in recovery to reclaim their identity, rebuild healthy relationships, and find purpose outside of addiction.

Long-Term Support After Fentanyl Rehab in Arizona 

After residential treatment, AnchorPoint facilitates long-term recovery by organizing and planning aftercare. Aftercare is a personalized, long-term strategy designed to support ongoing sobriety after completing and exiting initial treatment. It usually involves ongoing therapy, participation in support groups such as 12-step, relapse prevention strategies, and medication management. 

At AnchorPoint, we help patients reintegrate into daily life with personalized aftercare programs focused on their unique recovery needs. These provide ongoing social and emotional support to help patients recognize triggers and reinforce coping skills they learned in treatment. 

Start Your Recovery Journey from Fentanyl Addiction in AZ  

At AnchorPoint, we are committed to integrating the power of spiritual support with clinical care. Our treatment philosophy is guided by the book NeuroFaith, a holistic model that integrates trauma-informed therapies such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Christian principles to build hope, resilience, and spark transformation in recovery.  

Through a blend of evidence-based therapies, social supports, case management, integrated wellness, and Christ-centered services, we help individuals with fentanyl addiction find lasting healing. We partner with several local detox facilities in the area that provide around-the-clock medical care and help you establish a foundation for long-term recovery. 

Contact our admissions team at AnchorPoint to begin your healing journey today. 

Sources 

[1] Arizona Department of Education. School Training Overdose Preparedness & Intelligence Taskforce. 2023. 

[2] CDC. The Facts About Fentanyl. 

[3] George, T. P. (2002). The neurobiology of opioid dependence: implications for treatment. Science & practice perspectives, 1(1), 13–20.

[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2025. Fentanyl.

[5] Stein, M. D. (2013). Perceived relapse risk and desire for medication-assisted treatment among persons seeking inpatient opiate detoxification. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 45(3), 302–305.

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