How to Detox From Fentanyl: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that more than one and a half million people in the United States misuse opioids such as fentanyl?

If you or somebody you love is addicted to fentanyl, understand that you are not alone. Even though it is not easy to detox from this substance, you will be happier and healthier by taking action to overcome your addiction.

But it can be challenging to figure out how to detox from fentanyl. To make things easier for you, we have written a guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

What Is Fentanyl Withdrawl?

Fentanyl withdrawal refers to the process of stopping the use of the opioid drug fentanyl after becoming physically and/or psychologically dependent on it.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is typically prescribed to manage severe pain, such as after surgery or for cancer patients. However, because of its high potency, doctors only prescribe small doses of Fentanyl.

Unfortunately, Fentanyl is also often misused on the street for its strong opioid effects. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, to increase their potency.

Fentanyl can be taken in various forms, including through injections, pills, or patches. It is highly addictive, and it can take as little as a few days to become physically dependent on the drug.

People who use fentanyl may start to experience withdrawal symptoms within a few hours of their last dose.

It is essential to seek professional help when detoxing from fentanyl. This is because the withdrawal process can be physically and emotionally challenging.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be physically and emotionally challenging. Here are some of the most common symptoms that people have.

Sweating

Excessive sweating is a common withdrawal symptom. These symptoms are often accompanied by fever and chills.

Cognitive Problems

Fentanyl withdrawal can cause cognitive problems. This might include confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.

Anxiety and Restlessness

Withdrawal from fentanyl can cause anxiety, agitation, and irritability. People experiencing fentanyl withdrawal also may feel restless. It might be challenging for them to sit still or relax.

Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping is a common withdrawal symptom. This includes challenges with falling asleep or staying asleep.

Aches and Pain

Muscle aches, joint pain, and general discomfort can occur during fentanyl withdrawal. Because of these aches and pains, you should plan to stay in bed during the phases of the detox process.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Many people who are detoxing from fentanyl have nausea and need to vomit. They also might have abdominal cramps and stomach pain.

Benefits of Detoxing from Fentanyl

Deciding to detox from fentanyl is a significant step toward achieving long-term recovery. The process of detoxing can be challenging. But it is an essential first step toward achieving sobriety.

One of the primary reasons to detox from fentanyl is to break the physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Fentanyl is a potent opioid that can cause severe physical and psychological dependence.

This can lead to a range of negative consequences. By detoxing from the drug, you will help restore balance to the body and mind. This will make it easier to cope with the challenges of daily life.

Chronic fentanyl use can have negative effects on physical health. This includes damage to organs and the immune system.

Detoxing can help repair this damage. It can also improve mental health. Once you detox from the substance, you will be less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Another reason to detox from fentanyl is to improve relationships and social connections.

It is also important to understand that fentanyl addiction can strain relationships and lead to social isolation.

Detoxing can help you to rebuild and strengthen relationships. This will improve your overall social connections and quality of life.

The Fentanyl Detox Timeline

The Fentanyl withdrawal timeline can vary depending on the individual’s level of dependence and length of use. But there are generally three phases of withdrawal: early, peak, and long-term.

Early Phase

The early phase of fentanyl withdrawal typically begins within a few hours to a day after the last dose.

During this time, you might experience mild to moderate symptoms. This might include anxiety, agitation, and insomnia.

Other symptoms may include sweating, chills, and fever. These symptoms usually peak within the first few days and then begin to subside.

Peak Phase

The peak phase of Fentanyl withdrawal is typically when symptoms are at their most severe. This phase can last anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the individual.

Common symptoms during this phase include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Other symptoms may include muscle aches, joint pain, and general discomfort. People may also experience severe fatigue, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Long-Term Phase

The long-term phase of Fentanyl withdrawal refers to the period after the peak phase, during which symptoms continue to gradually improve.

During this phase, people may still experience some lingering symptoms. Fortunately, these symptoms should be much milder than during the peak phase.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

Post-acute withdrawal refers to the period after the initial physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided. During this phase, psychological symptoms may still persist.

It is possible that you will experience anhedonia during this phase. Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure or enjoyment.

This can be a significant challenge during post-acute withdrawal. You might struggle to find enjoyment in activities you once enjoyed.

You also might suffer from the “pink cloud” syndrome. This is a condition where people have an overly optimistic or unrealistic outlook on recovery.

People may feel an intense sense of euphoria and believe that their addiction is behind them. This can lead to complacency and a false sense of security.

Post-acute withdrawal can also bring up negative feelings and emotions such as shame, guilt, and self-doubt. These feelings can be difficult to cope with and may lead to a negative outlook on recovery.

The best way to manage post-acute withdrawal symptoms is by joining an intensive outpatient treatment program.

How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?

The duration of withdrawal from fentanyl can vary. In general, the physical symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal tend to peak within the first few days. They will then gradually improve over the next week or so.

Keep in mind that some people may experience lingering physical symptoms for several weeks or even months.

Factors that Influence Fentanyl Withdrawal

There are several factors that can influence the severity and duration of fentanyl withdrawal. Here are the most important factors that you should know about.

Length of Use

The longer someone has been using fentanyl, the more dependent their body will be on the drug. As a result, withdrawal symptoms may be more severe and longer-lasting.

Dosage end Method of Use

The higher the dosage of Fentanyl someone has been taking, the more severe their withdrawal symptoms may be.

The method of use can also impact the severity of withdrawal. For example, using fentanyl intravenously (through injection) may lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms than using it orally (in pill form).

Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

People who have co-occurring mental health conditions may experience more severe and longer-lasting psychological symptoms during withdrawal. This is especially the case for those who struggle with anxiety or depression.

Detoxing from Fentanyl Cold Turkey

While this approach may seem like a quick and easy solution, it can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and can even lead to serious complications. This might include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and severe depression.

In some cases, cold turkey detox can be fatal. The risk of overdose is significantly higher during the early stages of withdrawal. This is because the body is trying to adjust to the absence of the drug.

This is why it is not a good idea to detox from fentanyl cold turkey. Instead, you should get support from trained healthcare professionals at a drug addiction center.

Detoxing at Addiction Recovery Centers

There are two main types of detox programs: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient detox programs involve staying at a treatment facility for a specific period of time, usually a few days to a week.

During this time, individuals receive around-the-clock medical supervision and support. These programs may also include therapy, support groups, and other forms of treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Outpatient detox programs involve visiting a treatment facility on a regular basis. These programs may involve group or individual therapy sessions, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.

Outpatient programs are less intensive than inpatient programs. They may be a good option for people who have a strong support system at home and can manage their daily responsibilities while in treatment.

The treatment protocol for both inpatient and outpatient programs will typically involve a combination of medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and support groups.

Therapy may include individual or group sessions to address the underlying causes of addiction. These therapy sessions will also help people to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Support groups can provide a sense of community and help individuals stay motivated and on track in their recovery journey. The right treatment program will depend on the individual’s needs and circumstances.

Also, keep in mind how important it is to have a strong support system and healthy coping mechanisms in place. This will help you navigate the challenges of withdrawal and maintain long-term sobriety.

Medications for Fentanyl Withdrawal Management

Medication-assisted treatment is a type of treatment that involves the use of medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. You can also use medications to reduce the risk of relapse during the detox process.

Here are the most common medications that healthcare professionals prescribe to people who are detoxing from fentanyl.

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings during detox. This medication can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It can also reduce the risk of relapse.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is another synthetic opioid that is used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings during detox. It works by partially activating the opioid receptors in the brain.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that is used to block the effects of opioids and reduce the risk of relapse.

It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. This makes it less likely that someone will experience the pleasurable effects of fentanyl or other opioids.

How to Choose the Right Fentanyl Withdrawal and Detox Center

Finding the right addiction treatment center is essential for a successful recovery journey.

It is also essential to seek recommendations from healthcare professionals, support groups, or other trusted sources. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research.

This will help you find the right treatment center for you or your loved one. Here are some key things to consider when searching for a treatment center.

Location

Consider the location of the treatment center and whether it is convenient for you or your loved one to access it. This is especially important if you will be attending an outpatient treatment center.

Treatment Options

Look for a treatment center that offers a range of treatment options. This could include medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and support groups.

Staff Qualifications

Check the qualifications of the staff at the treatment center, including their experience and credentials. It is also a good idea to know what the staff-to-patient ratio is.

Cost

Consider the cost of treatment and whether the treatment center offers financing options or accepts insurance. Some addiction treatment centers are inexpensive. Others cost several thousand dollars per day.