What is Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Fentanyl detox helps people dependent on this powerful synthetic opioid withdraw from the drug safely. While fentanyl can effectively relieve pain, its potency makes it highly addictive, and stopping use can trigger intense withdrawal symptoms. For those who have developed dependence, facing withdrawal can be overwhelming and physically challenging.

 Understanding what fentanyl detox involves and how to manage it can help people overcome resistance to treatment and begin the recovery process. This page explores fentanyl detox symptoms, timeline, and treatment options. You will also discover how to connect with first-class treatment at a fentanyl detox center.

Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

When someone dependent on fentanyl stops or drastically reduces their use, their body begins to react to its absence. This reaction, known as withdrawal, can provoke symptoms ranging from mildly uncomfortable to severe and dangerous [1].

 Physical symptoms resemble a strong flu and may include:

• Muscle and bone pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Chills and goosebumps
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate

 Psychological symptoms also appear during detox from fentanyl, such as: 

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Strong cravings
• Depression
• Mood swings

 These symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose and can vary in intensity based on factors like how long someone has used fentanyl, the dose they typically use, and their overall health. Dealing with these symptoms can be tough without support, which is why medical help is often recommended to ease the process.

How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?

The fentanyl detox timeline can differ from person to person, but symptoms normally start quickly, peak after a few days, and then begin to fade.

• First 24 hours: within a few hours of the last use, mild symptoms like muscle aches, anxiety, and sweating often begin. The onset is usually quick, especially with short-acting opioids like fentanyl.[2]
• Days 2 to 3: This is often the peak period, where symptoms are strongest. Severe discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense cravings, can make this stage especially challenging. Medical assistance during this phase of detox for fentanyl can help manage and ease symptoms.
• Days 4 to 7: Physical symptoms like muscle aches and nausea improve after the peak. That said, lingering effects like low energy, anxiety, and cravings may persist, although they are usually less intensive than earlier in the first week of detox.
• Weeks 2 and beyond: Although most physical symptoms taper off after a week, some people may continue to experience psychological symptoms such as mood swings, sleep problems, and cravings for weeks or months after discontinuing use. These lingering effects are known as PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) and can be managed with ongoing therapy and support. [3]

 The length and severity of fentanyl detox withdrawal symptoms depend on dosage, frequency of use, and individual health.

Detox for Fentanyl Withdrawal

Detox (detoxification) is the process of letting the body clear itself of fentanyl and any related toxins [4]. Fentanyl detox can be difficult due to the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, which is why many people choose a medically supervised detox to help manage the process safely and comfortably.

 In a medical detox setting, individuals get 24/7 care from professionals who monitor their symptoms and provide support. This includes helping manage the physical symptoms, like nausea and chills, as well as emotional challenges, like anxiety and cravings. Medical detox is often the first and most important step in recovery since it provides a stable start, giving people the foundation to move forward with recovery.

 Medical detox for fentanyl withdrawal includes: 

• Continuous monitoring: Doctors and nurses check vital signs, manage discomfort, and provide medications when needed. This close attention can help prevent complications and address any immediate health concerns.
• Customized care: Each person has a unique history of fentanyl use, so detox programs are personalized to suit their specific needs. This may involve different types of supportive treatments like counseling and talk therapy to manage anxiety or restlessness.
• Emotional support: Withdrawal from fentanyl is both physically and mentally demanding, so medical detox facilities also offer emotional and psychological support to help people cope with the intense feelings that may manifest during detox.

 Detox alone is the first fundamental step of recovery. After detox, individuals transition to a treatment program that offers long-term support and tools to manage cravings, address underlying causes of addiction, and prevent relapse. 

Fentanyl Withdrawal Medications

During fentanyl detox, certain medications can ease the discomfort of withdrawal and help the body adjust. These medications work by either relieving symptoms directly or by reducing cravings, making the process more manageable. Here are some commonly used medications for fentanyl detox:

• Methadone: This long-acting opioid is sometimes used to ease withdrawal symptoms because it interacts with the same brain receptors as fentanyl but without producing a strong high [5]. Methadone can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but it is usually given only in supervised settings.
• Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that binds to the same mu-opioid receptors as fentanyl but without activating them fully. This helps decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms during fentanyl detox. This medication is effective for short-term withdrawal relief and longer-term treatment, helping stabilize people during and after fentanyl detox.
• Lofexidine: This non-narcotic medication helps minimize physical symptoms like sweating, chills, and anxiety by lowering nerve responses that contribute to discomfort during fentanyl detox. Approved by the FDA to treat opioid withdrawal, lofexidine offers symptom relief without affecting opioid receptors, which is beneficial for those looking to avoid any opioid-based treatment. [6]
• Clonidine: Clonidine may be used off-label for fentanyl detox to help with symptoms like muscle aches, sweating, and anxiety. It does not affect the opioid receptors directly but can help people feel more comfortable during detox.

 These medications can help reduce the severity of withdrawal, lower the risk of complications, and make the fentanyl detox process safer and more bearable. When combined with medical supervision and emotional support, medically assisted detox can improve the chances of completing detoxification and continuing with long-term recovery from fentanyl addiction. 

Risk Factors and Causes of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Fentanyl withdrawal occurs when a person who has become dependent on the drug stops taking it or significantly reduces their use. Dependence on fentanyl builds as the body adjusts to the drug’s effects, leading to the development of tolerance [7]. Tolerance means a person needs higher doses to achieve the same effects. Eventually, physical dependence develops, and the absence of fentanyl causes the body to go into withdrawal, as it can no longer function without the opioid.

 Risk factors for more intense withdrawal include: 

• Length of use: The longer someone has been using fentanyl, the more their body becomes reliant on it. Extended use leads to stronger withdrawal symptoms as the body adapts more fully to the drug’s presence over time.
• Dosage and frequency: Higher doses and frequent use of fentanyl can make withdrawal symptoms more intense. Large, regular doses increase the body’s dependence, leading to a more challenging fentanyl detox.
• Method of use: The method of fentanyl use—whether prescribed, injected, or inhaled—can significantly influence the withdrawal symptoms experienced. Methods that prompt quicker effects, like injection, can create a more powerful addiction and trigger more severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Polysubstance use: Many people who use fentanyl also use other substances like alcohol or stimulants. Combining substances can increase complications during withdrawal and may require specialized care to address multiple forms of dependence.
• Mental and physical health conditions: Existing physical and mental health issues can influence the physiological symptoms of the withdrawal experience, making it more challenging to complete detox without support.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Treatment

Treatment at a fentanyl detox program begins with medical detox but goes beyond it to provide the support needed for sustained recovery. Since detoxification alone cannot ensure long-term recovery, comprehensive treatment helps manage cravings, prevent relapse, and address the underlying reasons for fentanyl use. The following are common components of fentanyl withdrawal treatment:

• Inpatient treatment: Fentanyl detox in an inpatient setting offers a safe and structured environment where individuals can focus on recovery without external distractions. Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, provides around-the-clock supervision from medical staff and therapists, helping people manage cravings, stress, and emotional challenges that arise during the early stages of fentanyl detox.
• Outpatient treatment: After completing inpatient treatment or if someone has a stable and supportive home environment, outpatient treatment can offer continued support. These programs enable people to attend treatment sessions while living at home, providing flexibility for those with work or family responsibilities.
• Counseling and therapy: Behavioral therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and group counseling are integral to comprehensive fentanyl addiction treatment. Therapy helps people understand their addictions, develop healthy coping skills, and set positive goals for a substance-free life.
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment): MAT blends medications with therapy to support long-term recovery. Medications like methadone or buprenorphine can help manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse, especially when combined with regular counseling. MAT allows people to stabilize and focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant urge to use fentanyl.
• Support groups: Group therapy sessions and peer support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can provide community and encouragement from others who have gone through similar experiences. A support network can be invaluable to recovery, helping individuals stay accountable and feel understood.

Fentanyl detox treatment addresses not just the physical aspects of withdrawal but also the emotional and psychological effects of addiction. Each treatment plan is personalized to fit individual needs. With the right combination of medical care, therapy, and support, it is possible to recover from fentanyl dependence; the journey begins with effective fentanyl detox.

Get Effective Fentanyl Detox and Addiction Treatment at a Premier Rehab in California

If you or someone you care about has been battling fentanyl addiction, we can help at California Detox in Laguna Beach, CA.

 Begin your recovery from opioid addiction with a supervised medical detox at our rehab by the beach. During a week of detoxification, you will get 24/7 clinical and emotional care to streamline fentanyl withdrawal. You can also access medications to minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

 During ongoing inpatient rehab at California Detox, you will address the psychological component of addiction and learn coping skills for continued recovery. Treatment plans are personalized, and therapies might include:

• Counseling
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Talk therapies like CBT and DBT
• Group therapy
• Motivational therapies
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

 Start dealing with fentanyl addiction by calling 888-995-4208.

 

Sources

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9992259/

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/fentanyl

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36731102/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/

[5] https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/opioid-use-disorder

[6] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-non-opioid-treatment-management-opioid-withdrawal-symptoms-adults

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/