Although fentanyl is a fiercely addictive and potentially deadly synthetic opioid, it also responds positively to MAT (medication-assisted treatment) in a dedicated fentanyl rehab program.
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) reports that synthetic opioids like fentanyl are implicated in over 56,500 of the 91,799 fatal drug overdoses in the United States in 2020.
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CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine, an opiate analgesic used to treat severe pain.
Fentanyl is also many magnitudes stronger than heroin. 30mg of the illicit narcotic heroin represents a fatal dose. With fentanyl, on the other hand, 2mg – just a few grains – can trigger as lethal overdose in an adult male.
Fentanyl Addiction
A prescription synthetic opioid, fentanyl is classified under schedule II of the CSA (Controlled Substances Act). Like all substances in schedule II, fentanyl has some medical uses but a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Fentanyl is typically used during surgery, although it is sometimes used for the treatment of chronic pain in those physically tolerant to opioids.
You can find fentanyl in these formulations:
- Transdermal patch
- Sublingual tablet
- Buccal tablet
- Nasal spray
- Oral lozenge
- Injectable
Using any opioid like fentanyl can trigger tolerance and dependence, as well as abuse and addiction in the form of opioid use disorder. Tolerance to fentanyl builds especially quickly due to its potency.
When physical dependence to fentanyl develops, you will experience intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if use of the substance is abruptly discontinued. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms typically present 12 hours after the last use, persisting for a week or more. The most reported symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Dilated pupils
- Insomnia
- Acute generalized pain
Using any opioid like fentanyl long-term often leads to addiction. NIDA defines opioid addiction as a chronic and incurable brain condition that is characterized by relapses and the compulsive use of opioids despite adverse outcomes.
The optimum treatment for fentanyl addiction will hinge on the severity of the addiction and your personal circumstances. The risk of potentially fatal overdose and the discomfort of withdrawal means a supervised medical detox is almost always the best starting point for rehab from fentanyl addiction.
What is Involved in Fentanyl Drug Rehab?
Like all opioid use disorders, fentanyl addiction usually responds favorably to integrated treatment with evidence-based behavioral interventions in combination with MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
Before engaging with inpatient or outpatient fentanyl rehab, you must first undergo detox, ideally in a supervised clinical setting. Here’s what to expect from fentanyl detox during the first week or so of rehab:
Day 1 of fentanyl rehab
Fentanyl is a short-acting opioid performing similarly to heroin and codeine. As such, withdrawal symptoms present anywhere from 8 to 12 hours after last use.
During the first day of fentanyl detox, the following withdrawal symptoms manifest:
- Headaches
- Muscular pains
- Irritability
- Anger
- Insomnia
- Aggression
- Depression
- Powerful fentanyl cravings
- Appetite loss
Day 2 of fentanyl rehab
The second day of detox involves a continuation of initial withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, the following symptoms may present:
- GI issues
- Runny nose
- Flu-like symptoms
- Increased sweating
- Panic attacks
Day 3 of fentanyl rehab
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms usually peak on day three of detox. The same applies to withdrawal from all short-acting opioids.
This is the acute phase of withdrawal and involves the above symptoms as well as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Day 4 of fentanyl rehab
By this stage of detox, the acute phase is complete. The following symptoms may persist:
- Fatigue
- Cramps
- Shivering
- GI disturbance
Day 7 of fentanyl rehab
You should find that all fentanyl withdrawal symptoms start subsiding after the first week of rehab.
Some people find that insomnia, depression, and fatigue linger.
In the event of PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome), cravings, insomnia, and depression may persist for many months after detox.
Once you have detoxed, fentanyl rehab typically unfolds as follows:
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment): Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone can all be effective for the treatment of fentanyl addiction, during detox and throughout rehab. These medications are all approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
- Counseling: Engaging with counseling in both group and individual settings can help you to alter your behaviors and thought processes concerning substance use. Counseling can also impart life skills applicable to sober living.
- Psychotherapies: Talk therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) allow you to identify what triggers you to use fentanyl. You will also learn how to deal with life’s stressors using healthy coping strategies, minimizing your chances of relapse.
- CM (contingency management: This reward-based therapy incentivizes positive behaviors – passing a drug screen, for instance.
- MI (motivational interviewing: MI is a patient-centered intervention that enables you to address your feelings regarding change.
Get Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Today at California Detox
Here at California Detox, we offer a wide variety of treatment programs suitable for addressing the physical and psychological aspects of opioid use disorder.
After detoxing from fentanyl, you can choose one of the following treatment programs:
- Inpatient fentanyl rehab
- Outpatient fentanyl rehab
- IOP (intensive outpatient program)
- PHP (partial hospitalization program)
- Remote fentanyl rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment (mental health disorder and co-occurring fentanyl addiction)
Your treatment team will create an individualized treatment plan drawing from the above interventions. Additionally, you will have access to a range of holistic therapies at our luxury Laguna Beach rehab.
When you complete fentanyl rehab, you will be equipped with the aftercare and relapse prevention strategies you need to continue your recovery without relapse.
Take the first crucial step by contacting California Detox today at 949.567.8790.
