Fear and misinformation about fentanyl withdrawal can keep people trapped in active addiction. But when you know the answers to questions such as what happens during withdrawal and how long does it take to detox from fentanyl, you will be better prepared to take this important step in your recovery journey.
If you or a loved one are suffering from fentanyl addiction, Lake Ave Recovery can help. Call us now at 508-504-9137 or verify your insurance now.
What Happens During Fentanyl Withdrawal?
When you become addicted to fentanyl or another opioid, your body will begin to adapt to the presence of the substance. This adaptation is linked with two of the classic signs of addiction: tolerance and withdrawal.
Tolerance means that your body will develop a resistance to some of fentanyl’s effects – which, in turn, means that you will have to use larger amounts of the drug to achieve the effects that you are seeking
Withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that you will experience when you abruptly stop using fentanyl. Withdrawal symptoms can develop when you intentionally try to end your use of this drug, or when you’re prevented from acquiring and using it.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
People who are withdrawing from fentanyl are likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Powerful cravings for fentanyl
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Muscle and bone pain
- Fever and chills
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Excessive perspiration
- Headaches
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Disrupted sleep (insomnia)
- Weakness, fatigue, and overall exhaustion
Benefits of Fentanyl Detox
If you try to withdraw from fentanyl on your own, the physical and psychological symptoms that you experience can quickly become overwhelming. The knowledge that you can end your suffering by using fentanyl again can push you back into the downward spiral of compulsive fentanyl abuse.
One way to prevent this from occurring is to enter a detox program. The following are a few of the many benefits of detox:
- During detox, you will be in a closely monitored environment where you won’t have access to fentanyl or other opioids. This will prevent you from turning to substance abuse to ease your symptoms.
- Depending on the nature and severity of your withdrawal symptoms, the detox professionals who are caring for you may offer both therapeutic and medical support to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.
- Reputable detox programs are staffed by experts who are familiar with all aspects of the withdrawal process. Your team will be prepared for any contingency that may occur, so you don’t have to worry about something happening that you can’t handle.
- Completing detox can demonstrate that you are capable of more than you may have once believed. This realization can serve you well as you encounter other obstacles on your path to successful recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Fentanyl?
Knowing what types of symptoms you may experience can help eliminate fear of the unknown. But it can be equally valuable to have some idea of when these symptoms will start (and end).
The answer to the question of how long does it take to detox from fentanyl can vary depending on a variety of individual factors, but the following is a general timeline of what you can expect:
- The first fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may begin to become apparent within about six or eight hours after your last dose. By the end of the first day, you should definitely be experiencing powerful cravings as well as some physical distress.
- During the first two days of withdrawal, your symptoms will intensify. You will likely feel like you have a bad case of the flu. You may also begin to experience anxiety, agitation, depression, and other psychological symptoms.
- Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms typically peak around the end of the third day (about 72 hours after you last used the drug).
- After the third day, your symptoms should begin to dissipate. This won’t happen all at once, though. It often takes another three or four days – which will bring you to about a full week of freedom from fentanyl use – before you feel like you’re close to full strength again.
Please note that some symptoms, such as cravings for fentanyl, may linger for an extended period of time, long after your physical distress has subsided. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to get additional treatment after you’ve completed detox.
What Happens After Fentanyl Detox?
As we noted earlier in this post, successfully completing detox can be an important step on the path of recovery. But it’s just one step. Once you’ve rid your body of fentanyl, it’s extremely important to get help with the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction and recovery.
For many people, spending time in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the ideal follow-on to detox. While you’re in a PHP or an IOP, you can participate in therapy, develop essential relapse-prevention skills, and share support with others who are working toward a similar goal.
There’s no single post-detox course of treatment that’s perfect for everyone. What’s most important is finding a reputable treatment provider that can assess the full scope of your needs, then provide the personalized care that will prepare you for long-term success.
Begin Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
It is no exaggeration to describe untreated fentanyl addiction as a life-threatening condition. Every time you use fentanyl, you expose yourself to significant risk, including possible overdose and death. But when you get proper care, you can free yourself from the chains of active addiction and discover the hope and promise of long-term recovery.
Lake Avenue Recovery is a trusted provider of personalized outpatient rehab for adults who have become addicted to fentanyl and other substances. At our fentanyl addiction treatment center in Massachusetts, you can receive customized care from a team of highly skilled professionals. With the guidance and support of your treatment team, you can build a solid foundation for a much healthier and more satisfying future.
To learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.