Fentanyl Detox Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Fentanyl detox is often scary but important when taking a step toward recovery from fentanyl addiction. It involves managing the fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe, under medical supervision. This article will walk you through the medical detox process, typical withdrawal symptoms, the fentanyl withdrawal timeline, and why medical and professional help from a reputable fentanyl addiction treatment center like Recreate Behavioral Health of Ohio is ideal.

Brief Overview

  • Fentanyl detoxification involves managing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms under medical guidance to ensure a safe and comfortable process, serving as the starting place in addressing fentanyl addiction treatment.

  • Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can include both acute and chronic phases, with initial symptoms appearing within 6 to 12 hours and peaking within 1 to 3 days; these can persist for weeks or months.

  • Medical detox, utilizing opioid agonists such as methadone and buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist), and comprehensive post-detox treatments such as behavioral therapies and support groups are essential for successful fentanyl withdrawal.

Addiction Medicine and Fentanyl Withdrawal

Medical detox is a delicate process that requires medical expertise for the safety and comfort of the patient facing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. ReCreate Ohio aims to shed some light on the complexities of fentanyl withdrawal, underscored by the vital role of addiction medicine and the medical interventions utilized by the skilled medical staff.

A doctor explaining addiction medicine and fentanyl withdrawal | Recreate Ohio

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid so understanding the fentanyl withdrawal symptoms is synonymous in some ways as opioid withdrawal symptoms. For those seeking fentanyl addiction treatment, and their supportive loved ones, to comprehend the withdrawal management, it is important to learn about an opioid use disorder. Recreate Behavioral Health of Ohio’s medical staff understands how to treat fentanyl withdrawal symptoms and physical dependence. Complete medical detox depends on the length of time and severity of opioids involved. Buprenorphine used as medication-assisted treatment will still maintain the patient in a state of physiological dependence until they can decrease their dose to achieve full abstinence if that is what is desired.

Understanding Fentanyl Detox

Fentanyl detoxification should be underestimated. It involves examining many fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, each can be more severe than the last. But what exactly does fentanyl detox entail? It’s a process that involves managing these severe symptoms with medical interventions following medical protocols laid out during the withdrawal management. The detox addiction treatment programs at ReCreate Ohio serve as the entry point into comprehensive fentanyl addiction treatment.

A person dealing with fentanyl withdrawal symptoms | Recreate Ohio

Detoxification goes beyond merely eliminating prescription or illicit fentanyl, drug, alcohol, or other substance abuse drugs from the body. It revolves around handling the toll on ones mental and physical health while addressing being physically dependent and needing an opioid withdrawal. The symptoms of withdrawal are both physically and emotionally taxing, highlighting the importance of supervised medical detox.

Common Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

A person with a runny nose and high blood pressure at increased risk from highly addictive synthetic opioids like fentanyl | Recreate Ohio

As a patient begins the detox process, the body responds with a cascade of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, shared by those withdrawing from other opioids, range from the physical discomfort of muscle aches and increased heart rate to the psychological aspect of anxiety and intense cravings. The experience is described as an internal battle, where the body and mind are at odds, each wanting relief from things like bone pain during fentanyl withdrawal symptoms to the craving and wanting to take other drugs or additional medications to stop the want.

The opioid withdrawal symptoms appear in waves, with each patient having their own unique set of symptom severity. Physical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often leaving individuals feeling physically drained. On the psychological front, agitation and insomnia add to the distress, creating an environment where comfort seems just out of reach. These symptoms from drug abuse can be overwhelming.

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Acute Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Acute opioid withdrawal symptoms can resemble a sudden plunge into icy waters, jolting the system with intense discomfort. High blood pressure, bone pain, runny nose, severe pain in muscles, and some uncontrollable leg movements. These acute symptoms, from the absence of fentanyl, can be debilitating, making even the simplest of tasks feel insurmountable.

The range of acute symptoms extends to hot and cold flushes, perspiration, and an unrelenting restlessness marked by excessive yawning and insomnia. Physical upheaval is clear, as the body tries to recalibrate in the absence of the synthetic opioid it has grown accustomed to.

Chronic Withdrawal Symptoms

Beyond acute withdrawal lies a longer, more drawn-out phase of recovery: chronic withdrawal. These lingering opioid withdrawal symptoms can shadow an individual for weeks, months, or even longer after the initial acute phase has subsided. The American Psychiatric Association puts out the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) this is where both mental disorders and diagnoses like Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) are described with symptoms and severity of symptoms for clinicians. Substance abuse treatment providers like Recreate Behavioral Health of Ohio understand the anxiety, depression, and pervasive sense of fatigue that can persist when facing opioid addiction.

Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and persistent vomiting can continue to plague individuals, complicating the recovery process. The duration and severity of these symptoms vary widely, but their impact on daily life can be profound. This phase necessitates patience and support, as a person continues in the continuum of care and extends beyond the initial detoxification period.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for fentanyl withdrawal can be as unpredictable as the drug itself. Symptoms typically begin to surface within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, marking the start of an uncomfortable period of time. As the body feels the absence of fentanyl, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms climbs, reaching a crescendo within 1 to 3 days. It is a period that brings intense anxiety with uncertainty, as each individual’s experience can differ dramatically based on factors such as frequency of use and the potency of the fentanyl consumed.

Fentanyl withdrawal timeline | Recreate Ohio

Following the peak period, the withdrawal symptoms begin to taper off, but they may linger for several weeks, forming the psychological shape of an individual’s day.

Initial Phase

The initial phase of fentanyl withdrawal is like the preliminary shales and tremors of an earthquake, indicating the beginning of a more intense upheaval. Within 6 to 12 hours after stopping the last dose, individuals may start to experience the early signs of withdrawal. In some cases, these symptoms can emerge as quickly as a few hours, beginning a period of acute discomfort that can range from 8 to 24 hours. Some common early signs of fentanyl withdrawal include:

  • Anxiety

  • Restlessness

  • Insomnia

  • Sweating

  • Yawning

  • Runny nose

  • Watery eyes

  • Muscle aches

  • Dilated pupils

These symptoms are often the first indication that the body is adjusting to the absence of fentanyl. It is important to seek medical assistance during this phase to ensure a safe withdrawal management process.

This phase is characterized by an array of symptoms that serve as a harsh wake-up call to the reality of opioid withdrawal. From muscle aches that ripple through the body to an overwhelming sense of restlessness, the initial phase is a clear indicator of what is coming. This is a critical moment when medical support is highly suggested.

Peak Period

The peak period of fentanyl withdrawal includes the following symptoms:

  • Intense, overwhelming, and laden with danger

  • Acute withdrawal symptoms reach their peak within 36 to 72 hours

  • Every moment is consumed by the struggle for relief

  • The body’s cry for fentanyl becomes a roar

  • The need for medical intervention becomes even more apparent

During this time, the severity of withdrawal symptoms is at its most formidable, presenting a significant challenge to those committed to overcoming their drug abuse and dependence. The peak period is a test of endurance, a time when the support and expertise of addiction medicine specialists can make a vital difference in the individual’s ability to persevere through the most trying part of their detox.

Post-Acute Withdrawal

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms, frequently termed PAWS, signify the long tail of the detox process. These symptoms can extend for weeks or months beyond the acute withdrawal phase, presenting a different set of challenges for those in recovery. Mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue are common during this time, adding layers of complexity to an already difficult process.

The persistence of post-acute withdrawal symptoms varies significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as the duration and severity of fentanyl use. Commonly reported difficulties include trouble focusing and an ongoing battle with cravings, which can jeopardize the recovery process.

Medical Detox for Fentanyl Withdrawal

Medical detox for fentanyl withdrawal | Recreate Ohio

Medical detox protocols offer medication-assisted treatment to alleviate some of the turbulence during the process of fentanyl withdrawal. Understanding a facility that specializes in opioid withdrawal like ReCreate Ohio is paramount. An outstanding medical detox shows individuals are not only physically cared for but also emotionally supported as they take their first steps away from fentanyl. Under the guidance of medical and healthcare professionals, the risks associated with detoxification from fentanyl, such as relapse and the potential for a fentanyl overdose, are significantly reduced.

Medically supervised detox for fentanyl withdrawal management offers:

  • Round-the-clock care

  • Administration of essential medications

  • A carefully instructed process with protocols created to meet the unique needs of each individual

  • A structured day to accommodate rest and the ability to interact with others

  • A safe and comfortable step down to further treatment

Insurance May Cover All Costs

Recreate Behavioral Health of Ohio accepts most major health insurance benefits and works with insurance providers to help cover the costs of your addiction treatment. We believe that finances should not be a barrier to receiving the life-changing help you deserve, and we offer a seamless process for insurance verification.

  • Confidential & Quick
  • Professional Guidance
  • No Commitment Required
Insurance May Cover All Costs | Recreate Ohio

Medications Used in Detox

Fentanyl withdrawal often requires the aid of specific medications to ease the journey. Opioid agonists such as methadone and buprenorphine serve as lifelines, mitigating withdrawal symptoms and curbing cravings that can lead to relapse. Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist, casts a wide net of relief over the withdrawal process, providing a steadying presence in the tumult of detox. ReCreate Ohio does not use Methadone as it is often associated with a clinic that supports ongoing medication-assisted treatment for long periods of time.

Fentanyl Detox | Recreate Ohio

Other medications like clonidine and lofexidine hydrochloride target specific symptoms, helping to reduce the severity of the body’s response to the absence of opioids. These medical interventions are not just supportive aids but vital elements in opioid addiction treatment. The use of these medications, under the guidance of addiction medicine specialists, can make a substantial difference in the detox experience.

Benefits of Medical Supervision

The advantages of medical supervision during detox include:

  • Managing the physical symptoms of withdrawal

  • Diminishing the risks of severe complications, such as dehydration and heart failure due to persistent vomiting and diarrhea

  • Ensuring the safety and comfort of individuals, as the process can be taxing emotionally as well as physically.

Continual medical supervision also plays a critical role in addressing the long-term symptoms that can emerge during detox. By offering 24/7 care and medication management, medical professionals can prevent severe withdrawal symptoms from spiraling out of control, ensuring that the individual remains on the path toward lasting recovery. It’s a comprehensive approach that underscores the importance of safety and comfort in the journey away from opioid addiction.

Comprehensive Treatment After Detox

The road to recovery from fentanyl addiction continues well beyond the confines of detox. Comprehensive treatment following detox is crucial for ensuring a long-lasting recovery, encompassing diverse strategies customized to the individual’s needs. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals, behavioral therapies, and individual and group counseling are just a few of the components that contribute to a successful recovery journey.

Integrated treatment programs, such as those found at Recreate Behavioral Health of Ohio, offer a continuum of care that extends beyond the initial detoxification process.

  • Residential Addiction Treatment

  • Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Psychological support and aftercare planning are integral parts of these programs, providing the necessary tools and resources for individuals to build a solid foundation for a drug-free future. The goal is to empower those in recovery with the skills and support they need to navigate sobriety without returning to fentanyl use. Following TIP 45: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), ReCreate Ohio’s substance use counselors and clinicians not only understand and have in-depth experience with detoxification and withdrawal, but during detox treatment, they assess for other illicit opioids and additional specific substances, co-occurring disorders, and social or family issues.

Risk Factors and Causes of Fentanyl Dependence

Fentanyl dependence doesn’t occur in a vacuum; various risk factors and causes can predispose individuals to opioid addiction. Higher doses of prescription or illicit opioids, prolonged use of fentanyl or other opioids, and certain mental health disorders are among the factors that increase the likelihood of physiological dependence. Fentanyl’s potency can quickly trap those seeking relief from chronic pain or emotional distress, leading to lost control or a cycle of drug abuse and addiction.

Young adults, in particular, face a heightened risk of opioid misuse, with the potential for experimentation to turn into a full-blown opioid use disorder. Additionally, a history of alcohol or substance abuse can serve as a catalyst for developing opioid dependence. These risk factors underscore the importance of prevention and early intervention to mitigate the rising tide of fentanyl addiction in our communities.

Summary

Starting an opioid withdrawal and addiction treatment program for recovery can be the best decision a person can make in their life. From the onset of withdrawal symptoms to the comprehensive treatment that follows, each step offers opportunities for growth. Medical detox provides a safe place under a doctor’s care to address withdrawal, while ongoing addiction treatment supports building lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one are fighting fentanyl addiction, call Recreate Behavioral Health of Ohio today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fentanyl withdrawal can last for several weeks, with acute symptoms peaking within 1-3 days of the last dose, and post-acute withdrawal symptoms potentially persisting for months or longer, depending on individual factors.

No, fentanyl withdrawal should not be managed at home due to the severity of symptoms and the risks involved. Medical supervision is crucial for safety and to reduce the risk of complications.

During fentanyl detox, medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, clonidine, and lofexidine hydrochloride are commonly used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These help manage specific symptoms during the detox process.

Yes, comprehensive treatment options after fentanyl detox, such as residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment.

Encourage the person to seek professional help from addiction treatment centers like Recreate Ohio, and provide them with information on available resources. Your support can make a significant difference in the decision towards recovery.