Author: Charles Frank

Fentanyl Detox Guide: How To Successfully Detox From Fentanyl

Withdrawal from fentanyl can lead to the presentation of uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms. Medical supervision ensures that individuals receive appropriate care and support throughout the process. Healthcare providers can address any complications, monitor vital signs, and adjust treatment as needed. During an attempt to detox at home, you might stop taking fentanyl cold turkey. This would result in the rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms, usually within two to four hours.

1. Dehydration is a serious risk for addicts experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl.
2. While they are sometimes touted as standalone home remedies, they are best used as adjunct methods and should not be used in the place of a supervised medical detox program.
3. Because of fentanyl’s short half-life, withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 12 hours of the last use.
4. Attempting to detox from fentanyl at home, without a medical specialist’s supervision, is dangerous and can lead to a seizure or coma.
5. Fentanyl withdrawal refers to the set of physical and psychological symptoms experienced when an individual abruptly reduces or discontinues their use of fentanyl after prolonged or high-dose use.

Recovery from fentanyl addiction is possible with the right medical support. We recognize that each client is an individual with their own story, and we tailor treatment to fit each person. We have specialist knowledge in recovery from a wide variety of substances, including but not limited to alcohol, ketamine, legal highs, prescription drugs, cocaine, spice, and marijuana.

Electrolyte beverages like Gatorade or Pedialyte may be beneficial as well. Nutritional diet plans and healthy eating can be helpful, as opioid misuse and dependence may interfere with normal eating habits and appetite levels. During this stage, symptoms gradually begin to subside, although some individuals may continue to experience lingering effects such as mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Prescription Opiate Dependence or Prescription Opiate Addiction remains prevalent. The primary prescribed opiates causing dependence are Oxycodone, Oxycontin and Hydrocodone. These three opiates will usually clear the body in five to six days once the user stops taking the medication.

Medically-Managed Home Detox

Attempting to detox from fentanyl at home, without a medical specialist’s supervision, is dangerous and can lead to a seizure or coma. This is why seeking professional treatment at a local detox center or drug rehab facility is so crucial to a safe recovery. Customized treatment plans account for factors like the severity of addiction, medical history, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Personalized plans increase the likelihood of successful withdrawal and sustained recovery. Comprehensive treatment often includes holistic elements that contribute to overall well-being and aid in managing withdrawal symptoms. During opioid withdrawal, emotional and mental health support is also essential as individuals may experience violent and erratic mood swings and potentially be prone to self-harming behaviors.

The other medication, Methadone, can be taken long term and is usually only given at a clinic on a daily visit. Methadone cannot be prescribed on an outpatient basis for detoxification purposes. As noted above, Fentanyl withdrawals start later and last longer than most other opiates or opioids.

People going through fentanyl withdrawal can also experience an inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia), negative feelings such as anger, and reduced self-esteem. Fentanyl binds to neurotransmitter receptors in the areas of the brain that control pain and emotion. Gradually, the brain adapts to repeated fentanyl use and makes less of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. Users then find it difficult to feel pleasure unless they are taking fentanyl. People considering detoxing from fentanyl at home should do so under the care of their doctor.

Fentanyl Detox FAQs

Users need to take ever-increasing doses not only to feel high but to feel any sense of happiness at all. It becomes normal for them to have the drug inside them, so when they don’t take it they get withdrawal symptoms. Because of fentanyl’s short half-life, withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 12 hours of the last use.

Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose quickly, allowing enough time for more serious medical intervention. For people with opioid dependence on fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as 12 to 30 hours after your last use. Once the patient begins detoxification, the physician will slowly wean them off fentanyl. Therefore, detoxing from fentanyl is necessary because withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening if untreated, and relapse is common when the user cannot withstand withdrawal. And if the drug suddenly becomes unavailable, the person may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, because the brain and body can no longer cope without the drug. At Cornerstone, we are committed to providing our clients with the very best treatment available.

However, it is possible to receive outpatient detox treatment so that you don’t have to check in to a detox facility for fentanyl withdrawals. Quitting fentanyl is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Working closely with a healthcare professional ensures that your quitting plan is tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and professional support significantly increases your chances of a successful and safe fentanyl cessation journey. If you are worried about your own use of fentanyl or have concerns about a loved one, contact us today. We are available to talk about available treatments and answer your questions.

Treatments Provided During Fentanyl Detox

Despite the toxic lethality of fentanyl, withdrawing from fentanyl use is safer than withdrawing from alcohol. When people die from fentanyl withdrawal, it’s usually due to vomiting and diarrhea, which are typical withdrawal symptoms. If left untreated, these symptoms can rapidly dehydrate the body and cause dangerously high levels of sodium to accumulate in the blood (hypernatremia). Of the two FDA-approved opioids for the treatment of fentanyl withdrawal, buprenorphine generally has a more favorable side-effect profile than methadone.

Risks of Detoxing From Heroin or Fentanyl at Home

Pain and muscle aches are common during opioid withdrawal, and massage may help to relieve some of the tension and discomfort. Massage therapy only targets a few of the opioid withdrawal symptoms; therefore, it is likely most helpful as a part of a comprehensive detox program. If you or someone you know is battling fentanyl addiction, help is available. The Hope House is a luxury inpatient treatment center committed to supporting individuals in their recovery journey. Our comprehensive program includes evidence-based therapies, holistic approaches, and support groups for family and friends.

Quitting fentanyl cold turkey – abruptly and without medical supervision – is never advisable, and could even be life-threatening. We also understand that many clients use substances to cope with mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Our mental health services enable us to support clients who have a mental illness alongside a substance use disorder. With good reason, the Drug Enforcement Agency describes fentanyl as the deadliest drug threat the USA has ever encountered. Between 2021 and 2022, overdoses and drug poisonings killed 107,375 people.

When the drug is removed, the body and brain undergo a process of readjustment, leading to withdrawal symptoms. By enrolling in fentanyl detox at a treatment center, you can have peace of mind you’ll be safe and comfortable during the fentanyl detox process. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction and withdrawal symptoms are holding you back, medical detox can help you recover.