Fentanyl Detox: 5 Life-Changing Ways to Begin Recovery Today

By We Level Up | Author Giselle Leung, PharmD, BCGP | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

What is Fentanyl Detox?

Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid. Doctors prescribe it for severe pain, like after surgery or for cancer. Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than morphine, making it highly addictive. Fentanyl detoxification, or detox, is the process of eliminating this potent opioid from your body. 

Detoxing from fentanyl can be hard. People often face strong withdrawal symptoms. These can include muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, and strong cravings. Attempting to quit fentanyl “cold turkey,” or abruptly, can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Therefore, it is important to have medical supervision during the detox process. Healthcare professionals can check your vital signs. They can help manage withdrawal symptoms with medicine and care. They also provide support during the detox process.

Life-Changing Ways to Begin Recovery Today

Fentanyl Detox Key Takeaways

• Fentanyl is a highly potent and addictive synthetic opioid that can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms during detox.
• Medically supervised detox is necessary for safely managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing the risk of complications or relapse.
• Fentanyl withdrawal usually starts 12 to 30 hours after the last dose. It peaks in 24 to 48 hours and slowly decreases over 5 to 10 days.
• After completing detox, transitioning to a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral therapy and medication- assisted therapy (MAT) is essential for long-term recovery.

Fentanyl Detox Overview

Fentanyl detox aims to eliminate the drug from your system safely. The process can be challenging and even dangerous due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

These may include intense cravings, muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, and gastrointestinal distress.

Attempting to quit fentanyl abruptly without medical supervision poses significant risks. Severe withdrawal can lead to dehydration, elevated heart rate, and suicidal thoughts. Trying to detox alone also increases the likelihood of relapse.

Medically supervised detox is critical for a safe and successful recovery. Healthcare professionals closely monitor your vital signs and symptoms. They will give you medications to help with withdrawal effects. These will also manage cravings and lower the risk of overdose. 

The length of fentanyl detox varies but typically lasts 5-10 days. Factors influencing duration include the severity of addiction, overall health, and chosen treatment approach. Inpatient programs offer round-the-clock care in a structured setting. This can help people who have used fentanyl for a long time.

After completing detox, you will then transfer to a comprehensive treatment program. Detox alone isn’t sufficient for sustained recovery. This program tackles the main causes of addiction and helps prevent relapse. It allows you to overcome fentanyl dependence and build a healthy, happy life.

How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?

The duration of fentanyl withdrawal varies from person to person. Several factors influence the timeline, including the length and severity of addiction.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12-30 hours after the last dose. They peak within 24-48 hours and gradually subside over 5-10 days. Here’s a general timeline:

• Days 1-2: Early symptoms such as muscle aches, anxiety, and insomnia emerge.
• Days 3-5: Symptoms intensify, leading to severe cravings, gastrointestinal distress, and flu-like symptoms.
• Days 6-10: Symptoms slowly improve, but fatigue and mood swings may persist.
• Beyond Day 10: Physical symptoms largely resolve, but psychological symptoms can continue for weeks or months.

Remember, every case is different.

Fentanyl Patch Withdrawal

If you’ve been using fentanyl patches, withdrawal can be particularly challenging. Patches provide a steady amount of medicine for 12 to 16 hours. This leads to a buildup of the drug in your body. Compared to other forms of fentanyl, it may take several hours to resolve withdrawal symptoms.

If a doctor has told you to stop using fentanyl patches, they will help you reduce the medication slowly. This will help lessen withdrawal effects. Abruptly stopping patch use is dangerous and increases the risk of severe side effects, namely shallow breathing (hypoventilation). Under medical supervision, the possibility of these effects will be diminished.

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Learn More:

• Fentanyl Addiction
• Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
• Withdrawal From Fentanyl
• Fentanyl Rehab
• What is Fentanyl? Rainbow Fentanyl Symptoms, Uses, Side Effects, Overdose & Detox Withdrawal Timeline
• What Does Fentanyl Do To You? Abuse, Side Effects & Treatment
• How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System, Urine, Blood, Salvia & Hair? Fentanyl Drug Test Duration Chart.
• Signs of Fentanyl Overdose, Addiction Signs to Look for & Addiction Treatment
• What Does Fentanyl Look Like? Rainbow Fentanyl, Colored Candy Fentanyl, Skittles Fentanyl Images, Facts, Warnings, & FAQs
• What Does Fentanyl Taste Like? Does Fentanyl Have a Taste? Fentanyl Taste FAQs & Facts

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be severe and dangerous, depending on the length and intensity of your fentanyl use. Symptoms typically begin within 12-30 hours after your last dose. Then, they peak within 24-48 hours and gradually subside over 5-10 days. 

From days 6-10, symptoms gradually improve, but depression and anxiety may persist for weeks or months. 

Medical supervision is vital for a successful detox. Healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. Also, they will monitor for side effects and changes in your vital signs or physical health. 

Attempting to quit “cold turkey” without medical support is dangerous. It increases the risk of severe dehydration, elevated heart rate, and suicidal thoughts. These risks can lead to relapse and overdose.

After detox, you will move to a complete treatment program. This program will help you understand the causes of addiction and prevent relapse.

Fentanyl Withdrawal and Detox Treatment

Fentanyl detox is a critical first step in overcoming addiction to this powerful opioid. During detox, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to the absence of fentanyl. These symptoms can be intense and potentially dangerous, making medical supervision essential for a safe and effective detox process.

Medically Supervised Detox

In a medically supervised detox, healthcare professionals help reduce the dose of fentanyl. They also use medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Some commonly used medications are buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. Healthcare professionals monitor the treatment’s effectiveness. They also check vital signs and physical health. They manage any serious withdrawal symptoms. This approach minimizes the risk of complications and increases your chances of completing detox.

Transitioning to Comprehensive Treatment

Remember, detox is just the beginning of your recovery. After completing detox, you will transition to comprehensive treatment. Comprehensive treatment addresses the underlying causes of addiction and teaches you skills for long-term recovery. Some examples include behavioral therapy, support groups, skill building, and ongoing medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

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Fentanyl Statistics

Most recent fentanyl overdose and death incidents in the United States have been connected to illegally manufactured fentanyl. It is marketed on the black market for its heroin-like effects. It is often mixed with heroin and cocaine as a combination drug. This can happen with or without the user’s knowledge. The goal is to boost its euphoric effects.

Top 5 Fentanyl Detox Studies with Insights

Here’s a patient-friendly chart of the top five fentanyl detox studies/guidelines.

Here is a helpful list of trusted fentanyl detox studies and guidance. You can use these in clinical copy, program pages, or treatment guides. Each row summarizes the impact of the evidence on treatment. It turns this information into useful tips for care teams and admissions scripts. Sources were selected based on their recency, rigor, and relevance to integrated treatment.

Fentanyl Detox Timeline

How long does fentanyl withdrawal last? The timeline for fentanyl detox can change based on a few factors. These include how dependent the person is on the drug, the severity of their addiction, and their overall health. Generally, the following is a typical timeline for fentanyl detox:

What Helps Fentanyl Withdrawals?

We Level Up’s fentanyl detox program has three stages. Each stage helps people deal with withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl. Each detox step is carefully made to help people with fentanyl addiction. This way, they get the help they need and have a better chance of recovery.

What Is Detox?

The safe way to remove fentanyl from the body is called detox. Detox means getting rid of toxic substances in the bloodstream.

This process is usually performed in a specialized substance abuse treatment center. Detox can be part of a residential or inpatient program. It depends on the person’s specific needs.

Residential detox is often called medical detox. It includes support for medical and mental health. This care is provided by trained professionals 24/7. Vital signs are checked to keep everyone safe. Medications are often used to help with physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. A residential detox is usually recommended for fentanyl withdrawal as it is a powerful opioid.

The type of detox a person must undergo depends on many factors. In some cases, a person can choose to detox at home. But even at home, the person needs to have proper supervision. The person will need to see a professional for an exam. This will make sure the detox process is going well. The monitoring process is also vital during treatment. Medical professionals monitor the detox process and ensure that it’s working correctly.

What Happens After Fentanyl Detox?

How long does it take to withdraw from fentanyl? The acute phase of fentanyl withdrawal usually lasts 7 to 10 days. Some symptoms may last for weeks or even months. After the first week of withdrawal, most physical symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal have resolved.

Still, psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and drug cravings may persist for several weeks or months. Clients move to one of We Level Up’s specialized addiction treatment centers after finishing a medical detox program. These facilities offer several levels of care to address addiction’s underlying issues and causes. The programs include the following:

Medical Fentanyl Detox

In a medical fentanyl detox facility, your withdrawal symptoms can be treated in real-time and adjusted accordingly. They can also provide emergency medical intervention if necessary. You can employ their expertise in managing and reducing withdrawal symptoms. The pain and discomfort of detox will still be present. However, it will be easier to handle with help from the medical team and their prescribed treatment.

How Long Does Fentanyl Detox Last?

How long do fentanyl withdrawals last? Fentanyl detox can take several weeks or longer. This depends on how your body reacts to the medicine that helps with withdrawal symptoms. The higher the fentanyl dosage, the higher the dose of medication necessary to control and manage symptoms. This indicates that your fentanyl detox period may be extended. Medication might sometimes be taken for an extended period to help you avoid fentanyl and other opioids.

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Hot and cold flashes and sweating.
• Tearing eyes and a runny nose.
• Muscle stiffness and aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Insomnia and anxiety.

Do not attempt to detox from fentanyl alone since doing so has life-threatening consequences. Fentanyl is a short-acting opioid. This means withdrawal symptoms can start 8 to 24 hours after use. These symptoms may last four to ten days.

Fentanyl Detox Near Me

When searching for a “fentanyl detox near me,” there are many things to consider. Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:

• Accreditation and Licensing: It is important to make sure the detox center is licensed and accredited. Check for approval from groups like the Joint Commission or CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). This shows that the center meets quality standards and has had regular inspections and evaluations.
• Treatment Philosophy and Approach: Different fentanyl detox centers may have different treatment philosophies and approaches. Some focus on medication-assisted treatment, while others emphasize holistic or alternative therapies. Choosing a detox center whose approach aligns with your personal preferences and values is essential.
• Staff Qualifications and Experience: The skills and experience of the staff are key to your detox and recovery success. Look for a center that employs qualified and experienced healthcare providers, addiction specialists, therapists, and support staff.
• Location and Amenities: The location and amenities of the detox center can also be crucial considerations. Some individuals prefer a center close to home, while others benefit from a more secluded or serene location. Additionally, amenities such as private rooms, outdoor spaces, and recreational activities may be important factors for some individuals.
• Cost and Insurance: The cost of detox and addiction treatment can vary a lot. It is important to choose a center that fits your budget and insurance. Be sure to ask about the treatment costs and any available payment options or financial assistance programs.
• Aftercare and Support: Detox is often the first step in a more extended addiction treatment and recovery process. Find a detox center that provides aftercare and support programs. These can help you stay in recovery and avoid relapse after you leave.

Choosing an addiction detox center is an important decision. It requires careful thought about your needs and preferences. It is best to talk to a qualified healthcare provider or addiction specialist. They can help you find the right detox center for you.

Fentanyl addiction is a condition that can cause significant health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up rehab treatment and detox center can help you or someone you love. We provide the skills needed for recovery through safe and professional care. Don’t hesitate to contact us to meet with one of our counselors. We can educate you on this substance use disorder and address concerns such as fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. Our experts understand what you’re going through. Each call is private and confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fentanyl detox can be challenging, but with the right support and medical supervision, you can safely overcome withdrawal symptoms. Here are some frequently asked questions about fentanyl detox:

How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? How Long Do Opiates Stay in Urine, Blood, & Body?

How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? Brief Video Transcript.

Drugs in the opioid class are used to treat pain. Natural opioids, semi-synthetic opioids made from natural opioids, and synthetic opioids created in a lab are all called opioids. A class of medications known as opioids contains opiates, which are organic byproducts of the poppy plant. The main difference is that “opiate” refers to the substances derived from the opium (poppy) plant. At the same time, “opioids” are all substances that interact with opioid receptors, including those created in the lab.

The length of time that opiates remain in your system varies depending on the type of opiate, the dosage, and the frequency of use. Generally, opiates can stay in your system for two to four days. However, heavier and chronic users may have residues in their system for up to seven days.

Opiates can be detected in the blood test for up to 24 hours and in the urine test for up to three days. Opiates can be detected in the hair follicles for up to 90 days. In chronic users, opiates can stay in the body for up to 30 days.

Opiates often have short half-lives, meaning their effects can linger for several hours even though they swiftly leave the body. Opioids can stay in a person’s bloodstream for hours or days after symptoms go away. This depends on the type of substance used. Urine tests are a common way to check for drug use. They can find opioids in the body for three to four days. Some tests can even detect opioid use for up to three months.

Get FREE addiction treatment insurance check – https://welevelup.com/rehab-insurance/ If you or a loved one is struggling with opiates addiction or other substance use disorder(s), call for a FREE consultation 24/7 at (561) 678-0917