For those struggling with fentanyl addiction, the idea of seeking treatment can be intimidating. At Royal Life Detox, our goal is to make sure you understand that recovery from opioid abuse is possible with the right tools and support. If you are considering fentanyl detox, it is important to know what to expect ahead of time. We are here to help you learn what the fentanyl withdrawal timeline looks like and get you started on the road to recovery.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine. It produces similar euphoric and pain-relieving effects but up to 50 to 100 times more potent. While fentanyl is a prescription drug, it is also being widely made and used illegally.
Fentanyl is used to treat patients with severe pain. It is often administrated to patients after surgery or for those with chronic pain who are tolerant to other opioids. It is available in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injections.
In many cases, people will use fentanyl recreationally to achieve a fast and intense high. However, this is extremely dangerous. Because of fentanyl’s high potency, even a small dose can lead to overdose. For this reason, it should never be used without a doctor’s approval and guidance.
Where Does Fentanyl Come From?
When it comes to the distribution of fentanyl, this drug can be sourced both legally and illicitly. The best way to acquire fentanyl is to go through a doctor who can properly assess your treatment needs and what medications will best suit you. Purchasing fentanyl without a doctor’s approval is not only illegal but highly dangerous.
Legal Prescription from a Doctor
As a prescription drug, you will need to see a doctor to get a prescription for fentanyl. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and determine whether fentanyl is the right medication for you. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. As such, your doctor will monitor you closely if you are prescribed fentanyl to make sure you are only using it as prescribed. If they notice any signs of misuse, they will likely adjust your prescription and find a different medication for you.
Illicit Fentanyl
China is the primary source of the chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl. These chemicals are then shipped to Mexico, where they are synthesized into fentanyl. Mexican drug cartels are primarily responsible for the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of fentanyl into the United States.
It is important to keep in mind that Mexican fentanyl is almost never pure. They often mix fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. This increases their potency and profitability at the expense of their consumers’ safety and well-being.
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
Fentanyl is a highly addictive substance. Even those who use this substance with a valid prescription have a high risk of developing a dependence on it. Because of this, most fentanyl prescriptions are only intended for short-term use and in small doses.
If someone is abusing fentanyl, they can become hooked on this substance even with just one use. Unfortunately, this one use can also quickly become life-threatening if the individual takes too much or if their fentanyl is mixed with other substances.
Fentanyl Overdose Stats
As an opioid, fentanyl is extremely potent. Even a small amount of this drug can be fatal. Fentanyl overdose symptoms include respiratory depression, slowed heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
According to the CDC, over 110,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose in 2022. Of these deaths, approximately 70% were caused by an overdose of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. As prescription drug abuse continues to pose a problem across the U.S., Royal Life Detox has committed itself to meeting the need for effective prevention and treatment options.
What Is Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Fentanyl withdrawal is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person who is dependent on this drug suddenly stops using it. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be very uncomfortable. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening.
For those who are addicted to fentanyl, it is never recommended to attempt to stop using this drug by themselves. To properly manage their fentanyl withdrawal symptoms and safely stop opioid use, it is best to do so in the safety of a professional detox center.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
The fentanyl withdrawal timeline can vary depending on several factors. This can include the severity of a person’s addiction, underlying health conditions, and whether they are undergoing detox in a safe environment.
Generally, though, you can expect the withdrawal timeline to look something like this:
Early Withdrawal
The first stage of withdrawal typically occurs between 12-24 hours after a person’s last use of fentanyl. This is a particularly difficult period, often accompanied by several withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Intense cravings
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Acute Withdrawal
The acute withdrawal period, which begins around 2-3 days after a person’s last use, is the most severe part of this process. Individuals will often experience several serious withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate
Subacute Withdrawal
Around days 4-7, most people will begin to experience a lessening in their opioid withdrawal symptoms. As the worst of the withdrawal effects begin to subside, individuals may be left with uncomfortable symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Cravings
Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS)
In some cases, a person’s symptoms can last for weeks or even months after acute withdrawal. The most common withdrawal effects that can persist after the opioid detox period include anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and cravings. There is no way to determine if you will be affected by post-acute symptoms ahead of time.
This is why it is important to seek professional help when stopping opioid abuse. These symptoms can often lead to relapse, which has a high risk of overdose. When detoxing at a safe and supervised treatment program, medical professionals can monitor and support you throughout your recovery process.
Factors That Influence the Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
There are several factors that can influence the timeline of fentanyl withdrawal. Some of the most common include:
- Dosage and Frequency of Use: Higher doses and more frequent use lead to more severe and prolonged withdrawal symptoms.
- Duration of Use: Longer-term use can result in more intense and longer-lasting withdrawal.
- Method of Administration: Injected fentanyl can lead to a more rapid onset. This can cause more severe withdrawal compared to other methods like patches or pills.
- Individual Physiology: Factors like metabolism, overall health, and genetic predispositions can influence the severity and duration of withdrawal.
- Concurrent Substance Use: Using other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines can complicate withdrawal.
- Mental Health Conditions: Underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and make recovery more challenging.
It is important to remember that fentanyl withdrawal can be a dangerous and unpredictable process. Seeking professional help during this time is crucial to manage symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
At Royal Life Detox, we provide comprehensive and compassionate treatment for those struggling with opioid use disorders. Our detox program offers a combination of medical and therapeutic interventions.
This allows us to help our guests heal in mind, body, and spirit in their recovery from fentanyl addiction. From detox to aftercare, we are here to ensure that your journey to sobriety is as successful as possible.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating fentanyl addiction. This approach combines medication with behavioral therapies, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
There are several medications commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorders, including:
Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid used to treat opioid addiction. It is administered orally and can reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of overdose. It is typically dispensed in a clinical setting under medical supervision, as it can have a risk for abuse if misused.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that can be prescribed by qualified physicians. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of euphoria as full opioid agonists. It is available in various forms, including sublingual films and injections.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication that blocks opioid receptors. This prevents the euphoric effects of opioids and reduces cravings. This can help prevent relapse for those who are in the early stages of recovery. Naltrexone is typically available in oral and injectable forms.
Inpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse
Inpatient treatment is a great option for those who require a more structured, intensive environment where they can focus on recovery without distractions. This is often necessary for those with severe addictions or who require medical supervision during detox.
Royal Life Detox’s residential inpatient program takes a comprehensive approach that addresses all areas of our guests’ lives. Through our holistic approach to care, we aim to provide whole health care to our guests. In doing so, we provide them with the tools and skills they need to maintain long-term sobriety.
Outpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse
Our outpatient treatment program offers a more flexible approach to fentanyl addiction recovery. This allows our guests to maintain their daily routines while receiving professional care. In doing so, they are able to re-adjust to independent living while gaining the skills they need to maintain their sobriety. From support groups to continued medication-assisted treatment and therapy, our outpatient program offers the comprehensive support you need in a flexible manner.
Long-Term Fentanyl Recovery
Long-term fentanyl recovery is a challenging but achievable goal. It requires ongoing commitment, support, and professional guidance. After completing our inpatient programs, guests who would like to continue receiving support can participate in our aftercare program.
This might include staying at our Sober Housing on the property or participating in support groups and ongoing therapy. Through participating in our aftercare program, we can teach you how to practice effective self-care, develop a strong support system, and build a relapse prevention plan.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide the compassionate and comprehensive care you need to achieve and maintain lasting sobriety. If you are ready to start your recovery or want to learn more about our treatment programs, reach out to us today.
