In 2022, 107,375 Americans died from a drug overdose, and 67% of those overdoses involved opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl is highly addictive and very dangerous, especially for people that don’t have opioid tolerance.
If you or a loved one are planning to detox from fentanyl, you’re likely asking how long does it take to detox from fentanyl? The answer to this question isn’t straightforward and depends on factors like how long you’ve been using fentanyl. Detoxing from fentanyl also causes severe withdrawal symptoms and is dangerous to do alone.
Keep reading this guide to learn how long it takes to detox from fentanyl and also find Ventura County substance abuse treatment.
Overview of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, only 100 times stronger. Opioids are drugs that naturally come from the opium poppy plant. Certain opioids come directly from this plant, while synthetic opioids are made in labs with the same chemical structure.
Fentanyl treats chronic pain in people who aren’t able to take other opioids.
Prescription fentanyl comes in patches you can put on the skin, injections, or lozenges that are much like cough drops. Illegal fentanyl, which most often causes fentanyl overdoses, is usually made in a lab and comes in forms like:
- Powder wrapped in paper
- A liquid found in eye droppers
- Pills that look like other prescription opioid pills
- Nasal sprays
Sometimes, fentanyl is mixed with other drugs like heroin. This is because it takes very little fentanyl to produce a high. Therefore, fentanyl is a cheap but extremely dangerous addition to other drugs.
In fact, many people buy drugs illegally and don’t realize they have fentanyl, often leading to overdoses.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Fentanyl?
Fentanyl detox length depends on different factors, like the length and quantity of fentanyl you use. Since Fentanyl is an opioid, it affects your brain by binding to opioid receptors and activating them.
These receptors control pain and regulate your emotions. When you first start taking fentanyl, you’ll feel a rush of euphoria. Over time, you’ll need more and more fentanyl to achieve this same initial high.
Ultimately, this causes physical and psychological dependence. Once you stop taking fentanyl, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 12 hours after your last dose. Common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Feeling irritable
- Aches and pains
- Increased pain sensitivity
- Chills and goosebumps
- Sweating
- Runny nose and teary eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling down and depressed
- Severe cravings
These symptoms are the worst between 1 and 3 days after your last fentanyl dose. Symptoms can last for approximately a week but can vary in severity. Many people also have symptoms that last beyond the initial withdrawal phase.
These symptoms include anxiety, trouble sleeping, and the inability to feel pleasure or happiness.
Withdrawal from fentanyl can cause immense pain and discomfort. The symptoms are often so severe that they cause people to return to using fentanyl or other opioid drugs.
How to Detox From Fentanyl
Since detoxing from fentanyl causes severe symptoms, you’ll need to find a fentanyl detox center to help you. You’ll need to do your research to find reputable Ventura County addiction treatment centers that offer detox and inpatient treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Detox from fentanyl requires medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT involves the use of opioid addiction medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone.
Buprenorphine attaches to opioid receptors and blocks other opioids. However, it doesn’t fully activate these receptors. As a result, it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone works in a different way than buprenorphine. It attaches to opioid receptors and blocks the euphoric effect of fentanyl. You’ll need to wait until you’ve detoxed from fentanyl to take this medication, usually around 14 days. Naltrexone is a good option for managing the long-term effects of fentanyl withdrawal.
You’ll also receive other medications to help manage symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. Staff will assist you 24/7 and check your vital signs.
Inpatient Treatment
Once you’ve completed detox, you must move to a treatment program. For many people with fentanyl addiction, inpatient treatment is the most effective. This is because it puts you in a completely different environment, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Inpatient treatment programs include a supportive staff available 24/7, healthy meals, and holistic and spiritual therapy. Common therapies include yoga, art, and reiki therapy. Reiki therapy is a form of energy healing that helps you relax and become more mindful.
Inpatient programs also have group therapy sessions that allow you to talk to other people going through addiction.
Since many people with addiction also have mental health conditions, you’ll receive behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy for addiction typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a talk therapy that helps you identify negative thinking patterns that lead to addiction.
You’ll learn how to manage stress and cope with triggers. Creating a close support network is also crucial to long-term recovery.
Aftercare Program
Fentanyl rehab in Ventura should also include an aftercare program. It’s essential to remember that your recovery doesn’t stop with your treatment program.
To continue living sober, you’ll need a comprehensive aftercare plan. This plan should include how you’ll stay on track with recovery and your sobriety goals. It’s crucial to know your triggers and have a plan in place if you’re having cravings.
Most aftercare programs include individual behavioral therapy and group therapy. Group therapy allows you to form a solid support network with other people going through the same challenges. You’ll need to continue attending meetings and making sobriety a part of your daily life.
Finding Drug Rehab in Ventura County
Knowing the answer to the question “how long does it take to detox from fentanyl” will help you understand the importance of getting assistance throughout the process.
If you’re looking for a reliable Ventura County detox program, you can turn to Altitude Recovery Community. We have drug and alcohol detox, residential inpatient treatment, and aftercare programs to help you meet your sobriety goals.
We’re licensed and accredited, offering individualized and customized programs to meet your needs. We also have over 25 years of combined experience treating substance abuse and other co-occurring disorders.
Our dedicated staff looks forward to helping you live sober, so make sure to contact us today to begin the process.
