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How to Detox From Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is usually prescribed to alleviate severe pain. You may be given the drug if you are recovering from recent surgery, or if other painkillers don’t work.

Unfortunately, the current opioid epidemic shows how dangerous fentanyl is. Regardless of its origin, it is highly addictive. There is a high risk of developing dependence even if the drug is administrated for a short period of time.

That is why detoxing from fentanyl can be hard. Read on to find out how to detox from fentanyl and what your detoxification journey would look like.

When Detoxing From Fentanyl Is Needed

Due to the high potency of fentanyl (it is 100 times more potent than morphine) most likely you will need to consider detoxing. Why? Because fentanyl causes dependency.

This means that your body cannot function without it. Once you become dependent on the opioid, you need to keep taking it to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, you may need to increase your dose to receive the same result.

Due to its addictive properties, overuse of fentanyl is common. This can be dangerous because the drug slows the respiratory rate and heart rate. Eventually leading to respiratory arrest, even coma or death if there is no medical assistance provided.

You may consider detoxifying from fentanyl if you experience any of the following:

  • Constant cravings for fentanyl
  • Taking larger doses than prescribed
  • Taking fentanyl frequently
  • Obsessive thinking about the need to take fentanyl
  • Seeking ways to obtain fentanyl even by faking symptoms
  • Feeling like the only time when you function properly is when you take fentanyl
  • Ceasing your normal activities so you can take fentanyl
  • Every attempt to stop taking fentanyl ends with experiencing withdrawal symptoms
  • Feeling hopeless in trying to quit taking fentanyl

Detoxing from fentanyl is the first step to getting off the drug. However, it should take place in a rehab center under medical supervision.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Fentanyl?

As with any opioid addiction, the time to detox from fentanyl will vary. There are many factors that can decide the timeframe.

Lifestyle, genetics, underlying health issues, and any potential health risks are just some of the things to consider. However, one of the main factors determining how long will it take you to get off fentanyl was its consumption.

This includes not only the consumed amount but also the length of addiction and the method of administration. If you use IV fentanyl, it may take around 24 hours for the drug to leave your body. Other methods, such as patches or lozenges, can take even two days to completely leave your system.

The danger of fentanyl consumption can be seen in how much time it takes for the withdrawal symptoms to stop. You may no longer take the drug, or have it present in your system, but you may still experience some of the withdrawal symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Detoxing Fentanyl?

There are three stages of fentanyl detox. Your withdrawal from fentanyl symptoms will vary depending on each stage.

Early Stage

The first stage of detoxing fentanyl occurs 2 to 4 hours from the last time you took the drug. At this stage, you may experience bodily discomforts such as body and muscle pains, hot and cold chills, intense sweating, runny nose, or shaking.

In addition, you may have trouble sleeping, and experience anxiety. And the biggest symptoms will be intense cravings for fentanyl.

Peak Stage

The second stage of detox from fentanyl occurs 2 to 4 days after the last dose. This is also the worst stage, as not only you can experience intense symptoms from the early stage, but new symptoms may also be present. You may become obsessed with the cravings to the point that you develop insomnia, depression, or other mood disorders.

This is a stage when medical assistance is most needed. Engaging with a rehab center can help you to overcome many of the unpleasant symptoms.

Long-Term Stage

The third stage occurs after a week or so of your fentanyl detox. You will still struggle with cravings for the opioid, but your other physical symptoms will be minimal.

Unfortunately, this is also the stage where you will need to start dealing with your psychological symptoms. You may suffer from anger, depression, pink cloud syndrome, guilt, low self-esteem, and self-loathing.

How to Detox From Fentanyl

If you suspect that you overuse fentanyl or recognize that it is time to get off it, seek help. Detoxing from fentanyl is very challenging, and it can be hard to do it on your own.

Look for drug rehab centers that offer withdrawal programs to treat both physical and psychological symptoms. You can be sure that you will have constant medical assistance, supervision, and support from others.

Medical professionals may administrate medication to lessen the withdrawal syndromes as well as look after your overall health. Although withdrawal syndromes are not-life threatening, there are some health concerns. For example, if you suffer from vomiting or diarrhea, you are at risk of dehydration.

Qualified medical professionals can help you to cope with some of your psychological symptoms by addressing any unsupportive thoughts, or habits that trigger your fentanyl overuse.

Rehab centers in Ventura County can also help you to build a long-lasting recovery plan. You want to overcome your addiction to fentanyl and reduce the risk of relapses.

You Can Succeed in Your Detox From Fentanyl

Knowing how to detox from fentanyl can give you your life back. Unfortunately, fentanyl is a highly addictive opioid, and it is very challenging to get off it on your own.

Seek help from a trusted rehab center that can help you to overcome both physical and psychological symptoms.

You are not alone on this journey. Contact us today to schedule your confidential call.