Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid drug estimated to be fifty times stronger than heroin and eighty times stronger than morphine. Although fentanyl has a legitimate medical use in treating severe pain associated with late stage cancer, it is widely abused. Someone who becomes addicted to fentanyl and later decides to enter treatment will first need to complete a medical detox. Here we examine the fentanyl withdrawal symptoms that are common during the detox process, followed by treatment solutions.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a prescription painkiller that works by blocking pain signals between the source of pain and the brain. It has been used in the medical field for decades for pain relief following surgery, a severe injury, or terminal cancer. Fentanyl’s effects include pain relief, deep relaxation, drowsiness or sedation, and mild euphoria.
Fentanyl is produced in a variety of forms, such as dermal patches, pills or lozenges, nasal spray, or injectable liquid. The dermal patch is helpful for providing long-term pain relief that lasts after other painkillers have worn off. However, the patches have long been abused recreationally in several ways. These include:
- Wearing multiple patches at once
- Chewing the patch
- Scraping out the gel and smoking it
- Boiling the patch and drinking it like tea
- Heating the gel and injecting it
Impact of Fentanyl on Daily Life
As with any opioid addiction, the adverse effects that fentanyl addiction has on daily life are significant. As the addiction takes hold, the individual loses control over his or her life and begins to experience various consequences. These include:
- Loss of employment
- Failing at school
- Onset of mental health issues
- Suicidal thoughts
- Oxygen deficiency
- Legal problems
- Stressed relationships
- Chronic constipation
- Dry mouth
- Impaired vision
- Financial problems
Fentanyl Abuse and the Risk of Fentanyl Overdose
Someone who has been taking this drug in ways not prescribed by a doctor will begin to display signs of fentanyl abuse. Symptoms may include:
- Labored breathing
- Drowsiness
- Sleep disruptions
- Constipation
- Stomach problems
- Slowed heart rate
- Constricted pupils
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings
- Trouble urinating
- Chest pain
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Trouble paying attention
- Slowed movements
- Reckless behavior, impaired judgment
- Disorientation
- Drug cravings
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
In recent years, copies, or analogs, of fentanyl have been widely distributed in the drug trades. It has shown up in heroin, meth, cocaine, marijuana, and counterfeit opioids. It takes only a tiny amount of fentanyl to be lethal.
Because most who purchase the drugs have no knowledge they are cut with fentanyl, a severe wave of overdose deaths have occurred. Only with the swift intervention of Narcon can respiratory distress be reversed to hopefully save a person’s life.
Fentanyl Addiction Signs & Symptoms
Ongoing use of fentanyl results in increased tolerance and eventually opioid addiction. The signs of a fentanyl addiction include:
- Doctor shopping for more refills
- Forging prescriptions
- Assigning large chunks of time for obtaining, using and recovering from fentanyl
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Decline in job performance
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Try to quit or cut back on fentanyl but can’t
- Continue to use fentanyl despite the negative consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
About Fentanyl Detox and Withdrawal
Someone whose life was saved through a Narcan intervention, or by making the decision to get clean, now has hope. Before someone enters recovery, however, they must first rid the body of all fentanyl residue. This allows the person to stabilize both physically and mentally before embarking on the recovery journey.
When someone stops using fentanyl they will start having fentanyl withdrawal symptoms within 12-24 hours of the last dose. This causes the brain to react, as it has become dependent on the presence of the drug for an extended period. The symptoms reflect the brain and body attempting to recalibrate to homeostasis, or a balanced state.
It is important to know that during detox and withdrawal, the individual will have continual monitoring and support. Medications are provided to reduce the pain of withdrawal as well as the cravings. Psychological support is also provided throughout the detox and withdrawal period.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
On average, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms tend to peak in 48-72 hours. The detox timeline may last for one to two weeks, with some symptoms persisting for weeks. Here are the three stages of fentanyl detox and withdrawal:
Stage One. The early symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Muscle and joint pain
- Excessive yawning
- Deep fatigue
- Restlessness
- Runny nose
- Tearing eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Stage Two. Peak symptoms tend to last a day or tow and include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Severe body aches
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Hot and cold flashes
- Agitation
- Drug cravings
- Mood swings
- Depression
Stage Three. Subsiding but lingering fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Body aches
Residential Rehab for Fentanyl Addiction
Once the fentanyl detox has been completed, it is time to enter a treatment program. It is recommended that someone entering treatment for fentanyl addiction be treated at a residential treatment center. This is due to its complicated treatment profile and the common presence of co-occurring mental health disorders. Residential treatment provides the structure and 24-hour support needed to ensure a successful recovery outcome.
The residential rehab offers an intensive and comprehensive approach to treating fentanyl addiction. Here is what to expect in treatment:
- Individual therapy sessions. During private therapy sessions you’ll learn healthy new thought/behavior patterns through evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT.
- Group therapy sessions. Under the guidance of a counselor, peers in recovery can share their experiences and feelings while offering each other support.
- Medication support. Medication can assist recovery by blocking the effects of fentanyl and reducing cravings, thus reducing the threat of relapse.
- Holistic. Techniques like meditation and yoga can reduce stress while in rehab, plus become valuable coping tools in recovery.
- Wellness. Recreation and nutrition round out the program, helping to restore health in recovery.
LifeSync Malibu Luxury Residential Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
LifeSync Malibu offers a robust and integrated residential rehab program within a luxury setting. Don’t let the worry of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms prevent you from reclaiming your quality of life. Our detox team tends to you throughout the process, guiding you safely into treatment and then aftercare. Please reach out today at (866) 491-4426.
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