In 2021, over 71,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses, mainly fentanyl. That’s a staggering 23% increase from 2020. If you’re ready to break free, knowing what to expect during detox is crucial. Fentanyl withdrawal can be intense, but with the right support, you can make it through. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we’ve got your back with a comprehensive approach to recovery. From medication-assisted treatment to holistic therapies, we’ll help you navigate the bumpy road of withdrawal and set you up for long-term success.
Call Evoke Wellness at Miramar today (833) 819-6066 or reach out online.
What Is Fentanyl Addiction?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, creating an intense high and euphoric feeling. That potency also makes it highly addictive – even small doses can quickly lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Spotting the Warning Signs
As fentanyl addiction develops, warning signs start to emerge:
- Mood changes, irritability, anxiety or depression
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Drowsiness, slurred speech, pinpoint pupils
- Neglecting responsibilities like work or school
- Financial troubles from spending money on the drug
You may also notice signs of physical dependence, like nausea, sweating, or body aches when not using fentanyl. These withdrawal symptoms are a clear indication of addiction.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Its potency gives fentanyl a terrifyingly high risk of overdose – often when it’s mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine. Even tiny amounts can be fatal. Long-term fentanyl abuse also does severe damage to your mental and physical health.
The addiction is powerful, but it can be beaten with professional treatment. Medication-assisted therapies like methadone help curb cravings and manage withdrawal under medical supervision. Inpatient rehab provides intensive behavioral therapy and counseling to address the root causes.
The first step is medically-supervised detox to safely rid your body of fentanyl. It’s an uncomfortable process, but a crucial first step on the road to recovery.
What Does Fentanyl Do?
Intense Euphoria & Relaxation
When you take fentanyl, it binds to the opioid receptors in your brain that control pain and emotions. This triggers a huge release of dopamine – the “feel-good” chemical. The result? An intense rush of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief.
It’s this powerful high that makes fentanyl so addictive and dangerous. The effects kick in rapidly within minutes and can last 4-7 hours.
Dangerous Side Effects
In the short term, fentanyl can cause nausea, confusion, constipation, weakness, and even life-threatening breathing problems. Long-term abuse damages the brain, immune system, heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
Why? During an overdose, the powerful respiratory depression caused by fentanyl cuts off oxygen to the brain and body. This is what makes fentanyl so deadly – it only takes a tiny amount to stop your breathing entirely.
Fentanyl withdrawal can be excruciating and even life-threatening without proper medical detox. That’s why seeking help at a qualified treatment center is crucial for recovery.
What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
The Onset
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can start shockingly fast – within just 3 to 8 hours after your last dose. That’s because fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Your body gets hooked on it quickly.
The first signs? Feeling like you have a nasty case of the flu. Muscle aches, cold sweats, nausea, diarrhea – the whole miserable package. You’ll likely start getting anxious too, maybe even panicky, as the drug rapidly leaves your system.
A Harrowing Experience
Within 24 hours, the real hell of fentanyl withdrawal sets in. Now you’re not just sick, you’re in agony – wracked by intense cramping, vomiting, and insomnia. Your emotions are a roller coaster, swinging from irritability to depression as the drug cravings become unbearable.
All this is your body’s way of protesting the sudden absence of a substance it has come to rely on. Withdrawal symptoms can persist for up to a week, leaving you utterly depleted mentally and physically.
Why Detox Is Crucial
Trying to white-knuckle it through fentanyl withdrawal alone is extremely risky. The severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and psychological distress can have life-threatening consequences without medical care.
That’s why a professional detox program is essential. With round-the-clock monitoring, medications to control withdrawal, and holistic therapies for the mind and body, you get the support you need to make it through safely. It’s the crucial first step toward lasting recovery from fentanyl addiction.
How Do You Manage Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Managing fentanyl withdrawal can be an incredibly challenging experience. But with the right support and approach, you can overcome it successfully.
Medically Supervised Detox
The safest way to detox from fentanyl is through a medically supervised program. Evoke’s detox program provides around-the-clock care and medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms like body aches, nausea, anxiety and insomnia.
Medications like buprenorphine or methadone can be used to gradually taper you off opioids and stabilize brain chemistry. This reduces cravings and makes withdrawal more manageable.
Holistic Therapies
While medication is crucial, holistic therapies can also provide immense support. Things like massage, acupuncture, yoga and meditation help relax the mind and body during detox.
Nutrition therapy ensures you’re getting the fluids and nutrients needed to regain strength. Exercise can boost mood and aid recovery.
Ongoing Treatment
Detox is just the first step. You’ll need ongoing treatment like counseling, group therapy and life skills classes to maintain sobriety. A good program will create an aftercare plan to prevent relapse through support groups, sober living, or alumni programs.
The road ahead won’t be easy. But by utilizing professional care and holistic modalities, you can take it one day at a time to overcome fentanyl’s powerful grip.
What Are the Dangers of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Intense Physical Symptoms
Quitting fentanyl cold turkey is extremely risky due to the intense withdrawal symptoms it causes. You’ll likely experience flu-like symptoms on steroids – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and bone aches, fever, sweats, sneezing, and uncontrollable shaking. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months.
Psychological Turmoil
But the physical hell is only half the battle. Fentanyl withdrawal also brings on severe insomnia, anxiety, depression, and drug cravings so strong they feel unbearable. This emotional rollercoaster increases your risk of relapse as you desperately seek relief. Studies show the cycle of fentanyl addiction and withdrawal is rapid and vicious.
Overdose Dangers
Perhaps most dangerous is how quickly your tolerance drops after quitting fentanyl. If you relapse, your old dose could easily cause a fatal overdose since your body can no longer process the drug properly. Overdose is a huge risk when withdrawing from this potent synthetic opioid without medical help.
Medically-Supervised Detox
The safest way to get through fentanyl withdrawal is with a medically-supervised detox program. Medications like buprenorphine and methadone can ease cravings and symptoms, while 24/7 monitoring ensures your safety. Proper treatment gives you the support to get through this challenging process.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
Comprehensive Approach
At Evoke Wellness, we understand the complexities of fentanyl addiction and the challenges it presents. Our comprehensive prescription drug addiction treatment program combines evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of your recovery journey.
Medically Supervised Detox
The first step is a medically supervised detox process to help you safely and comfortably withdraw from fentanyl. Our team of experienced professionals will monitor your progress and provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This ensures a smoother transition into the next phase of your recovery.
Integrated Therapies
Once you’ve completed detox, our program offers a range of integrated therapies tailored to your unique needs. These include:
- Individual and group counseling sessions
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Mindfulness and stress management techniques
Holistic Approach
We believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction. Our holistic therapy program incorporates activities like yoga, art therapy, and outdoor experiences to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse is a common concern, but our program equips you with the tools and strategies to prevent and manage it. Through relapse prevention education and ongoing support, you’ll learn to identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and build a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
At Evoke Wellness, we’re committed to your success. Our comprehensive fentanyl addiction treatment program offers a safe, supportive environment where you can heal, grow, and reclaim your life.
Fentanyl Withdrawal FAQs
Intense cravings
One of the most challenging aspects of fentanyl withdrawal is the intense cravings that can linger for weeks or even months. Your brain has grown accustomed to the euphoric rush of this potent opioid, so when you quit cold turkey, it sends your neurochemistry into a frenzy. Be prepared for an overwhelming desire to use again just to make those cravings stop.
Miserable flu-like symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal mimics a severe case of the flu, but on steroids. You can expect body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and more. These physical symptoms tend to peak around 72 hours after your last dose. They’re miserable, but they’ll eventually subside as the drug leaves your system.
- Clonidine prescribed by medical staff can help reduce sweating, aches, nausea, and other nasty physical symptoms.
Psychological distress
Don’t underestimate the emotional toll of fentanyl withdrawal. Insomnia, anxiety, depression, agitation, and mood swings are all par for the course. Your mental health may take a beating for a while as your brain chemistry resets. Be kind to yourself and consider counseling or support groups.
Relapse risks
With such debilitating physical and mental effects, it’s no wonder that relapse rates are so high during fentanyl withdrawal. The temptation to use again just to make the agony stop can feel overwhelming at times. This is why medically-supervised detox followed by comprehensive addiction treatment is crucial.
At Evoke Wellness, our team has extensive experience guiding people safely through the fentanyl withdrawal process. We utilize medications, holistic therapies, counseling, and other evidence-based approaches to minimize your discomfort and reduce relapse risks. Recovery is possible – let us show you how.
Conclusion
As you can see, fentanyl withdrawal is no walk in the park. But with the right support and treatment, you can make it through detox and start your journey to recovery. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight. Thousands of people overcome fentanyl addiction every year with professional help. Whether it’s medication-assisted treatment, holistic therapies, or group support that works for you, there are options. The road ahead won’t be easy, but it’s worth it.
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness at Miramar
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness at Miramar invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. In Miramar, you’ll find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (833) 819-6066 today or reach out online.
