What's It Like to Detox from Fentanyl?

If you or somebody you love has been using fentanyl, you may wonder what it's like when you want to stop. Many people have misused opioids, gotten clean and sober, and reclaimed their lives through detox and treatment.

Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, has quickly become a drug of choice in America. Quitting an opioid like fentanyl can cause withdrawal symptoms, making it a challenging and intense experience to try to go through alone. So what is it like to detox from fentanyl?

Understanding Withdrawal From Fentanyl

When an addicted person stops using fentanyl, their body reacts because it has become dependent on the drug. Its potency -- 50 to 100 times the strength of morphine -- means fentanyl's withdrawal symptoms can be more intense compared to other opioids.

People who buy opioids on the street may be consuming a drug that's more potent than pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl. Because of this, withdrawal symptoms are usually more intense than other opioids. Street fentanyl also often has other contaminants, such as xylazine, which can complicate withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from Fentanyl: Symptoms

A person withdrawing from fentanyl may experience various symptoms that are uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. These symptoms are normal and will pass when the body is detoxing. In treatment or detox, there are addiction professionals who guide clients through the first few days and weeks of recovery.

While experiencing detox, a person may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Intense Cravings: They might have strong urges to use fentanyl again because their body craves the substance. This is because opioids affect the brain and cause it to create this feeling when it wants a new supply of drugs.
Physical Discomfort: A person may feel physical discomfort, such as muscle aches, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. These can be more severe compared to other opioids.
Mood Swings: Fentanyl withdrawal can affect your mood, leading to anxiety, depression, and irritability. Emotional ups and downs are typical during withdrawal. People may experience panic attacks, angry outbursts, and even crying spells as their body rids itself of the drug and attempts to self-regulate emotions. This will pass! It is part of the process but tough to get through. This is one reason why treatment is essential for people withdrawing from opioids.
Sleep Issues: Sleep problems, including insomnia or difficulty staying asleep, are common. A person in withdrawal may feel restless and tired. They may pace the floor at night.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps are possible during the detox process. These are some of the most uncomfortable side effects but can be managed with medicine.
Sweating and Chills: Body temperature regulation may be affected, leading to episodes of sweating and chills. This, too, shall pass! It will take a few days, but once the opioid is out of a person's system, they won't experience this again unless they start using drugs again.
Cardiovascular Issues: Fentanyl withdrawal can cause a person's heart rate and blood pressure to rise, making you feel more on edge. This is related to panic attacks and angry outbursts; a person may not realize that they feel this way due to withdrawal.

Many people find when they start the detox process, they have a lot of time to think and feel. During these symptoms, a person may feel intense emotions that are a trigger for getting high again. However, with support and guidance, people can begin to recover from addiction, learn to cope with these feelings, and start a new healthy path in life.

Withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl can start within a few hours of the last dose and may peak within the first few days. However, some symptoms may last a little longer. In detox, people will be made comfortable by staff who will help assess and treat any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Recovery is Possible

If you or someone you know is going through fentanyl withdrawal, reaching out to addiction specialists is a crucial step toward a healthy recovery.

People from all walks of life have been able to get help through medical detox and treatment and begin a new way of life. Treatment offers a safe and secure sanctuary, a healthy lifestyle, and nourishing food. Addiction professionals work to offer a compassionate, serene environment to get back on your feet and work toward long-term recovery as you learn more about your addiction and recovery.

Learn more about choosing a residential recovery center to start your journey in recovery. We're here to help you make choices about your future as you begin to rebuild your life from opioid use disorder.

Call us toll-free from anywhere in North America at 1-888-984-0758 or contact us here. We're happy to answer any questions you have.