Millions of Americans have been devastated by the impact of fentanyl in their personal lives, families, and communities. According to data from the CDC, over 80,000 people overdosed and died from consuming fentanyl in 2023 alone [1].
Many people who use fentanyl become addicted after just one use. Fentanyl withdrawal can cause uncomfortable, painful, and even life-threatening symptoms. This is where detox comes in.
Read on to understand the dangers of withdrawing from fentanyl without professional intervention and how a detox program can provide life-saving support for individuals in recovery from substance abuse.
Understanding Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain. It blocks pain, increases feelings of euphoria, and relaxation. Fentanyl is fifty times stronger than heroin and one hundred times stronger than morphine [2].
The brain’s pleasure-reward system quickly becomes accustomed to fentanyl, and when use is stopped, it sends the body into withdrawal. Fentanyl withdrawal causes intense and painful symptoms that can make it nearly impossible to detox without professional intervention.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, many fentanyl users want to quit but are unable to overcome withdrawal symptoms on their own. Because of the intensity and strength of fentanyl, the relapse rates are high. Fentanyl users spend an average of 7 to 8 years in active addiction before entering detox treatment [2].
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the reasons quitting fentanyl can be so challenging is because of the symptoms that arise during withdrawal. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms affect both mental and physical health.
| Physical Symptoms | Psychological Symptoms |
| Increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure | Depression |
| Nausea and vomiting | Anxiety |
| Intestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation, bloating) | Paranoia |
| Muscle pain and tension | Mental exhaustion, inability to focus |
| Sweating and trembling | Drug cravings |
| Runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, and other common cold symptoms | Irritability, aggression |
| Dilated pupils | Insomnia |
How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?
The exact timeline for fentanyl detox and withdrawal looks different for everyone. However, most detox programs last about a week before transferring patients to a residential rehab program.
The length of withdrawal is influenced by several factors, including:
- Substance of choice (fentanyl and other opioids are some of the most challenging drugs to withdraw from)
- Abusing more than one drug at once
- Frequency and length of use
- Presence of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Underlying medical conditions
How Medical Detox Helps With Fentanyl Withdrawal
The first step towards lasting recovery is detox. This is the medically supervised process of helping patients safely withdraw from fentanyl. During fentanyl detox, medical personnel are available 24/7 to monitor vitals and make sure patients are safe and stabilized.
A clinical detox team almost always consists of a licensed medical doctor or nurse practitioner who can prescribe medication to alleviate withdrawal pain and reduce cravings. After detox, the treatment facility can help coordinate the transition to a residential program where individuals can focus on building the skills that support their long-term recovery.
Holistic and Evidence-Based Treatments for Long-Term Recovery
The recovery journey doesn´t just end after finishing a detox program. Patients recovering from fentanyl addiction require a comprehensive approach to treatment with a combination of medical interventions, residential rehab, and ongoing therapy, medication, or holistic services. These treatments help patients focus on the reasons behind their substance abuse, develop positive coping strategies to manage stress or triggers, and help them build a social support system.
Many fentanyl users struggle with underlying problems that worsen their addiction, such as mental illness, trauma, domestic violence, poverty, or homelessness. An effective treatment program will address these factors after detox is complete to help patients achieve long-term recovery.
Common treatments or services one may receive during a long-term treatment program for fentanyl abuse include:
- Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) share similar goals of helping individuals reframe negative thoughts or emotions that drive substance abuse, build healthy coping strategies, set goals, and improve interpersonal relationships.
- Trauma-focused therapy, like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), focuses on helping patients process stored trauma memories and emotional distress. They follow principles of trauma-informed care, focusing on empowerment, resilience, safety, and trust.
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a model of care that supports individuals in recovery from opioid disorders by using opioid agonists as part of a structured MAT program. Medications commonly prescribed for opioid use disorders include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone [2].
- Group therapy is a powerful way to facilitate healing and provide individuals in recovery with a sense of community and mutual understanding.
- Holistic treatments such as yoga, reiki, massage therapy, and creative arts like drama, dance, or music, are effective tools for recovery, especially when combined with conventional forms of treatment. These help heal the connection between the body and the mind, and nurture emotional and spiritual health.
Detox and Residential Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in Michigan
Rushton Recovery understands how challenging recovering from addiction is and that it requires a comprehensive approach to care. Our supervised medical detox and holistic residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward a fentanyl-free life.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your drug abuse. Let our team help you heal, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery.
Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] The Facts About Fentanyl. 2020. CDC.
[2] Fentanyl Drug Facts. 2021. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
