Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms + Timeline

If you feel you or a loved one may be experiencing fentanyl withdrawal, know that fentanyl rehab is available. Fentanyl addiction has become so problematic in the United States that it consistently makes the news. Whether it’s a prescription version or an illegally manufactured form, this drug can cause a dangerous addiction to develop. Those who find themselves in the grip of it may want to get help but fear going through withdrawal. Buckhead Behavioral Health employs an expert medical staff who understand how to help people combat fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. With our help, recovery from a substance use disorder can include a variety of medications and psychological support that ease and eliminate many of the symptoms.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Fentanyl addiction, call us now at (470) 460-6789 or fill out the form below and one of our admissions representatives will reach out to you.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that was developed in 1959 and initially used as an intravenous anesthetic. It is now commonly prescribed to individuals suffering from pain related to surgery, long-term, and chronic illnesses. It often helps people who do not find relief from other forms of prescription medication. Common prescription names for fentanyl include Duragesic, Sublimaze, and Actiq. The usage of fentanyl should be monitored by the prescribing physician due to its potential for the user to develop an addiction to it. Prescription fentanyl is manufactured in several forms, including tablets, sprays, lozenges, and patches.

Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally across the country. It typically is made in tablet form or as a powder. Just like the prescription version, use of it can end up developing into an addiction. As with other illegally produced narcotics, unsafe additives can be part of the ingredients. This includes other drugs or things like household cleansers, making taking fentanyl even riskier when the user has no idea what’s in the dosage they take.

Fentanyl is a particularly potent drug. It is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Classified as a Schedule II drug, this means usage of it brings with it a high potential for abusing it. This can lead to physical and psychological dependence. This means that once a person becomes addicted, they will need professional help to stop abusing it. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms happen in the early stages of becoming sober, making it important to receive care from treatment professionals in order to address and ease them.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction causes a person to exhibit certain signs that can signal to them and their loved ones that a substance use disorder has developed. Common signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction include the following:

Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Shaking
Difficulty with coordination
Cloudy thinking
Dizziness
Taking a larger amount of the drug than prescribed
Doctor shopping: visiting several doctors in order to get multiple fentanyl prescriptions
Using someone else’s prescription
Withdrawal symptoms when not using
Trying to stop taking the drug and being unable to do so
Hiding usage of the drug from others
Spending excessive amounts of money on the drug
Obtaining the drug through illegal channels

Many people who develop an addiction to fentanyl also experience psychological and emotional side effects. These can include feeling depressed, moody, or anxious. Some people become paranoid and experience hallucinations.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms vary per person. Factors include the length of the addiction, the typical dosage taken, and the person’s overall physical and mental health. There are common withdrawal symptoms experienced by many. These include:

Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Sweating
Insomnia
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Flu-like symptoms
Chills
Muscular and joint aches
Elevated heart rate
Dehydration
Cramping
Hypertension

In addition, many people experience psychological and emotional withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and moodiness.

Some people may feel tempted to try to go through fentanyl detox on their own. Never a good idea, this process can prove to be dangerous for the person. Medical staff with experience in treating addiction should supervise a person while they go through the initial stages of stopping the usage of fentanyl. They can monitor the person for withdrawal symptoms and provide assistance that keeps them medically safe and more comfortable.

Another concern about trying to quit abusing fentanyl alone is that going off the drug for even a short period can cause the person to develop a reduced tolerance for the drug. When they go back to taking the drug at their usual elevated amount, they risk overdosing and even death.

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Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

Someone concerned with fentanyl withdrawal symptoms often wonders how long they last. While each person’s experience may vary, the general guideline for the fentanyl withdrawal timeline is as follows:

Day 1: Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12 hours of the last dosage of fentanyl. Common symptoms include headaches, muscular aches, sweating, anxiety, and moodiness.

Day 2-4: Withdrawal symptoms peak during this time, which means they are at their most intense. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and anxiety.

Day 5-10: Symptoms begin to decrease during this time and some stop completely. For many people, the emotional symptoms exist longer than physical ones, including feeling anxious or depressed.

Anyone who continues to experience withdrawal symptoms after the initial detox phase or early recovery can consult with their physician or therapist. Different types of therapy and medication can be used to help combat these withdrawal symptoms while the person continues to work on learning to stay sober.

How Is Fentanyl Addiction Treated?

When someone develops a fentanyl addiction, they need a professional drug rehab program. Program options start with detox and then continue to either residential or outpatient care. Detox typically lasts five to ten days and can be done on an outpatient basis. Residential care requires a person to reside in a treatment facility for 30 days or more while receiving continual care day and night.

For many, outpatient care provides everything they need to address and overcome their addiction. These options include regular outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization programs. An assessment by experienced addiction clinicians will determine which type of program is right for each individual. This will also help figure out the length of treatment needed, which can be adjusted as the person progresses through it.

Types of therapy that prove effective in treating substance use disorders include:

Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Trauma therapy
Holistic therapy
Medication-assisted treatment
Neurofeedback addiction treatment
Brainspotting therapy

Does Insurance Cover Substance Use Disorders?

Too often, a person assumes that treatment for drug or alcohol addiction will not be covered by insurance. Substance use disorders fall into the category of medical illnesses. As a result, most insurance companies offer coverage for treating them. Anyone interested in getting information should contact their provider and find out what options are available to them. Treatment can include a variety of addiction treatment programs, such as detox, residential, outpatient care, medications, and more. Each person should make sure to get prior approval for the care they wish to receive. Some insurance companies require this as part of their policy in order to cover or reimburse customers for treatment.

Find Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction Today

Have you recognized you have an addiction and want to get help? If so, the fear of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may hold you back from entering treatment. Buckhead Behavioral Health knows how to help ease the withdrawal symptoms that often occur when someone stops using a substance such as fentanyl. We can provide medications, including ones that directly target fentanyl withdrawal, in order to minimize the discomfort that occurs during the early days of recovery. Our outpatient programs provide multiple ways to help you conquer your addiction, including therapies that prove effective when used to treat substance use disorders.

If you would like to get more information about how we can help you or someone you love to overcome addiction to fentanyl, visit our admissions page now. It’s easy to find out how to get started and leave drug abuse in your past.