If you or your loved one is living with fentanyl use disorder, and you’re thinking about starting or re-committing to recovery, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Fentanyl is one of the strongest, fastest-acting, and most dangerous opioids used recreationally today. It’s a synthetic, or man-made, opioid. Since it is produced illegally, there is no way to know for sure what is in any given dose of fentanyl.
Because the substance is very cheap to produce, it’s commonly used as a lacing agent in other illicit drugs, to boost profits for dealers and enhance other psychoactive effects. This means that some people begin taking fentanyl without knowing it.
Whether you’re taking fentanyl knowingly or because it’s laced into something else, you can quickly develop a fentanyl use disorder. This occurs when you have a physical and psychological dependence on the substance.
When you take fentanyl, it attaches itself to opioid receptors throughout your central nervous system. When this happens, your brain releases dopamine and endorphins, which reduce pain and produce a sense of euphoria. Over time, the naturally occurring amounts of these chemicals in your body will no longer feel sufficient, and when you stop taking the opioids that trigger them, you’ll experience withdrawals.
The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal usually mimic those of a bad flu. While these aren’t deadly, they can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to manage on your own.
Common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
Most of these symptoms on their own are not severely dangerous. However, it isn’t safe to detox on your own. In combination, these symptoms can cause serious complications. Participating in the fentanyl detox program at Real Recovery Solutions ensures that you have consistent emotional support for this change and medical treatment to reduce the severity of symptoms.
For many individuals living with a fentanyl use disorder, a professional detox program is the first major step in a lifetime of recovery.
Most symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are fairly mild. However, in combination, they can produce more serious health concerns, like severe dehydration, especially if they go untreated. At Real Recovery Solutions, you’ll have the support of experienced professionals who know what to expect and how to maximize your comfort during this stage.
Most of our staff members are in recovery themselves, and they know what it’s like to be exactly where you are now. They are prepared to meet you where you’re at and help you make the transition into long-term recovery.
The detox program won’t eliminate your symptoms. The goal of detox is to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and empower you to begin recovery from a place of stability.
Detox treatment methods include 24/7 monitoring, evidence-based psychological treatment, targeted medication for individual symptoms, and peer support.
Detox is also appropriate for people who are already on their recovery journey but have returned to use. Regardless of your experience before treatment, our team at Real Recovery Solutions will treat you with the kindness and dignity that every person deserves. We understand the gravity of the commitment that you’re making, and we will meet you with the same kind of dedication.
Taking the first step can be hard. We make it easy.
Speak with an admissions specialist now.
Chat with our team anytime, day or night.
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Your unique timeline for fentanyl detox may vary from the experiences of others and could be influenced by factors such as your tolerance for fentanyl, metabolism, and overall health. Some clients spend an entire two weeks in detox, while others stay for a week or less.
This chart highlights the typical detox timeline.
| Time Since Last Dose | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| First 3-6 hours | As early as a couple of hours after your final dose of heroin, you’ll have moderate symptoms, like cravings and anxiety. |
| First 24-48 hours | During the first couple of days, mild, flu-like symptoms, such as sweating, a runny nose, and chills, may occur. |
| First 3-6 Days | Intense symptoms, like vomiting, tremors, and increased heart rate, usually peak during this stage. |
| First 7 to 14 days | Within two weeks, your short-term withdrawal symptoms will start to subside, and you’ll adjust to life without opioids. |
Although most symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal aren’t fatal in and of themselves, it isn’t advisable to detox on your own. Symptoms can become severe quickly and lead to intense health issues.
Fentanyl overdose is another major concern for people trying to detox at home. If you return to use during your detox period, your tolerance level could be lower than it was. This means that returning to your regular dose could put you at risk of an overdose.
Clammy, blue-tinted skin and gurgling noises are two more common signs of an overdose. A fentanyl overdose is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention and can cause brain damage, organ failure, or even death. If you are concerned that you or someone you’re with is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.
At Real Recovery Solutions, treatment doesn’t stop after detox. You have a variety of continuing treatment options designed to meet your unique needs.
Our ongoing treatment options include:
Taking the first step can be hard. We make it easy.
Speak with an admissions specialist now.
Chat with our team anytime, day or night.
Check your benefits in minutes.
Beginning treatment for fentanyl use disorder or reengaging with the process after returning to use is a huge decision. Making that commitment is a massive step forward, and at Real Recovery Solutions, we’ll support you at every stage of your recovery journey, beginning with detox.
If you or a loved one area living in the Tampa Bay Area, and you’re ready to take the next step with fentanyl addiction treatment, we’re here to help you make your goals into reality.
At Real Recovery Solutions, we’re proud to combine 12-step programming with evidence-based therapeutic care and hands-on treatment options. Our caring, world-class staff is ready to work with you today. Reach out today through our website or call us at 813-373-6762.
As the Clinical Director at Real Recovery Solutions, Carlos Escobar leverages over 15 years of experience in Substance Use Disorder Treatment, focusing on therapies like CBT and REBT to foster client self-understanding and acceptance. His commitment to innovative, personalized care aims to profoundly improve the lives of those battling addiction and related mental health challenges.
