Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine.1 Originally developed for pain management, it has become a leading contributor to the opioid crisis due to its highly addictive nature. For those grappling with fentanyl dependency, quitting can seem overwhelming or even impossible. But, you might ask yourself how to get off fentanyl safely, and if that’s even possible. The good news? It is, but must be done under medical supervision.
This guide will outline what fentanyl withdrawal looks like, why quitting cold turkey is dangerous, and how medical detox and aftercare can ensure a safer and more sustainable recovery. At SEE Purpose, our goal is to help you stay off fentanyl for good and guide you through the detox process to minimize health complications.
Understanding Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a type of opioid drug. Opioids are incredibly addictive due to their ability to interact with the brain’s reward system and produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria.2 With continued use, the brain becomes dependent on these artificial sources of pleasure and craves more to maintain the same level of satisfaction. This is what leads to addiction and makes quitting opioids so difficult.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body, which has grown dependent on fentanyl, reacts to the lack of the drug. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal, like fentanyl, can range from mild to severe depending on how long you’ve been using and your level of dependency.
Common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms early on include:3
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Tears and runny nose
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Insomnia
Later symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Stomach cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
Most people will experience these withdrawal symptoms 12 hours of last using opioids and within 30 hours of last methadone exposure
Why Cold Turkey is Dangerous
It’s a myth that opioid withdrawal is only a bad flu-like disease. Quitting fentanyl abruptly, or “cold turkey,” can be extremely dangerous. The severity of withdrawal symptoms often leads individuals to relapse, unintentionally increasing their risk of overdose.
Additionally, unmanaged withdrawal can lead to dehydration, heart failure, and even fatal complications in severe cases.4 Deaths from opioid withdrawal are preventable, which is why it’s crucial for people to seek help from a medical detox treatment program.
How to Get Off Fentanyl Safely With Medical Detox
If you’re wondering how to get off fentanyl safely, medical detox is the first step to safely overcoming fentanyl dependence. Medical detox provides several different benefits, including the following.
24/7 Medical Monitoring
By far the most important step in getting off fentanyl safely is 24/7 medical monitoring. Fentanyl withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, which is why it’s crucial to have medical professionals monitoring your progress and providing necessary medications to ease symptoms.
Customized Treatment Plans
Everyone’s experience with fentanyl addiction and withdrawal is different, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for detox. Medical detox programs provide customized treatment plans that take into account a person’s individual needs, such as different medications and if they need inpatient treatment after detox.
Psychological Support
Fentanyl addiction not only affects the body physically but also has a significant impact on mental health. Medical detox programs offer psychological support through therapy and counseling to help manage cravings.
Medications for Withdrawal
Several medications are commonly used during medical detox to help manage symptoms and reduce fentanyl cravings. Medical detox can provide these medications, including:5
- Buprenorphine: Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by partially stimulating opioid receptors.
- Methadone: A longer-acting opioid that can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids, helping prevent relapse after detox.
These medications, when tailored to individual needs, ensure that the fentanyl detox process is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Seek Help for Fentanyl Withdrawal Today
Recovery from fentanyl addiction may seem daunting, but with the right support, it’s entirely possible. At SEE Purpose, our medical detox in Bloomington, IN offers a safe and comfortable environment for individuals to begin their journey towards recovery. Our experienced medical staff will provide personalized treatment plans, including the use of medication-assisted therapy, to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
In addition to medical support, our facility also offers counseling and therapy services to address any underlying issues contributing to fentanyl addiction. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the physical dependence on drugs. Don’t wait any longer to seek help for fentanyl withdrawal. Contact SEE Purpose today to explore our inpatient treatment, and start finding your purpose again.
FAQs
Can I quit fentanyl on my own?
It is not advisable to quit fentanyl on your own, as it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and potentially dangerous health complications. It is best to seek medical support and guidance when trying to quit fentanyl, such as through medical detox programs.
What should I expect during the detox process for fentanyl?
During the detox process for fentanyl, you may experience physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Our medical team will monitor your progress and provide medications and therapies to help ease these symptoms. Some common withdrawal symptoms for fentanyl may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and more.
What happens after detox?
After completing the detox process, it is important to continue with ongoing treatment for fentanyl addiction. This may include therapy, support groups, inpatient treatment or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
What is Medication-assisted treatment? (MAT)
MAT involves the use of medications such as methadone or buprenorphine to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. These medications are often used in combination with therapy and counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
How long does it take to recover from fentanyl addiction?
The recovery process for fentanyl addiction can vary for each individual as it depends on several factors such as the severity of addiction, length of use, and individual response to treatment. Generally, recovery from fentanyl addiction can take anywhere from a few months to several years. The most important aspect of recovery is committing to ongoing treatment and support.
References
- DEA. (2022, October). Fentanyl. United States Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Opioids. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
- Berger, F. (2024). Opiate and opioid withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
- Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal. (2016). UNSW Sites. https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/news-events/blogs/2016/08/yes–people-can-die-from-opiate-withdrawal
- Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder. (2018). https://irp.nida.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/NIDA-Medications-to-treat-opioid-use-disorder_2018.pdf
