Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This drug is one of the main players in the opioid epidemic, claiming the lives of thousands of Americans each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during a 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the 78,056 deaths during the same period the year before.”[1]
While most people unknowingly ingest fentanyl from fake pressed pills and cut powdered drugs, some people who built a tolerance to stronger opioids like heroin move on to abusing fentanyl. When someone abuses fentanyl, they can become addicted to the drug after only one or two uses. Fentanyl addiction causes the emergence of withdrawal symptoms when an individual attempts to quit using the substance.
Fentanyl withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, making it imperative for people to attend a professional detox program. If you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction, please reach out to us today to learn how our fentanyl detox center in California can help.
What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Like other opioid drugs, fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for pain relief and pleasure, causing people who use the drug to experience lessened symptoms of pain and a strong rush of euphoria. This causes the person’s pleasure and reward system to associate fentanyl with happiness, leading to compulsive, habitual drug use and, eventually, physical dependency.
Once someone is dependent on fentanyl, they will experience symptoms of withdrawal if they stop or cut back on use. The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Sweating
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Disorientation
- Loss of Appetite
- Diarrhea
Fentanyl withdrawal may begin as early as 3 to 4 hours after a person’s last dosage. The peak symptoms will begin sometime between 1 to 2 days into the detox process, beginning to subside after a week or two in most cases. Some individuals experience symptoms of withdrawal for months on end, this is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
How Does a Fentanyl Detox Program in California Help Patients Overcome Fentanyl Withdrawal?
The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal must be medically managed within a professional detox program. This prevents individuals from experiencing severe symptoms and cravings, which can lead people to relapse. Symptoms are typically managed through the use of FDA-approved medications, vital monitoring, and holistic treatments.
Assessment and Intake
When someone arrives at a California fentanyl detox facility, they will undergo a pre-assessment and intake process. This process allows the staff members to get a clear picture of each patient’s substance abuse, mental health, and medical history as well as any other information that would be helpful in the treatment planning process. As a result of this process, doctors and medical staff can provide each patient with an individualized treatment plan.
During this time, all of the consent and treatment disclosure forms will be signed. Additionally, medical release forms will be signed that designate who can and who can’t access the patient’s private health information during the detox process. Lastly, all of the patient’s items will be turned in, including items like cell phones or laptops.
Medical Stabilization
The next step in the detox process is medical stabilization. This is when the healing process begins, and medical staff will start to administer withdrawal or tapering medications.
During medical stabilization, doctors and nurses will prescribe patients with medications to help reduce symptoms of withdrawal, stabilize appetite, and help them sleep. The nurses monitor each patient’s vitals regularly to ensure safety and medical stability.
When it comes to managing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, there are a few FDA-approved medications that patients may be given.
Some of the medications provided during detox to manage the symptoms and cravings associated with fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Clonidine can reduce the severe physical and mental effects of withdrawal
- Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) relieves withdrawal symptoms and cravings by affecting the brain in a similar but less intense fashion to opioid drugs
- Subutex (buprenorphine) works as a tapering medication to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and fentanyl cravings
- Methadone also works as a tapering medication to help reduce symptoms and cravings
Holistic Treatments
There are holistic treatments that are used in California detox programs to help individuals cope with the symptoms of withdrawal. Some patients may not need medications for detox, as holistic treatments can help soothe the symptoms of withdrawal and naturally manage cravings.
Examples of holistic treatments used during detox include:
- Chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations to alleviate symptoms of pain
- Synaptic electronic activation (SEA) to treat chronic pain and improve nerve damage
- Physical therapy to alleviate body discomfort, joint issues, and muscle pain
- Yoga unites the mind, body, and spirit as well as promotes mindfulness and self-awareness
Get Connected With a Top-Rated Fentanyl Detox Center in California Today
If you or a loved one suffer from fentanyl abuse or addiction, it’s time to seek help. At Sheer Recovery, we provide our patients with evidence-based and holistic treatments to create whole-person healing and alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal.
Contact us today for more information on our medically-supervised drug and alcohol detox programs.
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