Fentanyl is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid, 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Typically, it is prescribed in medical situations to manage severe pain, such as after major surgery or in the treatment of injuries from a serious accident.
However, fentanyl is also highly addictive when misused or abused. It is often used recreationally for the strong euphoric high it produces. Some drug dealers may mix fentanyl with other substances, such as other opioids like heroin, which can be extremely dangerous when doses are not managed properly and someone takes it unknowingly.
Mixing fentanyl with other substances or abusing it recreationally can lead to serious consequences like overdose. The CDC estimates that it accounts for approximately 70% of all overdose deaths in the U.S. each year.
Due to fentanyl’s dangers, early intervention with addiction is important. When someone stops taking it, they will likely experience fentanyl withdrawal, which must be properly managed to prevent relapse and any adverse health consequences.
At United Recovery Project, fentanyl rehab is one of the services we offer and we’re here to help each step of the way. We’ll cover the fentanyl withdrawal timeline, symptoms, and treatment options in the rest of this article so you have a good idea of what the detox process entails.
Causes of Fentanyl Withdrawal
When someone takes fentanyl, the drug binds to opioid receptors in the brain and along the spinal cord. Opioid receptors are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain, so when someone takes an opioid like fentanyl that binds to them, it blocks those signals and significantly reduces the levels of pain experienced.
Taking fentanyl also triggers the release of several neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, that influence your brain’s reward system and mood. It’s why someone may feel a rush of good feelings after taking it and feel a desire to keep taking it, which leads to fentanyl addiction.
However, after taking fentanyl for an extended time, the brain begins to adapt to the drug. The opioid receptors become used to the drug binding to them and the brain starts to slow natural production of neurotransmitters since it’s used to fentanyl triggering their release.
Due to these effects, your mind and body will feel like they can’t function normally if you suddenly stop taking fentanyl. You’ll likely experience opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, muscle aches, increased heart rate, or anxiety, as your brain and body try to adapt as the drug leaves your system.
Common Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on individual factors, such as how long someone was taking it and if it’s suddenly stopped or if the dosage is tapered off through medical supervision. Common withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Goosebumps
Some individuals who have adverse reactions to stopping the drug may also experience more severe symptoms like seizures, tachycardia, or hallucinations. These symptoms require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term negative consequences to someone’s health or well-being. That’s why a medical fentanyl detox is recommended for around-the-clock support and supervision to keep you safe during this time.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
When beginning a fentanyl detox, it’s common to wonder about the typical timeline when withdrawal symptoms occur. Studies show that the length of time it takes fentanyl to leave the body’s system varies quite a bit from person to person, so there’s no one-size-fits-all detox timeline.
That said, here’s a general timeline to understand what the average person may experience:
- After 6-12 hours of last taking fentanyl: Early symptoms begin during this timeframe. That can include sweating, anxiety, and light cravings for fentanyl.
- After 24-72 hours: The peak symptoms usually occur here. That can include nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, insomnia, depression, and intense cravings. It’s also important to monitor for severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations that would require immediate attention.
- After 4-7 days: The physical withdrawal symptoms usually start to ease up here. However, psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, or cravings may persist. It’s still important to continue monitoring patients and providing support to prevent relapse and ensure a full recovery.
- After weeks to months: Prolonged withdrawal symptoms can continue for weeks or months after stopping fentanyl. These are more likely to be mental symptoms like anxiety or cravings. Someone may even notice triggers in everyday life that cause drug cravings, like being somewhere that reminds them of drug use or experiencing high stress levels.
Relapse prevention planning and building coping strategies for the stresses of life are essential in addiction treatment to ensure long-term sobriety.
Risks & Dangers of Fentanyl Withdrawal
When you’re researching how to stop fentanyl, it’s important to understand the potential risks and dangers of withdrawal. The risks are much greater if you try to detox by yourself without medical supervision. Common risks include:
- Relapse: The CDC states that about 65-70% of those who struggle with addiction to opioids like fentanyl relapse. This is often because of how intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings can become. However, proper treatment and support can help reduce relapse rates significantly.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if your fluid intake isn’t properly monitored and managed. Medical supervision and care reduce the likelihood of this occurring.
- Mental health risks: Withdrawal from a substance is challenging physically and mentally. It can cause mental effects like depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, and it’s good to have support through this difficult time to avoid any irrational decisions and know you aren’t going through it alone.
- Cold turkey dangers: Since fentanyl is so strong, suddenly stopping it cold turkey can lead to more serious withdrawal symptoms like seizures or hallucinations. Medical detox can help since doctors can assist with options like medication-assisted treatment.
We provide drug detox at United Recovery Project to make fentanyl withdrawal safer and more manageable.
Treatment and Support for Fentanyl Withdrawal
There are many fentanyl addiction treatment options available that can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and build skills to maintain sobriety long-term.
Medical Detox
Medical detox provides 24/7 support from doctors and treatment staff members. They’ll work to create strategies that keep you as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the process. That includes administering IV fluids for hydration, nutritional support, sleep aids, and more.
Your medical care team may also recommend medication-assisted treatment (MAT). FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone can help ease withdrawal symptoms to make detox more manageable.
Inpatient & Outpatient Rehab
After detox, completing a full inpatient or outpatient treatment program is often a good idea.
Inpatient rehab, also known as residential care, allows you to stay at the treatment center for a period while participating in individual therapy sessions, support groups, and developing coping mechanisms for managing life’s stresses without resorting to drugs or alcohol. You’ll have around-the-clock support and a structured environment that helps you concentrate on recovery.
Outpatient rehab allows you to continue living at home while reporting to the treatment center at designated times throughout the week to attend treatment and therapy sessions. It provides a flexible approach to addiction treatment but requires more accountability to stick to a consistent schedule.
Therapy & Counseling
Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is usually recommended during addiction treatment. It’ll help you build coping skills, work through underlying issues contributing to addiction, and provide a supportive outlet each step of the way.
Group therapy or support groups like Narcotics Anonymous are also helpful outlets that can help you build a supportive network with others who share similar experiences.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program
At United Recovery Project, we provide comprehensive treatment for fentanyl addiction, including medical detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab. Each program is fully customizable, ensuring every individual receives care tailored to their needs for the best possible recovery outcomes. Our approach combines holistic and evidence-based treatment methods, addressing not just the addiction but the overall well-being of each person. This integrated strategy has led to high success rates, helping individuals regain control of their lives.
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does, which is why we offer long-term support and aftercare services to help clients maintain sobriety. Our ongoing treatment plans provide the necessary guidance and resources to navigate life post-rehab, reducing the risk of relapse and fostering a strong foundation for lasting recovery. At United Recovery Project, we are committed to walking alongside our clients on their journey to a healthier future.
References
- Tanz, Lauren J. “Detection of Illegally Manufactured Fentanyls and Carfentanil in Drug Overdose Deaths — United States, 2021–2024.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 73, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7348a2.htm
- Sevarino, Kevin. Opioid Withdrawal: Clinical Features, Assessment, and Diagnosis. 23 Oct. 2023, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/opioid-withdrawal-clinical-features-assessment-and-diagnosis
- Luba, Rachel, et al. “Fentanyl Withdrawal: Understanding Symptom Severity and Exploring the Role of BMI on Withdrawal Symptoms and Clearance.” Addiction, vol. 118, no. 4, 28 Nov. 2022, doi:10.1111/add.16100. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9992259/
- Office. “Developing Risk Prediction Engine for Relapse in Opioid Use Disorder.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024, https://www.fda.gov/science-research/advancing-regulatory-science/developing-risk-prediction-engine-relapse-opioid-use-disorder
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).” FDA, 2024, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
