Fentanyl Detox in Orlando
Fentanyl Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal can be dangerous and relapse is likely without professional support during detox. The discomfort and cravings that occur during detox can urge people to resume use of the drug to suppress the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. However, their body loses tolerance for fentanyl after an extended period without the substance, so if the individual relapses to stop feeling withdrawal symptoms and returns to the previous dosage before stopping, they are at an increased risk of overdose.
Withdrawal symptoms occur when the brain attempts to balance itself without the help of outside chemicals controlling the neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. When the person stops their fentanyl use, the brain will not produce the pain-relieving neurotransmitters that the opioid replaced. For this reason, withdrawing from fentanyl can be uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important to seek medical assistance when detoxing from fentanyl.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Giving up fentanyl after using it for a long time, or in large amounts, is challenging because the body becomes accustomed to functioning without it. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 12 hours after the last dose and can last for about a week or two. These symptoms include:
- Bouts of chills alternating with bouts of excessive sweating
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Yawning, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose
- Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Pains in the bones and muscle
- General weakness
Fentanyl Detox in Orlando
Medical detox is the safest method of withdrawing from substances like fentanyl. Medical detox includes professional observation and help throughout the process. The physicians can prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, which can ease psychological symptoms and pain medications that can ease physical aches and pains.
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Medication-assisted detox may take more time than just quitting cold turkey but is much safer and often more effective long term. These programs help people detox and also offer professional and social support through individual and group therapy.
Fentanyl Detox Timeline
The fentanyl withdrawal process can vary from person to person depending on several factors. If a person has taken fentanyl as prescribed by their doctor, they are less likely to experience intense withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the substance. In this scenario, they may still experience a few days of feeling sluggish or mild flu-like symptoms. On the other hand, people who abused fentanyl, or used it in ways not prescribed by a doctor, are more likely to experience both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, and they may feel the effects of detox for longer.
The timeline of withdrawal symptoms are similar for most users, though the intensity may vary.
The first stage occurs 12 hours to 3 days after last dose. Because fentanyl is a slow-acting narcotic, it can take several hours for the body to begin to experience withdrawal. Mild symptoms typically begin anywhere between 12 and 30 hours after the final fentanyl dose, depending on how large the dose was. This stage lasts between two and three days, and peaks with symptoms such as:
- Agitation
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Runny nose
Stage two occurs between three and five days after last dose. During this stage the worst physical symptoms will be the most intense. These include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Muscle and bone pain
- Increased tearing
- Runny nose
Psychological symptoms can also feel intense during this time as well, including mood swings, depression and anxiety. Usually after the fifth day of detox, symptoms will decrease and the person will begin to feel functional without the help of fentanyl. By this time, the brain is relearning how to release neurotransmitters to the opioid receptors on its own.
Long-term withdrawal symptoms should clear up after two weeks. Physical symptoms of withdrawal will diminish, although some psychological symptoms can linger for months or years.
Can Fentanyl Withdrawal be Deadly?
There are some cases where fentanyl withdrawal-related problems can lead to death. Because of fentanyl’s possible fatal consequences, attempting detox without medical supervision is not recommended. Even though death during detox is rare, opioid deaths commonly occur following detox. When a person with a history of fentanyl addiction returns to substance abuse, they tend to use the same amount that they were using before detox. When the body is no longer accustomed to this amount of fentanyl, due to lack of tolerance build-up, chances of overdose increase greatly.
After detox, it is crucial that people in recovery seek outpatient fentanyl addiction treatment and support groups. While ceasing drug use is certainly a step in the right direction, experienced addiction treatment professionals can provide the guidance needed to continue the recovery.
If you are stuck in the vicious cycle of opioid use and need professional inpatient detox services, the experienced and compassionate staff at Orlando Recovery Center will help you detox safely and comfortably. to begin your new life in recovery.
Medical Disclaimer: Orlando Recovery Center aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.