Fentanyl is a powerful opioid drug that can be obtained illegally or prescribed to patients for relief from extreme pain. It provides relief by raising dopamine levels and inhibits receptors from cutting out any pain sensation.
This may seem beneficial for persons suffering from chronic pain – but in reality, the easy availability causes some people who aren’t supposed to use Fentanyl to do so anyway, often leading them down a dark path toward addiction.
When taken recreationally, abusers quickly build up a tolerance to this potent drug, leading them back into an already destructive cycle of withdrawal and dependence on whatever will grant them temporary relief from their discomforting symptoms.
A potent opioid-like Fentanyl can lead users back towards destructive behaviors such as substance abuse when mixed with other drugs such as alcohol, stimulants (cocaine), sedatives (benzodiazepines), etc.. because it blunts feelings while providing an overwhelming sense of relaxation
What Are the Statistics on Fentanyl Addiction?
According to the Center for Disease Control, 107,375 people died from either a drug overdose or drug poisoning during a one-year span ending in January 2022. This staggering number was 67% involving synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. It seems as though some of these deaths were related to Fentanyl mixed with other illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin – all of which many users may have been unaware they had even taken anything containing Fentanyl at all. With only 2 milligrams being considered a potentially deadly dose, this becomes especially dangerous when someone has not yet developed any tolerance to it.
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction?
There are many telltale signs that someone has been abusing Fentanyl and symptoms of fentanyl abuse. A person may display these signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse if they have used the drug for an extended period or in high doses. Some of the signs and symptoms include:
- Confusion.
- Depression.
- Difficulty walking.
- Muscle stiffness.
- Slowed/altered heart rate.
- Labored breathing.
- Weakness.
- Weight loss
- Hallucinations.
- Nausea and vomiting.
How Long Does the Withdrawal of Fentanyl Last?
Medical professionals can identify Fentanyl in a person’s urine 72 hours after the last dose. Blood testing can detect traces of the drug within 5-48 hours following its intake, while hair tests may register it three months after the last dosage.
Like many opioids, the length and severity of fentanyl withdrawal depend on various personal lifestyles – it could start anywhere from 2-4 hours post-dose. Patients who take doses through patches (slow release) are likely to experience symptoms starting 24-36 hours post-injection/take.
Fentanyl has a half-life time of Fentanyl is an opioid with a 219-minute half-life which means that there will be more intense feelings during this period; however, it usually won’t remain long enough for those effects to linger once treatment begins with the right care providers’ assistance and therapeutic therapy. It varies depending on each individual, though; therefore, those experiencing milder side effects from withdrawal might still need one month or so before all symptoms subside completely.
In addition, withdrawal time typically depends on an individual’s genetic background, underlying health conditions, and addiction severity. A specialized care provider will do a physical examination and ask for a detailed medical history to develop the right detox plan.
Typically, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms last between four and twenty days. Hence PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) applies to all types of opioid withdrawals.
Moreover, these withdrawal periods are complete only when a patient undergoes mental rehabilitation and rehabilitation for the body. Psychiatric assistance for treating episodes of panic attacks or depression helps one live life without fear or other such instabilities which may lead back to drug abuse.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Fentanyl?
Fentanyl withdrawal syndrome varies from person to person because different people are susceptible to different side effects. Some common side effects include:
- Heavy sweating
- Runny nose
- General irritability
- Chills and goosebumps
- Trouble sleeping
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Nausea
Moreover, different people go through different symptoms when they stop taking Fentanyl. There are three phases of withdrawal: early, peak, and long-term effects.
Early symptoms can develop after 2-4 hours after the last dose. These are experienced as slight bodily discomfort – like constant yawning, aches, and chills. Withdrawal also comes with feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and intense cravings for drugs.
Peak Symptoms may last 24-36 hours after the last dose. An increase in the severity of earlier withdrawal effects is common, and new onset symptoms such as fevers and vomiting during this stage may require medical care and assistance.
Long-term withdrawal symptoms may appear weeks later after one has completed their medical detox. Many times these symptoms occasionally reoccur. So, it’s always advisable for one to continue with their withdrawal management program to prevent him or her from relapsing. However, some long-term symptoms may include insomnia and Outbursts of anger and self-harm.
With that in mind, it’s worth mentioning that, Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are typically not life-threatening. However, it is important to watch fluid levels closely to avoid dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting.
When left untreated, the rapid depletion of fluids may lead to sodium buildup, which can cause heart failure in some cases; medical attention is required at this point to replenish lost metabolites. A medically supervised treatment center will help prevent complications arising from fluid loss.
How to Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction
At Defining Wellness Centers, we’re committed to providing holistic, personalized care for substance abuse treatment. We understand that recovering from opioid withdrawal can also involve dealing with mental health issues.
As such, we offer partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs to provide a tailored approach to helping people suffering from addiction recover from opiate withdrawal symptoms and stay clean afterward. We customize each program based on the unique needs of each individual to provide them with the quality recovery services they deserve.
At Defining Wellness Centers, our professional team provides attention that ranges anywhere from psychiatric help during their opioid withdrawals to their sobering up process post-drug detox, encompassing all aspects of their physical and emotional well-being. Contact us today at (855) 637-0867!
