Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline & Treatment

Fentanyl abuse has become a nationwide problem, making it important that someone with an addiction to this powerful drug receive professional treatment. In fact, over 150 people die each day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

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Music City Detox offers fentanyl detox in Nashville, TN for those whose lives have been impacted by substance use disorders. Our specialized team of clinicians understands the challenges of getting off fentanyl. We help people understand the specifics of the fentanyl withdrawal timeline and navigate it in the quickest manner possible.

We provide structured therapy sessions and access to prescription medications that help alleviate many withdrawal symptoms. Our residential treatment and detox program helps people stop abusing fentanyl and learn the power they have to improve their physical and mental health.

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At Music City Detox, our team of addiction experts in Nashville specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and premier detox services. We’re committed to helping each client find their own path to recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Someone about to begin fentanyl detox will wonder about the fentanyl withdrawal timeline, including what symptoms to expect. While not everyone has the exact same withdrawal symptoms, common ones include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
Diarrhea
Feeling tired
Insomnia
Body aches
Fever
Flu-like symptoms
Faster heart rate

High blood pressure
Dehydration
Cramps
Chills
Dizziness
Anxiety
Depression
Moodiness
Cravings for the drug

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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WITHDRAW FROM FENTANYL?

How long the fentanyl withdrawal timeline takes depends on the length and severity of the person’s addiction and how they respond to the detox process. In general, it takes seven to ten days to complete the detox process. Someone who tries to quit abusing fentanyl on their own usually fails because the withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug prove too intense for them. Going to detox and receiving specialized medical and psychological support greatly increases a person’s ability to complete the fentanyl withdrawal process. It also helps keep the person safe and much more comfortable.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last past the detox program. They can be treated during subsequent treatment, including both residential and outpatient programs.

FENTANYL WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE

The time it takes to complete withdrawal from fentanyl varies, as do which specific symptoms happen for each person. It usually takes seven to ten days before most symptoms have resolved themselves. A common fentanyl withdrawal timeline goes as follows:

Day 1-2: Symptoms begin within about 12 hours of last taking fentanyl. Common ones include headache, sweating, body aches, anxiety, and moodiness.
Day 3-5: Previous symptoms increase and others begin, including nausea, vomiting, insomnia, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms. This is the worst part of detox, which makes it important to have professional supervision to help get through it.
Day 6+: Symptoms begin to fade away during this time. The ones that tend to linger longer are emotional in nature, and treatment for those can continue after completing detox.

[Recommended: “Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome“]

FENTANYL WITHDRAWAL TREATMENT

Treatment for withdrawal from fentanyl can happen on a couple of different levels. First is using medication to control the symptoms, which is called Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This approach involves using prescription medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for fentanyl. They provide long-term support beyond just the detox process and set a person up to have an increased ability to avoid relapsing.

Two common medications used to treat fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:

Methadone: This medication helps stop cravings for fentanyl by tricking the brain into thinking the person has already taken it. It helps ease withdrawal symptoms, which allows a person to feel less tempted to use fentanyl.

Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use fentanyl.

As well as medications, psychological support during the detox process provides vital help that allows a person to quit abusing fentanyl for good. Common types of therapy included during treatment include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family Therapy
Holistic Therapy
Music Therapy

An aftercare program can also be provided to help a person have a plan to stay sober for good.

CAN YOU DIE FROM FENTANYL WITHDRAWAL?

Fentanyl withdrawal is not something deadly, but the symptoms can feel painful and difficult to bear, especially when not treated. Still, a risk is present during the detox process for most drugs. Someone who experiences symptoms like high blood pressure, dehydration, and diarrhea will need medical support to alleviate these symptoms.

Left untreated, these and other symptoms can cause medical risks. As well, someone who tries to detox alone usually cannot complete the process and returns to using fentanyl. During the time they were not using the drug, they may have lost some of their tolerance for it. When they return to taking fentanyl, the amount they use may prove toxic and put them at risk of overdose or death.

GET HELP TODAY IN NASHVILLE, TN

Do you struggle with addiction to fentanyl or know someone who does? The damage this drug causes means anyone who needs help getting off it should seek the best treatment program available. Music City Detox provides quality care using the most modern types of therapy to help people overcome their reliance on fentanyl. When someone comes to us for treatment, we explain the fentanyl withdrawal timeline to them so they know what to expect.

Our residential detox program uses proven methods of therapy and effective prescription medications to eliminate much of the unnecessary suffering experienced by people at other programs.

Would you like to talk about how we can help you put fentanyl addiction behind you for good? Contact us now and start a conversation with us.

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