Fentanyl Detox: Overview, How it Works, and Detox Length

Fentanyl is a powerful, addictive opioid between 50 and 100 times stronger than morphine. In fact, fentanyl causes more drug overdose deaths in the United States than any other substance due to the way the drug changes the brain to increase the risk for dependence and addiction. Fentanyl drug detox is used to help people undergo a safe withdrawal from fentanyl while reducing the risk of a deadly drug overdose.

What Is Fentanyl Drug Detox?

Fentanyl detox reduces drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms in those who want to stop using fentanyl and overcome dependence. Many times, opioid withdrawal causes severe pain and discomfort to the point people resume drug use just to relieve their symptoms. However, fentanyl detox uses medications that relieve withdrawal symptoms so people can experience a safe, successful, and comfortable recovery from opioid dependence.

How Does Fentanyl Detox Work?

Fentanyl detox can take place at a designated drug and alcohol detox facility, or at a drug rehab center that also offers addiction therapy and counseling. During a fentanyl detox, the doctor replaces fentanyl with buprenorphine, methadone, or Suboxone — all of which are FDA-approved medications that relieve opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Over time, the dosages of these medications are gradually reduced until you’re no longer dependent on fentanyl or other opioids.

Do I Need Fentanyl Detox?

When you stop using fentanyl, your tolerance level decreases as your body adapts to the absence of the drug. If you are unable to stay abstinent and decide to start using fentanyl again, the doses you took before will be too high for your current tolerance level, which will put you at risk for drug overdose. Fentanyl drug detox is the safest way to stop using fentanyl since attempting to quit on your own comes with many risks, including overdose and death.

How Long Does Fentanyl Detox Last?

Fentanyl detox can last up to several weeks or longer depending on how your body responds to the medication being used to relieve withdrawal symptoms. The greater the amount of fentanyl used, the larger the dose of medication needed to control and manage symptoms — meaning your detox period may be longer. In some instances, medication may be used for a lifetime to help you stay abstinent from fentanyl and other opioids.

Don’t try detoxing from fentanyl on your own since doing so comes with life-threatening consequences. Fentanyl is a short-acting opioid, which means withdrawal symptoms can begin anywhere between 8 and 24 hours after the last use and may last between four and 10 days.

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include the following:

  • Hot and cold flashes and sweating
  • Tearing eyes and runny nose
  • Muscle stiffness and aches
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Insomnia and anxiety

Fentanyl Detox Centers

If you are suffering from fentanyl dependence, understand that fentanyl detox can help you experience a safe, comfortable withdrawal. Fentanyl detox is available at many drug and alcohol rehab centers that treat opioid dependence.

America’s Rehab Campuses offers medical detox services to help you safely overcome drug and alcohol dependence. Contact us today to learn more about how detox and therapy can help you experience a long-term recovery from substance use disorders and addiction.