Opioid abuse and addiction are a severe problem in the United States. An opioid abuse crisis that started in the 1990s has turned into a nationwide epidemic.[1]
One of the most dangerous opioids contributing to this epidemic is a potent drug called fentanyl. Fentanyl is a highly addictive opioid that is involved in approximately 75% of opioid-related overdose deaths.[2]
People who abuse fentanyl are at risk of a deadly overdose and other life-threatening complications. It can be incredibly challenging to stop taking fentanyl without extensive treatment and ongoing support.
Most living with fentanyl addiction require the support of a medically-supported detox program to stop taking it. This article will explore what happens when people quit taking fentanyl. You will learn:
- What symptoms to expect at each stage of fentanyl withdrawal
- How long fentanyl withdrawal lasts
- What treatment is available during each stage of the fentanyl withdrawal timeline
- Where to find comprehensive detox, treatment, and support services
If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse, you must seek treatment as soon as possible. Contact the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health now to explore our comprehensive rehab programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid drug that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Doctors may prescribe fentanyl to help patients reduce moderate to severe pain after surgery or for other conditions.[2,3]
In a medical setting, fentanyl is available in several forms, including:
- Lozenges
- Nasal spray
- Patches
- Injectable liquid
- Tablets
Illicit fentanyl is typically found in powder form.
Fentanyl effectively relieves pain. Users may also experience other side effects, which may include relaxation and euphoria (an intense feeling of pleasure, warmth, and well-being). People may enjoy these pleasurable side effects, which can lead to misuse.
Fentanyl misuse includes:
- Taking larger doses than prescribed
- Using fentanyl for a longer period than prescribed
- Taking it more often than prescribed
- Using it without a prescription (recreational use)
Misusing fentanyl can lead to opioid addiction and puts people at significant risk of an overdose. Doctors typically only prescribe fentanyl and other opioids for short periods. This can reduce the risk of patients developing opioid dependence.
However, fentanyl is powerfully addictive. People who use it for even short periods may develop symptoms of physical dependence. It is critical for people with fentanyl abuse to seek immediate treatment to prevent overdose and other complications of opioid addiction.
What Happens During Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Misusing fentanyl is hazardous. People with opioid use disorder, including those who abuse fentanyl, must seek addiction treatment as soon as possible to avoid long-term harm or deadly overdose.
When someone with fentanyl dependence stops using it, they may experience opioid withdrawal symptoms.[4] Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Appetite loss
- Chills and goosebumps
- Diarrhea
- Elevated blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
- Intense cravings
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
Fentanyl detox can be very challenging. Intense acute withdrawal symptoms can make it tough to prevent relapse. The support of a medical detox program can help people have a safe, complete detox.
Symptoms and Treatment During the Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
Many factors can influence your symptoms throughout the fentanyl withdrawal timeline. Your physical and mental health, the severity of your addiction, and other factors can impact your withdrawal symptoms.
However, fentanyl withdrawal typically follows a standard timeline. Here is an overview of what to expect at each stage of a fentanyl detox.
8 hours-2 days
People who have been using short-acting opioids may begin to experience acute withdrawal symptoms within 8-12 hours after their final dose. People who abuse long-acting opioids may not develop withdrawal symptoms for two days or longer.
A medical detox program will provide medical and mental health support during the earliest stage of withdrawal. Your detox treatment plan may include:
- Medications to reduce the severity of acute withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health support, including individual and group therapy when appropriate
- Holistic therapies to soothe the body and mind, including nutrition support, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and more
- Round-the-clock supervision, treatment, and support
- A secure, supportive environment
Having treatment and care during detox will significantly increase your chances of having a full detox and preventing relapse.
Days 4-20
Acute withdrawal symptoms may intensify over the following days and weeks. You may experience:
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Weakness
Symptoms may change during this stage of withdrawal as your body adjusts to not having opioids in your system.
Continued treatment and support are essential. As your needs change, your treatment team will continue to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan.
Week 3 and beyond
Most people experience a significant improvement in withdrawal symptoms during the third week of detox. However, some people develop a condition called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
Symptoms of PAWS can last for weeks or months and include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Low mood
People may also experience long-lasting cravings. It is crucial to continue fentanyl addiction treatment in an inpatient rehab program or participate in outpatient programs to reduce the risk of relapse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse or addiction, you must seek treatment as soon as possible. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our evidence-based detox, treatment, and support programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The Opioid Epidemic: A Review of the Contributing Factors, Negative Consequences, and Best Practices
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Facts About Fentanyl
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Fentanyl
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Opioid Withdrawal
