When a doctor prescribes a medication to you, he or she includes a dosage amount. If you take a higher dosage, you risk becoming dependent on the drug. What’s more, substance abuse often turns into addiction. Fentanyl is among the most potent drugs that a doctor prescribes. If you or someone you love is taking fentanyl, you should know about fentanyl withdrawal and how detox helps relieve withdrawal symptoms.
As a synthetic opioid, fentanyl is upwards of 50 times more potent than morphine. Even though this drug was initially designed to be used for anesthesia purposes, it’s now abused on a recreational basis. According to the NIDA, synthetic opioids like fentanyl were the primary cause of drug overdose deaths between 2015-2020.
The treatment methods that a person receives for fentanyl vary. For instance, medications like methadone and naltrexone are meant to reduce the severity of symptoms. Furthermore, you could go through medical treatment to make sure that your withdrawal symptoms aren’t too severe.
Signs and Symptoms Associated with Fentanyl Abuse
- Not spending time with friends and family
- Being withdrawn in social settings
- Mood swings
- Substantial weight loss
- Worse appearance and hygiene
- Constipation
- Falling asleep regularly
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Relationship problems
- Monetary issues
- Job loss
- Failing school
Fentanyl is known as the deadliest opioid in the world and is the cause of over 50% of overdose deaths. In fact, an overdose may occur after taking just 0.07 ounces of this drug. Understanding the numerous signs of fentanyl overdose helps prevent death. The primary symptoms of an overdose include:
- Gurgling sounds
- Choking
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Chest pain
- Serious stomach pain
What Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Entail?
When a body is dependent on fentanyl, it will go into withdrawal after not using the drug for a lengthy period of time. The withdrawal process is different for everyone. In many cases, the severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the severity of the addiction.
Primary Symptoms Attributed to Fentanyl Withdrawal
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Bone or muscle pain
- Increase in heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Increase in body temperature
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Chills
Even though fentanyl withdrawal isn’t life-threatening in most cases, the symptoms are highly uncomfortable. If you have underlying mental or physical health conditions, these issues usually worsen during withdrawal. In fact, it’s possible for complications to occur as a result of the withdrawal process.
When someone makes the decision to detox at home, dehydration is much more likely. In this scenario, the risk of heart failure increases. In the event that you relapse after you stop taking the drug, the possibility of an overdose is higher.
Basic Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
It’s common for medications like buprenorphine and methadone to reduce the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. These medications are usually given during medical detoxification at very small doses.
Possible Causes of Fentanyl Withdrawal
Once a tolerance to this drug is built, larger doses are necessary to obtain the same effects. Along with various withdrawal symptoms, dependence on fentanyl makes it more likely that you will drink or use other drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What to Expect from Fentanyl Detox
The treatment you receive following detox varies depending on the needs of you or your loved one. A combination of individual therapy, group counseling, and behavioral therapy is usually available. If relationships with family members need mending, consider obtaining family therapy during an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Medications may continue to be given to you beyond the detoxification process.
The amount of time it takes for detox to leave the body differs with each individual. Moreover, the severity and duration of fentanyl use determines how long the detox programs lasts.
There are effective and proven methods a person can use to manage their withdrawal symptoms, which makes it easier to control cravings. Medical professionals focus on alleviating symptoms by making patients as comfortable as possible during withdrawal. The types of medications that are usually given during fentanyl detox include opioid agonists and partial opioid agonists.
An opioid agonist stimulates the opioid receptors in the brain but at a much lower level than fentanyl. As a result, the opioid receptors believe that the body is receiving small amounts of fentanyl. Opioid agonists like methadone alleviate withdrawal symptoms and block cravings.
Partial opioid agonists like buprenorphine center around the same opioid receptors as fentanyl. These receptors partially activate to ease symptoms. In addition to opioid medications, an additional medication known as lofexidine hydrochloride is also given to patients. This is a non-opioid treatment, which may be helpful to patients who no longer wish to take opioid medications.
Coverage for fentanyl detox varies from one insurance plan to another. While some plans provide coverage for as much as 50% of detox costs, other plans provide coverage for just 10% of total costs. Insurance providers determine which services an insurance plan covers. The insurance provider then identifies if the patient qualifies for a service that the plan covers.
Treatments to Obtain Following Detox
As for inpatient rehab, our program for fentanyl addiction treatment in Kokomo, Indiana takes place in a residential facility, which is where patients stay 24/7 until the program is over. The duration of inpatient treatment depends on the patient’s needs, which means that these programs can last for one month or more than one year.
If you or your loved one is suffering from a fentanyl use disorder, it’s highly recommended that you look into your many treatment options. Here at First City Recovery Center, you can benefit from medical detox, inpatient rehab, or outpatient care. The care you receive is personalized to fit your specific situation. Contact us today to explore your treatment options and take advantage of the resources available to you.
Medical detoxification, also known as detox, is a vital step in the recovery process. This step becomes necessary when the withdrawal symptoms from drugs or alcohol are severe. Medical detox is for patients who have shown physical or psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol.
The detox can assist in securing a healthier future by helping clients reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It helps by dealing with the physical side of addiction so the patient can face the psychological factors. Medical interventions during detox ensure the client is safe and comfortable undergoing withdrawal symptoms.
It’s the process of eliminating addictive and toxic substances from the body. It’s under the supervision of our medical professionals. The main objective of medical detox is to minimize the physical harm a client can face by quitting alcohol or drugs.
After an individual has completed detox, they immediately begin therapy to address life stressors and other factors that led to their addiction. One of the helpful approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which assists in revealing a client’s thoughts and feelings that encourage their drug use.
Once the reasons behind addiction are understood, they become more equipped to overcome the issue. Another highly effective therapy method is contingency management. This option involves giving the patients incentives after attending all therapy sessions or passing the drug test.
Human beings love to pursue what brings a sense of reward, and that’s how addiction begins. Contingency management teaches clients how to experience healthy pleasures and rewards. The other therapy approaches offered are:
Individual Therapy
The client will meet with a trained professional to work through personal matters. In the sessions, the patient will feel safe discussing details that wouldn’t be comfortable to discuss in a group setting. During the sessions, it’s encouraged to talk about:
- Any problems experienced at work
- Concerns about family or friends
- Strained relationships
- Pain points
Group Therapy
It is encouraged that you’ll also attend therapy sessions with other individuals struggling with similar issues as yours. You’ll be able to develop techniques to handle challenging life situations and share experiences. This therapy highly benefits those struggling with depression and anxiety. Another benefit is being able to establish more meaningful relationships with others.
Family Therapy
Another vital component of the rehab process is family therapy. It brings the patient and family members together to identify family patterns contributing to drug abuse or mental illness. Your family members will be able to understand your condition and offer more support.
Inpatient Rehab (Residential)
Kokomo is a beautiful city located in Howard, City, Indiana. We have a promising future and impressive background here. Our population is highly populated and over 58,000 individuals, according to the 2019 census.
The danger that lies with a large population is increased drug use and overdose. In 2019, per 100,000 individuals, there were 23.7 deaths. Our helpful program for those struggling with drug abuse is our inpatient rehab, also known as a residential treatment program.
This inpatient rehab is an intensive treatment program for individuals with severe substance use issues. Our clients move into a controlled environment where they become full-time residents. During this program, 24/7 care and support will assist them in overcoming their addiction.
The main aim of inpatient rehab in Indiana is to remove the patient from their trigger-filled environment and make them more fully involved in their treatment. The client can stay in our rehab facility for 30 to 90 days, or longer, based on the severity of their condition.
When individuals have co-occurring mental disorders, their stay will be longer. The rehab center might offer access to swimming pools, private rooms, the gym, spa, cafeteria-style meals, and luxury suites. Our two inpatient programs are residential inpatient and partial hospitalization. Additionally, we offer a mental health residential stabilization program for our clients dealing with strictly mental health issues.
Our outpatient program works to help establish and develop a commitment to recovery. It enables patients to continue with their independent livelihood throughout the treatment process. The outpatient program is beneficial for the following:
- Those who struggle with substance use disorders and are serious about sobriety
- Building a safe and supportive network for recovery
- Vary in flexibility and intensity depending on the patient
The patient can stay home and continue with their daily responsibilities. However, they will need to check in with our rehab center in Indiana at scheduled times for medication, counseling, or sessions. Our treatment strategies in the outpatient program are:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Family and group therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Motivational interviewing
An intensive outpatient program offers patients a flexible way to approach treatment. Patients can continue daily routines without any disruption while still undergoing treatment. A residential treatment program requires patients to live on-site in our monitored location.
In contrast, some patients do still live at home for an IOP and it facilitates new coping mechanisms and helps patients learn more skills to prevent relapse.
Our behavioral health professionals at our rehab facility recommend PHP as a suitable approach based on the initial assessment and consultation. It’s suited for an individual who has completed the medical detox program and doesn’t require 24-hour medical monitoring or safety measures. The elements of a PHP are cognitive-behavioral therapy and medical management.
Regardless of the reason, for those who either don’t or can’t go back home, sober living is the option for them. We provide sober living whether the individual wants treatment or not. Sober living homes are communities of residences designed for those who are newly out of treatment.
These communities are for individuals seeking a structured, safe, and substance-free environment. It’s a way to live as they get back on their feet and live a new and sober life.
Contact Us Today
You can contact us through phone or email.
Prior to admitting yourself into an addiction treatment center, you need to contact that treatment center directly.
When you first communicate with an addiction treatment center, they will ask you several questions about yourself and your struggles with addiction. When they’re asking you these questions, make sure that you are as honest as possible. This allows the treatment center to have a better idea of what programs to place you into.
At First City Recovery Center, we will do everything within our power to place you in the right treatment programs. As a result, we will be able to give you the highest chance of achieving long-term sobriety when you complete them.
MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vahid Osman, MD is a psychiatry specialist in Indianapolis, IN.
Dr. Osman completed a residency at Austin State Hospital. He has over 32 years of experience in Psychiatry & Behavioral Health. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
