The idea of withdrawal from fentanyl can be scary. Many wonder about the effects of fentanyl on the mind and body and what withdrawal and detox will be like. Detox and sobriety following fentanyl addiction can be done with dedication and often requires the support of medical professionals.
At Starbridge Recovery, our luxury facility can support you through withdrawal from fentanyl. Our detox program combats the effects of fentanyl with multiple innovative and supportive steps.
Please speak with an admissions coordinator to see how we can support your fentanyl recovery today.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug in the opioid family. This drug acts as a narcotic depressant that slows down the body’s functions. As a synthetically made opioid, this drug has been altered to be more effective than opium, morphine, and heroin. Fentanyl acts quickly to block pain receptors and, in doing so, causes a release of dopamine which has a difficult time being processed against the fentanyl. This excess causes a euphoric high, triggering the reward receptors in the brain. When this happens, the body identifies this “high” as ideal and begins the process of addiction.
While prescription fentanyl is found in pill or syrup form, illegally made fentanyl can be seen as a powder, dropped on blotter paper-like strips, in eye droppers or nasal sprays, or made into pills that look like prescription opioids. The different ways the drug enters the body affect how quickly the high occurs and how long it lasts. While pills might take longer to have an effect, they often last longer than powders or liquids, creating a quicker high.
Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetically designed opioid that is more potent than opium, morphine, and heroin. In fact, fentanyl is said to be 50-100% more powerful than morphine.
While fentanyl is a prescription drug, but can also be made illegally. Street quality fentanyl is often mixed with other dangerous additives to balance the negative side effects, make the drug go further, or alter the high. Mixing fentanyl with drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and MDMA increases the risk of taking fentanyl, having a negative reaction, or experiencing an overdose.
Fentanyl also has an incredibly high overdose rate related to the increased potency of the drug. However, while Narcan/Naloxone, opioid overdose reversal drugs, are available, they are often ineffective or require multiple doses and immediately puts an individual into opioid withdrawal syndrome.
What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Fentanyl withdrawal can be dangerous. The symptoms mimic those of other opioid withdrawals, but the extent of use and any possible mixing of drugs can worsen and create a much more difficult challenge for individuals who wish to stop using the drug.
Fentanyl withdrawal can cause individuals to experience “muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings.”
The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal don’t stop with the detox process. Individuals can experience symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal for years following detox and initial withdrawal. Individuals who have gotten clean from fentanyl continue to experience cravings, mental health concerns, and physical health concerns from the toll that fentanyl can take on the body.
How to Find Fentanyl Detox Programs Near Me
Finding a ‘fentanyl detox program near me’ might seem like a challenge, but there are many supportive and informative options when searching for detox. What is most important is finding a fentanyl detox program that will help you transition into addiction treatment. Detox programs are supportive, but those that can seamlessly transition you from detox to addiction treatment are comprehensive centers that support your mental, physical, and emotional health.
At Starbridge Recovery, we can help you detox from fentanyl and then transition you into relaxing, supportive, and safe addiction treatment at our luxury addiction treatment center. We believe in recovery designed to meet your needs. Our residential inpatient treatment offers support from detox to aftercare and beyond. Supporting clients and addressing all of their mental health concerns is our highest priority.
Contact our admissions coordinators today to see how we can support you through fentanyl detox and addiction treatment.
