Author: James Anderson

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Opioid withdrawal can be dangerous, and symptoms can be severe. When it’s time for you to stop taking opioids, ask for your healthcare professional’s help. Together you can create a plan to stop opioids slowly, called a taper. Tapering means slowly lowering over time the amount of opioid medicine you take until you stop completely.

The risk of relapse during withdrawal is high, as the craving to use fentanyl to stop the symptoms can be overwhelming. When people try to self-taper their fentanyl, they are rarely successful because the ability to control substance use is not in the nature of addiction. Because of fentanyl’s short half-life, withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 12 hours of the last use. This can be longer in people who were using the fentanyl patch, which is a slow-release delivery system that releases the drug over 72 hours. In that case, withdrawal symptoms usually start after the patch is removed. When a person uses opioids, their body gradually acclimates to the presence of the drug.

Fentanyl Detox and Withdrawal

It is important to keep in mind that recovery from substance addiction takes much more than simply ending drug use. The underlying causes of the addiction and the mental devastation from the addiction itself must be addressed for the best chances of a successful recovery. The dose of these drugs is then tapered in a slow and controlled manner until the recipient is opioid-free. You may be tempted to take more opioid medicine than your taper recommends. Do not start taking any opioids you have at home that you received from other health professionals or visits to the emergency room.

It’s generally not recommended for long-term use, though, because it is habit-forming and very difficult to stop using. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids usually begin around 12 hours after the last dose is taken. For most people, the worst symptoms get better after a few days. If you or a loved one need care for a substance use disorder, contact our helpline today. The idea of fentanyl withdrawal can seem alarming, and it is natural to have questions about it.

This slow tapering also helps ease the discomfort you may feel as you stop taking opioids. During this time, you can practice new skills to manage pain and other long-term symptoms too. Extended-release naltrexone is a non-opioid medication, but it reduces cravings by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. If the recipient relapses and uses opioids, the naltrexone will block the physical effects of the drug. Unfortunately, the recipient must already be detoxed from fentanyl before starting this medication. Your doctor might suggest that you use a medication-assisted treatment program to discontinue fentanyl use.

Your healthcare professional may recommend continued counseling after you’ve completed your opioid taper. The right length for an opioid taper varies with each person and each medicine. Your healthcare professional works with you to create an opioid taper schedule that meets your medical needs while keeping risks to your health low.

What to Know About Fentanyl Withdrawal

This is very dangerous, though, because illicitly-produced fentanyl is not regulated. You may get a dose that is significantly higher than what is safe. You may need regular visits to check your vital signs and track symptoms. You may need to give blood samples to check the medication levels in your system. Endorphins mute the sensation of pain, which is why opioids are useful as prescription pain killers.

If you wish to discuss fentanyl addiction in yourself or a loved one, contact us for a confidential discussion with one of our representatives. When deaths have occurred from fentanyl withdrawal, they have almost always been in people who were alone at the time. They are putting themselves through unnecessarily difficult symptoms. Prescription opioids are usually safe to use for a short time and as directed by your doctor. If you need to stop taking long-term opioids, talk with your doctor.

1. These groups can be a powerful support network for those who find that they aren’t able to quit using opioids despite their best efforts.
2. A step-by-step plan to lower how much opioid medicine you take will help this process go smoothly.
3. Furthermore, fentanyl withdrawal may also cause thoughts of suicide.
4. Undergoing detox at an accredited facility is the safest and most effective way to rid the body of drugs like fentanyl and transition into treatment and recovery.
5. We do not receive any compensation or commission for referrals to other treatment facilities.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and most people benefit from medical supervision while detoxing. You may need additional medications to mitigate the effects of withdrawal. The fentanyl withdrawal symptoms usually last for several days. You may notice that you continue to feel slightly off for several weeks after stopping opioids.

Friends and family can become involved in the recovery counseling process as well. The internet is brimming with various chemicals and remedies that are promised as a way to detox from fentanyl, but caution is advised. It is advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any such medicines.

Opioid Withdrawal Causes

These neurotransmitters are sometimes called feel-good chemicals because they induce a pleasurable sensation, sometimes called euphoria or a high. Because the effects of fentanyl are so powerful, you only need small doses to alleviate pain. Remember that detox does not in any way constitute treatment for fentanyl addiction. People should find treatment to address the reasons behind the substance use and recover from the mental and physical damage caused by drug use. Other medications may also be used during fentanyl detox in order to help with specific symptoms.

Opioid Withdrawal Treatment and Home Remedies

Withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as 12 to 30 hours after your last dose. Many people who develop fentanyl dependence do so after a doctor prescribes it for medical reasons. Taking any opioid for more than a couple of weeks can lead to addiction. Some doctors are hesitant to prescribe opioids for long-term pain management because of the risk of addiction. Fentanyl detox involves the medically supervised withdrawal from fentanyl, which helps provide optimal safety and comfort.