Removing toxic substances from the body is the first step in overcoming an addiction. This can be challenging to do alone because of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can occur after you’ve taken the last dose. In particular, an opioid drug addiction can be hard to break because of how addictive these substances are.
If you or a loved one need a Fentanyl detox program in Phoenix call 602-466-9880 to get help now. Our staff is standing by to answer your questions and help you get started.
Opioids range from natural opiates, including codeine and morphine, to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Although doctors can prescribe fentanyl to control pain, it’s possible to acquire a fentanyl addiction if the drug is misused or taken over a long time. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl use, it may be time to consider fentanyl addiction treatment, such as a medical detox program.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction and how medical detox programs can help you begin a successful recovery process.
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug, whether taken illegally or as prescribed and instructed by a doctor. It’s usually prescribed to treat severe pain and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Because the drug has similar effects to heroin, many drug dealers will mix heroin with fentanyl, despite how life-threatening fentanyl-laced drugs can be.
A fentanyl addiction develops over time as an individual continues to abuse the drug, and their body builds tolerance to it, resulting in the need to take larger doses to produce the same high. Many people keep taking fentanyl because of the euphoria, extreme happiness and relaxation it can cause. To recreate that feeling, users will gradually raise the dosage, worsening the addiction and increasing their risk of experiencing a fatal fentanyl overdose.
Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction
Individuals may have a fentanyl addiction if they experience severe withdrawal symptoms once they stop consuming the drug. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irritability or agitation
- Runny nose
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cravings for fentanyl
- Accidental overdose
Withdrawal symptoms can present differently for each person, but those with a long-term fentanyl addiction of several months or years will likely experience more intense symptoms. Combining fentanyl with other substances, such as cocaine or alcohol, can also produce additional withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Do Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
An individual may experience two withdrawal phases at a fentanyl detox facility. Symptoms last for about a week to a week and a half during the acute phase. In the post-acute phase, symptoms may linger for several months to years.
During acute withdrawal, mild opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, sweating and muscle aches, start about 12 hours after the last fentanyl dose. Severe symptoms, including high blood pressure, loss of appetite, muscle weakness and insomnia, may occur about 2 to 4 days later. After 4 to 10 days in a fentanyl detox program, psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, may begin. Individuals may continue to experience some physical side effects but at a reduced intensity.
After 10 days at a substance abuse treatment center, individuals enter the post-acute withdrawal phase. For several weeks, a person may experience physical symptoms, such as vomiting, cravings, goose bumps, nausea and abdominal cramps. Mental health issues may continue for several months, requiring long-term dual diagnosis treatment for a co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), co-occurring disorders are very common and affect approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States. This is why fentanyl addiction treatment often addresses substance use and mental health issues.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Fentanyl?
Most patients spend 5 to 7 days in medical detox centers to rid their body of fentanyl. Medical professionals at a treatment facility are trained to minimize withdrawal symptoms during this period, making detox more bearable for individuals to prevent relapse.
Attending a medical detox center is often the first step in helping individuals overcome addiction. Many people enter a residential treatment program, PHP for addiction rehab, IOP for addiction rehab, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT) after the detox process for further treatment.
Outpatient Fentanyl Treatment Programs in Arizona
Outpatient treatment centers offer personalized treatment without disrupting your daily routine. IOP rehab typically meets at least three times a week for about 3 hours each day. This program aims to help people become more independent by learning healthier coping skills so they can stay sober while still participating in work or school and being with family and friends.
Outpatient services include various behavioral therapies, such as individual therapy for addiction, family therapy for addiction, and group therapy for addiction, aimed at treating any co-occurring disorders the patient may have. Outpatient care also includes:
- Relapse prevention training
- Life skills coaching
- 12-step support group meetings
- Case management
- Motivational interviewing
- Community reinforcement
- Conflict resolution programs
A team of addiction specialists will create a customized treatment plan to ensure you receive the services needed to address your mental health concerns and why drug or alcohol use started.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for the Fentanyl Detox Program in Phoenix
A detox center may offer MAT to help individuals overcome their substance use disorder. MAT is the use of medications alongside behavioral therapy to treat substance use, and it’s proven to be an effective treatment for fentanyl and other opioids. There are several FDA-approved medications used in MAT, including:
- Naltrexone
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
While taking these medications, individuals also attend counseling sessions, either individually or in a group setting. The most common therapies used in MAT are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Contingency reinforcement
- Community reinforcement
The combination of medications and therapies is meant to reduce opioid overdose deaths, decrease opioid use, reduce cravings, improve treatment retention and strengthen social and interpersonal performance. These are all factors that can help individuals experience a successful recovery journey.
Start Treatment at Camelback Recovery Today
Fentanyl addiction can be difficult and dangerous to overcome alone. If you or a loved one is ready to seek treatment for opioid addiction in Phoenix, Arizona, Maricopa County or surrounding areas, Camelback Recovery is a detox facility providing a wide range of mental health and addiction treatment services to help you get back on your feet.
Call Camelback Recovery, the best mental health and addiction treatment center today at 602-466-9880 to learn more about our fentanyl detox program in Phoenix and how we can help you kick your physical dependence for good.
