Fentanyl is one of the most powerful opioids in use today. Just two milligrams — about the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil — is considered a potentially fatal dose, according to the DEA. Originally developed to treat severe pain in cancer patients, fentanyl has flooded illegal markets and driven a nationwide crisis. Addiction can develop quickly: from early use, the brain can adapt and build tolerance, so higher doses at more frequent intervals are needed to achieve the same relief.

Fentanyl addiction is treatable. With comprehensive care, people can reclaim their lives. This article explains the symptoms of addiction, what happens during detox, what treatment looks like and how to get started with Sunlight Recovery.

Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction can cause both physical and behavioral symptoms. Being able to identify these symptoms is one of the very first steps toward getting help.

Physical Symptoms

  • Constricted pupils
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Becoming easily agitated
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Weight loss
  • Poor hygiene

Behavioral and Psychological Signs

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Lack of interest in things once loved
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Impaired memory
  • Slurred speech
  • Frequent absences from school or work
  • Social withdrawal

Fentanyl Detox

Once you become addicted to fentanyl, you’ll experience some unpleasant effects when you try to stop. For recovery to work, you need to clear the drug from your body through a process called detox.

Withdrawal from short-acting opioids like fentanyl generally begins within 8 to 24 hours of the last dose and can last from several days to over a week, with symptoms often most intense in the first few days. Because symptoms can be severe, it’s never a good idea to detox alone at home — this often leads to a rapid relapse.

In a medical detox, you receive around-the-clock monitoring to ensure you stay hydrated and the emotional support to keep you safe and comfortable.

During detox, you may experience the following:

  • Intense muscle pain
  • Sleep problems
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Cold flashes
  • Uncontrollable leg movements
  • Psychological cravings

Medication Options for Fentanyl Detox

Medication-assisted treatment combines therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with approved medications that may help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These can include:

  • Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine binds to the same receptors in the brain as fentanyl to help stop withdrawal and cravings without creating the same high. Brand names include Suboxone and Subutex.
  • Methadone. Methadone also binds to receptors in the brain to reduce withdrawal and cravings. It is dispensed through federally licensed opioid treatment programs.
  • Naltrexone. After detox, naltrexone is sometimes used to help prevent relapse by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.

Inpatient Treatment Services at Sunlight Recovery

Detox is only the first step in fentanyl addiction treatment. While it clears the drug from your body, it doesn’t address the underlying causes of addiction. Inpatient or residential treatment provides a safe, trigger-free environment where you can focus solely on recovery, away from distractions at home, work or school.

In inpatient treatment, individuals live full-time in a rehab facility where they receive comprehensive medical and clinical care. Treatment addresses co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety as part of dual diagnosis care, and typically involves individual therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Group therapy also lets patients build relationships with others going through similar circumstances, share struggles and realize they aren’t alone.

Benefits of Fentanyl Rehab

Fentanyl rehab is more than recovery from addiction. It focuses on helping you rebuild your life through coping skills, stress management and communication. Rehab also helps you repair relationships damaged by addiction, and it provides a personalized relapse-prevention plan to give you the tools to face the real world with confidence.

Choosing Outpatient Fentanyl Treatment

Depending on your circumstances, outpatient treatment may be a better fit for fentanyl recovery. It’s also a common step down for those who’ve completed inpatient rehab and still want additional support.

Outpatient programs offer flexibility, letting you live at home while receiving structured therapy several days a week or during set hours. Many people choose outpatient care because it allows them to keep working and caring for their families. It can be a good fit for those with a strong support system at home.

Understanding Long-Term Recovery

It’s important to understand that completing detox or an inpatient or outpatient program isn’t the end of recovery. Fentanyl addiction treatment is a long-term process that requires ongoing maintenance and commitment.

Addiction is a disease that requires continuous care. This means keeping scheduled therapy and physician appointments and attending support group meetings. Even with maintenance, relapses can occur. If one happens, it’s an indication that your treatment and recovery plan needs to be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

During admissions, you’ll be asked about your current drug use, your substance use history and whether you have a history of any mental health conditions. You’ll also provide your medical history, any prescriptions you take regularly and information on your living and employment status. Your admissions counselor will ask about insurance coverage or payment information. Afterward, you’ll receive an admission date and an individualized treatment plan.

Fentanyl detox can be painful and carries medical risks, so it’s not advised to attempt it at home. Detoxing without medical supervision often leads to relapse, which raises the risk of an accidental overdose.

Many insurance plans cover substance use treatment. Sunlight Recovery is in-network with many plans, and our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain what your policy covers before you commit, at no cost and with no obligation.

It varies by individual. Detox typically lasts a few days to about two weeks, and residential treatment generally continues for 30 to 90 days, depending on your clinical needs and progress.

Getting Started With Sunlight Recovery

Making the decision to seek help for fentanyl addiction is never easy, but we can make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. To get started, call our 24/7 admissions line at (855) 625-6684 or contact Sunlight Recovery online to speak with an admissions counselor and let us help you find your way back to the life you deserve. Every call is confidential, with no obligation.