Fentanyl Withdrawal & Detox

Fentanyl is a powerful prescription pain medication that has made its way to illegal distribution on the streets. Because of the rise in illegal use of the drug, more abusers and their loved ones are looking for answers regarding Fentanyl withdrawal and detox symptoms, what to expect after quitting the drug and how to begin the process of weaning from a Fentanyl addiction. Keep reading to learn more about Fentanyl withdrawal and detox symptoms and the best way to cope.

What is Fentanyl:

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid medication that is used to treat severe or chronic pain such as after a person has surgery or deals with an on-going health condition that results in major levels of pain for the patient. However, just like other opioids like Heroin, it can be extremely addictive. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. As the drug has made its way to the streets (often called Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, jackpot, murder 8, TNT, Tango and Cash.) users sometimes are not aware of how strong the drug can be. Increasingly, more and more users have become addicted to and have overdosed on Fentanyl.  Of the 22,400 drug overdose deaths in the United States by 2005, opioid painkillers were the most commonly found drug and accounted for 38.2% of these deaths.

How does Fentanyl work?

The drug works by acting on the body’s central nervous system to control pain. It does this by responding to opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors control the parts of the brain that change how a person is feeling in regard to happiness, joy and elation. Higher amounts of the drug result in stronger feelings of euphoria. Just like other drugs of this type, the more a drug like Fentanyl is used to achieve that high, the more the brain receptors become dulled and need more of the drug to achieve the same effect. This drug abuse is causing an increase in the number of people overdosing on the drug. Because the drug is so powerful, the withdrawal and detox symptoms can be serious for many users.

Fentanyl Withdrawal and Detox Symptoms:

• Extreme restlessness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Cold sweats and chills
• Nausea
• Irritability
• High Blood Pressure
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Yawning
• Sweating
• Runny nose

Because Fentanyl is so powerful, the addiction can happen quickly. How fast typically depends on the person. Some who are prescribed the medication by their healthcare provider following surgery may find themselves becoming physically dependent and addicted to the drug all while following the proper protocols for taking the medication. Some build a higher tolerance to the drug more quickly. However, in most cases addiction to Fentanyl and similar opioids occurs when the user abuses the drug and takes it illegally and at a higher dose or more frequently than as directed.

Becoming addicted to Fentanyl and experiencing all of the withdrawal and detox symptoms that come with trying to come off the drug can be a serious issue that can result in a loss of rational thought for the user, dissolution of employment, relationships and the status of their mental health for many users. However, approaching Fentanyl withdrawal and detox under the direction of a rehab facility or outpatient treatment program supervised by a healthcare provider can be the best way to successfully kick the addiction.

Fentanyl Detox Methods:

Like heroin, Fentanyl can create strong addictions in the users. It is recommended by many medical professionals that a detox from the drug should be done under the medical supervision of a trained health care supervisor.  Undergoing Fentanyl withdrawal and detox under medical can help ensure the abuser is able to come out on the other side of withdrawal more physically healthy and emotionally ready to take on kicking the addiction from all angles.

These medical professionals can prescribe other drugs to help aid the person through recovery by coping with the withdrawal symptoms, which otherwise might be unbearable.

While some do only experience addiction to a drug like Fentanyl in a physical form, many users find they need the euphoric result of the high to continue coping with the struggles in their lives. For these individuals, preparing to get the help they need following detox is crucial to recovery. If you or someone you know is addicted to Fentanyl, consult your doctor immediately to begin taking the next step toward drug addiction recovery.

Sources:

MayoClinic.org

BlueLight.org

DrugAbuse.gov

Narconon.org

medhelp.org

drugrehab.org