Effective Forms of Opioid Withdrawal Management
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening when someone stops using them. Opioid withdrawal is common when someone stops using these addictive drugs. You are doing the right thing by seeking information that can help. You are struggling but ready to change. You may have a friend or a loved one who struggles.
No matter your scenario South Shores Detox and Recovery can help you overcome fentanyl and find lasting relief from the cycles of use and withdrawal!
Substance Abuse Treatment Helps You Heal
It is crucial to acknowledge that fentanyl addiction is a treatable disease. Have hope. Stay strong. And most of all, read on to learn more about this addiction. It is critical knowledge before you take the courageous steps to break the cycle of drug abuse.
Abusing fentanyl can be a memory in just a few weeks. With the help of caring healthcare professionals, you will put substance use behind you. You’ll learn to manage pain without opioids, alcohol, or other drugs.
What Is Fentanyl and What Are the Legal Versus Illicit Uses?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid medication doctors prescribe for severe pain. When under medical care, it can have valid uses. Common reasons doctors recommend it include these situations:
- Post-surgical pain relief
- Cancer treatment pain
- Relieving chronic, severe pain
- Comfort during end-of-life care
Doctors may dispense it to patients by these means:
- Injection: They may inject the drug into the veins using a needle and syringe.
- Transdermal Patch: Fentanyl patches are adhesive patches applied to the skin. They allow the drug to absorb through the skin into the bloodstream.
- Nasal Spray: Doctors may offer nasal sprays. These absorb through the nasal mucus into the bloodstream.
- Lozenges: Fentanyl lozenges are small, flavored tablets. They dissolve in the mouth, allowing the drug to absorb, then enter the bloodstream.
- Pills: Fentanyl pills are small tablets to swallow.
But some use this substance for illicit purposes, in the form of street drugs. Any use of fentanyl outside a medical setting is dangerous and life-threatening. This drug is potent. Even small amounts can cause a fentanyl overdose, heart failure, or death. The Centers for Disease Control warns that this synthetic opioid is dangerous. It’s over 50 to 100 times more potent than either morphine or heroin. Those who abuse fentanyl might inject, snort, smoke it, or take pills.
While fentanyl and other opioids cause harm, you cannot quit alone. Professional withdrawal management is the key to success.
Fentanyl Withdrawal and Why Medical Detox Is the Only Safe Way
Fentanyl withdrawal is an intense and challenging process that medical professionals should manage. Quitting fentanyl cold turkey can cause severe and life-threatening fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. The physical symptoms of withdrawal can include these:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Anxiety and agitation
- Insomnia
- Sweating and chills
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils and sensitivity to light
- Drug cravings
- Abdominal cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Depression
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Runny nose and teary eyes
- Goosebumps and “cold turkey” skin
- Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
- Tremors and shaking
Medical detox is the only safe way to manage fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. Detox programs offer a controlled environment. There, trained medical professionals can provide medication-assisted treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms.
The steps of medical detox to avoid withdrawal syndrome include the following:
- Intake assessment: A medical professional checks the person’s addiction and mental health status. Then the team determines the best course of treatment.
- Stabilization: The person receives medication to manage withdrawal symptoms. Medical staff monitors the progress. Lofexidine hydrochloride is a medication prescribed for withdrawal management. It decreases the activities of the sympathetic nervous system.
Thus, it reduces the suffering of withdrawal. Rehab treatment centers know that this medication can help people manage withdrawal symptoms. That increases the odds of a successful recovery. Additional medications can also address specific symptoms.
- Tapering off addiction medicine: The medical team reduces doses to ease withdrawal symptoms. In time, the person becomes drug-free.
- Transition to addiction treatment: Once the person stabilizes, they can begin addiction treatment. Programs include therapy, counseling, and support groups.
Not everyone who experiences fentanyl withdrawal will have all these symptoms. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Medically-supervised detoxification is crucial to managing the process.
How Long Do Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The duration of withdrawal symptoms during fentanyl detox can vary depending on several factors. These include the addiction level, how long they used fentanyl, and physical health. Withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as six hours after the last dosage and can last up to several weeks.
The acute withdrawal phase of fentanyl can last up to ten days. The symptoms peak around days two to three. After the acute phase, some symptoms can persist for several weeks. These may include depression or anxiety. This long detoxification time is another good reason to use a medical rehab facility.
Opioid Use Disorder: Understanding the Root Causes
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a severe medical condition. It’s even in the latest diagnostic and statistical manual. It stems from the continued use of opioids despite the negative consequences. According to the latest National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) statistics, an estimated 106,699 people in the United States of America died from an opioid overdose in 2021.
Several factors can contribute to the development of OUD, including:
- Genetics: Studies have shown that genetic factors can play a role in the development of OUD. Certain genetic variations can increase a person’s susceptibility to addiction.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors can increase the risk of OUD. These include stress, trauma, and extended opioid use. People with adverse childhood experiences, abuse, or neglect may be more prone to addiction.
- Prescription Opioid Use: Prescription opioid use can lead to addiction. That’s especially true when used for long periods or in high doses. People who have a history of chronic pain or have had surgery may be at higher risk of developing OUD.
- Illicit Drug Use: Other illicit drug use can increase the risk of developing OUD. People who use intravenous opioids are also at higher risk of developing OUD.
- Social Factors: Social factors can also increase the risk of developing OUD. These can be peer pressure and the availability of opioids. People with a history of alcohol abuse are likelier to face addiction. Also, communities with high rates of opioid use may be likelier to develop an addiction.
It is OK to cut yourself a break. Substance use disorder is a medical condition. Seeking professional help is crucial for managing addiction and achieving long-term recovery. You deserve the proper treatment and support. Know that people with opioid use disorder can beat addiction. Many go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction?
If you or someone you know or love has these signs and symptoms, get professional help. This step is crucial for managing addiction and achieving long-term recovery.
Signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction can include these behaviors:
- Using fentanyl in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop fentanyl use.Spending a significant amount of time obtaining and using fentanyl.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to fentanyl use.
- Continued use of fentanyl despite the harm.
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop or reduce fentanyl use.
- Using fentanyl to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Using fentanyl in hazardous situations, such as while driving.
- Accepting the risk of a DWI.
Therapies to Help Beat Drug Abuse
Choosing the right therapy or combination depends on individual needs and circumstances. Work with a qualified medical professional to develop a personalized treatment plan. You will have the best chances of successful recovery.
Each of the following treatment options can help promote healing from fentanyl abuse:
- Inpatient treatment provides intensive, 24-hour care for detox and addiction treatment. It allows people to focus on their recovery without distractions.
- Outpatient treatment allows people to receive treatment during the day. In the evenings, they go home or to a sober living facility. An outpatient program provides flexibility and the ability to maintain daily responsibilities.
- Group therapy is psychotherapy where people can share their experiences. They also receive support from others. Thus, it promotes a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Family therapy involves family members in the treatment process. They can address issues that may contribute to addiction, improving communication and relationships. It helps to rebuild bridges damaged by addiction.
- Follow-up care prevents relapse. Aftercare services, like support groups, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment, help people maintain sobriety. It can prevent relapse, providing ongoing support and accountability.
South Shores Can Help You Recover from Fentanyl Abuse
At South Shores Detox and Recovery, we use evidence-based therapy models to help every client succeed. We tailor therapy to their individual needs and circumstances.
Here are some of the opioid and fentanyl treatment services we provide for our clients:
Medical Detoxification
Medical detoxification is an essential first step in treating fentanyl and opioid addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening. Medical supervision is crucial for managing symptoms safely.
Medications can ease the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. You have an increased risk of a poor withdrawal experience if you don’t get help.
Medication-Assisted Treatment or MAT
Medications are prescribed in combination with therapy to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-assisted treatment is a proven approach to managing opioid addiction. Medications other than methadone, such as buprenorphine, and naltrexone can help manage cravings. They also reduce withdrawal symptoms, allowing people to focus on their recovery.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore the underlying causes of addiction and develop coping skills.
Individual therapy allows clients to explore underlying issues that may contribute to addiction. A therapist can help clients develop coping skills, and improve communication and relationships. They will also identify and address triggers for drug use.
Group Therapy
Peer support and guidance in a group setting to promote a sense of community.
Group therapy provides peer support and guidance in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Clients share their experiences and receive support and feedback. All learn from each others’ successes and challenges.
The American Psychiatric Association agrees. They note that even cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in a group setting.
Family Therapy
Family members join the treatment process to address addiction-related issues.
Your family is key to emotional support. These sessions help work out family issues. By improving relationships, clients re-establish a support system to help maintain sobriety. This therapy is often a way to rebuild broken trust between clients and their families.
Aftercare Planning: Follow-Up Care and Support
Aftercare planning is crucial for preventing relapse. Follow-up care and support services, like support groups, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment, help clients maintain sobriety. They also learn how to address ongoing challenges.
South Shores Detox and Recovery personalizes each treatment plan to meet each client’s individual needs. We combine evidence-based treatments per client needs. Clients receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs. The tools they take away will help them build a new life and maintain their long-term goals.
How to Afford Professional Care for Fentanyl Addiction: Options and Resources
Finances can be a major roadblock to seeking professional care for fentanyl addiction treatment. But options and resources are available to make treatment more affordable and accessible. Medical insurance covers the costs of healthcare providers and recovery services.
South Shores offer an insurance verification service to navigate these coverages. Our experts will help you sort out the details. We also accept private pay. Our treatment plans are affordable. You can get the necessary care.
South Shores: A Clear Choice for Fentanyl Treatment
South Shores Detox and Recovery is a top-rated addiction treatment center based in Southern California. We offer evidence-based treatments for fentanyl addiction. Our personalized approach to treatment ensures each client receives the care they need. We want every client to achieve successful, long-term recovery.
Our medical professionals and therapists provide complete care. It includes medical detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, individual and group therapy, family therapy, and aftercare planning.
If you or someone you know struggles with fentanyl addiction, don’t wait for help. Contact South Shores today to begin the journey to recovery!