2022 was a deadly year for the opioid crisis. In particular, deaths associated with fentanyl proceeded to worsen. Many drug street dealers only deal in it, and the DEA seized a record-breaking amount in that year alone.
Opioids have been a problem for a while, and they can be very difficult to quit taking. However, doing a detox on your own can prove very dangerous and deadly.
Here’s what you should know before doing a fentanyl detox and the benefits of researching a fentanyl rehab facility.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a type of opioid that is highly addictive and powerful. In fact, it is at least 50 times as powerful as morphine.
The drug was created to help cancer patients manage their pain. It was applied as a patch onto their skin. However, the ease of use and its strength made it easy to abuse.
Some dealers sell it disguised as heroin in order to give a better high and promote addiction. Others mix it with heroin in order to increase its overall strength.
Regardless, the result is that users often take too much of it and overdose. If not, then they find themselves strongly addicted to the substance and continue ongoing use.
How to Know That You Have a Problem
Normally, opioids are meant to be used temporarily while people recover from injuries or illnesses. It’s meant to help relieve any associated symptoms or pain and relax them. However, the problem arises when users are unable to stop taking them or start taking them recreationally.
This is known as the opioid epidemic.
It becomes problematic when a patient continues using opioids despite otherwise recovering from their injury or illness. Maybe they’ve found that the substance makes their life more bearable. Or it could be that they continue to have pain that needs management, but they continue to use something much stronger than should be prescribed.
The medication then takes a toll on your body, your daily life, as well as your bank account.
Fentanyl Detox Process
Fentanyl detox involves a combination of medications that can help reduce withdrawal symptoms. It also utilizes a drug and alcohol detox facility that is qualified to treat addictions.
Some of the medications used include buprenorphine, methadone, and suboxone. These are all medications that can relieve your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The reason you should use fentanyl detox is that trying to quit on your own may result in some serious side effects. You may even justify returning to your drug habit to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
People suffer all kinds of side effects when they quit an addictive medication. They may specifically crave their drug of choice, even if it disrupts their life. It’s also very likely that your body will go into a kind of shock when a chemical that has become vital to your everyday life suddenly goes missing.
Withdrawal symptoms may begin in as little as six hours, and they’ll only get worse over time. It also depends on how long you used fentanyl and how severe your addiction was.
Some symptoms to expect include:
- Excessive sweating
- Chills
- Anxiety
- Body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Emotional instability
Medications That Can Help
One of the best medications to use for opioid withdrawal management is buprenorphine. It reduces both symptoms and cravings. However, a physician should wait about eight hours after the last opioid use before administering it.
Methadone also serves the same purpose by acting on opioid receptors in the brain. Despite that, it does not create the euphoric response of those medications.
Another option is naltrexone, which blocks the activation of opioid receptors. This helps fight addiction by taking away the euphoric effects of other medications. It also works for weeks, so it’s a good option for those who cannot receive regular healthcare.
Seeking Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Fentanyl recovery is a difficult process to go through alone. It’s possible that factors in your surroundings have resulted in your addiction, or maybe there’s a lack of support. There’s also the danger that comes with a fentanyl detox, such as withdrawal symptoms.
A fentanyl rehab program ensures that you have a safe space with access to medical attention as you go through your detox. In particular, residential treatment can offer things such as meals, yoga sessions, group learning, and access to mental health professionals.
Alternatively, you can go for a detox visit. You’ll be allowed to stay for a length of time while you go through the detox process. Medications are provided in compliance with state regulations.
Make sure to discuss your options with a potential recovery center and keep an eye out for alternatives.
Fentanyl Detox Tips
First of all, do not try to detox alone. The patterns and choices you have made are what led you to your addiction. It’s okay to admit that you need help getting started on the right path.
Before you enter a detox program, make sure to ask what you need to bring with you. Learn more about how long it will take and what to expect from the upcoming withdrawal. Arrange for someone to watch your home and pets if you’re expecting an extended stay.
Finally, make sure that your insurance covers addiction services and is accepted by the center you’re interested in.
Get Help Today
Fentanyl detox is a dangerous thing to handle, and most people aren’t equipped to go through it without professional help. The drug is incredibly addictive, and you may find yourself craving it when the withdrawal hits. However, there are medications that can make the process much easier.
Living Stones recovery offers drug rehabilitation, alcohol detox, and addiction rehab in Riverside County. We customize your care to give you the best results. Contact us to learn more and begin your admission.