Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that’s 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. This means that only a few milligrams can lead to an addiction. If you try to stop abusing this drug, you’ll experience several fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, like constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness. If you’re experiencing fentanyl withdrawals, you must find a fentanyl addiction treatment program right away and begin healing.
The Ranch PA supports those struggling with fentanyl addiction and needing a treatment program to help them recover from this treatable condition. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program can be tailored to your unique symptoms and reasons behind the abuse. Our compassionate team will develop a comprehensive program that includes medical support, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy.
Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that has a high rate of abuse and overdose. In 2023, over 107,000 lives were lost to drug overdoses, with opioids like fentanyl accounting for 70% of these tragedies, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).1
Despite the known risks, fentanyl does have some medicinal uses. When taken as prescribed and avoiding alcohol or other substances, particularly opioids, it can be highly effective in treating:
- Severe pain management: Fentanyl is suitable for clients with cancer-related pain or those in end-of-life care, and it’s beneficial for those who have developed tolerance to other opioids.
- Surgical and postoperative pain: Doctors use fentanyl as an anesthetic during surgery and to treat severe, short-term pain in recovery.
- Chronic pain: Fentanyl provides long-term pain relief for people with chronic, severe pain who are already opioid-tolerant.
- Breakthrough pain: For sudden spikes in pain, even while following a pain management program, additional support through fentanyl use may be necessary.
Long-term use of opioids for pain management can lead to tolerance, meaning the medication may become less effective over time. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your doctor and provide honest feedback about your pain levels to minimize potential side effects when using fentanyl for pain.
Stopping fentanyl abuse
Stopping fentanyl abuse can be very difficult. It can produce painful withdrawal symptoms and powerful cravings that make it difficult to quit without medical support.
If you enroll in a fentanyl treatment program, you’ll work with a professional therapist who’ll use behavioral and holistic therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. To ease withdrawal symptoms, they’ll put you on a medication plan to ease fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. Medical staff will administer medications based on your treatment plan and monitor you throughout the program.
Treatment programs include:
- Residential treatment program: This structured program provides 24/7 support. You will live in the treatment center and work on addressing all symptoms. Programs can last 30, 60, or 90 days, with longer options available.
- Outpatient treatment programs: These are less restrictive programs in which you spend several hours a day in therapy and return home at night. Programs can last several weeks and include a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Professional therapists will work with you during therapy sessions to reach your recovery goals. They’ll teach you healthy ways to manage symptoms and triggers, as well as other essential life skills.
Recognizing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms
If you’re taking fentanyl and want to stop, you’ll experience several painful withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings for more fentanyl. These symptoms can last several days and make quitting nearly impossible without help.
6–12 hours
When you stop taking fentanyl, during the first few hours you may experience anxiety or restlessness, muscle aches and joint pain, sweating, insomnia, and dilated pupils. Other symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Frequent yawning
- Chills
- Goosebumps
These symptoms will increase in severity over the next 12–72 hours and put people at risk of relapsing and overdosing.
12–72 hours
After 12 hours, you’ll experience increasingly worsening symptoms that include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and intense drug cravings. You’ll also experience elevated heart rate and blood pressure, depression, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
After 72 hours, symptoms will lessen and may linger over the next few weeks. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms include anxiety, cravings, mood swings, and insomnia. They’ll generally peak at 2–4 days and may last several weeks or months.
Medication-assisted treatment
If you’re abusing fentanyl, a medical detox program is essential for a safe recovery. It uses medication to reduce withdrawals and cravings until they go away on their own. They can also reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in cases of a co-occurring disorder. If you experience withdrawal symptoms for longer than usual, they’ll continue to prescribe medications until it’s no longer necessary.
Connect with The Ranch PA today to enroll in fentanyl addiction treatment
If you’re struggling with an addiction to fentanyl or other opioids, Recovery Ranch PA can help. We’ve experience in treating all types of addiction, including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and prescription or illegal opioids like fentanyl. Our team will run a complete health assessment to determine the best course of action. Treatment programs include medical detox, residential treatment, outpatient treatment programs, and aftercare programs.
Call 717.969.9126 or contact our team online today to schedule a tour and consultation of our treatment center and take that first step toward a better life.
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