Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.[1] Prescription fentanyl is used to treat pain after surgery or in opioid-tolerant chronic pain patients, such as those struggling with cancer. While fentanyl is effective in treating severe cases of pain, it is highly addictive and extremely dangerous when abused.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is sold on the streets in powder or liquid form. It is cheap and easy to obtain so drug dealers and manufacturers often use it as an adulterant in other street drugs. The high potency level of fentanyl causes thousands of Americans to experience life-threatening and fatal overdoses each year. According to the CDC, 71,238 people died from a fentanyl overdose in 2021.[2] Today, the majority of drug overdoses involve synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
While most people unknowingly ingest fentanyl due to it being laced with other drugs, some people begin abusing the drug on purpose after they develop a high tolerance to other opioids like heroin. Because of how strong fentanyl is, people who abuse it develop an addiction quickly.
If you are addicted to fentanyl, you must attend a medical detox program to overcome the symptoms of withdrawal and start your recovery. A fentanyl detox center in West Palm Beach can provide supportive, 24-hour care, keeping you safe and comfortable throughout the process.
What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Fentanyl is an opioid drug, which means it binds to opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for pain relief and pleasure, which is why fentanyl is effective in treating pain and causes a side effect of euphoria. When you repeatedly abuse fentanyl, your brain begins to associate the substance with reward and pleasure, leading to the development of addiction.
Once you are addicted to fentanyl, your brain and body begin to rely on the substance to function properly. This is what causes the symptoms of withdrawal to occur when you suddenly stop using fentanyl.
The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are:[3]
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Sweating
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Disorientation
- Loss of Appetite
- Diarrhea
While the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are not usually life-threatening, they can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. As a result, attempting to detox at home could result in a relapse. Relapsing on fentanyl after a period of abstinence can result in a fatal overdose, as your body does not have a tolerance anymore. The only safe way to detox from fentanyl is to seek help from a drug and alcohol detox center.
How Does Fentanyl Detox Work in West Palm Beach?
The medical care offered at fentanyl detox centers can prevent you from experiencing the symptoms and cravings associated with withdrawal. Medical providers will assess your needs, curate a personalized treatment plan, and help you start your recovery.
Initial Intake Assessment
When you arrive at a fentanyl detox center in West Palm Beach, you will undergo an initial intake assessment to determine your needs. This assessment will cover information like your substance abuse, mental health, medical, and family history. All of this is needed to create an individualized detoxification plan that will address all of your needs.
In addition to the assessment, you will sign consent and treatment disclosure forms that allow the staff members to provide you with treatments you may need. You will also sign medical release forms and indicate who is allowed to access your health information during your stay in detox. This ensures that all of your information is kept private, providing you with the anonymity you deserve.
Medical Stabilization
After you complete the intake process, your treatment will begin immediately. Doctors and medical staff will either begin your tapering process or provide you with medications that address specific symptoms of withdrawal that are currently bothering you. Throughout the entire process, nurses will monitor your vital signs to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
When it comes to fentanyl withdrawal in particular, there are a few FDA-approved medications that you may be prescribed. These medications help soothe severe symptoms of withdrawal and prevent any cravings from occurring.
Some of the medications you may be given include:
- Clonidine – a medication that reduces some of the physical and mental effects of fentanyl withdrawal
- Methadone – a tapering medication that reduces symptoms of withdrawal and prevents cravings
- Suboxone – a tapering medication that affects the brain in a similar manner as opioids, providing you with relief from symptoms without getting you “high”
- Subutex – a tapering medication that reduces withdrawal symptoms and stops cravings from occurring
Transitioning into Further Care
Once you have completed the withdrawal process, your doctor and therapist will begin discussing your next steps with you. It is always recommended that you attend an inpatient addiction treatment after the completion of detox so you can learn how to cope with life without using substances.
If you are attending a program like Mandala Healing Center, you can transition into inpatient treatment without leaving the facility. Our addiction treatment center in South Florida has a continuum of care, allowing you to receive detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment in one place.
Find a Fentanyl Detox Center in West Palm Beach, FL Today
If you or a loved one suffer from fentanyl addiction, help is available. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous substance, often causing fatal overdoses and long-term health effects. Detoxing under close medical supervision is extremely important for your health and safety.
The Mandala Healing Center understands that addiction presents differently with each patient, as each substance affects individuals in unique ways. After a careful assessment of each patient’s history and patterns of drug use, a personalized detoxification plan is developed. After the physical addiction is treated, healing can then begin.
Don’t wait any longer. Call now to begin your recovery journey.
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