Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid narcotic that is between 50 and 100 times more potent than morphine. This prescription medication is sometimes prescribed for the short-term treatment of severe pain, especially following surgery. However, fentanyl is also made and distributed illegally. In recent years, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been contributing to increased rates of opioid overdose across the country. The potent synthetic opioid is currently responsible for the majority of overdose deaths throughout the U.S. Fentanyl detox in Orange County can help you or your loved one overcome dependency once and for all.
If you or someone close to you has been struggling with fentanyl addiction, seeking professional help is essential. At Pacific Sands Recovery, we have developed a fentanyl detox program that is both integrated and individualized. While medical detox is an important initial step, it must be immediately followed up by a higher level of care to be truly effective. For this reason, we also offer residential addiction treatment at our Orange County fentanyl rehab. Contact us today to learn more or to begin your personal healing journey.
Fentanyl Misuse & Dependence
Fentanyl can be snorted or sniffed, smoked, or used orally in a tablet or pill form. When manufactured illegally, the synthetic opioid is generally sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances. Fentanyl has been identified in a range of counterfeit pills, which mimic pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. In fact, the majority of people who overdose on fentanyl are unaware that they are consuming the drug.
Fentanyl is highly addictive because of its potency. Medical professionals generally prescribe the synthetic opioid for no longer than two weeks. However, physical dependence can occur even when fentanyl is taken exactly as prescribed.
Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction include:
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- Attempting to quit or cut back on the amount of fentanyl being used with limited success.
- Craving fentanyl throughout the day.
- Consistently using more fentanyl than intended for longer periods of time than intended.
- Experiencing problems in interpersonal relationships as a result of fentanyl use.
- Experiencing issues at work or at school as a result of fentanyl use.
- Spending a disproportionate amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of fentanyl.
- Combining fentanyl with other chemical substances.
- Neglecting activities that were previously enjoyed and held in high esteem.
- Developing a physical tolerance for fentanyl over time.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when fentanyl use is stopped suddenly.
Fentanyl Overdose
The presence of fentanyl has led to a sharp increase in opioid overdose deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “In 2020, more than 56,000 deaths involving synthetic opioids (other than methadone) occurred in the United States, which is more deaths than from any other type of opioid. Synthetic opioid-involved death rates increased by over 56% from 2019 to 2020 and accounted for over 82% of all opioid-involved deaths in 2020. The rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids was more than 18 times higher in 2020 than in 2013.” As rates of fentanyl overdose continue to climb, adequate and accessible treatment options are more important than ever before.
At Pacific Sands Recovery we understand that effective medical detoxification is the first step on the road to long-term fentanyl addiction recovery. We have developed a fentanyl detox program that focuses on safety and comfort. The National Institutes on Drug Abuse define a fentanyl use disorder as, “Compulsive drug seeking and drug use that can be difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. When someone is addicted to drugs, they continue to use them even though they cause health problems or issues at work, school, or home. A fentanyl use disorder can range from mild to severe.”
What Happens During A Fentanyl Detox Program?
Fentanyl addiction is treated with a combination of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies. While medications for opioid use disorder are effective and life-saving, they must be coupled with a comprehensive recovery program. Active addiction impacts all areas of life. Therefore, mental, emotional, and spiritual health must be addressed once physical stabilization has been achieved.
Medications approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder include:
Methadone — A full opioid agonist, methadone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and reducing drug cravings and symptoms of withdrawal.
Buprenorphine — An opioid receptor partial agonist, buprenorphine works by reducing symptoms of opioid withdrawal and eliminating drug cravings.
Naltrexone — An opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone prevents fentanyl from attaching to opioid receptors, thereby rendering it ineffective (blocking its effects).
At Pacific Sands Recovery, we focus on mental, emotional, and spiritual healing, taking a whole-person approach to recovery. While MAT is an important piece of the puzzle, evidence-based therapies are just as vital. We offer Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), contingency management, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) as part of our curriculum of clinical care.
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Visit the admissions page at Pacific Sands Recovery today to learn more about detox.
Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, though it is rarely life-threatening. When treated appropriately, symptoms of opioid withdrawal tend to resolve completely within one to two weeks. Symptoms associated with fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Profuse sweating/night sweats.
- Muscle aches and joint pain.
- General feelings of physical discomfort.
- Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Body tremors/uncontrollable shaking.
- Insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
- Anxiety and panic attacks.
- Severe and overwhelming drug cravings.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptom Timeline
The severity and duration of fentanyl withdrawal depends on several factors, including:
- The frequency of fentanyl use.
- The amount of fentanyl taken on a daily basis.
- The presence of pre-existing conditions.
- Whether or not fentanyl was being used in conjunction with other substances.
In most cases, severe symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal peak within the first 48 hours after the final dose. Symptoms persist for around one week but can last longer in certain cases.
- 24 to 72 Hours After the Final Dose — Acute withdrawal symptoms develop. These symptoms must be treated in a medical detox center.
- Day 3 to 7 — Severe physical symptoms subside. Drug cravings are still intense.
- Day 7 On — A person might experience post-acute fentanyl withdrawal, which can consist of sleep-related issues, drug cravings, and mild anxiety or depression.
Fentanyl Detox And Treatment In Orange County
In addition to providing our clients with a safe and comfortable detoxification experience, we provide them with the services they need to maintain sobriety. Physical stabilization is the main priority of medically monitored detox. However, at Pacific Sands Recovery, we believe that comprehensive healing should begin as early as detox. For this reason, we offer therapeutic intervention and dual-diagnosis treatment options. If you or someone you love has been battling a fentanyl addiction, we are here to help. Our fentanyl detox program focuses on more than safe drug withdrawal. We help our clients lay a solid foundation for continued success in sobriety. Our main priority is helping people of all ages in Orange County, California, and surrounding areas go on to lead to healthy, happy lives they deserve. Contact us today to begin your healing journey.
