Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication known to trigger severe health consequences. If you become addicted to this medication, you should seek help as soon as possible; a fentanyl addiction treatment program will support your return to sobriety. But before you can enter the primary phase of treatment, you must go through a detox period. This is where you receive the care needed to cope with the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal successfully.
You can learn more about fentanyl addiction and treatment with the experts at Northpoint Washington. Call us at 888.450.2153 to find out how you can get started on the road to recovery.
Common Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
All opioids and opiates produce the same general symptoms of withdrawal when an individual ceases or dramatically reduces their use. This is also true of fentanyl. The process occurs in two stages, known as “early” and “late” withdrawal. Early symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Unusual feelings of anxiousness or agitation
- Achy muscles
- Increased output of tears, sweat, and mucus
- Repeated yawning
- Sleeplessness
- Later-stage fentanyl withdrawal symptoms commonly include:
- Loose stools
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Pupil dilation
- GoosefleshStomach or abdominal cramping
You may or may not experience any specific symptoms. In addition, the intensity of your symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Methods of Treating Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Multiple methods can be used to help you withdraw from fentanyl. As a rule, medication plays an integral part in effective treatment. Two of the medication options – buprenorphine and methadone – are opioid substitutes. You receive either of the two in controlled amounts to help reduce the effects of withdrawal. Your medication dose will taper off as you continue on your recovery journey. Eventually, you won’t need to keep taking it.
In addition, you may receive a medication called clonidine. This medication was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. However, it can also ease the impact of opioid withdrawal.
Supportive care also plays a crucial role in treating fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. Forms of this care include:
- Nutritional support
- Treatment for any symptoms of dehydration
- Monitoring of your key vital signs
Supportive care aims to lessen the overall strain and risk of withdrawal.
Treating Opioid Abuse and Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction is often a consequence of opioid abuse. You abuse an opioid when you fail to follow your doctor’s instructions for a legitimate prescription. Any use of an opioid without a prescription also constitutes a form of abuse.
People affected by opioid addiction typically receive medication-assisted treatment or MAT. This is the term for treatment that combines medication and some form of therapy. The list of medications used in MAT includes both methadone and buprenorphine. It also includes non-opioid naltrexone. Naltrexone creates a blockade that stops fentanyl from reaching your brain. This effect helps you stay drug-free once you reach a state of sobriety.
Several therapy options may play a role in your fentanyl addiction recovery. One common option is contingency management. This therapy provides you with rewards when you stick to the guidelines of your recovery plan. You may also benefit from family therapy. In addition, your plan may include 12-step facilitation therapy. This is a form of treatment designed to prepare you for membership in a mutual self-help group. Such groups are known to aid in the process of ongoing recovery.
Get Help for Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms at Northpoint Washington
Do you need help safely withdrawing from fentanyl? At Northpoint Washington, we support your efforts with customized medical detox. This approach helps ensure that you receive treatment options that fit your unique circumstances.
Northpoint is also your source for follow-up residential treatment. Our comprehensive slate of services supports recovery from even severe forms of fentanyl addiction. For more information on how we can help, call us today at 888.450.2153. We’re also available through our brief online message form.