Fentanyl takes several forms, including transdermal patches, lozenges, and injectables. People like cancer patients with tolerance to other opioids use fentanyl for around-the-clock pain management. Fentanyl is similar to heroin in many ways, although it is 100 times more potent than the street drug. This potency increases the danger of abusing the opioid and makes finding a fentanyl detox center even more urgent.Woman looking out city window needs a fentanyl detox center

What Happens When You Take Fentanyl?

Taking opioids changes your brain chemistry and structure because the drug floods your opioid receptors, taking the place of your natural “feel-good” chemicals. After dependence on fentanyl, your brain needs the drug for normal functioning. If you stop taking it, you go into opiate withdrawal symptoms as the brain reprograms itself and tries to regain its natural chemical balance. Fentanyl symptoms feel like a terrible case of the flu. You also suffer psychological symptoms of withdrawal. Taking fentanyl to soothe withdrawal symptoms only means you continue the cycle of addiction. Making the decision to stop using fentanyl requires the help of fentanyl detox professionals to keep you safe, comfortable and supported during withdrawal.

Fentanyl Detox Center Timeline

Fentanyl is an extended-release drug with effects lasting up to 72 hours. Extended-release drugs take longer to leave your system, so your detox process starts later than other, quick-acting opioid detox processes. Withdrawal from other opioids begins at about 12 hours or later. Fentanyl withdrawal begins a day or longer after your last dose. You may experience some of the following symptoms while undergoing withdrawal at a fentanyl detox center:

  • Yawning, runny nose and teary eyes
  • Restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia
  • Chills and sweating
  • Backache, muscle weakness, joint pain and muscle pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps
  • Appetite loss, fast heart rate, high blood pressure and rapid breathing
  • Dilated pupils

The worst fentanyl withdrawal symptoms peak after only a few days. They fade away after a week. Some psychological effects of fentanyl withdrawal, like anxiety and sleeplessness, take longer to disappear. If you suffer combined mental illness and drug addiction, you need the help of professionals who understand these co-occurring disorders. Being in a medical detox program keeps you safe from dangers like suicide, medication interactions, and relapse.

Medically Supervised Fentanyl Detox

Medically supervised detox is the safest method of getting through this drug withdrawal. Detox removes the drug’s toxins from your body and blood. In medically supervised detox, you stay at the facility for five to seven days for supported withdrawal. Highly trained professionals monitor your condition around the clock. They also check your vital signs regularly, keep you safe and use medication to provide you some relief from difficult symptoms. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid. This is why you need supervised fentanyl detox, to ensure your safety and comfort during withdrawal. Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Jupiter and Fort Lauderdale, Florida provides this safe medical detox for fentanyl addiction.

Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Florida

Each year, Florida provides thousands of people with the fresh start they need after addiction. Many of these people gain medically supervised detox at Serenity House Detox & Recovery. Serenity House provides warm, inviting and comfortable surroundings for withdrawal and the beginning of your recovery. There is no one-size-fits-all method for detox. The professionals of Serenity House Detox & Recovery work closely with you to understand your unique needs at this important early stage of recovery. They get to know your underlying causes of addiction, drug use, motivations, physical and mental condition and goals for recovery. All of this awareness comes together in an individualized addiction treatment plan. The programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery include:

If you or a loved one face the ongoing cycle of addiction to fentanyl and seek safe, comfortable and supported detox, Serenity House Detox & Recovery is ready to help. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery now at 866-294-5306 for more information on how to safely detox and start your recovery.