Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
The synthetic opioid fentanyl is now showing up in nearly every illicit substance currently on the streets. This makes this drug even more dangerous than before because many people are not even aware that they are ingesting it until it is too late. Also, many of these people who are unknowingly exposed to fentanyl can become addicted to it and end up going through fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. The good news is that fentanyl addiction does not have to continue. There are many effective means, methods, and modalities for recovery.
The Fentanyl Crisis
There is little doubt that there remains an opioid epidemic in the U.S. (and abroad). A big part of this epidemic is now considered a fentanyl crisis.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Overall, drug overdose deaths rose from 2019 to 2022 with 107,941 drug overdose deaths reported in 2022. Deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) continued to rise with 73,838 overdose deaths reported in 2022. Those involving stimulants, including cocaine or psychostimulants with abuse potential (primarily methamphetamine), also continued to increase with 27,569 and 34,022 respective deaths in 2022.”
Better Understanding Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction is particularly dangerous because fentanyl is such a potent substance. Individuals who use fentanyl can also build a dangerous tolerance to it so that if they momentarily stop and begin using it again it can be extremely harmful and lead to overdose and overdose death.
One of the issues with fentanyl addiction is that it can occur very quickly after beginning to use the substance. Some people report becoming addicted after their first use. However, many people who use fentanyl also become addicted gradually, which is also dangerous because it can lead to individuals missing the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction.
The Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
While the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction are going to vary based on the individual. However, some universal signs and symptoms tend to be present in most individuals. The following are a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Unexplained passing or “nodding” out (losing consciousness while standing up or sitting)
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Having otherwise unexplained financial difficulties
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Committing self-harm or harm to others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these signs and symptoms can be particularly troublesome and dangerous. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, professional help must be sought as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. It can also help to intervene in the addiction before fentanyl withdrawal symptoms get more extreme.
Better Understanding Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from opioids can be both extremely uncomfortable and dangerous. This is why detoxing in a safe and secure setting with professional help is crucial.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms are also part of what is known as opioid withdrawal syndrome and require specific medication assistance. As stated in the publication titled Opioid Withdrawal by Doctors Shah and Huecker, “Opioid withdrawal syndrome is a life-threatening condition resulting from opioid dependence… When opioid withdrawal signs are present, pharmacological management of opioid withdrawal is needed. Long-term opioid replacement is accomplished using methadone or buprenorphine.” The good news is that there are many effective ways to recover from fentanyl withdrawal symptoms.
Recovering From Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
The most important aspect of recovering from fentanyl withdrawal symptoms is to reach out, get help, and (in most instances) connect with a reputable detox program. This is also particularly helpful because a supportive detox program will also connect the individual to the next stages of their recovery.
These stages usually include a residential addiction program and/or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Within these programs, there are many means, methods, and modalities that are used to address addictive behaviors and whole-person health. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods that include such practices as yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Recovering From Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our individualized and comprehensive recovery plans also have a focus on the future.
The iconic American author and philosopher, Joseph Campbell, famously said, “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” There is a life past addiction, and we are here to help make it a reality.
There remains a fentanyl crisis in the U.S. (and abroad) This includes a staggering number of overdoses and overdose deaths. This is why it can be critical to know what fentanyl withdrawal symptoms look like and the timeline for these symptoms, including when one is going through detox. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorder, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
