When someone stops using fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms start quickly. That’s because opioid addiction hijacks the brain and body, making the person feel like they can’t function without it. And, in a lot of ways, they can’t—at least not in the same ways they used to. But withdrawal symptoms don’t last forever, and professional support can help manage cravings, handle triggers, and provide a plan for the road ahead.
Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal
Fentanyl use affects dopamine, the so-called “feel good” chemical. In fact, someone who uses fentanyl probably gets most, if not all, of their dopamine from using the drug. When they stop using it, their brain doesn’t automatically start producing dopamine. But their dopamine production isn’t the only thing affected—their entire body is. This lack of fentanyl and temporary inability to function normally leads to withdrawal.
The withdrawal symptoms that each person experiences can vary, but they can include things like:
- Body sweats
- Chills
- Fever
- Overall restlessness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Elevated heart rate
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
- Paranoia
- Spasms
Symptoms can start as early as one day after someone stops using fentanyl. These are usually things like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. A few days later, symptoms often peak with severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. By day 10, symptoms will typically start to decrease in severity, but with medical supervision, people—and their families—can have the peace of mind that if symptoms flare up again, they can be safely managed. More severe addictions can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms that can even become long-term. So, the sooner someone starts receiving treatment, the sooner they can be on the road to recovery.
How fentanyl addiction treatment works
Finding the right treatment program is critical to fully rid the body of dangerous substances and enter recovery for life. At Red Oak Recovery®, our fentanyl addiction treatment tailors each person’s plan for recovery with services like:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Talk therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for processing trauma
- Experiential therapies, like equine therapy, and other outdoor activities
- Peer support groups
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
Depending on the type of treatment you’re engaging in, it may take the form of a one-on-one experience with a therapist or in a group setting with peers or family. Different therapies also offer different benefits. Talk therapies help with managing emotions, while experiential therapies provide a constructive outlet and skills that can be carried into everyday life. Being among peers allows you to take things you’ve learned in treatment and put them into practice.
Start fentanyl addiction treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
At Red Oak Recovery®, our team can help your loved one address the symptoms associated with addiction, help get to the root of why they turned to drugs, and prepare them to manage triggers in everyday life. Our campus is situated in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains—the perfect environment to fully take advantage of the outdoors as part of the therapeutic experience. In addition to evidence-based therapies, we offer a variety of experiential therapies in the surrounding natural beauty. Call today at 828.382.9699 or send us a message online to find help.
