If you or a loved one is addicted to fentanyl, you may be questioning your options. Detoxing alone can seem scary, often causing addicts to continue using as a way to avoid it entirely. However, addicts don’t have to detox alone, there are other options. Medically supervised detox is the best option for those addicted to fentanyl, as it ensures that withdrawal symptoms are kept in check throughout detox. To learn more about fentanyl detox and why it’s important for long-term fentanyl addiction treatment, keep reading.
Understanding Fentanyl Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
Fentanyl is a type of opioid pain reliever that is often prescribed by doctors for severe pain or pain following surgery. While this drug is often prescribed for pain, it is incredibly dangerous. It’s highly addictive and nearly 100 times stronger than morphine. Many people who are addicted to fentanyl start with a prescription.
Fentanyl is especially dangerous as it’s often mixed with other drugs, such as Heroin, Cocaine, MDMA, and Meth. Because fentanyl is potent in small doses, it’s very easy to overdose on the drug, especially when it’s found in other drugs, like Heroin.
Withdrawing from fentanyl alone is very difficult, as withdrawal symptoms include:
- Intense cravings for fentanylÂ
- Cold sweats
- Involuntary leg movement
- Nausea
- VomitingÂ
- Gastrointestinal problemsÂ
- Bone and muscle aches
- Trouble sleeping
- NightmaresÂ
Going through these symptoms alone can be incredibly challenging, which is why joining a detox program is so important.
How Does Detox Work for Fentanyl Addiction?
Many inpatient treatment facilities and partial hospitalization programs offer detoxification from drugs as a part of their treatment. Addicts can also join programs that are solely for detox, although they aren’t as common. During detox, addicts can expect to taper off or quit taking the drug they’re addicted to while under the supervision of a medical professional or team. The doctors and nurses will monitor their vitals to ensure that everything is going smoothly. Some medications may be used to prevent withdrawal symptoms from getting too severe, but it depends on the treatment center and the patient’s case.
Some detox centers also offer therapy as a part of detox to help addicts learn coping skills and trigger avoidance. This helps to prevent relapse when they return to the world after treatment.
What are the Benefits of Detoxing Under Medical Supervision?
By detoxing under medical supervision, fentanyl addicts can expect to feel safer and less anxious regarding withdrawal symptoms and the detox process as a whole. Oftentimes addicts will continue using fentanyl or other drugs to put off detoxing and having to deal with withdrawal symptoms.
By detoxing safely with the help of a medical professional, addicts don’t have to worry as much about withdrawal being so difficult. On top of that, they’ll also have access to therapy throughout the process so they can talk about what’s on their mind. And of course, most importantly, they won’t have access to fentanyl, meaning they won’t be able to relapse during the beginning phase of recovery.
Join a Detox Program as Soon as Possible
If you or someone you love is addicted to fentanyl and doesn’t feel like they can quit on their own, that’s okay. Quitting fentanyl is very difficult, but that process is made easier with the help of a medical team. By working with a detox center, patients can feel safe and secure knowing that their withdrawal symptoms will be managed.
If you’re looking for a detox clinic in North Carolina, contact us here at Asheville Detox as soon as possible to discuss your options. We’re excited to help you on your road to recovery.
