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While physical symptoms may vary among addicts, it is common for most people to experience aches and pains of the muscles and bones, insomnia or trouble sleeping, increased sensitivity to pain, and chills. Sometimes these symptoms will be accompanied by dysphoria, irritability, sweating, restless leg syndrome and a runny nose with teary eyes. In more severe cases some people will also deal with fever, vomiting and diarrhea, these can lead to extreme dehydration and exacerbate life threatening medical situations.
Fentanyl is an extremely strong synthetic opioid that can be 100 times stronger than other opioids like heroin or oxy. Like most drugs the length in which Fentanyl will stay in your body is determined by several biological factors such as age, weight, metabolism and frequency/length of abuse. As with other drugs like cocaine and marijuana, Fentanyl will remain detectable for different amounts of time depending on what bodily fluid is tested.
The timeframe fentanyl remains detectable can also vary due to individual biological components like age, overall health, and liver function. Fentanyls strong effects make understanding these timeframes critical, especially during the withdrawal or detoxing period.
While fentanyl may leave the bloodstream relatively quickly, its effects—and subsequent withdrawal symptoms—can persist. Having a good understanding of when withdrawal symptoms will take effect will help you make plans for a safe medically supervised detox. You will also be able to begin planning your aftercare since you understand the timeline and can begin certain preventative measures or treatments.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms will normally begin within 12 to 30 hours after the last dose, depending on dosage and frequency of use, as the body starts adjusting to the absence of Fentanyl. The most extreme symptoms peaks around 1 to 3 days, during this time people often experience the most physical discomfort. These severe symptoms will usually start to subside after on average 7 to 10 days, marking the end of the most physically taxing phase of withdrawal.
However, recovery doesn’t always end there. Psychological and mental health symptoms/issues such as depression, cravings, and anxiety can linger for weeks or even months, depending on factors like the individual’s history of use, overall health, and support system. Long-term support and treatment are often necessary to manage these lingering effects and maintain sobriety.
Understanding the withdrawal timeline is very important for planning a safe medically supervised detox and ensuring access to medical care or a structured recovery program when needed. It is important to remember to make sure any treatment program chosen offers a robust aftercare planning program, as this will give you the best chances for a successful long term recovery.
The timeline, symptoms and severity can change pending on the way the drug was administered. The specific symptoms experienced by addicts when they withdraw from Fentanyl can vary greatly depending on HOW the Fentanyl was taken. Some forms are more mild, allowing less of the drug into the bloodstream, while others are much more risky due to extremely high levels of the drug reaching the bloodstream. Here's a comparison of common delivery methods and their impact on withdrawal:
The fentanyl patch delivers the drug through an extended-release mechanism, providing a steady supply of medication over time. As a result, withdrawal symptoms may begin later, often not starting until several hours or even a day after the patch is removed. This delayed timeline can make withdrawal more unpredictable and challenging to manage without professional medical supervision. While these symptoms can be unpredictable generally speaking they are often on the more “mild” side due to a lower dose being administered over a longer time period.
When fentanyl is snorted, the drug is absorbed rapidly through the nasal membranes, leading to an almost immediate effect, as the drug immediately enters the bloodstream. This method results in a rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms, usually within hours after the last use. The intensity of withdrawal may also feel more pronounced due to the abrupt end of Fentanyl’s effects. While snorting the Fentanyl can result in a worse withdrawal than a patch there is still a small amount of Fentanyl that does not enter the bloodstream. This reduction in Fentanyl that enters the bloodstream means that symptoms will be bad, but not as bad as they could get.
Intravenous fentanyl use (sometimes called “mainlining”) offers the fastest absorption, by delivering the Fentanyl directly into the bloodstream by using a hypodermic needle. Similar to snorting, injecting fentanyl leads to a rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms, often occurring within hours of the last dose. The speed of withdrawal symptoms can be particularly overwhelming, making prompt medical support for safe detoxing an important addition to any successful recovery attempt. This type of Fentanyl withdrawal is widely considered to be the most dangerous. The body rapidly enters withdrawal and it is severe due to the fact that intravenous use allows the highest percent of Fentanyl to enter the bloodstream in the fastest amount of time.
Though no form of Fentanyl withdrawal is a desirable outcome it's important to know how each of these factors will affect your recovery so that you can plan for the worst. Being able to predict when your withdrawals will begin and how long they will last will help when choosing the right program or facility. Knowing the risks associated with the different delivery methods will help you communicate with your medical team, whether you have entered into a treatment program, or you are in emergency treatment.
Fentanyl detox and withdrawal are complex processes influenced by usage patterns and individual factors such as overall health, the method of administration, and how long the individual used Fentanyl. While the experience can differ from person to person, this general timeline provides insight into what to expect:
Given the strength of fentanyl and the complexity of withdrawal, medical supervision during detoxification is strongly recommended. Professional care helps manage symptoms effectively, reduces the risk of complications, and ensures the support needed for a safe and successful transition to recovery.Fentanyl withdrawal can be scary, but with the right guidance and resources, it’s possible to reclaim a healthier, substance-free life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, know that help is available. At North Palm Recovery Center, we offer compassionate, expert care to guide you through detox and support you on your journey to lasting recovery. Don’t face this challenge alone—contact us today to learn more about our programs and start building a healthier future.
Call us now or fill out our online form to take the first step. Your path to recovery starts here.
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