Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. While fentanyl is available by prescription, the version of the drug circling the streets is manufactured illegally. This makes it incredibly difficult to determine the potency of the fentanyl, putting you at risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.
According to the CDC, synthetic opioids like fentanyl were responsible for 70,601 overdose deaths in 2021.[1]
While most people unknowingly ingest fentanyl because it is used as an adulterant in other substances, some individuals may begin to intentionally abuse it once they become tolerant of lesser opioids. Whether you are abusing fentanyl on purpose or accidentally, you must receive professional addiction treatment. The first step in recovering from fentanyl addiction is attending medical detox.
Fentanyl detox centers in San Antonio will provide you with a variety of treatment services to ensure that you develop a strong foundation of sobriety. During these programs, you can expect individualized treatment planning, withdrawal medications, 24/7 medical treatment, and psychological support, as well as holistic therapies like massage and yoga.
What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Fentanyl is a potent opioid drug, which means it will cause similar symptoms of withdrawal as other opioids like heroin and oxycodone. The reason withdrawal symptoms occur is that once you are addicted to fentanyl, your brain and body rely on it to function properly. Removing that substance from your system will cause chaos in your brain, leading to symptoms like vomiting, muscle cramps, and tremors.
The common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:[2]
- Irritability and restlessness
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Runny nose and teary eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Tremors and shaking
- Nightmares
- Disorientation
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
Fentanyl withdrawal can begin as early as 3 to 4 hours after your last dose. Your symptoms will peak in severity in 48 hours and begin to subside after a week. While fentanyl withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, relapse is common, making it vital that you seek help from a medical detox center in San Antonio.
What to Expect During Fentanyl Detox in San Antonio?
Fentanyl detox centers in San Antonio help you safely and comfortably overcome the withdrawal process using a variety of treatment methods. During these programs, you will receive individualized treatment planning, medications to limit withdrawal symptoms, 24/7 monitoring and support, and holistic therapies to help soothe the mind and body.
Individualized Treatment Planning
When you begin fentanyl detox treatment in San Antonio you will undergo an initial assessment. These assessments gather information about your physical and mental health as well as your fentanyl abuse history to create an individualized treatment plan based on your needs.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, you will be treated using services that are designed based on your needs during detox and your goals for recovery. Individualized treatment plans address how long you will remain in detox, what type of medications will be best suited for you, and what program you should transition into after you overcome withdrawal.
Withdrawal Medications
Once your treatment plan is created, you will begin receiving services to manage your withdrawal symptoms. When it comes to treating fentanyl withdrawal, there are a variety of medications that can be used to lessen symptoms and prevent cravings.
Some of the medications used during fentanyl detox in San Antonio include:
- Clonidine – reduces the severe physical and mental effects of fentanyl withdrawal
- Suboxone – relieves withdrawal symptoms and cravings by partially binding to opioid receptors in the brain
- Methadone – relieves withdrawal symptoms and cravings by fully binding to opioid receptors in the brain
- Lucemyra – a non-opioid medication that has been proven to reduce the effects of opioid withdrawal
The amount of time you are on a medication will be based on your specific needs. Typically, people are taken off of the meds once they are no longer experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
24/7 Monitoring and Support
While you are on medication to limit your withdrawal symptoms, you will have access to 24/7 monitoring and support. Whether you begin to experience a medical issue or are struggling with psychological symptoms of withdrawal, you will be able to receive prompt treatment from an experienced professional.
Holistic Therapies
In addition to medical and mental health treatment, you will have the option to engage in holistic therapies. Holistic treatments provide healing in the “whole person”, which means you will recover emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Examples of holistic therapies used during fentanyl detox in San Antonio include:
- Chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy to alleviate symptoms of muscle pain
- Physical therapy to reduce body discomfort, joint issues, and muscle pain
- Yoga and breathing exercises to alleviate psychological symptoms of withdrawal like anxiety or restlessness
- Nutritional counseling to ensure you are eating a well-rounded diet, which can help a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Fentanyl Detox Center in San Antonio
If you or a loved one suffers from fentanyl addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. The first step in recovering from addiction is attending a fentanyl detox center in San Antonio.
To learn about our fentanyl detox program, contact Alamo Behavioral Health Center today.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Overdose Death Rates, Retrieved December 2023 From https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
- Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal, Retrieved December 2023 From https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
