Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Using fentanyl can result in overdose and death when used in non-prescribed doses. At Neworld Medical Detox, we provide specialized assistance to those who are fentanyl dependent, and are committed to supporting lasting recovery with personalized exit plans and connections to long-term addiction treatment programs. 

Fentanyl is a potent opioid produced in a lab. It can be beneficial as a medicine when prescribed by a physician; but it is also highly addictive and can be fatal if taken at the wrong dose. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine making it more dangerous than heroin and other opioids (1). 

Fentanyl detox treatment helps you safely and gradually remove the drug from your body while assisting the you in managing withdrawal symptoms. Neworld’s fentanyl detox treatment typically involves the following: 

Evaluation and Assessment 

We first assess you or your loved one for fentanyl addiction before starting the detox therapy. The process may involve a physical exam and medical history review. Our medical professionals use this data to create unique detox plans tailored to each person’s needs. 

Medically Supervised Detoxification 

Following the detox plan, you receive continuous monitoring and medication to ease withdrawal symptoms throughout the stabilization process. This can take anywhere between five to ten days. 

Addiction Treatment and Recovery Planning 

After the detox from fentanyl, we support you in taking the next step toward lasting recovery: a full inpatient addiction treatment program. Our team, who gets to know you personally throughout your stay, works with you to build an exit plan that makes sense with your goals, and can transition you seamlessly to our sister facility, Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centre, located only a short drive away. 

Fentanyl addiction is extremely challenging and dangerous to overcome on your own. Physical and mental dependence may develop quickly due to the drug’s potency and addictive qualities. Neworld‘s safe and effective detoxification program safely alleviates fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, however further counselling and therapy is recommended in order to overcome or control the mental and habitual dependence (2).  

Trusting a team of medical mental health professionals with your recovery has many benefits, including:

• 24/7 medical supervision
• Safe and comfortable detox therapy
• Increased likelihood of success
• Better quality of care when continuing addiction treatment after detox
• Personalized attention from experts who help address any underlying mental health issues that may be fuelling your fentanyl addiction

Fentanyl is a synthetic solid opioid sometimes produced and sold illegally on the streets. When used without a prescription, fentanyl can lead to substance use disorder and potentially fatal overdose (1). 

At first, fentanyl use, like other opioids, may have pleasurable effects that can keep you coming back for more. Over time, you will get used to it and need higher doses to get the same effects. You may develop intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and other side effects when trying to quit fentanyl because your brain and body have become accustomed and dependent to it. 

Medication-Assisted Detoxification (MAT) 

MAT involves using drugs to relieve withdrawal symptoms and lower withdrawal risks. It is helpful for people with severe addiction issues (3). At Neworld, we use MAT to safely and effectively alleviate fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. 

Rapid Detox 

Rapid detox involves using medications and anesthetics to remove fentanyl from the body. Unfortunately, the method has a high risk of adverse effects, thus not advisable for everybody (4). Neworld does not provide fast detox to ensure the well-being and safety of our patients. 

Cold Turkey Detox 

Cold turkey detox is abruptly ceasing to use fentanyl without a doctor’s guidance. Doing this results in extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and can easily lead to accidental relapse and a high risk of deadly overdose (5). It’s always much safer, and more comfortable, to trust your health with fentanyl addiction detox professionals. 

Fentanyl withdrawal is hard and uncomfortable, and we recommend medically supervised detox to ensure safety. Below is everything you need to know about fentanyl withdrawal. 

Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal 

Fentanyl withdrawal signs and symptoms differ from person to person (1). However, some typical ones include intense cravings, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

When Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Start? 

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms typically appear between a few hours and a few days after the last use (6). The period depends on how much you have consumed, for how long, and other personal factors. 

How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last? 

Fentanyl withdrawal might take a long time, depending on the addiction’s severity. Acute withdrawal symptoms typically last at least a week, but their effects might linger for months (6). 

What Factors Influence Fentanyl Withdrawal Timelines? 

Several factors impact how long the effects of fentanyl take to leave the body (5). They include the dose of fentanyl used, how frequently it was used, and for how long it has been used. 

Fentanyl Withdrawal Medications 

Clonidine, buprenorphine, and methadone are some medications that can ease fentanyl withdrawal symptoms (6). They should only be taken in accordance with a doctor’s instructions, as part of a prescribed opioid addiction treatment plan. 

Quitting Fentanyl: Cold Turkey vs. Medical Detoxification 

Stopping using fentanyl cold turkey risks the individual suffering extreme withdrawal symptoms and potentially relapsing. A controlled environment with healthcare professionals and medically supervised detoxification can significantly increase the likelihood of successful detox. We can also connect patients to an addiction treatment program, which is strongly recommended to avoid relapse and achieve lasting sobriety (2). 

Strong drug cravings, continued usage despite negative side effects, and physical withdrawal symptoms are all indications of fentanyl addiction (5). 

Taking fentanyl without a prescription runs the risk of an overdose. Slowed breathing, intense fatigue, , cold or blueish lips, skin or nails, and loss of consciousness are signs of a fentanyl overdose (1). 

Some mental health problems are often linked to fentanyl use disorders (7). Getting help for both substance addiction and mental health issues simultaneously is important for long-term recovery. Our sister facility, Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centre, provides inpatient addiction treatment programs that address concurrent disorders through counselling and therapy. 

A specialized medical team can help you or your loved one manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Some of the tips (8) you should consider while recovering include: 

• Staying hydrated
• Getting enough sleep
• Staying active, but not overexerting yourself
• Eating healthy foods
• Avoiding situations and company where you may feel pressured to use
• Pursuing an accredited addiction treatment program with counselling and therapy

A professionally supervised fentanyl detox program is much safer than stopping use abruptly. Fentanyl detox can be safe and effective with the assistance of a qualified medical expert. 

Without medical supervision, those experiencing withdrawal are more likely to succumb to urges and relapse.  

Those lowering or stopping use of fentanyl should understand that their risk of overdose is higher if they return to their regular dose due to reduced tolerance (5). 

The inpatient program at Neworld Medical Detox provides comprehensive withdrawal management for fentanyl addiction to assist you in recovery, and connects you with additional supports. Our team of experts specialize in assisting clients with safe and effective detox from a wide range of substances. The goal of detox is to reduce the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal and provide a foundation for long-term recovery. Our inpatient facility looks and feels like a home, keeping you as comfortable as possible throughout your stay. 

Here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding fentanyl: 

What are the Street Names for Fentanyl? 

Fentanyl street names include Apache, Dancing Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Jackpot, Murder 8, and Tango & Cash (9). 

How is Fentanyl used? 

Illegal fentanyl is often combined with heroin, cocaine, or meth to create tablets resembling other opioids (1). It can be smoked, swallowed, injected, or snorted. 

Why is Fentanyl more dangerous than other Opioids? 

Fentanyl can be 100 times stronger than morphine, and as such it only requires a very small amount to put those who use it at risk of overdose (9). It is odourless and tasteless, and you might not even know you’re taking it. 

How does Naloxone prevent deaths from Overdose? 

Naloxone delays the effects of an overdose, giving time for emergency medical professionals to arrive and help (10).  

Naloxone removes the opioids from the brain’s opioid receptors to stop the depressed breathing that often results in overdose fatalities. 

What is the medical use for Fentanyl in Canada? 

Fentanyl is normally used in hospitals where doctors prescribe it to relieve severe pain (1). 

Carfentanil vs Fentanyl 

Carfentanil is around 100 times stronger than Fentanyl, which can be fatal at even lower doses (11). 

What are the Side Effects of Fentanyl 

The side effects of fentanyl (1) include: 

• Feeling tired
• Confusion
• Nausea, vomiting
• Slow breathing
• Constricted pupils
• Itching or hot sensation on the skin

Is Fentanyl mixed with other Street Drugs? 

Illegal fentanyl is sometimes mixed with heroin or cocaine (1). 

How Long Does it take to Detox from Fentanyl? 

How long detoxing from fentanyl takes depends on the person and their drug history, how much they have taken and for how long (5). 

Information on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not replace personalized medical advice. You should never make any decisions about your health without consulting a healthcare professional, especially when related to substance use or mental health. To speak to a qualified member of our team for personalized advice, you can contact us here. 

Sources

1. Government of Canada – Fentanyl
2. Canadian Medical Association Journal
3. CCSA – Finding Quality Addiction Care in Canada: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Guide
4. National Library of Medicine
5. Government of Canada – Opioids
6. GoodRX
7. CAMH – Mental Health
8. Government of Alberta
9. CAMH – Street Fentanyl
10. Government of Canada – Naloxone
11. Government of Manitoba