As is the case with many opioids, fentanyl is a pain reliever generally prescribed after surgery or to help make a terminal disease more bearable. Unfortunately, fentanyl is also 50 times stronger than heroin, making it immensely addictive. Fentanyl can be taken as a pill, a powder, or a shot, but one of its most common forms is as a patch, which is applied directly to the skin. Over time, the human body develops a natural tolerance to fentanyl, which means that a larger or more frequent quantity must be taken to maintain the same initial effect. Overuse can lead to dependency or addiction, and due to fentanyl’s effect on the brain, many individuals find that a medical detox is the best method to get sober in a safe and comfortable way. At WhiteSands Treatment Center, we can provide detox treatment as well as counseling and other therapies to help you leave fentanyl behind.

What Is a Fentanyl Detox?

A fentanyl detox is a procedure in which an individual who has become physically dependent on the opioid is carefully and gently weaned off of the drug. Due to fentanyl’s potent nature, a professional medical detox is highly recommended to avoid an accidental overdose or injury during the process. When an individual begins to detox, a physician will generally administer a weaker opioid or opioid substitute and gradually taper down the dosage until no opioids are present in the body. At the same time, other medications will be used to help lessen the effects of withdrawal, which can include feelings of anxiety, uncontrollable convulsions, and nausea. If an individual has a concurrent disorder, such as depression or PTSD, detox treatment will take into account the dual diagnosis and work to safely address both facets of the addiction.

Detoxing From Fentanyl: Patch vs. Pill

When it comes to detoxing from fentanyl, patch abuse detox may be a longer, more carefully monitored process. The fentanyl patch releases the opioid consistently and over a long time, which means that the individual in question will likely have a higher tolerance to opioids. This can lengthen the required time for the detox and tapering period. The dosage of fentanyl taken during the addiction will make a difference in the outline of the detox, so be sure to discuss that information with the doctor or medical professional in charge of the program.

Do You Need a Fentanyl Detox?

Fentanyl is an incredibly potent drug. If the user has no previous exposure or tolerance to opioids, just one patch can be enough to cause accidental death. The powdered form of fentanyl is even stronger and even more dangerous. If you are regularly using fentanyl in a way not explicitly prescribed by a doctor or if you find yourself unable to stop using fentanyl, you may require treatment to avoid permanent bodily damage or an overdose. It takes no small amount of courage to admit that you need to get help, but once you take that step, you can begin to work toward recovery.

If you’re still unsure whether or not you have a problem with fentanyl, consider calling WhiteSands Treatment Center for a free clinical assessment. The assessment can help shed light on the nature of your drug use and what form treatment might take, whether it be a fentanyl detox, personalized counseling, or some combination thereof. WhiteSands Treatment is a fully accredited private facility. Our staff includes board-certified medical experts, and we specialize in creating individualized programs for our patients. If you’d like more information about fentanyl, our cost-effective detox and recovery programs, or our facility, please feel free to call our phone line, available 24/7, or fill out the form here.