Fentanyl Detox

It is well known that we are facing an opioid epidemic in this country. As a result of the opioid crisis, it was declared a national public health emergency in 2017. The majority of drug overdoses–both fatal and non-fatal–involve opioids, primarily those illicitly made with fentanyl. At Believe Detox Center, we offer fentanyl detox in Los Angeles to help those struggling with opioid addiction.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It was first developed in 1959 and utilized in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic. Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic under the United States Substances Act of 1970.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved fentanyl as an analgesic and anesthetic. It is most often prescribed by doctors for the treatment of severe pain. For example, it can be taken immediately following surgery or can help with chronic pain or a terminal illness.

Because of its powerful opioid properties, cost-effectiveness, and highly addictive nature, fentanyl is made by drug dealers and used illegally. Fentanyl is added to heroin and other street drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, to increase potency.

It is also illicitly made into pills to resemble other prescription opioids. Many users are unaware their drugs are laced with fentanyl. They may be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose.

Fentanyl detox Los Angeles can help you reclaim your freedom from addiction

Fentanyl Facts

Access to timely data helps improve coordination among healthcare providers, local, state, and government agencies. Current data promotes readiness and improved outcomes.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following fentanyl and overdose facts:

Fentanyl, and other synthetic opioids, are the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. Even in small doses, it can be deadly.
More than 932,000 people have died from death by overdoses since 1999. To add, over 150 people die every day related to synthetic opioid overdose.
In 2020, 91,799 overdose deaths occurred in the United States. Of those, 56,000 were due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicates an estimated 107,622 overdose deaths occurred in 2021.

Fentanyl Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Fentanyl is extremely potent and highly addictive. Like other opioids, fentanyl binds to the opioid receptors of the brain that control pain and emotions. Users experience intense but temporary feelings of euphoria.

With repeated use, the drug diminishes sensitivity in the brain, making it harder for users to experience pleasure from anything but the drug. This tolerance leads to addiction and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors that take over their lives.

Fentanyl Signs and Symptoms

Experiencing euphoria after taking opioids
Side effects like confusion, constipation, nausea, drowsiness, and slowed breathing
Changes in physical appearance and hygiene
Noticeable differences in sleep habits (such as sleeping too much or insomnia)
May become withdrawn, secretive, or irritable.
Physical changes (weight loss or gain, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, poor coordination, and a lack of energy or motivation)
Drastic changes in relationships
An inability to maintain housing or employment
Drug-seeking behaviors such as prescription shopping with multiple doctors like borrowing money, theft, and other illegal activity

Fentanyl Detox Withdrawal Symptoms

Anyone dependent on opioids, including fentanyl, will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Untreated withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl leads to relapse.

Professional medical intervention during fentanyl detox in Los Angeles helps treat fentanyl addiction. We can also safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal syndrome is described as a flu-like illness.

woman experiences a headache and other fentanyl withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms include:

Severe craving of the drug
Gastrointestinal distress
Sweating
Anxiety and depression
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Fever
Insomnia
Muscle pain

Despite the serious consequences of using fentanyl, many people feel so ill from withdrawal that they cannot stop. Self-detox is not recommended. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can lead to complications including coma or death. At Believe Detox Center in Los Angeles, we offer safe and comfortable treatment from fentanyl addiction.

How Long Does it Take to Detox From Fentanyl?

The timing and severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on many factors, such as how long the abuse has happened. Also, the quantity used and the method of abuse can be factors in withdrawal symptom intensity. Other factors play a role such as mental and physical health. Withdrawal symptoms can start between eight to 24 hours since someone last used fentanyl.

Symptoms usually peak between 48 to 72 hours. After that, physical symptoms usually subside within four to 10 days. Some people may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) longer than 10 days. This may include fatigue and body aches.

What Happens During Fentanyl Detox in Los Angeles?

Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT)

MAT is a crucial part of recovery from fentanyl addiction. MAT is an evidence-based treatment program that combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Believe Detox Center has the certification to use MAT throughout the addiction treatment process. Thus, our therapists use medications that help in minimizing the symptoms during the detox process.

We are certified by:

AMA (American Medical Association)
AAAP (American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry)
ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine)

Medications we can use during the treatment:

Buprenorphine to reduce the effects of overdose and withdrawal
Methadone to reduce pain, addiction, and dependence on opioids
Naloxone helps to quickly block the effects of opioids on the body

The above medications have been approved and prescribed by authorities to treat fentanyl addiction in Los Angeles. Our therapists use the MAT program to design personalized treatment plans and ensure effective, comfortable, and long-term recovery from fentanyl addiction.

It is a misconception that MAT is simply switching out one drug for another. MAT is one of the best ways to handle the harsh symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal and cravings during the recovery process.

Inpatient Care

Our therapists use various techniques for stabilizing someone’s health, emotions, and behaviors. Our inpatient program uses a combined treatment approach using medication, motivation, and support. In addition to MAT, treatment is combined with other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET).

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization allows individuals to live at home, while visiting for treatment. Visits are scheduled from once a week to seven days a week, depending on the level of addiction. We use the same therapies as with our inpatient program.

Aftercare

Successful detox is only the first step on the road to life-long recovery. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires continued support and therapy to prevent relapse and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our team of addiction experts collaborates on the best-personalized aftercare plan for one’s specific needs.