Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that doctors prescribe to treat severe and chronic pain. Fentanyl is known to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. 

While fentanyl is used medicinally, there is an illicit form of it circulating the streets. Because it is not regulated, there is no way to tell how potent illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is. Abusing fentanyl, even in small amounts, can lead to a life-threatening overdose.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), synthetic opioids like fentanyl were responsible for 73,838 overdose deaths in 2022.[1]

If you or a loved one are addicted to fentanyl, you should seek medical detox treatment. These programs offer medications to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal while ensuring you remain medically supervised throughout the process. Attending detox will increase your chances of long-term sobriety. 

In this article, you will learn:

• What symptoms to expect during fentanyl withdrawal
• Why medical detox is a vital step in recovery from fentanyl addiction 
• How fentanyl detox works in New Jersey

What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

People struggling with fentanyl addiction will experience withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the use of it. Fentanyl withdrawal can lead to both physical and mental health symptoms, making medical detox services vital to recovery. 

The common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:[2]

• Agitation and anxiety
• Muscle aches and pains 
• Feelings of depression 
• Teary eyes and runny nose 
• Increased yawning 
• Excessive sweating 
• Abdominal cramps 
• Dilated pupils
• Diarrhea
• Goosebumps and shivering 
• Nausea and vomiting 

While fentanyl withdrawal is not directly life-threatening, symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating can lead to severe dehydration. Without medical treatment, dehydration could become dangerous. It is never a good idea to attempt to detox from fentanyl at home. 

How Does Fentanyl Detox in New Jersey Work?

The first step in overcoming fentanyl addiction is attending medical detox. Fentanyl detox programs in New Jersey will assess your history of fentanyl abuse, prescribe medications to treat withdrawal symptoms, ensure you remain medically stable, and help you with long-term treatment planning. 

During a New Jersey fentanyl detox program, you can expect:

Assessment

When you arrive at a fentanyl detox center you will undergo an in-depth assessment. The medical professionals will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of fentanyl abuse. The information gathered will be used to create an individualized detox plan. 

Your detox treatment plan could include how long you will require detox services, whether you need treatment for ongoing medical conditions, what medication will benefit you, and more. 

Health Monitoring 

The first step in a detox program is ensuring you are medically stable. The nurses will check your vital signs, which may include your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing rate. If any abnormalities arise, you will be promptly treated. 

You might be given blood pressure medications, IV fluids, or vitamins that you might be missing due to long-term substance abuse. Nurses will consistently check your vital signs throughout detox to ensure you are stable and progressing. 

Medication Management

In addition to monitoring your health, your doctor will prescribe medication to control your withdrawal symptoms. First, they will assess what symptoms you are experiencing and how severe they are. After this is done, they will choose a medication based on your specific needs. 

Common medications used to treat fentanyl withdrawal include:

• Suboxone
• Methadone
• Clonidine
• Lucemyra 

The dose of the medication you are taking will be tapered off slowly until you no longer need it. To do this, you will have routine check-ins with your doctor to assess your symptoms and decide if it is time to lower your dose. 

Holistic Services 

In addition to medication, you might participate in holistic care to manage some of your withdrawal symptoms. For example, sometimes yoga, meditation, and exercise can help control symptoms like body aches, anxiety, and depression. Nutritional counseling is also an important holistic service provided during detox programs. 

Fentanyl detox treatment centers in New Jersey might offer the following types of holistic care:

• Yoga and meditation
• Mindfulness and breathing techniques
• Massage and acupuncture 
• Exercise and nutritional counseling
• Art and music therapy 

Treatment Planning 

Once you have overcome withdrawal, you will work with your doctor and therapist to create a long-term treatment plan. After all, detox is only the first step in recovering from fentanyl addiction. 

Depending on your needs, your treatment team might decide to transfer you to inpatient treatment or outpatient rehab. Some people need both inpatient and outpatient as part of a continuum of care.

These programs will help you address the root causes of your addiction, develop vital relapse prevention skills, and support you throughout your recovery journey. 

Get Connected to a New Jersey Fentanyl Detox Center 

If you or a loved one suffers from fentanyl addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Medical detox offers the tools and treatments you need to overcome the physical aspects of fentanyl addiction. During these programs, you will receive medications that make it easier to overcome withdrawal. 

At The Living Room at Princeton, we offer a reputable fentanyl detox program that can help you jumpstart your addiction recovery journey. Our staff members are experienced and qualified, and offer a level of compassion that is necessary for addiction care. 

The Living Room at Princeton unabashedly welcomes all of you, most especially the parts that brought you here. Your experience at The Living Room will include evidence-based practice and research-proven modalities for sure, but more importantly, our team individually and collectively is committed to their journey of personal exploration, acceptance, and celebration. 

Contact us today to learn more about medical detox and fentanyl addiction treatment programs. 

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Overdose Death Rates
2. Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal