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Substance: Fentanyl

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

depressed man going through opioid withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal is a difficult but necessary part of the recovery journey if you’re struggling with addiction. When you stop using opioids after a period of being dependent on them, your body is probably going to struggle to adjust to functioning without drugs. It leads to a range of withdrawal symptoms varying in duration and intensity. The withdrawal process can feel daunting, and it is often one of the biggest barriers to overcoming opioid addiction. The discomfort and distress of withdrawal can lead you back to using opioids to get relief. With that being said, at San Diego Detox, we understand the complexities and challenges of opioid withdrawal and provide programs to help maintain your comfort and safety. What Happens with Opioid Dependence? Opioid dependence is something that occurs when your body is adapted to opioids being present regularly. You come to a point where you physically rely on them for normal functioning. Over time, as you use opioids, your body acclimates to their effects. You might need higher doses to get the same impact. If you’re physically dependent and stop using opioids, you’ll go through withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are the result of your body struggling to adjust to the absence of opioids. When you use opioids, whether prescription pain medicines, heroin, or fentanyl, your natural production of dopamine can decline. Opioid receptors in your brain might be less responsive, and your body starts to physically depend on opioids. Without them, your brain and body are in a state of imbalance. Opioid dependence is primarily a physical condition, and it’s not the same as psychological addiction. That’s a term describing the behavioral and emotional parts of drug use. A psychological addiction indicates you have a compulsive, out-of-control urge to use opioids even though they’re causing harmful consequences. While the two conditions usually occur together, they aren’t the same, and the combination of both makes overcoming opioid addiction more complex and requires a comprehensive treatment approach. Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include: Anxiety and agitation: Opioids calm the brain. With the drug’s removal, the brain is overstimulated, leading to agitation. Muscle aches: Without opioids, the body’s pain signals can get overactive, leading to aches and pains. Sweating and goosebumps: The autonomic nervous system controls temperature regulation and sweating. During withdrawal, it’s dysregulated, leading to these symptoms. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: Opioids slow the gastrointestinal system down. When they’re removed, it can speed the system back up. Insomnia: Taking opioids disrupts natural sleep patterns, and without the drug, the body can struggle to regulate sleep, causing insomnia. Dilated pupils and runny nose: These symptoms again stem from the autonomic nervous system. During withdrawal, the body overcompensates, causing the pupils to dilate and increase secretions, leading to eye tearing and a runny nose. Rapid heartbeat and elevated blood pressure: Opioids depress the central nervous system, including your heart rate and blood pressure. Removing the drug can lead to a rebound effect, increasing both heart rate and blood pressure. Depression and cravings: Taking opioids elevates dopamine levels in the brain, causing euphoria. When the drug is removed, dopamine levels can drop. That can result in depression and strong cravings as your brain is working to restore the sense of reward.   Understanding why symptoms occur can help you prepare for withdrawal and seek the appropriate medical support to manage them. What Does the Opioid Withdrawal Timeline Look Like? The general timeline can include the following stages: Early Withdrawal (6-12 Hours After the Last Dose) For short-acting opioids like oxycodone and heroin, early withdrawal symptoms usually start 6-12 hours after they’re last taken. For long-acting opioids like extended-release formulations or methadone, these symptoms might not begin for around 30 hours after the last dose. Early symptoms include agitation, restlessness, muscle aches, anxiety, and a runny nose. Yawning and insomnia are also common during this time. Early opioid withdrawal symptoms can be similar to a severe flu. Peak Withdrawal Symptoms (72 Hours After the Last Dose) Peak symptoms usually occur within 48-72 hours after the last dose for short-acting opioids, and for long-acting drugs, it can be three to five days after the previous dose. Common peak symptoms include nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Goosebumps, dilated pupils, elevated heartbeat and blood pressure are also possible. You might experience intense cravings, depression and irritability. This phase can be the most intense and challenging, and the risk of relapse is especially high. Late Withdrawal Symptoms (4-7 Days After the Last Dose) For short-acting opioids, symptoms usually start subsiding after around five to seven days, and for longer-acting opioids, it can be ten days or longer. Late-phase symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, weakness, irritability, mood swings and depression, as well as continued opioid cravings. Most intense symptoms will start fading, but you could still have lingering emotional and physical discomfort. Some people will have post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) for weeks to months after the last dose. These symptoms might include depression, fatigue, emotional instability and ongoing cravings. Factors affecting your withdrawal timeline include the type of opioid you often use, the duration and dosage and your individual health. Treating Opioid Withdrawal The most effective treatment approach for symptoms of opioid withdrawal involves a comprehensive and supervised detoxification process. At San Diego Detox, we offer medical supervision and support. Medical professionals monitor your vital signs and provide medicines to help with symptoms, reduce cravings and prevent complications. Medications like buprenorphine and clonidine, for example, can help the detox process. Counseling and therapy can be integrated into the detox process to address the psychological elements of withdrawal. A safe, comfortable environment is critical to detox; we offer around-the-clock care. Every person’s opioid dependence and withdrawal experience will be unique, so individualized treatment plans are necessary. We design plans to address specific needs such as the type of opioid used, duration of use, and co-occurring mental conditions. If you’d like to learn more about detoxing at our center, which fosters a supportive and compassionate atmosphere, please

How Does Fentanyl Affect the Body?

different forms of fentanyl drug

Fentanyl is a potent, dangerous substance. This synthetic opioid is significantly more powerful than heroin and morphine. Originally, fentanyl was developed to manage severe pain, especially in cancer patients. Now, it’s become known for its role in fueling the opioid crisis, contributing to a soaring number of overdoses and deaths. We’ll explore the different ways fentanyl can affect the body to shed light on why it’s such a dangerous drug. A Brief Overview of Fentanyl Fentanyl, because of how potent it is, is only meant to be used in controlled medical environments. However, it’s also illegally made and sold, often mixed with other drugs like cocaine, pills or heroin, without the user knowing. This makes it incredibly dangerous. Even a very small amount can lead to overdose and death. What Happens When Someone Takes Fentanyl? When someone uses fentanyl, it interacts with their brain and body quickly. Entry into the body: Fentanyl can be used in different forms, including injection, transdermal patches or lozenges. It’s rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and begins taking effect in minutes. Binding to opioid receptors: Quickly making its way across the blood-brain barrier, fentanyl binds to specific opioid receptors. Opioid receptors are part of the body’s pain regulation system. When fentanyl binds to these sites, it triggers chemical reactions, changing how the brain perceives pain. Initial brain effects: One of the primary effects of fentanyl in the short term is powerful pain relief. When opioid receptors are activated, it also triggers a dopamine release. Dopamine is what causes the euphoria or high of fentanyl. Fentanyl slows down brain activity, creating drowsy, relaxed feelings. Effects on the body: Fentanyl significantly slows the body’s respiratory rate because it acts on the brain stem. The brainstem controls automatic body functions, like breathing. This is one of fentanyl’s most dangerous effects, and if a dose is too high, it can cause respiratory arrest. Fentanyl can also cause blood pressure and heart rate to drop. Short-term aftereffects: As the drug continues affecting the brain, a person may feel extremely tired or fall asleep. It can trigger nausea and vomiting, and the sedative effects can lead to problems concentrating, confusion and impaired decision-making. Risk of overdose: If too much fentanyl is taken, it can lead to severe respiratory depression and hypoxia. Hypoxia is when oxygen levels are dangerously low and can cause brain damage or death. Once the effects of fentanyl wear off, a person may go through early withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, muscle aches and restlessness, especially if they use it regularly. Long-Term Fentanyl Effects The long-term effects of fentanyl can be devastating. Chronic fentanyl use can lead to: Tolerance development: Your body can become accustomed to fentanyl over time. The initial dose no longer has the same effect; you would need higher doses to get the desired effects. That then raises the risk of overdose. Physical dependence: With continued use, the chemistry of the brain starts changing, and it relies on fentanyl to function normally. Respiratory issues: Long-term opioid use can lead to ongoing respiratory depression. At that point, a person’s breathing might stay shallow or slow even when they’re not actively under the influence of the drug. That can cause chronic oxygen deprivation, damaging vital organs. It raises the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia.   Cardiovascular damage: Fentanyl can cause long-term damage to the cardiovascular system, including chronic low blood pressure and slow heart rate, as well as a raised risk of heart attack or failure. Cognitive and mental health effects: Chronic fentanyl use can lead to long-term cognitive impairments like memory loss and problems concentrating. It can also worsen or lead to the development of mental health disorders. Psychological fentanyl dependence can fuel an addiction cycle as well.   Sleep apnea: Related to the respiratory effects of fentanyl, long-term use can cause or worsen sleep apnea. This is when breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, further reducing oxygen levels. Digestive issues: Fentanyl slows down the digestive system, causing chronic constipation. It can become severe and eventually require medical treatment. Liver damage: The liver metabolizes fentanyl, and chronic use can strain it, leading to damage or failure. If fentanyl is used with other substances like alcohol that also burden the liver, these risks can be especially high. Kidney damage: The kidneys filter waste out of the blood, including drug use. Prolonged use of fentanyl can lead to kidney damage or failure, especially if the drug leads to dehydration or other toxic substances are being used. Immune system: Chronic opioid use suppresses the immune system and makes the body more at risk of frequent and potentially severe infections. Hormonal imbalances: Long-term use can disrupt the endocrine system and cause hormonal imbalances. It can result in symptoms like reduced libido, depression, fatigue and infertility. Fentanyl can also lead to adrenal insufficiency, so the body can no longer produce enough of the hormones regulating stress and other body functions. Sexual dysfunction: Both men and women might experience sexual dysfunction because of the effects of fentanyl on hormone levels and overall physical health. Along with the above, chronic use of opioids can decrease bone density and lead to muscle weakness and wasting. Getting Help for Fentanyl Dependence Fentanyl’s impact on the body is both immediate and also long-lasting. Devastating effects can alter every part of a person’s physical health. From respiratory and heart damage to severe cognitive issues, the consequences of fentanyl use are profound and often life-threatening. Long-term use also leads to a dangerous addiction cycle that’s tough to break.   Recovery is possible, though. Recognizing the dangers of fentanyl is the first step to seeking the needed help to overcome addiction. If you or a loved one is using fentanyl, it’s crucial to get professional support as soon as possible. At San Diego Detox, we understand the distinct challenges of fentanyl addiction. Our team of caring professionals can guide you through the detoxification process. Once you’ve finished the detoxification process, we can help guide you through continued recovery via our treatment programs,

How to Prevent Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl overdose is a significant and pressing public health concern right now because of the potency of the drug and its widespread availability. Preventing overdose requires a multifaceted approach, including education, harm reduction strategies, and access to medical interventions. When we talk about preventing fentanyl overdoses, it can be in the context of the individual level. For example, maybe you have a loved one you’re concerned about. It can also be more geared toward the community context. Why Is the Risk of Fentanyl Overdose So High? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and is significantly more potent than others, like heroin and morphine. What it does share in common with other opioids is how it affects the brain—through binding with opioid receptors. When the drug binds to those receptors, fentanyl changes how you perceive pain and induces euphoric feelings. The potency of fentanyl significantly increases the risk of overdose, however. Even tiny amounts can lead to an overdose. When a person takes fentanyl, and it binds to their brain’s opioid receptors, it activates the reward system in the brain. That’s what contributes to those pleasurable feelings associated with fentanyl and other opioids, as well as relaxation. It also depresses the central nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rate. If you take high doses or combine opioids with other things that suppress the central nervous system, like alcohol, the risk of overdose is even greater. Fentanyl has taken a center-stage role in the opioid epidemic. While initially developed as a pain reliever in strictly controlled medical settings, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has since flooded the illegal drug market. It’s often mixed into heroin or pressed into counterfeit pills as drug traffickers like the potency and low production costs of fentanyl. Frequently, people do not know they’re taking it. Unfortunately, not knowing you’re taking something containing fentanyl increases the risk of overdose. Fentanyl has become increasingly available, and as such, it’s contributed to a recent surge in deaths related to opioid overdoses. How Much Stronger Is Fentanyl Than Other Opioids? Estimates put fentanyl’s potency at anywhere from 50 to 100 times more than morphine and around 50 times stronger than heroin. As a result, even small amounts have profound effects, including intense euphoria, but also a very narrow margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose. A dose of fentanyl that’s equal in weight to a few grains of salt can be deadly. When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs or substances, it makes it even more lethal. Even handling fentanyl in medical settings requires care, but illicitly made fentanyl is more dangerous because of the unregulated production and the variation in potency between batches. A user can’t gauge how strong the fentanyl they’re consuming, increasing the accidental overdose risk. Fentanyl slows breathing, and during an overdose, the effect becomes severe, leading to shallow, labored breathing and sometimes a complete stop. Preventing Fentanyl Overdose at An Individual Level Whether you have concerns about fentanyl for yourself or a loved one, the best thing to do to avoid an overdose is not to use substances. People are increasingly buying drugs on the street they think are something else, like Xanax, for example, and they’re tainted with fentanyl. Outside of avoiding unregulated and illegally sold substances, other ways to prevent fentanyl overdoses at an individual level include: When people have timely access to treatment, it reduces their overdose risk and also helps to promote long-term recovery. Preventing Overdoses at the Community Level In communities and organizations, overdose prevention strategies might include: Through implementing overdose prevention strategies at an individual and community level, it’s possible to reduce the harms linked to the use of this potent opioid and save lives. Using Naloxone A vital tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic, naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist medicine that works to displace fentanyl and other opioids by binding to the same receptor sites. Naloxone blocks opioids’ effects, rapidly reversing overdose symptoms, including unconsciousness and respiratory depression. Naloxone distribution programs are becoming increasingly available, and they often distribute naloxone kits so that people at risk of overdose and their friends, families and caregivers can have it on hand if needed. Fentanyl Test Strips Fentanyl test strips are used to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances like cocaine, heroin or counterfeit pills. They’re a fast, inexpensive way to assess drug safety before using them. The test strips don’t tell the user how much fentanyl could be present or anything about its potency. Instead, they just let the person know if it’s detected or not. Fentanyl test strips are available through harm reduction programs, online retailers and community organizations. Some locations have started pilot programs to distribute the strips to people who are at risk of overdose. What Else Can You Do? While strategies like distributing naloxone and fentanyl test strips mitigate the overdose risk, there’s no foolproof method to prevent overdose except drug abstinence. Fentanyl is unpredictable and potent, and that means any substance use is inherently risky. Getting professional help for an opioid or other addiction is key. Your best chance for personal recovery or to help someone you love is a program with comprehensive treatment and support services, including medication-assisted treatment and counseling. Contact our recovery experts to learn more or take the first step. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Fentanyl overdose risk so high compared to other opioids?Fentanyl is 50–100 times more potent than morphine (and far stronger than heroin), so even very small amounts can depress the central nervous system — slowing or stopping breathing — which drastically narrows the margin between a “dose” and a lethal amount. What are fentanyl test strips and how do they help prevent overdoses?Fentanyl test strips are inexpensive, simple strips that detect whether fentanyl is present in a sample of drugs — such as pills, heroin, or cocaine — helping users make informed decisions by showing if fentanyl contamination exists. While they don’t reveal the potency or exact amount, knowing fentanyl is present can prevent