Using fentanyl can be dangerous. Whether you started with a prescription for pain or illicit fentanyl, quitting isn’t something you should do alone. Fentanyl withdrawal can be tough, with symptoms hitting harder and faster than other opioids.
But recovery is possible, and it’s worth it. At Spring Grove Recovery in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we’re here to help. We know that everyone’s journey to healing is unique, just like their story. Our medically supervised fentanyl detox programs focus on keeping you safe while treating you with respect, understanding your needs, and offering the care and support you deserve as you take this life-changing step.
Understanding fentanyl addiction and withdrawal
Signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s 50–100 times stronger than morphine. It’s often prescribed for severe pain, but is also illegally made and sold on the streets. Because it’s so strong, it’s easy to become addicted quickly. Here are some common signs of fentanyl addiction:
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Needing higher doses over time, which increases the risk of overdose
- Struggling to stop or control use
- Ignoring responsibilities to get or use fentanyl
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when not using it
Common withdrawal symptoms and timeline
Opioid withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, but it can feel overwhelming—both physically and emotionally. When someone stops using fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, the pain it was covering often comes rushing back, making cravings even harder to manage.
24/7 admissions at our Colorado Springs center.
Understanding fentanyl addiction and withdrawal
Signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s 50–100 times stronger than morphine. It’s often prescribed for severe pain, but is also illegally made and sold on the streets. Because it’s so strong, it’s easy to become addicted quickly. Here are some common signs of fentanyl addiction:
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Needing higher doses over time, which increases the risk of overdose
- Struggling to stop or control use
- Ignoring responsibilities to get or use fentanyl
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when not using it
Common withdrawal symptoms and timeline
Opioid withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, but it can feel overwhelming—both physically and emotionally. When someone stops using fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, the pain it was covering often comes rushing back, making cravings even harder to manage.
Physical symptoms
- Intense muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps
- Heavy sweating, chills, and “goosebumps”
- Extreme fatigue, yawning, shivering, and headaches
- Runny nose, watery eyes, and enlarged pupils
- Racing heart and high blood pressure
Mental and emotional symptoms
- Overwhelming anxiety and irritability
- Deep sadness or depression, sometimes with thoughts of self-harm
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Feeling restless or unable to relax
- Difficulty sleeping—sometimes lasting weeks after the physical symptoms fade
- Mental “fog,” confusion, and trouble focusing
Timeline of symptoms
- Early withdrawal (8–24 hours): Flu-like symptoms, joint pain, headaches, and cravings appear.
- Full withdrawal (24–72 hours): Symptoms peak, including increased heart rate, nausea, dehydration, and agitation.
- First month: Physical symptoms ease, but cravings and lingering discomfort persist for those with severe addiction.
- Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS): Lasting for months, symptoms include mood swings, sleep issues, memory problems, and periodic cravings, increasing relapse risk. Support groups and therapy are key to managing recovery.
The urgency of addressing the fentanyl crisis
In 2023, fentanyl and other opioids were linked to about 70% of all overdose deaths in the U.S.. But there’s a small bit of good news: early 2024 data showed a 36% drop in fentanyl-related deaths. Even so, the danger is far from over, especially in areas where street fentanyl is common. Its unpredictable potency makes even a tiny dose incredibly risky.
Medically supervised fentanyl detox programs
Managing withdrawal and preventing relapse
Evidence-based withdrawal symptom management
During detox, we focus on keeping you safe and comfortable every step of the way. Here’s how we help manage your symptoms:
- Staying hydrated: Our nurses keep an eye on your fluids and provide electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration, which is common during withdrawal.
- Eating well: We serve small, easy-to-digest meals packed with protein and vitamins to fight nausea and give your body the energy it needs.
- Balancing rest and movement: Gentle activities like short walks can ease muscle aches, while plenty of rest helps your body recover fully.
- Feeling at ease: Warm showers, calming exercises, and breathing techniques help reduce stress and keep you grounded.
- Getting better sleep: We use non-addictive sleep aids, a peaceful environment, and simple routines to help you get your sleep back on track.
Relapse prevention strategies and support groups
Preventing relapse starts during detox and stays important well beyond recovery. At Spring Grove Recovery, we create personalized relapse prevention plans that include:
- Spotting triggers: Work with our team to identify people, places, or feelings that might cause cravings. We’ll help you plan ahead to avoid or handle these situations.
- Building coping tools: Learn ways to manage stress like deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, or creative hobbies.
- Finding support: Joining support groups early and having regular check-ins with counselors can help you stay on track and manage tough moments.
- Creating an emergency plan: Together, we’ll develop a plan with trusted contacts, hotline numbers, and safe spaces for those times when cravings hit hard.
Dual diagnosis treatment: Addressing mental health and addiction
Many people struggling with fentanyl addiction also deal with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, or personality disorders. It’s important to address both the addiction and these underlying issues at the same time.
- Team approach: Mental health experts and addiction specialists work together to assess, diagnose, and create a treatment plan that covers all needs.
- Proven treatments: Options include therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused care, and medications when necessary.
Our dual diagnosis treatment approach ensures you have the support you need, both for your recovery and mental health.
Get the help you need to quit fentanyl.
Harm reduction and overdose prevention
Fentanyl overdose prevention techniques
Recognizing and acting quickly in an overdose can save a life. Here’s what you need to know about fentanyl overdose signs and how to respond:
Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose:
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Blue or gray lips, fingertips, or skin
- Unresponsiveness to loud noises or pain
- Gurgling or choking sounds (often called a “death rattle”)
- Limp body or pale, clammy skin
What to Do in an Overdose Situation
Harm reduction strategies in detox and recovery
Not everyone is ready for complete abstinence immediately, and harm reduction can be a life-saving bridge to recovery. For those not ready to enter treatment, Colorado provides harm reduction services like:
Carry Naloxone
Many states require pharmacies to stock it with little or no co-pay, especially under Medicaid.
Don’t Use Alone
Encourage “never use alone” practices; hotlines and check-ins can save lives.
Test Your Supply
Fentanyl test strips can detect contamination and help people who use drugs make safer choices.
Use Clean Needles
Safe syringes reduce the risks of HIV, hepatitis, and soft tissue infections.
Aftercare planning and holistic approaches
Developing effective aftercare plans
Detox is just the first step. Long-term recovery happens with ongoing support, healthy habits, and preparing for life’s challenges.
Life keeps moving after treatment, and obstacles are bound to pop up. Without a solid aftercare plan, it’s easier to face setbacks, especially during tough situations or emotional struggles. Staying connected to a supportive community that gets what you’re going through can make all the difference.
Holistic detox approaches and supportive therapies
We take a whole-person approach because you’re more than your addiction. Addiction doesn’t define you, and our treatment reflects that. Along with medications, we offer counseling, peer support, nutrition plans, and help with planning your next steps after recovery. It’s all part of treating the whole you, not just the addiction.
Substance abuse counseling and long-term recovery support
Clients are guided to engage in a combination of counseling and peer support:
- One-on-one therapy: Helps set personal goals, build trust, work through past trauma, and create a recovery plan that fits your needs.
- Group therapy: Connects you with others, reduces feelings of loneliness, and improves communication.
- Community support groups: Ongoing resources like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, or faith-based groups to help you stay on track after treatment.
Our clients engage in counseling during residential treatment, which is a natural next step for many after detox.
Frequently asked questions about fentanyl detox
Physical symptoms often show up around 12 hours after the last dose and tend to peak within 1–3 days. On the other hand, psychological symptoms can stick around for weeks or even months. Getting professional support can make managing withdrawal easier and help prevent relapse.
Detoxing from fentanyl on your own isn’t a good idea. Withdrawal can be risky and even life-threatening because of the chance of relapse and serious physical symptoms.
Fentanyl can show up in urine and blood tests for up to 48-72 hours after use. For long-term users, it might take even longer for the body to fully clear it out.
Helping a loved one through fentanyl detox isn’t easy, but your support can make a big difference. Be patient and compassionate, and focus on being there for them emotionally. Help them find professional treatment, encourage healthy habits like eating well and staying active, and most importantly, avoid actions that might enable their use.
Methadone, buprenorphine, naloxone, and naloxone/buprenorphine are commonly used to manage fentanyl withdrawal. These medications help reduce the physical and emotional challenges of detoxing from fentanyl.
Yes, there are harm reduction resources available in Colorado Springs for people struggling with fentanyl addiction. Syringe exchange programs, Narcan distribution, fentanyl test strips, and support groups are all available.
Reach out to Spring Grove Recovery for immediate help
We’re here for you or your loved one 24/7 to help stop fentanyl use. We accept Medicaid and many insurance plans to make treatment more affordable and accessible. Have questions? Call us anytime at 719.415.3460 or reach out online—we’re ready to help.
