What to Expect at a Fentanyl Detox Center in New Jersey

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approved for medical use in the United States. Doctors prescribe it to treat severe or chronic pain among patients who have a tolerance for lesser opioids. That said, there is a type of fentanyl (illegally manufactured fentanyl or IMF) circulating the streets that is leading to overdose deaths due to its potency.

Using even small amounts of IMF can lead to a life-threatening fentanyl overdose. The substance is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.[1] Unfortunately, drug dealers use it as an adulterant in a variety of street drugs, making it dangerous to abuse any substance that doesn’t come from a doctor.

If you or a loved one suffers from fentanyl addiction, you should seek help from a medical detox center. These programs offer individualized treatment planning, medical monitoring, medications to lessen withdrawal symptoms, and more. Understanding how fentanyl detox in New Jersey works can motivate you to get the support you need.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal
• Why detox is an important step in recovery from fentanyl abuse
• How does fentanyl detox in New Jersey work

What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

When you are addicted to fentanyl, your brain and body rely on it to function properly. Suddenly stopping it when you have a physical dependence will lead to withdrawal symptoms. Thankfully, addiction treatment programs like medical detox can help you overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably.

The common signs of fentanyl withdrawal include:[2]

• Irritability and agitation
• Anxiety and stress
• Muscle aches and body pains
• Symptoms of depression
• Teary eyes and runny nose
• Frequent yawning
• Excessive sweating
• Abdominal cramps and pains
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Goosebumps and shivering

While the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are not directly life-threatening, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating can lead to dehydration. Without medical treatment, your dehydration could become fatal. This is one of the reasons that makes medical detox vital.

What to Expect During Fentanyl Detox in New Jersey

Fentanyl attaches to opioid receptors to lessen symptoms of pain. When you are abusing it, it activates feelings of euphoria, pleasure, and reward. This leads to addiction and dependency.

The first step in overcoming fentanyl addiction is attending a detox treatment center. Not only will these programs lessen your withdrawal symptoms, but they decrease your risk of overdosing. If you attempt to detox on your own, you could relapse, which puts you in danger of an overdose.

Assessment and Intake

The first step in a fentanyl detox center is the assessment and intake process. Addiction specialists will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of fentanyl abuse. This information will be used to create an individualized detox plan.

In addition, you will sign medical release forms, fill out emergency contact information, and provide your insurance or payment plan information.

Medical Monitoring

Once the intake and assessment process is completed, you will begin treatment. Because fentanyl withdrawal can lead to dehydration, you will be given IV fluids. If you have any vitamin deficiencies from substance abuse, you will receive vitamin replacement therapy.

Nurses will also check your vital signs consistently to ensure that your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing rate remain stable.

Medications

On top of monitoring your vitals and offering IV fluids, you will be given medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms. Because fentanyl is a high-potency opioid, you will require a medication that controls withdrawal symptoms and prevents cravings.

The medications used in a New Jersey detox center to control fentanyl withdrawal include:[3]

• Suboxone
• Methadone
• Clonidine
• Lucemyra

Psychological Support

Fentanyl withdrawal can cause psychological symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. You will also deal with intense cravings to abuse fentanyl. To help you overcome these symptoms, you will have access to 24/7 support from a mental health professional.

You might engage in individual therapy, group counseling, and quick chats to help you overcome symptoms that arise randomly. During individual therapy and group counseling, you will learn healthy coping mechanisms that help you overcome your cravings and teach you to regulate your own emotions.

Long-Term Treatment Planning

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

Your treatment plan might include programs like:

• Inpatient rehab
• Outpatient programming like partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
• Sober living housing programs

The treatment options provided to you will depend on your personal needs. Some people need both inpatient and outpatient treatment, while others only require outpatient rehab. If you do not have stable housing to live in during outpatient rehab, your therapist might recommend a sober living program.

Get Connected to a Reputable Fentanyl Detox Program in New Jersey

If you or a loved one suffers from fentanyl addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Medical detox is the first step in overcoming a substance use disorder. These programs ensure that you overcome withdrawal while keeping you safe and comfortable throughout the process.

At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can connect you with a top-rated fentanyl detox center near you. Our addiction specialists will assess your needs and make personalized treatment recommendations based on your current situation. Additionally, if your loved one is refusing treatment, we can set up an addiction intervention to convince them to seek the help they need.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help your loved one get into a fentanyl detox center in New Jersey.

References:

1. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Fentanyl 
2. Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal
3. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings