Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that carries a significant risk of overdose, even in small amounts. In Washington State, fentanyl has been involved in more overdose deaths than any other drug, making up 76% of the total overdose deaths.1
If you are misusing fentanyl or worried about a loved one, finding a fentanyl addiction treatment program is the best course of action. Professionals can safely address the reasons behind the addiction and help ease any withdrawal symptoms while they help rebuild a sober life.
For those seeking fentanyl addiction treatment, Spokane Falls Recovery Center offers evidence-based programs at our drug rehab in Spokane, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and life-skills training, designed to support lasting recovery and help individuals achieve their sobriety goals.
Why fentanyl is so dangerous
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means it is made in a lab and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl acts extremely quickly, causing symptoms to appear much faster than with many other opioids. Its rapid onset can lead to severe respiratory depression, intense sedation, euphoria, nausea, and, in some cases, a dangerous tightening of the chest known as “wooden chest syndrome.”
Fentanyl can be easily mistaken for other pills, including prescription medication, and is often found in counterfeit pills, such as Xanax, Percocet, OxyContin, Vicodin, and Adderall. It is also often mixed with other illegal drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and Ecstasy (MDMA).
Because fentanyl is so potent and fast-acting, professional opioid addiction treatment is especially critical. Attempting to quit without medical support can be dangerous, as withdrawal and relapse carry a significantly higher risk of overdose. An accredited fentanyl addiction treatment program provides comprehensive care that addresses both the physical dependence and the underlying causes of substance use.
Signs of fentanyl addiction
Addiction is a treatable condition that is easily recognizable if you know what to look for. Here are some of the signs of fentanyl addiction:
Increased tolerance
As fentanyl use continues, the body builds tolerance, which can lead individuals to take higher amounts, making relapse especially dangerous if they return to a previously used dose.
Changes in mood and appearance
They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, show noticeable mood and behavior changes, withdraw from others, and begin associating with new friends involved in fentanyl use.
Neglecting responsibilities
Addiction can impact every area of life, leading to declining school or work performance, strained relationships, and serious consequences like job loss or the breakdown of personal relationships.
An inability to stop despite consequences
A key sign of fentanyl addiction is being unable to stop use. Continued use can lead to serious medical complications such as respiratory depression, fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure, and heart problems, including heart attack or failure.
If you recognize any of these signs in a friend or loved one, it may be time to consider starting a fentanyl addiction treatment program.
What does fentanyl withdrawal look like?
Fentanyl misuse can cause uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms when use stops, often lasting several days or longer depending on duration and dosage, with long-term use leading to more severe withdrawal that typically requires medical detox.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Shivering
- Increasing cravings
- Panic
- Agitation
- Twitching and shock-like movements
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms often begin within several hours to a day after last use and may peak within the first few days. The full withdrawal timeline can vary depending on the individual and their history of use.”
A fentanyl detox program can help manage withdrawal safely using medications tailored to an individual’s history, including FDA-approved options such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and lofexidine.
How fentanyl addiction treatment works
Spokane Falls Recovery Center is a fentanyl treatment center located in North Spokane. We offer multiple levels of care designed to support individuals at different stages of recovery.
Treatment typically follows a structured path that supports recovery at each stage:
Medical detox
The first step of any fentanyl rehab program is medical detox. This program uses approved medications that reduce physical withdrawal symptoms. Medical staff will administer medications in a safe, comfortable environment and monitor their progress throughout the program.
Fentanyl detox typically lasts anywhere from four to seven days, but can continue for longer in more severe cases.
Residential treatment
Once the client completes medical detox, they can begin our residential treatment program. This program includes structured individual therapy, group therapy, and life-skills building. Residential treatment length varies and is based on each client’s unique needs and recovery goals.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) generally lasts several weeks and consists of attending therapy sessions for up to six to eight hours a day, 30 hours a week. This is a step-down from residential care, as clients will go home each night. They will continue working with a clinician and peers using CBT, DBT, and other beneficial therapies.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program is a structured program that allows clients to increase their independence. Clients will spend three to five days per week in three-hour therapy sessions, focusing on practicing and learning coping skills and relapse prevention. IOP generally lasts eight to 12 weeks, but this can vary depending on the individual’s progress.
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient care is the lowest level of care and includes ongoing support while spending more time on personal responsibilities, such as caring for children, attending school, or finding employment. This program can continue for as long as necessary while they build sustainable routines and improve on their coping skills.
Therapy and support in fentanyl recovery
Choosing an opioid addiction treatment program is crucial for the health and well-being of a loved one. It should include care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction while building healthy coping skills to support long-term sobriety.
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center in an opioid addiction treatment program, clients may participate in:
- Individual therapy with a licensed clinician to explore personal challenges and recovery goals
- Group therapy to build connection, share experiences, and learn from others
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to change negative thought patterns
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is used to improve emotional regulation and coping skills
- Family therapy to strengthen relationships and create a supportive home environment
Trauma-informed care is also available at our fentanyl rehab for any clients who have experienced past trauma. This approach helps individuals better understand their experiences and develop healthier ways to respond.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center is co-occurring capable, meaning our fentanyl addiction treatment can support individuals who are experiencing both substance use and mental health concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Fentanyl withdrawal can begin within several hours to a day after the last use, with symptoms often becoming more intense over the first few days. The detox timeline can vary based on factors such as how long a person has been using fentanyl, the amount used, and their overall health.
Fentanyl withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable and can lead to dangerous complications without medical support, but it is rarely life-threatening. Medical detox is always recommended.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center accepts most major insurance plans. Call our dedicated team today at 844.962.2775 to verify coverage and discuss treatment options.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be more intense than those of other opioids due to its intended effects. A medical detox program can help alleviate withdrawal through FDA-approved medications.
Medical detox is only the first stage of recovery. After detox, individuals typically transition into residential treatment and then progress through outpatient levels of care, including PHPs, IOPs, and outpatient programming to continue to address underlying causes of addiction and build skills for long-term recovery.
Get fentanyl addiction treatment in Spokane
Searching for fentanyl drug rehab in Spokane? Spokane Falls Recovery Center has a team of clinical experts who have experience in treating fentanyl and other opioid use disorders. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to residential treatment and outpatient programs, all ASAM-based and Joint Commission-accredited. We are available for 24/7 admission to provide assistance, day or night.
For more information about our fentanyl treatment center programs, contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center today to schedule a consultation. Call us at 844.962.2775 to speak with our admissions team.
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