Fentanyl is 50-100x stronger than morphine and requires specialized detox protocols. Our physicians use extended monitoring and medication-assisted treatment to manage this dangerous withdrawal safely.
Fentanyl has become the deadliest drug in American history, responsible for over 70,000 overdose deaths annually. Originally developed as a surgical anesthetic, illicit fentanyl is now flooding the drug supply, often mixed into heroin, counterfeit pills, cocaine, and methamphetamine without users' knowledge. At Better Choice Treatment Center in Henderson, Nevada, we provide specialized medical detox protocols specifically designed for fentanyl's unique challenges.
Fentanyl is approximately 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin. This extreme potency creates several critical dangers: overdose can occur with minuscule amounts (as little as 2 milligrams), tolerance develops rapidly requiring escalating doses, withdrawal symptoms are more severe and prolonged than other opioids, and the risk of relapse during detox is extraordinarily high without proper medical intervention.
Than morphine, making overdose risk extremely high
Develops within days, requiring dangerous dose escalation
Often mixed into pills, heroin, and other drugs
More intense and prolonged than other opioids
Attempting fentanyl detox without medical supervision is not only extremely uncomfortable—it's dangerous and rarely successful. The withdrawal symptoms are so severe that most people relapse within hours or days without proper medication-assisted treatment. Our physicians at Better Choice Treatment Center use evidence-based protocols specifically designed for fentanyl's unique pharmacology.
Fentanyl withdrawal causes more intense symptoms that last significantly longer than heroin or prescription opioids. Symptoms can persist for 2-3 weeks without medication assistance.
Without medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the relapse rate for fentanyl detox approaches 100%. The cravings and discomfort are so overwhelming that willpower alone is insufficient.
Round-the-clock monitoring by addiction medicine physicians prevents complications, manages co-occurring conditions, and ensures medications are optimally adjusted throughout the process.
Fentanyl withdrawal follows a predictable pattern, though individual experiences vary based on duration of use, dosage, method of administration, and presence of other substances. Our medical team closely monitors each phase and adjusts treatment accordingly.
Symptoms begin sooner than with other opioids due to fentanyl's shorter half-life. Early signs include anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, watery eyes, runny nose, excessive sweating, and insomnia.
Our Response: Immediate assessment, baseline vitals, initiation of comfort medications, and beginning MAT protocol with buprenorphine or methadone.
The most challenging phase. Symptoms intensify dramatically and include severe body aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, chills and goosebumps, intense cravings, severe anxiety and agitation, and inability to sleep.
Our Response: Aggressive symptom management with clonidine for anxiety/blood pressure, ondansetron for nausea, loperamide for diarrhea, gabapentin for nerve pain, trazodone for sleep, and optimized MAT dosing.
Physical symptoms begin to gradually improve but remain significant. Fatigue becomes prominent, mood disturbances intensify, cravings persist, sleep remains disrupted, and gastrointestinal issues continue.
Our Response: Continued medical monitoring, medication adjustments, nutritional support, introduction of group therapy, and beginning discharge planning discussions.
Most physical symptoms subside with MAT, but psychological challenges emerge. Depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, low energy, and persistent cravings are common. This is when many people relapse without proper support.
Our Response: Transition to residential treatment, continued MAT stabilization, intensive therapy introduction, relapse prevention education, and family involvement.
While physical symptoms resolve, psychological symptoms can persist for months. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome includes mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty feeling pleasure (anhedonia), and episodic cravings.
Our Response: Long-term MAT maintenance, ongoing therapy, psychiatric medication if needed, peer support groups, and comprehensive aftercare planning.
Better Choice Treatment Center utilizes the most advanced, evidence-based approaches to fentanyl detoxification. Our protocols are designed by addiction medicine specialists and continuously updated based on the latest research.
Our preferred medication for most patients. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing euphoria.
Used for severe cases or when buprenorphine is ineffective. Methadone is a full opioid agonist that completely eliminates withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Clonidine to manage elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety symptoms. Reduces overall withdrawal discomfort by 40-50%.
Ondansetron for nausea/vomiting, loperamide for diarrhea, and antacids for stomach discomfort. Maintaining nutrition is critical for recovery.
Gabapentin for nerve pain and restless legs, NSAIDs for muscle aches, and muscle relaxants for tension and cramping.
Trazodone or hydroxyzine for sleep, SSRIs for depression/anxiety if needed, and benzodiazepines in select cases for severe anxiety.
Our physicians are board-certified in addiction medicine with specialized training in opioid use disorder. They understand fentanyl's unique challenges and have successfully treated hundreds of patients.
Licensed nurses are present around the clock to monitor vital signs, administer medications, and respond immediately to any complications. Physicians are on-call at all times.
Our Henderson facility offers private rooms, comfortable accommodations, nutritious meals prepared by our chef, and amenities designed to support healing and recovery.
We meet the highest national standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness. Our protocols are evidence-based and regularly reviewed for optimal outcomes.
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and many others. Our admissions team verifies coverage immediately.
After medical detox, most patients transition directly to our residential program on the same campus. This continuity of care dramatically improves long-term recovery outcomes.
Medical detox with MAT gives you a real chance at recovery. Our physicians are standing by 24/7 to help you safely detox from fentanyl. Most patients are admitted within hours of calling.
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