Local Rehab Investigates Fentanyl Detection Time

Greeneville, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery is a local rehab that recently published an article investigating how long fentanyl stays in the system. They offer a treatment program specific for opioid use disorders including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and outpatient therapy.

“Fentanyl impacts the area of your brain that controls pain and regulates emotions. When you take fentanyl, it’s common to experience feelings of euphoria, extreme happiness, and pain relief. If taken under the supervision of a doctor, it helps by getting rid of your pain, so you can physically recover. It usually isn’t taken for very long, and when you’re taking it you’re being monitored for side effects. If you take fentanyl recreationally, however, you might start to notice how it’s negatively impacting you. Here are some common short-term effects of fentanyl use include feelings of euphoria or uncontrolled, extreme happiness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness,” the article reads.

Those who have taken fentanyl for an extended period will likely build up a tolerance to it. The body will require more of the substance to achieve the same feelings of euphoria or pain relief. This is a common reason people overdose on fentanyl – they take more to achieve the same results. Because of fentanyl’s potency, this becomes dangerous. Other long-term effects of fentanyl use include chronic stomach problems, including constipation and bowel obstructions, reproductive issues, mood disorders, suicidal thoughts, sleep apnea, heart failure or heart attack, and weakening of the immune system.

The amount of time fentanyl stays in someone’s system depends on multiple factors. Fentanyl is administered through oral, skin patch, and injection. Each administration method gives fentanyl a different half-life. Oral fentanyl has a half-life of 5-14 hours, injected fentanyl has a half-life of 2-4 hours, and the fentanyl skin patch has a half-life of 17 hours. This shows the route of administration plays a role in detection time. Other factors include age, liver health, diet, the dosage of fentanyl, the duration of use, and taking other substances.

“When someone stops taking fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms are likely. The body and mind have become accustomed to opioids, so it takes an adjustment. Unfortunately, withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly uncomfortable. While they’re rarely fatal, they’re still dangerous and can cause health complications. This is why treatment is recommended when someone wants to safely stop taking fentanyl. Withdrawals usually begin 12-24 hours after the last dose of fentanyl and they can last 4-10 days. They can look like anxiety or panic attacks, nausea and vomiting, hot flashes, cold and clammy skin, muscle cramps, tremors, diarrhea, sweating, insomnia, twitching, and racing heart.

On rare occasions, people experiencing opioid withdrawal might experience seizures, loss of consciousness, or psychosis. A treatment facility can help someone safely move past these symptoms and into recovery. Certain medications can also help manage symptoms and reduce relapse risk,” the article continues.

There is no way to rid the body of fentanyl quickly. Tales of juice cleanses or special diets do not work, though they can help the person feel better. Practicing self-compassion, seeking treatment, and discontinuing fentanyl use is the most surefire way to rid the body of fentanyl naturally. If the person returns to use and experiences a fentanyl overdose, naloxone is the best option to treat. This is a medication that counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose.

ReVIDA® Recovery has helped many reclaim their lives from opioid use disorders. With locations throughout Tennessee and Virginia, they are easing access to care for Appalachian residents. They utilize Suboxone along with talk therapies to effectively treat opioid use disorders and promote successful recoveries.

To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.