Why is it so hard to detox off fentanyl?

Dr. Peter Coleman, who is Board-certified in Addiction Medicine and has been in recovery from opioid use himself since 1984, discusses why it's so difficult to detox off fentanyl and how we have adapted our process as a result.

-Safe, Comfortable Outpatient Detox
The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine has been a leading outpatient addiction treatment center since 1998. Our innovative withdrawal management programs, often referred to as The Coleman Method, have helped thousands of people free themselves from addiction to Alcohol, Opioids, and Benzodiazepines. Originally founded in Richmond, Virginia, our network has expanded to cover 142cities across the US.
-3 - 8 Day Opioid Detoxification Process
For short-acting opiates like oxycodone, most patients complete their detox and begin Naltrexone therapy within 5 days. Longer-acting opiates like Suboxone and Methadone typically take 8 days. Our standard opioid treatment package in Richmond, VA includes the detox and 6 months of case management and Naltrexone therapy. As a non-addictive opioid blocker, Naltrexone dramatically reduces cravings so that patients can focus on their recovery. We have a 98% success rate for completing detoxification and starting Naltrexone therapy. During the detox, we work with patients and their families to develop an appropriate aftercare plan. We also offer a convenient, 3-day outpatient alcohol detox and a Benzodiazepine Detox.

-Caring, Empathetic Environment
Our founder Dr. Peter Coleman understands first-hand the challenges our patients are facing due to his own personal struggle with the disease of addiction. He has been in long term recovery since 1984. Dr. Coleman has dedicated his career to treating addiction patients and creating a team and an environment conducive to long term recovery for his patients.

[kimberlyr.]

I kicked a really really long fentanyl use and i was tested day 21 and still was testing positive! I kicked cold turkey on an out patient only taking medicine that were not addictive substances and had to go to the ER thats how bad i was... it was tough! 1 year later and i still dont sleep well but super proud! I thought I'd never be able to stop...for those who are scared just keep pushing, it only gets better ❤

[ShaneKetcham-zudy]

I quit cold turkey when I went to prison I was sick for almost a month straight

[MJP]

I tested for weeks with fentanyl after my last use. I lost count how many times I went into precip. When I went to detox, I was coming off of subs and fentanyl. I was supposed to do 7 days in the detox then move to the rehab. I didn’t leave the detox for 18 days. Even when I moved I was still very sick. It wasn’t until my last week there that I could eat at least half a meal. I was jacked up for the entire 28 days there and pretty much another month when I got home. Coming off suboxone and fentanyl was the hardest thing I ever did in my entire life. I am trying to open my mind to the fact that a higher force carried me through that bc it was absolutely extraordinary that I was able to survive that experience.

[HACKTACULAR.]

Recently got clean off heavy fent use. The first 3 days was nothing but stomach cramps, nausea, mood swings, hot cold sweats, anxiety, etc.. After 5 days i started to feel a little better and I thought I was through the worst but on day 7 it started all over again and but way worse. I couldn’t understand why I was still going through it all over again a week into detox. Turns out opiates like Fentanyl stay in your fatty tissues and slowly release over a few weeks. It’s absolute hell incarnate and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Only way to get through it for me was to tapper on a full agonist opiate like methadone since the Subutex will send you into precipitated withdrawal even after waiting a couple weeks to dose since like I said, it stays in your fatty tissues in your body. Comfort meds helped a little and I understand everyone is different but going cold turkey off fentanyl will only set you up for a relapse.

[bobarnold]

I was on fentanyl for 20 years abusing the patches, The biggest thing that helped me was having a naltrexone implant, they supply reduced muscle relaxants over a few months and I recommend hot salt bath and tonic water drinks everyday to relieve muscle spasms. Leg weakness is an inevitable side effect of coming off fentanyl! Stay strong 👍🙏❣️

[mylamberfeeties]

Massage therapy and lots of family support has helped my son. It's been 30 days so far

[AfghanApothecary]

Methadone is painful enough.
Approaching 72hrs. Here we go again

[christinafernandez]

Congratulations God bless each and one of every keep the faith God is real❤❤

[RavenLunatik]

Do any of these people actually realize that detoxing off of drug means not taking it anymore ?!
it doesn't mean switching to a different one!!
I'm so sick of these doctors trying to fill their pockets full of Kickbacks instead of actually trying to help people detox off of this shit!

[MartinSage]

I suggest you take it for month or two doctor and then Detox

[pwnoonan]

About 2 weeks off and getting a foul taste in my mouth ...anybody else experience this??

[creamfromsumyoungguy]

Can you do a video on why opiate addicts can get methadone or buprenorphine which are really strong drugs but they cant get percocet or lortab which is no where near as strong 60 milligrams of methadone is 120 milligrams of oxycodone thats 12 10 milligram oxycodone a day why cant we be on low dose opiods instead of methadone ive never understood that coming from someone whos on methadone matinence

[Shiesty_Summer]

So hard but im working with methadone thank god

[simonmason]

I got off it in 19 days - it was hell.

[mgk]

i was still pissing hot for it 2.5 months after i quit