Why fentanyl withdrawal is so unbearable

Over 2 million Americans have opioid use disorder, according to some estimates. Illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl were responsible for over 80,000 U.S. overdose deaths in 2023.

Despite the known risks, these drugs are notoriously hard to stop using — due in large part to how debilitating withdrawal can be.

“People get trapped in this terrible cycle where they don’t feel normal, they can’t function, they feel horribly ill unless they’re finding and using opioids,” explained Sarah Wakeman, medical director for substance use disorder at Mass General Brigham. “People will forgo other basic, primal needs like connection and sex and food just to relieve their withdrawal symptoms. That’s how powerful it is.”

Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine are very effective at treating opioid dependence, but despite sky-high overdose death rate, these treatments are unnecessarily hard to access in the United States, according to experts.

In this video, Wakeman explains how opioids work in the brain and why they cause such nightmarish withdrawal symptoms. She also explains how treating opioid use disorder with approved medications can help people lead normal, productive lives.

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[Karmafuzion.]

I hate when people say withdrawal is like the flu. Withdrawal brings me to the brink of suicide

[yingandtheyang]

Day 9 no Fentanyl ❤

56 DAYS
Edit: 56 days sober, and still going strong. You can do that shit, never thought I would be able to, and I did it even when I didn't want to! You can get clean....AND be happy❤️💯🤙

[AdamsDonnaJean]

Mushrooms made a huge difference in my life. I was diagnosed with CPTSD in my teens and spent years struggling with it, along with severe depression and other mental health issues. Everything changed when my wife recommended psilocybin mushroom treatment. Honestly, it saved my life. I’ve been clean for eight years now. This is something that should be used worldwide to help others facing similar challenges.

[bombjelly]

I quit at 21. I’m 32 years old. Anything is possible. ❤

[UlfhedinnNorsk]

I am a combat veteran who was on opioids for 5 years due to severe spinal injury and when the doctor said “No more. Deal with it” I went cold turkey. I lived in my bathroom for 3 weeks begging for death. But the absolute torture was severe RLS and emotional instability! And I heard getting off fentanyl is a lot worse. Can’t even imagine anyone wanting to go back to it after they quit once and went thru this hell.

[GlaGlaGlaTRIP]

Perfect description! It's rare in the media.
I'm clean for 4 years. 17 years of drug use and 3 rehabs.. A long fight....

[IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

This person is smart and articulate. And is able to talk about this difficult subject without moralizing. Well done.

[elitetrainingnetwork]

Amazing how many people commenting on this video are going through it from all walks of life. Just shows what a universal struggle addiction is.

[LeprosuGnome]

Lack of compassion for addicts is one of the things I despise the most in society. It demonstrates an enormous lack of knowledge, intelligence AND moral.

[awkwardautistic]

I had a heavy IV fentanyl habit and the detox was so terrible that I don't have the words to describe it. I couldn't eat, drink, or sleep.. I was just sweating, hallucinating, and wanting to d i e. The only reason I was able to get through it is because my kids were in foster care with strangers. It was brutal though.. and that is honestly a part of what's kept me from relapsing. Its been 6yrs now.

[AvahManarite]

15 months clean. Feel the best I've felt in years

[jasonjones]

For anyone that’s wanting/trying to get clean off fent. Try to get some gabbapentin. My mother went to rehab for fent & they gave her gabbapentin & she told me that you don’t feel the symptoms at all. She said she felt completely normal as if she was sober with no symptoms. Hopefully this helps someone. It’s a tough battle but you got this! You’re future self with thank you & love you so much for doing so

[vlee]

Social worker and counsellor here - this was a fantastic video; i wish everyone in health care had this perspective and information.

[mikehopkins]

It’s like drowning and feeling like you’re fighting for air, , an endless feeling of doom and pain..

[teresat]

I am a Federal drug ccounselor..to every one who is admitting ise and ahowing clean... DAMN IM PROUD OF YOU!!!! KEEP GOING YOUR DOING GREAT!

[memphisherbert]

17 year old kid, i've had my issues with blues/fent/wtv you'll call it since i was 12. i just had a slip up and had a week of life that wasn't real. im so horribly dope sick now and feelings the consequences deeply. for all of you out there fighting this disease know you're not alone, you're loved and you matter. you're going to win. and so am i. humans make mistakes and it doesn't change your worth. keep fighting

[shawnmurphy]

The withdrawal was torturous. The restless legs for 12 hours made me crazy.

[distilledfreedom]

Imagine those people living on the street and going through withdrawal. What a nightmare. Don't do drugs people.

[koolertrek]

It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in the 65 years of my life.

[djquinn]

With my addictive personality I’m glad I never tried this poison. Must be a nightmare to get off of, my heart goes out to all of those suffering in the throes of addiction and trying to quit. I hope you all get the help you need.