Medically reviewed by Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Advisor
Fentanyl has become a major driver of overdose deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a synthetic opioid that is far stronger than heroin or morphine, and it now turns up in pills, powders and other drugs, often without the user knowing. For people who have become dependent on fentanyl, stopping can feel overwhelming, and trying to do it alone carries real risk.
Promises Dallas-Fort Worth offers medically supervised detox for adults from across North Texas at our Lewisville campus. Our goal is to help you get through withdrawal with medical support and move into the continuing care that recovery from fentanyl use calls for.
What Makes Fentanyl Different
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain in medical settings, but the fentanyl involved in most overdoses today is made illegally. The CDC and the Drug Enforcement Administration warn that illegally made fentanyl is often:
- Pressed into counterfeit pills made to look like prescription pain relievers or anti-anxiety medications
- Mixed into heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs
- Present in amounts that vary from one batch to the next, so there is no way to know how strong a dose is
Because it is so potent, a very small amount of fentanyl can slow or stop breathing. And because it is so often hidden in other drugs, some people are exposed to fentanyl without realizing it. To understand why fentanyl takes hold so quickly, read why fentanyl is so addictive.
Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal shares many features with withdrawal from other opioids, including body aches, sweating, chills, anxiety, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia and intense cravings. Some aspects can be harder to predict, though. People often use fentanyl alongside other substances, and the amount of fentanyl in the illicit supply varies widely, so it can be difficult to know how dependent the body has become.
For a side-by-side look at how the two compare, see our article on understanding withdrawal from heroin vs. fentanyl.
Why Supervised Detox Matters
Trying to stop fentanyl on your own can end in a return to use, simply because withdrawal and cravings are so hard to endure without support. That moment of returning to use is when overdose risk is especially high. In a medically supervised setting, you have:
- A medical assessment that accounts for fentanyl and any other substances you have been using
- Monitoring of vital signs, hydration and symptoms, with care adjusted as they change
- Medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms when appropriate
- An evaluation for medication-assisted treatment, with careful attention to timing, since starting some opioid use disorder medications after fentanyl use requires close medical guidance
- A calm environment with meals, rest and staff support, away from the people and places tied to use
Supervised detox also gives you time to think clearly about next steps with people who can help you plan them.
Overdose Risk and Staying Safe
Tolerance falls once you stop using. Returning to fentanyl, or to any drug that may contain it, after detox or a period of not using carries a high risk of overdose. Knowing this is not meant to frighten you. It is meant to help you protect yourself and the people you care about.
- Keep naloxone on hand and make sure people around you know how to use it. With fentanyl, more than one dose may be needed.
- Learn the signs of overdose: slow or no breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, unresponsiveness, pinpoint pupils, and pale, blue or gray skin or lips.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose, even if naloxone has been given.
- Stay connected to treatment after detox rather than stopping at withdrawal.
Continuing Care After Fentanyl Detox
Detox is only the beginning. Recovery from fentanyl use usually means managing cravings, rebuilding daily routines and treating any mental health conditions tied to substance use, such as depression, anxiety or trauma. At Promises DFW, next steps can include residential addiction treatment, dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring conditions, our partial hospitalization program in Lewisville and our virtual intensive outpatient program for adults across Texas. Every client leaves with an aftercare plan. Learn more about fentanyl addiction treatment at Promises DFW.
Admissions and Insurance
Our admissions line is open 24/7, and same-day admission is often possible when a bed is available. Free, confidential insurance verification can help you understand your benefits. Coverage depends on your individual plan, medical necessity and prior authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I did not know I was using fentanyl?
Because fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs, some people learn they were exposed only after a drug test or an overdose. Tell our team what you believe you were using and share any test results you have, so your medical team can plan care based on the full picture.
Is fentanyl detox different from heroin detox?
The symptoms are similar, but fentanyl’s potency and how often it is combined with other substances can make withdrawal and medication planning more complex. That is one reason medical supervision matters.
Do I need to stop using before I call?
No. You can call admissions whenever you are ready, even if you are still using. There is no need to try to get through withdrawal on your own first. Be honest about what you use and when you last used, so the medical team can plan a safe start to detox.
Can a family member call for me?
Yes. Family members and friends can call admissions to ask questions and learn about options. The person seeking treatment will need to take part in the admissions process.
Get Help With Fentanyl Withdrawal
Reaching out is a strong first step. Call (469) 546-9303 to speak with our admissions team, explore insurance coverage, or contact Promises DFW online. In an overdose emergency, call 911.