Fentanyl is a potent opioid that has been increasingly involved in overdose cases across the United States. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, you know how challenging it can be to break free. Understanding how long fentanyl stays in your system and recognizing the signs of withdrawal are essential first steps toward seeking help. At Washburn House, we provide specialized fentanyl addiction treatment to support you every step of the way. Contact our team online or call 855.298.3104 to start your path to recovery.
What to Know About Fentanyl and Your Body
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.1 When ingested, fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain and other organs, producing feelings of pain relief and euphoria. However, due to its high potency, even small amounts of fentanyl can be fatal. From 2019 to 2022, the number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. increased significantly, exceeding 100,000 in 2022 alone. Among these, deaths involving synthetic opioids, mainly illicitly manufactured fentanyl, saw a sharp rise, with nearly 75,000 overdose fatalities reported in that year.2
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?
The duration fentanyl stays in your system can vary depending on several factors, including your metabolism, age, body mass, hydration level, and liver function. Generally, fentanyl can be detected in:
- Blood – Up to 12 hours
- Urine – Eight to 24 hours after use
- Saliva – One to four days
- Hair – Up to 90 days
Fentanyl’s half-life—the time it takes for half of the drug to leave your system—is relatively short, around three to 12 hours. However, its metabolites can linger longer, making detoxification a prolonged process.
How Long Does Norfentanyl Stay in Urine?
When fentanyl is metabolized in the body, it produces a byproduct called norfentanyl. Norfentanyl can also be detected in urine drug tests, and its presence can indicate recent fentanyl use. The amount of time norfentanyl stays in your urine depends on several factors, including the dose and frequency of fentanyl use:
- Light users or less than two days per month) – Up to four days
- Moderate users or two to five days per week) – Up to seven days
- Heavy users or daily use) – Up to two weeks
It’s important to note that these estimates can vary from person to person. Factors such as liver function and hydration can also impact the detection time of norfentanyl in urine.
How Long Does It Take for Alcohol to Leave Your System?
Unlike some substances that can be detected for a longer time in your system, alcohol is typically metabolized and eliminated within a few hours. The average person can process approximately one standard drink per hour. However, weight, body fat percentage, and food consumption can affect this rate.
In cases where both alcohol and fentanyl are present in the body, alcohol can slow down the metabolism of fentanyl and cause it to stay in your system for a more extended period. This means that if you have consumed both substances together, it could take longer for fentanyl to clear out of your system.
Signs of Fentanyl Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as a few hours after the last dose and may last for several days. Here are some common signs of fentanyl withdrawal:
- Intense cravings
- Muscle and joint pain
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Sweating and chills
- Anxiety and agitation
- Insomnia
- Runny nose and watery eyes
These symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening, emphasizing the importance of professional medical supervision during the detox process.
How Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Can Help
At Washburn House, we understand that overcoming fentanyl addiction is not just about managing withdrawal symptoms. It’s about holistic care that addresses the root causes of addiction and provides tools for long-term recovery. Here’s how our treatment programs can help.
Medical Detox
Our medical detox program ensures that you go through withdrawal safely. With 24/7 medical supervision, we help manage symptoms and provide medications to ease discomfort.
Inpatient Residential Rehab
In our inpatient residential rehab program, you’ll receive comprehensive care in a supportive environment. Our experienced staff will help you develop coping strategies and address any co-occurring mental health issues.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
For those who need intensive care but also want to maintain some degree of normalcy in their daily lives, our PHP offers a structured schedule of therapy and activities during the day, allowing you to return home at night.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our IOP is designed for individuals who need ongoing support but have responsibilities that require their presence at home or work. This program provides flexible scheduling without compromising the quality of care.
Aftercare and Alumni Programs
Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave our facility. Our aftercare and alumni programs offer continued support through group therapy, individual counseling, and community events to keep you on track.
Therapeutic Services
We provide a variety of therapeutic services designed to meet diverse needs. Our individual therapy offers personalized counseling sessions to tackle specific challenges, while family therapy focuses on helping families heal and reconnect. Group therapy creates a supportive network of peers, and our trauma-informed care addresses underlying trauma that may contribute to addiction. We also offer 12-step programs and alternative approaches to support your recovery journey. For those managing co-occurring mood disorders, we utilize evidence-based behavioral therapies. Additionally, we incorporate mindfulness modalities to promote mental well-being and reduce stress.
Connect with Washburn House and Start Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Worcester, MA
Breaking free from fentanyl addiction is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Washburn House, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. From medical detox to long-term support, our programs are designed to help you reclaim your life. Contact our team online or call 855.298.3104 to start your recovery journey.
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