How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?

Phillip Wall
July 15, 2025
5:20 pm

Key Takeaways

Fentanyl Withdrawal Requires Clinical Oversight Due to Severity and Speed. Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid that causes rapid physical dependence. Withdrawal can begin within hours and often includes intense symptoms like anxiety, cravings, and gastrointestinal issues. At NorthStar Treatment, clients benefit from 24/7 clinical support to ease discomfort and manage risk throughout the detox process.
Withdrawal Unfolds in Predictable Stages Requiring Tailored Support. Fentanyl withdrawal progresses through early onset, peak, subacute, and PAWS stages. Each stage presents unique challenges, ranging from physical distress to emotional vulnerability. NorthStar offers targeted therapies, medications, and counseling to meet the evolving needs of each client during these stages.
Luxury Rehab Enhances Comfort, Safety, and Long-Term Outcomes. NorthStar Treatment combines medical excellence with a tranquil setting to provide privacy and dignity. Clients receive holistic care—including massage, yoga, and chef-prepared meals—alongside structured therapy and relapse prevention, ensuring a comprehensive foundation for long-term recovery.

Fentanyl is an opioid unlike most others. Extremely potent and fast-acting, it can create dependence quickly, even in people who begin using it for legitimate pain control. Once the body adjusts to its effects, stopping use can trigger a range of withdrawal symptoms that are both physical and emotional. These symptoms can appear quickly and intensify fast.

Fentanyl withdrawal is both intensely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous without proper medical supervision. Many people hesitate to seek help because they fear the symptoms that come with detoxification. At NorthStar Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, we specialize in making this process as safe, private, and dignified as possible. Our clinical team recognizes the complexity of fentanyl withdrawal and is equipped to provide 24/7 care in a luxurious, calming environment.

Detox looks different for everyone. Under medical supervision, In a luxury rehab environment, people can start recovery with comfort, safety, and peace of mind. At NorthStar, our personalized programs are grounded in clinical expertise. Each client receives a level of care that reflects their specific needs, lifestyle, and long-term recovery goals.

Recognizing the timeline of fentanyl withdrawal is essential for making thoughtful decisions about treatment. At NorthStar Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, we provide medically supervised detox in a setting designed for privacy, safety, and comfort. The right support makes recovery a realistic, long-term goal rather than some distant goal.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a man-made opioid that was initially meant to treat severe pain in medical environments. It is approximately 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl eventually found its way into illegal drug markets, usually combined with other drugs. Even small quantities can be lethal. Due to the potency, fentanyl addiction can set in very fast and be hard to stop without assistance.

When someone uses fentanyl, their brain adapts by altering the way it processes pain and reward. This adaptation creates a powerful physical dependence. When use is discontinued, the body tries to adjust so it can function normally in the absence of substances. This leads to painful and sometimes fatal withdrawal symptoms.

What Happens During Fentanyl Withdrawal?

When someone who has developed a physical dependence on fentanyl stops using it, the body reacts abruptly. Withdrawal begins once fentanyl leaves the system. Since it is fast-acting, symptoms can start within hours of the last dose. The severity and duration depend on many variables, including how long someone used the drug, the dosage, and any underlying health issues. That is why medically supervised detox is highly recommended for fentanyl addiction treatment.

During fentanyl withdrawal, patients typically experience:

Muscle aches and joint pain
Intense drug cravings
Anxiety and irritability
Sweating and chills
Gastrointestinal distress
Insomnia or disturbed sleep
Increased heart rate and blood pressure

These symptoms happen because the brain is trying to make changes to function normally on its own again, in the absence of the drug. The more prolonged and heavy the use, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms tend to be.

Stages of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Fentanyl withdrawal typically moves through several stages. These stages can vary slightly based on factors like how long the person has been using, their dosage, and overall health.

While each person’s timeline can vary, the process usually follows this general pattern:

Early Stage (6–24 Hours After Last Dose)

This is when symptoms begin to manifest. Anxiety, restlessness, yawning, and muscle aches are typically the first symptoms. Cravings also escalate very rapidly during this period..

Peak Stage (24–72 Hours)

This is typically the most unpleasant stage. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, stomach cramping, and emotional distress. Professional help is required within this period to prevent relapse or complications.

Subsiding Stage (4–7 Days)

Symptoms gradually decrease in intensity. However, depression, fatigue, and sleep issues may linger. Emotional support and medical supervision are still necessary

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

At times, symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disruption may persist for weeks or months. This period is widely different for each patient and indicates the importance of long-term therapy assistance.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

6–24 Hours: Symptoms begin
1–3 Days: Symptoms peak
4–7 Days: Physical symptoms decline
1–4 Weeks: Emotional and psychological symptoms may continue
1+ Month: PAWS may affect overall functioning and require ongoing care

Each person’s experience is unique. At NorthStar Treatment, we carefully assess your medical history and current health to tailor a detox plan that addresses both physical and psychological needs.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

Even after the last dose, fentanyl can remain detectable in the body for a limited time, depending on the testing method used:

Urine: 1–3 days (up to 72 hours)
Blood: Up to 48 hours
Saliva: Up to 48 hours
Hair Follicle: Up to 3 months

This timeline can look different for each patient based on metabolism, liver function, and if fentanyl was used alone or with other substances. Knowing this helps our clinical team monitor the detox process and respond appropriately to withdrawal progression.

NorthStar Treatment’s Approach to Fentanyl Addiction

We recognize that fentanyl addiction is unlike any other substance use disorder. That is why we have designed a treatment model that blends evidence-based therapies with luxurious amenities to foster healing from every angle.

At our San Juan Capistrano location, clients benefit from:

Medically Supervised Detox

Fentanyl withdrawal can be intense and, in some cases, life-threatening. That is why our detox program includes 24/7 medical monitoring, ensuring that every client receives immediate clinical support throughout the process. Our team uses proven protocols to reduce discomfort and help clients transition into the next phase of care with stability and confidence.

Personalized Inpatient Rehab

Our residential treatment program offers a fully immersive healing experience. Here, clients benefit from structure, daily therapeutic engagement, and a supportive atmosphere that promotes long-term recovery. Every treatment plan is tailored to each client’s needs, taking into account their mental health, medical history, and personal goals.

Individual and Group Therapy

Therapy at NorthStar goes beyond talk. It is strategic, focused, and trauma-informed. Clients work one-on-one with licensed clinicians to explore the root causes of addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build emotional resilience. Group sessions create a sense of connection and shared strength, helping clients realize they are not alone in the recovery process.

Luxury Environment Designed for Healing

Located in the peaceful surroundings of San Juan Capistrano, our addiction treatment facility blends clinical care with high-end comfort. Clients enjoy spacious private accommodations, calming outdoor areas, and holistic services that promote mind-body healing. Offerings include yoga, mindfulness practices, massage therapy, and chef-prepared meals, all curated to support overall wellness and personal renewal.

At NorthStar Treatment, every aspect of our care model reflects a commitment to clinical excellence, total privacy, and a recovery experience tailored to the whole person.

Healing After Detox

Completing withdrawal is a significant achievement. However, lasting recovery from fentanyl addiction depends on ongoing support, accountability, and effective therapeutic care.

Clients who transition into inpatient care after detox often report greater success in maintaining sobriety. This extended treatment phase allows for:

Trauma-informed therapy
Development of coping strategies
Rebuilding physical strength and emotional resilience
Stronger relapse prevention planning

At NorthStar Treatment, our clinical and wellness teams collaborate to ensure care extends beyond detox and into long-term healing.

Why NorthStar Is the Right Choice

Overcoming a fentanyl addiction requires more than willpower. It requires structure, compassion, and expert guidance. At NorthStar Treatment, we’re ready to offer all three in an environment that feels peaceful, private, and deeply respectful of your path to recovery.

The moment you step through the door, you are appreciated as a person with your own unique set of needs. We take pride in offering a level of care that meets our clients where they are and moves them forward with purpose.

Let Us Help You Move Forward

Fentanyl withdrawal is undeniably difficult. But it is also a turning point. With expert support, even the most severe symptoms can be managed in a way that sets the stage for long-term healing. At NorthStar Treatment, we are here to help you or your loved one move through withdrawal safely and with dignity.