Trust SoCal Treatment Center

Fentanyl Addiction

Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for lasting recovery

Medically reviewed by Rachel Handa, Clinical Director — Updated February 1, 2026

What Is Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and has become the leading driver of overdose deaths in the United States. Originally developed for severe pain management in clinical settings, illicitly manufactured fentanyl now permeates the illegal drug supply and is found in counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Its extraordinary potency means that a dose as small as two milligrams can be fatal, and many users are unaware that the substance they are consuming contains fentanyl. Addiction to fentanyl develops rapidly and requires specialized, medically intensive treatment.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction is the first step toward getting help. Common indicators include:

Extreme drowsiness, confusion, or loss of consciousness
Pinpoint pupils even in low-light conditions
Significant respiratory depression, including slow, shallow, or labored breathing
Rapid escalation in opioid tolerance and needing increasingly larger doses
Possession of pressed pills, patches, or powders of unknown origin

Health Effects

1Fatal respiratory depression and overdose, the leading cause of fentanyl-related death

2Severe oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) causing permanent brain damage in non-fatal overdoses

3Profound physical dependence that develops within days to weeks of regular use

4Chest wall rigidity (wooden chest syndrome) at high doses, which can prevent breathing

5Cardiovascular complications including irregular heart rhythm and cardiac arrest

Withdrawal & Detox

Fentanyl withdrawal is similar to other opioid withdrawal syndromes but is often described as more intense and longer-lasting due to the drug's high potency and the way synthetic opioids accumulate in body tissues. Symptoms can begin within 8 to 24 hours after the last dose and include severe muscle pain, profuse sweating, uncontrollable diarrhea, vomiting, extreme restlessness, and overwhelming cravings. A complication known as precipitated withdrawal can occur if buprenorphine-based medications are started too soon, causing sudden and severe symptoms. Medical detox with careful, individualized medication protocols is essential for safe fentanyl withdrawal.

Treatment at Trust SoCal

Fentanyl addiction treatment at Trust SoCal requires careful medical management due to the drug's extreme potency and the complexity of its withdrawal. Our medical team uses specialized detox protocols, including micro-dosing strategies for buprenorphine induction, to minimize the risk of precipitated withdrawal. Long-acting injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol) may be offered after detox for clients who prefer a non-opioid medication approach. Comprehensive behavioral treatment follows, incorporating CBT, contingency management, and trauma-informed therapy. Given the high relapse and overdose risk associated with fentanyl, our program places strong emphasis on overdose prevention education, naloxone (Narcan) training, and robust aftercare planning.

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Key Statistics

Synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl, were involved in nearly 74,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2022.

Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, surpassing car accidents, suicide, and all other causes.

DEA laboratory testing found that 7 out of every 10 seized fentanyl-containing pills contain a potentially lethal dose.

Related Addiction Types

Heroin Addiction

Heroin is a highly addictive illegal opioid derived from morphine that produces an intense rush of euphoria followed by a prolonged state of drowsiness and relaxation. Because of its potency and rapid onset of action, heroin creates a powerful cycle of dependence that is extremely difficult to break without professional help. The modern heroin supply is increasingly contaminated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, making every use potentially fatal. Treatment for heroin addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses physical dependence, psychological patterns, and the social factors that sustain the addiction.

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Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction encompasses dependence on prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. These medications are highly effective for managing acute pain but carry a significant risk of physical dependence and addiction, even when taken as prescribed. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, producing pain relief and intense feelings of euphoria that drive continued use. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across the United States, and effective, compassionate treatment is more critical than ever.

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Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction encompasses the misuse of and dependence on any medication obtained through legitimate medical channels, including opioid painkillers, benzodiazepine sedatives, stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, and sleep aids like Ambien. Because these drugs are prescribed by physicians and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, many people underestimate their addiction potential and believe they are inherently safer than illicit drugs. In reality, prescription drug misuse is one of the most common and fastest-growing forms of substance use disorder in the United States. Treatment requires addressing both the addiction itself and the underlying medical condition that originally prompted the prescription.

Learn More

Recommended Treatment Programs

Medical Detox

A safe, medically supervised first step toward lasting recovery.

5-10 days

Residential Treatment

Immersive, structured care in a healing environment where recovery becomes your full focus.

30-90 days

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Integrated treatment that addresses addiction and mental health together, not separately.

30-90 days

Aftercare & Alumni Program

Recovery does not end at discharge. We walk with you for the long haul.

12+ months of ongoing support

Therapies Used in Treatment

CBTCognitive Behavioral Therapy DBTDialectical Behavior Therapy EMDREye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing MIMotivational Interviewing GGroup Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How does fentanyl differ from other opioids?

Fentanyl is dramatically more potent than other opioids. While heroin is approximately 2 to 3 times stronger than morphine, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent. This means the margin between a dose that produces a high and a dose that causes death is extremely narrow. Additionally, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often inconsistently mixed, making it impossible for users to gauge how much they are taking.

What is precipitated withdrawal and why is it a concern with fentanyl?

Precipitated withdrawal occurs when a partial opioid agonist like buprenorphine displaces a full opioid agonist from brain receptors, causing sudden and intense withdrawal symptoms. Because fentanyl is stored in body fat and released slowly, traditional buprenorphine induction timelines can trigger precipitated withdrawal even days after last use. Our medical team uses specialized micro-dosing protocols to safely initiate buprenorphine treatment and avoid this complication.

Can someone overdose on fentanyl by touching it?

Incidental skin contact with fentanyl is extremely unlikely to cause overdose based on current scientific evidence. Fentanyl is not efficiently absorbed through intact skin without the special formulations used in pharmaceutical patches. However, fentanyl can be absorbed through mucous membranes, and any contact with the substance should be treated with appropriate caution. The primary overdose risk comes from ingestion, inhalation, or injection.

Should my family have Narcan (naloxone) available?

Absolutely. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes. We strongly recommend that every family dealing with opioid addiction keep naloxone readily accessible and that multiple family members be trained in its use. At Trust SoCal, naloxone training is a standard part of our discharge planning process for all opioid-related treatment.

Is long-term recovery from fentanyl addiction possible?

Yes, though fentanyl addiction is among the most challenging substance use disorders to treat due to its potency and the intensity of cravings. Long-term recovery is absolutely achievable with comprehensive treatment that includes medical stabilization, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and sustained aftercare. Many of our alumni have successfully maintained long-term sobriety after fentanyl addiction.

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