Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Washington and Oregon

Written by Jonathan Strum

& Medically Reviewed by Rachel Loukas, PharmD

Medically Reviewed

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This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. View our research policy.

Last Updated - 6/17/2022

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Fentanyl addiction is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that is difficult to recover from alone. Fortunately, fentanyl addiction can be treated at professional rehab facilities like The Recovery Village Ridgefield. Our evidence-based treatment services provide clients with the tools needed to avoid future fentanyl use and maintain lifelong recovery.

Fentanyl Treatment

Fentanyl addiction treatment typically begins with a medical detox program. During medical detox, a client naturally eliminates fentanyl from their system while receiving treatment for uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox programs include continuous monitoring and treatment by health care professionals. Medications may also be used to reduce cravings and other symptoms during detox. Detox should always be done with the guidance of a medical professional. Rapid detoxes and at-home detoxes are not recommended, as they can increase the risk of relapse and cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Medication-Assisted Detox

Medical team members may use different medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms during detox. Common detox medications include:

  • Methadone: Methadone is a long-acting opioid that can reduce withdrawal symptoms by activating the same receptors as fentanyl, essentially taking its place. Because methadone stays in the system longer, it can be given less frequently and helps block cravings for drugs like fentanyl.
  • Buprenorphine: Like methadone, buprenorphine acts as a substitute at opioid receptors, but it only partially activates them. For this reason, it is effective in mitigating withdrawal symptoms and less likely to cause euphoria.
  • Naltrexone: This medication works by blocking the effects of fentanyl and other opioids at opioid receptors. Naltrexone rapidly reverses an opioid’s effects, so it is not a good standalone option in early detox because it would cause immediate withdrawal symptoms. However, once someone has gone through a complete detox, naltrexone can help to reduce cravings and block the effects of any further opioid use.
  • Suboxone: Suboxone is a combination product containing buprenorphine and naloxone. This combination has the advantage of helping reduce withdrawal symptoms while also blocking any pleasurable effects from opioids like fentanyl.
  • Clonidine: Clonidine is a medication used to lower blood pressure. It can help relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal, such as anxiety, restlessness and irritability.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Options

After the detox process is complete, clients typically transition to inpatient or outpatient care to learn how to maintain sobriety and avoid relapse. In these settings, treatment often includes individual and group therapy, counseling, peer support meetings and more. A type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to help change potentially negative behaviors associated with fentanyl use. Therapy also aids in building coping mechanisms to avoid returning to fentanyl use.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Fentanyl addiction treatment may be either inpatient or outpatient. Inpatient treatment involves checking into a rehab center and staying there for several days, weeks or even months in some cases. Inpatient treatment allows for more intensive therapies and separates people from an environment that may increase their risk of relapsing. Inpatient settings remove the availability of addictive substances, helping clients focus solely on their recovery during treatment. Clients in outpatient treatment visit the rehab facility to engage in therapy and receive ongoing care. Outside of these visits, clients carry on with their typical activities of day-to-day life. Outpatient treatment is less disruptive to a person’s schedule, but it does not have the same level of monitoring that inpatient treatment does. Outpatient treatment also does remove clients from their environments, which can impact recovery if a client has an unsupportive living situation. Inpatient treatment is usually recommended for people who have more than a mild addiction to fentanyl or are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Outpatient treatment is often used as a follow-up to inpatient treatment, but it can also be effective for people who do not require more intensive treatment and monitoring.

How Much Does Fentanyl Rehab Cost?

The cost associated with fentanyl rehab can be one of the most significant barriers faced by those seeking treatment. While the cost of rehab may seem daunting, options like health insurance coverage or private financing plans can help make payments more affordable.

Does Insurance Cover Rehab for Fentanyl Addiction?

The cost of fentanyl rehab may be greatly reduced if it is covered by an insurance provider. Many types of health insurance plans will cover some or all of the costs of rehab for fentanyl addiction. If you would like information regarding what is covered by your insurance provider, reach out to one of our helpful representatives or use our online insurance verification tool.

Finding a Fentanyl Treatment Center in Washington or Oregon

There are several important factors to consider when exploring potential fentanyl treatment centers. These considerations include:

  • The treatment approach used: Treatment approaches can vary from one rehab center to another. Some will only use one type of treatment, while others may offer a variety of options. When choosing a treatment center, it is important to pick one that offers programs that meet your individual needs.
  • The physical location of the treatment center: While pursuing treatment at a center outside of your city or state may seem logistically complicated, it can lead to a better outcome. Being removed from your environment is one of the important factors that helps inpatient treatment be more successful.
  • The background and reputation of the treatment center: Not all treatment centers offer the same quality of treatment. During your search, look for accredited and nationally recognized facilities; they will be more likely to provide a higher quality level of treatment. Researching reviews and success levels of treatment centers can also help provide perspective on the quality of a treatment center.
  • The support and follow-up care offered: While the time spent at a treatment center is important, it is also vital to understand the facility’s approach to follow-up care and support. Avoiding potential relapse and maintaining sobriety is crucial after treatment, and your rehab center should provide support throughout your long-term recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a fentanyl addiction, The Recovery Village Ridgefield is here for you. Our multidisciplinary team of addiction experts provides exceptional, compassionate treatment that helps hundreds of people find recovery each year. Contact us today to learn more about fentanyl addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation.

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