Misusing fentanyl carries serious risks. Whether you first received a prescription for pain or began using illicit fentanyl, quitting takes strong support. Fentanyl detox often brings on symptoms that are more intense and onset faster than other opioids.
But recovery is possible. At Oak Grove Recovery in Westerville, Ohio, we believe healing begins with respect and continues with compassionate care. Our medically supervised detox programs are designed to keep you safe while honoring your dignity, listening to your needs, and guiding you with empathy as you begin this life-changing journey.
Fentanyl has become widely known in recent years because of its devastating impact on communities.
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid. It may be prescribed for severe pain—often after surgery or in cancer treatment—but it is also addictive.
Illicit fentanyl can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often mixed into other substances, such as counterfeit pills, heroin, or methamphetamine. Because of its potency, even a small dose can lead to overdose.
In 2023, fentanyl and other opioids were involved in about 70% of all U.S. overdose deaths. Early 2024 reports showed a 36% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths. Even with these improvements, fentanyl continues to be one of the greatest public health concerns because of its strength and unpredictability.
Fentanyl creates dependence quickly. Attempting to quit “cold turkey” often brings on severe withdrawal symptoms. Without professional support, these symptoms—both physical and emotional—can feel overwhelming. Cravings, in particular, pose a high risk for relapse and potential overdose.
Once someone stops using fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms usually appear quickly. Severity depends on factors like duration of use and tolerance levels.
Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but can be extremely uncomfortable. Because fentanyl masks pain, stopping use can cause discomfort to return rapidly—making cravings worse.
Fentanyl withdrawal tends to begin quickly and with more intensity than other opioids. Without 24/7 care, relapse can happen easily.
Short-acting opioids like fentanyl typically clear from the body in about a week to 10 days. Symptoms often come in phases.
Early withdrawal (8–24 hours)
Flu-like symptoms begin: runny nose, watery eyes, yawning, sweating, restlessness, and sleep difficulty. Cravings also start early.
Full withdrawal (24–72 hours)
Symptoms peak in the first three days: increased blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Many also experience agitation and intense cravings.
The first month
For those with a strong dependence, discomfort may linger for weeks. Symptoms become less intense over time.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
Some experience PAWS, which can last for months and include:
Inpatient (residential) detox is the safest environment for those with severe dependence, history of relapse, or co-occurring health issues.
What inpatient detox includes:
At Oak Grove Recovery, inpatient detox typically lasts four to ten days. Our care team provides peace of mind and a safe space to focus on healing.
Outpatient detox may be appropriate for those with milder dependence and strong support systems.
Outpatient features:
While more flexible, outpatient detox requires commitment and strong accountability. We do not offer outpatient detox at Oak Grove Recovery.
Rapid detox uses high doses of medications under sedation to quickly “flush” opioids.
At Oak Grove Recovery, we prioritize gradual, evidence-based detox methods to support both body and mind. We do not use rapid detox methods.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When paired with counseling and community support, it offers a whole-person path to recovery.
At Oak Grove, MAT plans are individualized, carefully monitored, and adjusted with your goals in mind.
Healing takes more than medication. At Oak Grove, we use a holistic approach to support mind, body, and spirit.
Detox is just the first step. Full recovery includes long-term support and whole-person care.
Some people are not ready to enter treatment. Reducing the stigma around getting help starts with reducing harm. These Ohio resources can help:
Many struggling with addiction also have a mental health condition. We offer evidence-based dual diagnosis support during residential treatment for:
After detox, the real healing begins. Our team at Oak Grove provides:
Recovery is ongoing. Structured aftercare helps you stay connected, prepared, and resilient.
Aftercare includes:
Using fentanyl, even once, can lead to overdose. Quick action saves lives.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to help you or a loved one start recovery. We accept Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans, ensuring treatment is accessible. Have questions? Call us at 614.324.8137 or reach out online.
Most people complete our detox program in four to 10 days. The length of fentanyl detox varies for each person, depending on factors such as frequency and amount of use, overall health, and any co-occurring health conditions.
Fentanyl withdrawal can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, it can even be life-threatening. It is important to seek professional medical assistance when going through fentanyl detox to ensure safety and a successful recovery. Our team of experts will closely monitor your progress and provide support throughout the entire process.
The use of Suboxone or Methadone during detox is a personal decision that should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Our team can provide information on these medications and their potential benefits, but ultimately the choice is up to you and your healthcare team. We are here to support your recovery journey in whatever way works best for you.
Jay Scott brings more than 16 years of leadership experience across healthcare and multi-state operations, with a strong focus on behavioral health and addiction treatment. As chief executive officer of Oak Grove Recovery, Jay is passionate about building systems that support both clinical excellence and operational efficiency. His background includes leading large-scale integrations, overseeing multi-site healthcare operations, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance patient care and organizational growth.
Jay is known for his servant leadership style and team-first approach. He believes strong leadership is grounded in humility, clarity, and courage, and he is committed to creating an environment where staff feel supported and patients receive compassionate, high-quality care. By balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational leadership he helps Oak Grove Recovery continue to grow while staying focused on serving our community.
