Written by:

Nuno Albuquerque – Former UKAT Counsellor

Medically Reviewed by:

Last Updated:

February 3rd, 2025

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment | Fentanyl Rehab and Fentanyl Detox

Fentanyl addiction is an incredibly serious problem and it can lead to devastating consequences if left untreated. It can isolate you from your loved ones and leave you alone to struggle but there is help available if you are ready to make a change in your life. Fentanyl rehab provides the support and treatment needed to help you overcome your dependency on fentanyl and repair the destruction this awful drug can cause. At Recovery Lighthouse, we have helped many people on the road to recovery and we can help you too.

What is fentanyl rehab?

Fentanyl rehab is a specialised treatment programme designed specifically to help sufferers overcome physical and psychological dependence on fentanyl. It uses a range of therapies and holistic treatment approaches which enable you to identify the underlying causes and triggers for your dependency and address them systematically. This helps you develop better coping strategies for managing cravings and overcoming withdrawal symptoms which can be incredibly difficult to handle on your own and potentially even dangerous.

What are the benefits of fentanyl rehab?

Fentanyl rehab can provide numerous benefits including:

Gaining greater insight into the causes of fentanyl dependency
Reducing the risks of fentanyl overdose
Developing effective coping strategies for managing fentanyl cravings
Improving overall physical and psychological wellbeing
Helping to rebuild relationships with family and friends
Giving you the tools to cope with life without fentanyl
Improving future prospects for a healthy, happy life

Do I need fentanyl rehab?

It is crucial to start fentanyl rehab as soon as possible because there is an ever-present risk of overdose with fentanyl abuse. To help you identify that you need treatment, ask yourself these questions:

Have I started taking more and more fentanyl to get the same high?
Do I feel unable to stop using fentanyl, even when I try?
Do I experience physical withdrawal symptoms when I don’t take fentanyl?
Am I neglecting my responsibilities and relationships due to my use of fentanyl?
Do I take fentanyl without a prescription for recreation or to self-medicate?
Has my fentanyl use led to legal trouble or health problems?
Do I hide my fentanyl use from my friends and family?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then fentanyl rehab can help you begin the process of reclaiming control in your life and start down the path to recovery.

What are the options for fentanyl rehab?

There are two options available for fentanyl rehab: outpatient rehab and inpatient rehab.

Outpatient fentanyl rehab

Outpatient fentanyl rehab is when you attend regular therapy sessions while still living in your own home. This allows you to continue with work, studies and other daily commitments while still receiving the help and support needed to overcome your addiction. While outpatient fentanyl rehab may seem like the easier option, it is often less effective than inpatient treatment because it does not provide the immersive and supportive environment that inpatient rehab does.

Inpatient fentanyl rehab

Inpatient fentanyl rehab is when you stay in a residential centre for the duration of your treatment where you will have no access to fentanyl and will be shielded from the distractions of everyday life. Inpatient fentanyl rehab provides a safe, structured and supportive environment where you can focus on healing and get to know the staff and other clients. This is very important for effective fentanyl recovery because it provides the opportunity to build a strong support network which can be invaluable during and after treatment.

Inpatient fentanyl rehab at Recovery Lighthouse

Recovery Lighthouse provides various lengths of fentanyl rehab programmes to fit different needs, ranging from two weeks to twelve weeks. These programmes include a combination of different evidence-based therapies which have been proven to be effective in the treatment of fentanyl dependency including:

12 Step
Person-centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behaviour Therapies
One-to-one counselling sessions
Group therapy
Family group therapy
Mindfulness
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
Meditation
Music
Art

In addition to undergoing therapy to address the underlying causes, you will also need to complete detox to break your physical dependency on fentanyl, which we offer as part of your treatment programme.

What happens after you leave fentanyl rehab?

After you have completed your stay in fentanyl rehab, Recovery Lighthouse provides a comprehensive aftercare programme that is designed to help you stay sober. This includes weekly group therapy for a year which will help you during difficult moments when fentanyl cravings arise or you are struggling with any other aspect of recovery.

In addition to this, you will also be invited to join our Alumni Network which extends the sense of community and connection we foster in Recovery Lighthouse. You can get to know other people in recovery, attend special events and provide and receive mutual support.

How to prevent relapse after leaving fentanyl rehab

The first thing to understand is that relapses do occur but that they are not the end of the world. Relapse can be used as a lesson which will enable you to make important changes to your recovery plan.

The key to prevention is to be prepared for potential triggers and have a plan of action in place should they arise. Here are some effective relapse prevention strategies:

Identify the people, places and situations which trigger your fentanyl cravings
Maintain an open dialogue with your treatment team and family about your recovery
Attend aftercare therapy sessions and support groups such as 12-Step meetings and Narcotics Anonymous
Find healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety and other negative emotions without turning to fentanyl
Set clear fentanyl recovery goals and create a plan for achieving them
Stay fit and healthy through a balanced diet and regular physical activity

Tips for a successful fentanyl rehab

It is important to understand that you will only get out of fentanyl rehab what you are willing to put in. Recovery requires commitment, willpower and dedication but it is a journey that will be worth taking. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your fentanyl rehab experience:

1. Be honest at all times during fentanyl rehab

Honesty is essential for recovery as only by facing up to the reality of your addiction can you begin to make meaningful changes in your life. It is important to be open and honest about your feelings, experiences and progress with your therapists as this will help them tailor the treatment plan to best meet your needs. Remember that they have seen and heard it all so there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.

2. Take responsibility for your own recovery

Recovery requires a lot of hard work and dedication on your part. You must be willing to take responsibility for your own actions and make changes to ensure your success. One of the most important steps in 12-step recovery is taking responsibility and making amends for any damage you have caused to yourself and others. This can be a hard process but it is an essential part of the journey towards recovery.

3. Be open to new ways of thinking

In fentanyl rehab, you will learn about new approaches to managing dependency and cravings which may initially feel strange or unfamiliar. It is important that you keep an open mind and are willing to try new things as this will help you to get the most out of your fentanyl rehab experience.

4. Ask for help when needed

Recovery is not a solo journey and it is vital that you reach out for help if and when you need it. Whether it be from your counsellors or from family and friends, having a supportive network will help you to stay on track and give you the best chance of a successful recovery.

5. Focus on the present

Fentanyl recovery is a process that takes time so it is important that you focus on the present rather than worrying about the future or ruminating on past mistakes. Living in the moment and taking things one day at a time can help to keep you focused and motivated on your recovery journey.

The next steps

Get in touch with Recovery Lighthouse today to find out more about our fentanyl addiction treatment programmes. Our admissions team will be happy to answer any questions you have and discuss the treatment options available to you.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a typical fentanyl rehab programme last?

The length of a fentanyl rehab program can vary based on several factors such as the severity of the addiction, your unique needs and the type of therapies involved in the treatment programme. The important thing is to receive enough treatment time to effectively overcome the addiction and achieve long-term recovery.

What are the potential risks and side effects of fentanyl rehab?

Fentanyl rehab can have some potential risks and side effects, such as withdrawal symptoms, cravings, emotional distress, interactions with other medications and an increased risk if you relapse. That’s why it’s so important to have a thorough evaluation and careful monitoring by medical professionals during the rehab process to minimise these risks and ensure a safe and effective recovery.

Is fentanyl rehab a guaranteed cure?

There are no guarantees in fentanyl recovery but as long as you commit to fentanyl rehab, follow the advice of your therapists and medical professionals and take the necessary steps to change your life, you will have every chance of making a clean break from fentanyl dependency. Remember that fentanyl recovery is a process that only starts in rehab but continues for years afterwards so you need to stay dedicated and vigilant.