Watching a loved one struggle with opioid addiction is a heavy burden. When they are ready to seek help, the detox process can feel overwhelming—for both of you. While you're ready to see them get clean so they can be healthier, trying to understand what they'll be going through and what is right for them can feel like walking through a maze. You might wonder how long it will take, what symptoms to expect, and how you can ensure they are safe and comfortable. Detoxing from opioids, including methadone or fentanyl, takes about a week for most people.
Opioid detox right outside of Denver—Colorado Medicaid accepted.
The challenge of detoxing from fentanyl and methadone
Fentanyl and methadone are both potent opioids, but they affect the body in different ways, which leads to distinct detox experiences. Fentanyl is a potent, often short-acting synthetic opioid. Methadone is a long-acting opioid often used to treat heroin or other opioid addictions. Both can cause physical dependence, making a medically supervised detox the best choice for safety and comfort.
Attempting to detox at home can be both difficult and dangerous. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms often leads to a quick relapse, which can be life-threatening because tolerance crashes soon after quitting. A professional medical detox program is a safe, structured environment where withdrawal can be managed with clinical expertise and compassion.
How long does fentanyl detox take?
Fentanyl is known for its rapid onset and short half-life. This means its effects are felt quickly and also leave the body relatively fast, leading to a quick but intense withdrawal period.
Typical fentanyl withdrawal timeline
First 6–12 hours:
Early flu-like symptoms begin to appear. Your loved one may have muscle aches, anxiety, a runny nose, and be restless. They might feel irritable and have trouble sleeping.
Days 1–3 (peak symptoms):
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak during this time, though they may peak between days three and five. This is the most challenging phase. Symptoms can include severe muscle and bone pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Intense cravings, anxiety, and depression are also common.
Days 4–7:
The most severe physical symptoms usually start to subside. Your loved one will likely still feel physically weak and emotionally drained. Cravings and mood swings can persist.
After week 1:
While the acute physical symptoms have passed, psychological symptoms can linger. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mood swings for several weeks or months.
Why isn't the timeline more predictable?
The exact timeline can vary based on factors like the type of fentanyl used, the duration of use, the amount used, and the person's overall health. Short-acting but potent fentanyl will have a different withdrawal pattern than extended-release fentanyl. Co-occurring mental or physical health issues can also prolong withdrawal symptoms. A full medical detox process, which gets someone stable and prepared for ongoing treatment, typically lasts about a week.
How long does methadone detox take?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid, meaning it stays in the body for a longer time than fentanyl. As a result, the withdrawal process starts later and lasts significantly longer, though the initial symptoms may be less intense than with fentanyl.
Typical methadone withdrawal timeline
First 24-48 hours:
Because methadone is long-acting, withdrawal symptoms may not begin for a day or two after the last dose. Early signs are similar to fentanyl withdrawal and include anxiety, muscle aches, and sweating.
Days 3–8 (peak symptoms):
Symptoms gradually build and peak during this extended period. Your loved one may experience intense cravings, depression, anxiety, body aches, stomach cramps, and severe insomnia.
Weeks 2-3:
The acute physical symptoms slowly begin to fade, but they can linger for weeks. Lingering symptoms often include fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
After 3 Weeks:
Similar to fentanyl, PAWS is common after methadone detox. Psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, and cravings can persist for months, making ongoing support and therapy crucial.
Detoxing from methadone is a prolonged process. Intensive support may be needed for longer, depending on someone's dosage and length of use. It might include tapering the dose in both a medical detox and an inpatient program, which offers more time in treatment. Most people in inpatient treatment at Sheridan Grove Recovery spend about 28 days.
Why is medical detox the safest choice?
The professional medical detox program at Sheridan Grove Recovery in Aurora, CO, provides critical support that is impossible to replicate at home.
- 24/7 medical supervision: Our licensed addiction professionals monitor vital signs and can intervene immediately if any complications arise.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Psychiatric providers can prescribe medications like buprenorphine or clonidine to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and make the process more comfortable.
- Nutritional and hydration support: Dehydration and malnutrition are common during withdrawal. Our experts ensure your loved one receives the fluids and nutrients their body needs to heal.
- A bridge to ongoing treatment: Detox is only the first step. We prepare our clients for the next phase of care, such as residential treatment, where they can address the underlying causes of addiction.
Get help for your loved one when they need it
We know that watching a loved one go through detox is difficult. We create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where healing can begin. Our experienced medical team uses evidence-based protocols to manage withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl, methadone, and other substances with compassion and dignity. Help is just a phone call away. We accept Colorado Medicaid and have 24/7 admissions counselors ready to help you now.
