Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid between 50 and 100 times more potent than morphine. Sometimes prescribed to treat moderate or severe pain, just a tiny amount of this highly addictive drug often proves fatal. In recent years, the widespread prevalence of fentanyl throughout Florida has led to a dramatic increase in opioid-related overdose deaths. To combat increasing rates of fentanyl addiction and overdose in Florida, The Retreat of Broward has developed an accessible and effective fentanyl detox in Pompano Beach, Florida.
For many, fentanyl addiction recovery begins with a short stay in an inpatient detox center. At The Retreat of Broward, our fentanyl detox center in Florida employs a team of compassionate, experienced professionals who help clients through a safe, pain-free fentanyl withdrawal symptoms while preparing them to take the next step on their journeys to long-term recovery. To learn more about how to detox from fentanyl in Florida, contact us today.
How Fentanyl Works and Why It Requires Medical Detox
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Fentanyl is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Tolerance occurs when you need a higher and/or more frequent amount of a drug to get the desired effects.”
When prescribed by a medical professional, fentanyl is commonly given intravenously as a shot. The synthetic opioid can also be prescribed as a patch, applied directly to a person’s skin, or in the form of tablets that are taken orally. Even when taken exactly as prescribed, fentanyl use can lead to the development of physical and psychological dependence. Once dependence occurs, a person must seek professional help from a specialized center that offers fentanyl detox in Pompano Beach, like The Retreat of Broward.
The Florida Fentanyl Crisis
Increasing rates of fentanyl addiction and overdose have particularly hard hit Florida. The Broward Sheriff’s Office published a statement that reads, “In Florida, Broward County leads the state in fentanyl-related deaths. In 2020, 798 people died due to accidental overdoses, with 611 cases involving fentanyl. That’s a staggering 72 percent increase in overdose deaths involving fentanyl from the year prior.”
Furthermore, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s 2021 Interim Drug Report states, “The most frequently occurring drugs found in decedents were fentanyl (3,210), ethyl alcohol (3,132), benzodiazepines (2,081). Occurrences of fentanyl increased by 11 percent (311 more), and deaths caused by fentanyl increased by 9 percent (243 more). Occurrences of fentanyl analogs increased by 50.5 percent (462 more), and deaths caused by fentanyl analogs increased by 40 percent (164 more).”
Clearly, fentanyl is responsible for the vast majority of overdose-related deaths throughout Florida. Fortunately, The Retreat of Broward is available to help. Our fentanyl detox in Pompano Beach, Florida, serves as the frontline of defense against fentanyl-related fatality.
Heal from Fentanyl Addiction Today
If you or someone you love is dependent on Fentanyl, call us now — we can get you into a safe detox quickly. Reach out to us today to get started.
Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
The Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) includes a list of criteria a person must meet to be professionally diagnosed with a fentanyl addiction (as well as other opioid use disorders):
- Using fentanyl in greater amounts than intended for longer periods than intended
- Repeated attempts to cut back on fentanyl use or quit entirely with limited or short-term success
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining fentanyl, using fentanyl, and recovering from its effects
- Experiencing a range of physical and psychological problems directly related to fentanyl use
- Experiencing an increase in risk-taking behavior facilitated by fentanyl use. For example, a person might combine multiple substances at one time or repeatedly drive while under the influence of opioid narcotics
- Neglecting activities that were previously enjoyed
- A range of personal consequences directly linked to fentanyl use. These problems could include interpersonal relationship problems and financial, legal, and health issues
- A physical tolerance for fentanyl is developed over time, meaning a person must use more of the drug to experience the desired effects
- Neglecting personal responsibilities and obligations
- Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops using fentanyl abruptly
- Physical and psychological fentanyl cravings
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?
Fentanyl’s effects wear off within hours, but the drug can remain in the body for days depending on factors like dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health. On average, fentanyl is detectable in urine for up to 3 days, in blood and saliva for about 1 to 2 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
It’s important to note that even after fentanyl is no longer detectable, withdrawal symptoms may continue, especially in cases of long-term or heavy use. That’s why a supervised fentanyl detox medication is so critical. At The Retreat of Broward, we help clients safely navigate the withdrawal process while the body clears fentanyl, providing round-the-clock support and clinical care every step of the way.
How Long Does Fentanyl Detox Take?
Detoxing from fentanyl is the first, and often the most physically demanding, step of the recovery process. Our medically supervised fentanyl detox in Pompano Beach, Florida, is designed to alleviate discomfort, reduce health risks, and provide 24/7 care. Here’s a general timeline of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms:
Day 1–2 (Early Withdrawal)
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose. Early signs may include anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, insomnia, and strong cravings. This stage can be overwhelming, which is why our clinical team is available 24/7 to provide comfort, medication support, and emotional reassurance.
Day 3–5 (Peak Symptoms)
This is when withdrawal symptoms usually peak. Clients may experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, abdominal cramps, and increased agitation. Our priority during this period is to manage symptoms safely and reduce discomfort using evidence-based protocols and attentive care.
Day 6–7 (Stabilization)
As symptoms begin to ease, clients often feel more physically stable and emotionally grounded. This stage focuses on helping individuals regain strength while planning for what comes next. Whether transitioning into residential care or outpatient treatment, we work closely with each client to prepare for the next phase of recovery.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
Even after the initial detox phase, some may experience lingering psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, or sleep issues. Known as PAWS, this stage can last for weeks or months. We address this with continued clinical support and aftercare planning to ensure clients are fully equipped for long-term recovery.
Medications Used in Fentanyl Detox
Detoxing from fentanyl can bring about intense physical and psychological symptoms, especially for those with long-term or high-dose use. To ensure safety and reduce discomfort, our medical team utilizes a carefully tailored protocol that includes FDA-approved medications proven to ease withdrawal symptoms and stabilize brain chemistry during the early stages of recovery.
These medications not only address the acute symptoms of withdrawal but also play a critical role in reducing cravings, preventing complications, and supporting emotional well-being throughout the detox process.
At The Retreat of Broward, medication-assisted care during detox may include:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone): A partial opioid agonist that eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings without producing the intense high associated with full opioids.
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid that may be used for clients with severe or prolonged opioid dependence, offering a more gradual detox process.
- Clonidine: A non-opioid medication that helps alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, restlessness, and high blood pressure.
- Supportive medications: Depending on individual needs, we may also use anti-nausea drugs, sleep aids, muscle relaxants, or anti-diarrheal medications to promote overall comfort.
In some cases, clients may continue receiving fentanyl detox medication as part of a long-term Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) plan to sustain their recovery journey.
Cost of Fentanyl Detox & Insurance Coverage
The cost of fentanyl detox varies based on individual needs, length of stay, and level of care. Fortunately, insurance can significantly reduce or fully cover these costs, including medical supervision, medications, and therapy. The Retreat of Broward accepts most major insurance providers and offers quick, confidential benefit verification to help you understand your coverage.
We accept:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Beacon Health
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Cigna
- Humana
- PHCS
- TRICARE
- Tufts Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare
Your Next Steps After Fentanyl Detox
For many, seeking fentanyl addiction treatment is a matter of life and death. Fentanyl addiction recovery looks different for everyone, as no two experiences with fentanyl addiction are identical. However, the most effective fentanyl addiction treatment programs typically take a multi-staged approach — beginning with medically monitored detox.
At The Retreat of Broward, we offer several effective treatment services as part of our comprehensive and highly individualized fentanyl detox in Pompano Beach. The services we offer include individual and group therapy, family counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), dual-diagnosis treatment options, and personalized aftercare planning.
Once a person has been deemed physically stable in a medical detox program, they will transition into the next appropriate level of care. For some, that looks like residential treatment. The Florida residential addiction treatment program provides clients with a safe and supportive living environment as they undergo full days of intensive therapy. The duration of residential programs depends on the unique clinical needs of each individual client.
Alternatively, a client might transition from medical detox into an outpatient treatment program. This could include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), or outpatient treatment. While a client is engaged in a fentanyl detox program, a personalized aftercare plan is developed. This plan always includes a transition into the next appropriate level of care.
What Should I Look for in a Fentanyl Detox Center in Florida?
Finding fentanyl detox in Pompano Beach, Florida, is often a straightforward process. For many, factors like location, health insurance coverage, and access to subsequent levels of care play a role in the decision. At Retreat of Broward, we are available to help potential clients find the best treatment options for their unique cases.
It is always a good idea to consider the following when looking for a reputable Pompano Beach fentanyl detox:
- Is the fentanyl detox program both licensed and accredited through the state of Florida?
- Does the fentanyl detox center offer dual-diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring mental health concerns?
- Does the detox center offer intensive therapy as well as medication-assisted treatment?
- What amenities are provided?
- Does the detox center work with most major regional and national health insurance providers?
How to Reach Our Fentanyl Detox Center in Pompano Beach
The Retreat of Broward is strategically located in Pompano Beach, Florida, with convenient access for individuals and families traveling locally or from out of state.
Our facility is just minutes from Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike, two of South Florida’s main highways, making it easy to reach us from surrounding areas such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, and beyond. For those arriving by air, we are located less than 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and approximately 45 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA).
Whether you’re driving in from nearby counties or flying in for treatment, our location offers a discreet, easily accessible environment where healing begins without delay. We also assist with travel coordination and admission planning to help make the transition into care as smooth and stress-free as possible.