Relapsing on Fentanyl? You Still Need Opioid Treatment

Home » Opioids » Relapsing on Fentanyl? You Still Need Opioid Treatment
Opioid Treatment

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Even after being sober for a while, fentanyl relapse is common and can be deadly.

  • For safety and recovery, it is often necessary to go back to an opioid treatment facility.

  • Intensive outpatient care and group therapy are examples of structured, ongoing support programs that provide continuing support.

  • Rehab must also deal with underlying problems like bipolar disorder.

  • To stay sober for a long time, you need to know the risks of fentanyl.

Introduction

You’re not the only one who has relapsed on fentanyl, and you can get help. A lot of people who finish rehab end up back on this potent opioid. But a relapse doesn’t mean you failed; it just means you might need a different approach. Joining an opioid treatment Chandler program can give you the help, medical care, and responsibility you need to start over on your path to recovery. Let’s look at how therapies, Fentanyl addiction rehab, and even an intensive outpatient program can help people who have relapsed.

Why Do People Often Go Back To Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. A person in recovery may go back to using drugs because of:
  • Not enough aftercare

  • Mental health problems that haven’t been treated

  • Social cues

  • Physical cravings because of addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that synthetic opioids like fentanyl caused more than 70,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2021 alone. Because street drugs are so unpredictable, even one relapse can be deadly.

What Should You Do Right After You Relapse?

The first thing to do is not to hide the relapse. Getting medical help right away can lower the risk of overdose and other problems. A professional rehab program for opioid and opiate addiction will:
  • Take another look at your recovery plan.

  • Address the underlying cause of the relapse.

  • Provide safe detox or stabilization.

  • If it’s right, give medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

It’s essential to receive care promptly. After you stop using opioids, the receptors in your brain become very sensitive. This makes it more likely that you will overdose on doses that used to seem “normal.” Programs offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) use FDA-approved medications—like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone—combined with counseling and behavioral therapy to support long-term recovery (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023).

How Can An Intensive Outpatient Program Be Helpful?

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured but flexible program to help someone who has relapsed. You live at home but go to therapy sessions several times a week, which is different from inpatient care. Some benefits are:
  • Daily check-ins to keep people accountable

  • Therapy to help you deal with cravings and triggers

  • Support from a group

  • Getting to the MAT and urine tests

Many IOPs in Chandler, Arizona, are made just for people who have relapsed on fentanyl. They often combine psychiatric care with regular addiction services. Intensive Outpatient Program

Why Is It Important To Get Dual Diagnosis Treatment After A Relapse?

Many people who use fentanyl also have mental health problems that have not been diagnosed or treated. If you have bipolar disorder, trauma, or depression, you need to deal with those problems to stay sober. Dual diagnosis programs combine:
  • Bipolar disorder treatment with medication management

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • Strategies for mindfulness and controlling your emotions

  • Family support and education

If you don’t take care of your mental health after a relapse, you are more likely to start using drugs again, especially if the drug is an opioid like fentanyl, which is extremely addictive.

What Does Group Therapy Do After Someone Has A Fentanyl Relapse?

Group therapy treatment programs offer individuals a sense of community and shared experience, which is highly important. Many people who are recovering from fentanyl relapse feel very ashamed or alone. Group work is helpful:
  • Make the relapse experience normal

  • Talk about ways to deal with cravings

  • Rebuild trust and a sense of connection

  • Give structure and accountability

People in group therapy often see things or patterns that they might not see in individual treatment. This level of understanding can mean the difference between a short period of abstinence and a long-term recovery.

What Makes Fentanyl So Dangerous After Detox?

Fentanyl Your tolerance to opioids goes down after detox or rehab. If you go back to a dose you used to take, your body might not be able to handle it, which could lead to an overdose or death. That’s why it’s essential for both recovering users and their families to know what fentanyl is, a dangerous opioid. The CDC says that fentanyl is now often mixed with other drugs like cocaine, heroin, or even fake pills. This makes it hard to find and easy to overdose on. This is where opioid treatment Chandler programs come in to teach you and keep you safe using harm reduction techniques, medication, and psychoeducation.

How Do You Know You’re Ready To Go Back To Treatment?

Being ready doesn’t mean being perfect. If you:
  • Feel scared or ashamed after using

  • Have mood swings or cravings

  • Have thoughts about quitting again

  • Want help and to be held accountable

…then you are entirely ready. A caring opioid addiction program will meet you where you are and help you get better one step at a time.

Conclusion

If you relapse on fentanyl, it may feel like your recovery is over, but in reality, it’s often the start of a deeper, more personal healing journey. You are not weak if you relapse. It just means that your current plan isn’t meeting your needs in some way. That’s why going back to a qualified opioid treatment center can make a big difference. Our evidence-based Opioid and Opiate addiction rehab program at Virtue Recovery Chandler can help you get rid of fentanyl for good. We offer trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment, and programs such as group therapy and intensive outpatient support to help you regain your stability. Call our supporting team today at 866-338-5779 and take control of your future.

FAQs

Is it common for people to relapse after detoxing from fentanyl?

Yes, relapse is common because fentanyl is so potent, and the brain wants it so badly.

Can I go back to the same treatment center if I relapse?

Most treatment centers are happy to see clients who have been there before and have new recovery plans.

Do I need to start detoxing again?

Maybe. A supervised detox is safe if you recently used fentanyl.

Does MAT help after a fentanyl relapse?

Yes. Drugs like Suboxone and Methadone can help people feel more stable and less hungry.

Can group therapy help me?

Of course. Many people find strength, accountability, and emotional healing in groups.

Can Group Therapy Programs Help Prevent Relapse in Fentanyl Treatment?

Can group therapy programs help prevent relapse in fentanyl treatment? Many experts believe that exploring group therapy for mental health fosters a supportive environment where individuals share experiences and coping strategies. This connection can reduce feelings of isolation and provide essential encouragement, ultimately enhancing the chances of maintaining long-term recovery.

Resources & Citations

author avatar
Gigi Price Clinical Director
Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master's degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership. In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston's Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.

Break Free from Addiction

Speak with Our Experts Now!

Call Us

Let's Begin Your Journey to Recovery Together

At Virtue Recovery Center, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing the compassionate care and expert guidance you need to start your journey to recovery. Don’t wait any longer to take control of your life. Contact us today, and let’s work together to create a brighter, healthier future for you. Your path to recovery begins with a single step – reach out now and find the support you deserve.

woman-thinkingpng
Scroll to Top