Examining the Severity and Progression of Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl Withdrawal: A Quasi-experimental Comparison.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has largely replaced heroin throughout the United States. Characteristics of fentanyl-specific withdrawal are not well understood compared to traditional opioid withdrawal. This study examines opioid withdrawal severity among 2 cohorts of study participants who underwent identical morphine stabilization procedures before and after fentanyl was introduced to the local drug market.

Methods

The Non-Fentanyl study (n = 103) included participants testing positive for non-fentanyl opioids, and the Fentanyl study (n = 30) included participants testing positive for fentanyl. Both studies completed a 7-day morphine stabilization protocol (30 mg subcutaneous, 4 times daily) and multiple daily self-report and observer-rated assessments of opioi

SUBMITTER: Sharma A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12429306 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar-Apr 01

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature