Fentanyl addiction treatment for teens and adults

Stopping fentanyl use safely almost always requires medical support, since withdrawal can be intense and relapse carries a high overdose risk, especially if tolerance drops during a period of not using. Treatment typically combines medication for opioid use disorder with behavioral therapy. Having naloxone (often known by the brand name Narcan) on hand is an important safety measure during recovery. Trying to stop without support is genuinely dangerous — professional help gives someone the best chance at quitting safely and sustaining recovery long-term.

Fentanyl is extremely potent, and illicit fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs without the user's knowledge, meaning someone can be exposed without realizing it. Because there's no quality control in illicit drug production, even a very small amount can cause a fatal overdose, and it's impossible to tell how much fentanyl a pill or powder contains just by looking at it.

Yes. Naloxone (often known by the brand name Narcan) can reverse an opioid overdose, including one involving fentanyl, and is available over the counter in most states without a prescription. Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs within minutes, though a negative result isn't a guarantee of safety, since strips may not catch every fentanyl-related substance. Both are widely recommended harm-reduction tools, especially given how often fentanyl is found in other drugs without the user's knowledge.

Call 911 immediately — a fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency. If naloxone is available, administer it right away; it can be given again if the person doesn't respond within a few minutes. Stay with them, try to keep them awake and breathing, and turn them on their side to prevent choking if they lose consciousness. Even if naloxone works and they seem to recover, they still need emergency medical care, since its effects can wear off before the fentanyl does.

Start with an honest, judgment-free conversation about what you're noticing and why you're concerned. Avoid ultimatums or shame, which tend to increase secrecy rather than openness. Encourage them to talk to a doctor or clinician, and consider keeping naloxone on hand given fentanyl's overdose risk. Let them know that treatment options — like Charlie Health's virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — exist for people ready to make a change.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a level of behavioral healthcare for people who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but don't require inpatient care. The goal is to help people manage mental health and substance use challenges while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. Our IOP is delivered to clients directly at home through a virtual platform. Each program runs 9–12 weeks and includes 10+ hours of care per week. That time is split across individual therapy and group sessions, with family therapy and psychiatry available when clinically indicated. Scheduling is flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to fit around school, work, and other commitments.

Charlie Health is in-network with more than 600 insurance plans nationwide, including most major commercial plans, TRICARE, and Medicaid in select states. Most clients (60%) pay $0 out-of-pocket. To verify coverage, contact the Admissions Team directly or fill out the online intake form.