Knoxville Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Transparent & Accessible Fentanyl Rehab Services in Tennessee

Some of the most commonly abused drugs are prescription pain relievers. Not only are they widely available and used by patients throughout the country for various conditions, but many contain addictive qualities that can lead to abuse if not regulated. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2.8 million people over the age of 12 admitted to misusing prescription pain relievers. One of the most powerful and dangerous prescription pain relievers is a synthetic opioid called fentanyl, which is frequently associated with brand names like Sublimaze, Actiq, and Duragesic.

If you or someone you love is addicted to fentanyl, you need the support of a professional facility to help you get clean safely. Tennessee Wellness Center offers in-depth fentanyl addiction treatment in Knoxville for individuals who either which to enroll in an outpatient program or a partial hospitalization program. We’re happy to speak more at length with you to learn about your concerns and discuss how we can help.

Contact our team online or call (865) 205-2770 to learn about our drug addiction treatment programs and how we can personalize them to meet your needs. Call today to learn more about fentanyl addiction treatment in Knoxville.

On This Page:

• What Is Fentanyl?
• Signs of Fentanyl Abuse
• How We Treat Fentanyl Addiction
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a type of opioid that is used to treat pain. Opioids are able to block pain messages that the body sends to the brain by attaching to receptors on nerve cells. As a result, doctors have frequently prescribed them to patients who are recovering from surgery, experiencing pain associated with aggressive cancers, and those who have chronic backaches and headaches, especially in the 90s and early 2000s. However, research throughout the years has shown that the risk of addiction to opioids is high, especially when they’re used over a longer period of time.

Fentanyl, unfortunately, is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Because of how strong it is, it often produces intense feelings of euphoria that can be pleasurable to patients and addictive. It can also lead to overdose when people develop a tolerance to the drug and take too much of it to achieve the same high. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl was involved in 59 percent of opioid-related deaths in 2017 alone. While legal fentanyl is administered through injections and lozenges, illegal fentanyl is typically distributed in powders, pills, nasal sprays, and eye droppers.

Signs of Fentanyl Abuse

Even small amounts of fentanyl can lead to addiction or serious complications. People who abuse fentanyl can become addicted in a manner of days. Though the opioid can produce a high, it can also produce symptoms that are less appealing, such as nausea, confusion, drowsiness, constipation, and unconsciousness.

If you’re unsure whether you or someone you love is addicted to fentanyl, you may want to consult the following signs of addiction. If any of these sound familiar to you, you may be abusing the opioid:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking fentanyl or go a period of time without using it
• Acquiring fentanyl illegally, such as by buying it off the street or stealing it
• Needing more of the drug to achieve the same high
• Abandoning your responsibilities to get high
• Risky behavior while on the drug
• Continuing to use fentanyl despite consequences such as overdosing

Despite some of the more immediate negative consequences of addiction, fentanyl abuse can also lead to severe long-term effects. One of the most dangerous effects is brain injury from oxygen deprivation, which is known as anoxic brain injury. Fentanyl can interfere with virtually every system in the body and lead to depression.

How We Treat Fentanyl Addiction

If you care about your loved one’s health or your own future, you need to seek professional help for fentanyl addiction before it’s too late. Fentanyl has claimed the lives of too many individuals who have accidentally overdosed, and even the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous.

At our facility, we offer nonjudgment treatment that you can access 24 hours a day through one of our programs. Depending on where you’re at in your addiction, you may qualify for our partial hospitalization programs or intensive outpatient programs, where you’ll undergo therapy, skill development, and relapse prevention.

Because we know recovery doesn’t end when our programs do, we can also give you aftercare resources and guide you towards valuable support groups. Asking for help for your fentanyl addiction can be hard, but it’s a necessary step you must take if you want to invest in a healthy and safe future for yourself and your family.

Long-term Effects of Fentanyl Addiction

Long-term effects of fentanyl addiction can be severe and include:

• Physical health problems: Organ damage, chronic pain, and increased risk of infectious diseases   
• Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)   
• Cognitive impairment: Difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making   
• Social and economic consequences: Job loss, strained relationships, and legal troubles

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Take?

The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of your addiction, your individual needs, and progress. Some people benefit from a short-term detox program, while others require longer-term inpatient or outpatient treatment. We work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your situation.

What happens after I complete the detox program?

Following detox, you'll transition to a more intensive treatment program like inpatient or outpatient care.  These programs focus on addressing the underlying causes of your addiction and developing healthy coping mechanisms to prevent relapse.

Can I still work or go to school during outpatient treatment?

Yes, outpatient treatment allows you to continue with daily activities while attending therapy sessions and support groups. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your work or school commitments.

How can I support a loved one struggling with fentanyl addiction?

Supporting a loved one with fentanyl addiction requires patience, understanding, and effective communication. Here are some tips:   

• Educate yourself: Learn about fentanyl addiction and available treatment options.
• Encourage treatment: Gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help.
• Avoid enabling behaviors: Avoid covering up or making excuses for their addiction.

What are the warning signs of a fentanyl overdose?

Warning signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Small, constricted pupils   
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Blue or gray skin color
• Choking sounds
• Loss of consciousness

Taking the First Step Towards Recovery

If you're ready to overcome fentanyl addiction, Tennessee Wellness Center is here to help. We offer a free and confidential assessment to discuss your treatment options. Contact us today to speak with a caring admissions counselor who can guide you on your path to recovery.

Dealing with drug addiction can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call us for fentanyl addiction treatment in Knoxville, Tennessee today at (865) 205-2770.