Opiate Abuse Withdrawal Treatment and Care Options in Tennessee

Stats and Data on Addiction Withdrawal Treatment in Tennessee

Opiate addiction remains a significant concern in Tennessee, with data pointing to widespread heroin use and growing opiate overdose rates. The state has about 80 licensed office-based opiate treatment centers, indicating efforts to expand access to care. In Nashville alone, 34% of overdose-related emergency department visits in 2021 involved heroin.

Between 2017 and 2019, an estimated 19,000 Tennesseans used heroin annually. Overdose death rates tied to heroin more than doubled from 2016 to 2019, reflecting a worsening crisis. Emergency room data shows that 1.6% of patients reported heroin abuse, and 0.8% admitted recent use. These figures underscore the need for comprehensive opiate addiction treatment, detox support, and accessible recovery programs throughout Tennessee to address both immediate risks and long-term opiate addiction effects.

What Is Withdrawal Syndrome?

Withdrawal syndrome happens when your body has a reaction to the absence of a substance, like opiates, that it has become dependent on. This can happen when you reduce or stop using the drug, triggering various symptoms. Common signs of opiate withdrawal include muscle aches, anxiety, sweating, and insomnia.

These opiate withdrawal symptoms can be intense and uncomfortable, often making it difficult to quit without proper care. Managing withdrawal syndrome requires specialized care, such as supervised opiate detox support and medication-assisted treatment for opiate withdrawal. Understanding the symptoms and seeking professional treatment early can reduce your risk of relapse.

Medical Detox Treatment

Medical detox treatment is a crucial first step in overcoming opiate addiction. It involves safely managing withdrawal symptoms from opiates under professional supervision. With medical support, you can reduce the risks of complications during detox, making the process more manageable. If you’re struggling with opiate withdrawal, treatment at an inpatient detox center provides the foundation for a successful recovery.

Residential Treatment Programs

Residential treatment for opiate dependence offers a structured environment for intensive recovery from opiate addiction. You’ll receive around-the-clock care, opiate addiction therapy, and support so you can manage withdrawal and address the underlying causes of your addiction. This immersive setting provides the focus and stability needed for lasting recovery, helping you take essential steps toward a healthier future.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) provide a high level of care while allowing you to return home each evening. These opiate addiction recovery programs offer intensive therapy, medical support, and structured activities to help you manage opiate withdrawal and addiction. A PHP is ideal if you need comprehensive treatment but don’t require the 24-hour supervision of a residential program.

Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Programs

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and outpatient programs offer flexible treatment options for opiate addiction. IOPs and general outpatient programs allow you to attend therapy while continuing with daily activities. IOPs provide more structure and frequent sessions, while standard outpatient opiate withdrawal care is less intensive. Both options support you as you manage withdrawal and build lasting recovery skills.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs combine medication with therapy as you’re managing opiate withdrawal and coping with opiate cravings. Medications for withdrawal relief can reduce symptoms and your risk of relapse, making recovery more manageable. MAT supports your recovery by addressing both the physical and mental aspects of substance addiction and can be a vital part of your recovery.

Online PHP and IOP

Online Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) offer flexible, remote treatment for opiate addiction. These programs provide therapy, support, and medical care via virtual sessions, allowing you to receive treatment from the comfort of your home. Online PHPs and online IOPs are ideal if you need structured care but require more convenience and flexibility in your schedule.

Opiate Abuse Withdrawal Physical Symptoms 

When going through opiate withdrawal, your body can experience a range of physical symptoms as it reacts to the absence of the drug. These symptoms vary in intensity. Knowing about these physical effects is important for preparing yourself for the challenges of detox.

• Fatigue: You may feel extremely tired and low on energy, even after rest, as your body works to recover from the absence of opiates.
• Muscle Pain and Cramps: Muscle aches and cramps are common and often cause discomfort and difficulty moving around.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially at night, can happen as your body attempts to regulate its temperature during withdrawal.
• Headaches: Opiate withdrawal can lead to persistent headaches, which can range from mild to severe.
• Vomiting and Nausea: You may experience nausea and vomiting as your digestive system adjusts to the lack of opiates in the body.
• Diarrhea or Stomach Cramps: Your gastrointestinal system may react to withdrawal with diarrhea or painful stomach cramps.
• Tremors or Shakiness: You may notice your hands or other parts of your body shaking as a result of withdrawal.
• Heart Palpitations: Increased heart rate or palpitations can occur as your body undergoes physical stress during withdrawal.
• Appetite Changes: Loss of appetite is common, but some people may also experience cravings for certain foods or substances.
• Insomnia: Trouble staying asleep or falling asleep to begin with is a typical symptom as your body adjusts to the absence of opiates.
• Dilated Pupils: Your pupils may appear larger than usual as a result of opiate withdrawal affecting your nervous system.
• Runny Nose and Watery Eyes: These symptoms, similar to those you get when you have a cold, occur often.

Opiate Abuse Withdrawal Psychological Symptoms

During opiate withdrawal, you may experience a range of psychological symptoms as your mind adjusts to the absence of the drug. These mental and emotional effects can be just as challenging as physical symptoms, affecting your mood, thoughts, and behavior. Understanding these psychological symptoms will help you prepare for the emotional aspects of the detox process.

• Anxiety: You may feel overwhelming anxiety, often accompanied by restlessness and nervousness, as your body and mind struggle to adjust without opiates.
• Depression: Withdrawal can trigger feelings of deep sadness or hopelessness, making it difficult to stay motivated or positive during the detox process.
• Mood Swings: Rapid and intense mood changes are common, and you might experience feelings of anger, sadness, or frustration without clear triggers.
• Agitation and Irritability: You may feel easily frustrated or irritated, with a heightened sense of agitation that can affect your interactions and overall well-being.
• Drug Cravings: Intense opiate cravings are a hallmark of withdrawal, often making it difficult to resist the urge to relapse during this period.
• Paranoia: You may experience paranoia, feeling suspicious or fearful without cause, which can contribute to emotional distress and confusion.

Opiate Abuse Withdrawal Cognitive Symptoms

During opiate withdrawal, cognitive symptoms can affect your ability to think clearly and focus. These effects can make it harder to complete everyday tasks and may contribute to feelings of frustration or confusion. Understanding the cognitive symptoms of withdrawal will help you better manage the challenges during detox and know what to expect during opiate rehab in Tennessee.

• Confusion and Clouded Thinking: During withdrawal, you may experience difficulty concentrating or focusing, with your thoughts feeling unclear or jumbled.
  
• Memory Problems: You might struggle with memory, especially recalling recent events or remembering tasks, making everyday activities harder to manage.
• Hallucinations: In some cases, withdrawal can lead to hallucinations, where you might see or hear things that aren’t really there, causing confusion or fear.
  
• Poor Coordination: Physical tasks may become more difficult as you experience clumsiness or lack of coordination, affecting your balance or ability to move smoothly.

Opiate Abuse Withdrawal Severe Symptoms

Severe symptoms of opiate withdrawal can be overwhelming and may pose significant physical and mental challenges. These symptoms vary in intensity, but they often require immediate medical care to ensure your safety and comfort. Being able to identify the most severe symptoms can help you recognize when professional treatment is necessary.

• Seizures: Withdrawal can sometimes trigger seizures, which are serious medical events that require immediate attention. These can lead to injuries or further complications if not properly managed.
• Delirium: Delirium, marked by severe confusion and disorientation, can occur during withdrawal, making it difficult to stay oriented or recognize familiar surroundings.
• Severe Dehydration: Opiate withdrawal can lead to intense vomiting and diarrhea, which, if left unchecked, can cause severe dehydration, putting your health at risk.
• Hypertension: Increased blood pressure is common during withdrawal and can lead to cardiovascular complications if not properly monitored and treated.
• Fever: Withdrawal can cause a high fever, which, combined with other symptoms like sweating and chills, can be physically exhausting and dangerous if not managed appropriately.

Opiate Abuse Statistics in the Greater Nashville Region

• Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services reports the state has about 80 licensed office-based opiate treatment centers.
• In 2021, 34% of overdose-related emergency department visits in Nashville involved heroin, according to a report from the Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County.
• Between 2017 and 2019 in Tennessee, the annual average prevalence of past-year heroin use was 0.34%, affecting approximately 19,000 people, according to SAMHSA.
• In Tennessee, the age-adjusted rates for heroin overdose grew from 9.7 per 100,000 in 2016 to 25.8 per 100,000 in 2019, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.
• A Tennessee Department of Health survey revealed 1.6% of emergency room admissions reported having abused heroin at least once, while 0.8% indicated they had abused heroin in the 30 days before the survey.