Opioid Withdrawal Treatment in Tennessee for Recovery

Statistics on Opioid Withdrawal Treatment in Tennessee

Tennessee offers opioid detoxification services at 59 treatment facilities. In fiscal 2022, over 10,000 people received opioid use treatment funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Additionally, changes in state regulations now allow providers to prescribe buprenorphine without DEA registration.

However, opioid withdrawal remains a significant issue, with 1.64% of hospital births linked to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. For patients, outpatient detox is a safe and cost-effective option for mild to moderate withdrawal, but inpatient detox may be necessary for people experiencing severe symptoms, medical conditions, or inadequate support. This highlights the importance of accessible, diverse treatment options and regulations that make opioid withdrawal treatment more available in Tennessee.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

PHPs offer intensive treatment for opioid dependence and withdrawal without requiring you to stay overnight. You’ll receive medical support, opioid abuse counseling, and help managing withdrawal side effects during the day, then return home in the evenings. PHPs are ideal if you need more structure than outpatient care provides but don’t require full-time residential supervision.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Outpatient Programs

IOPs and standard outpatient opioid rehab programs let you get opioid withdrawal treatment while continuing your daily responsibilities. You’ll attend scheduled therapy sessions and receive other opioid addiction help without a residential stay. These options work well if you have a stable home environment and want flexibility in your recovery plan.

Residential Treatment Programs

Residential opioid recovery programs give you 24/7 support in a safe, structured environment, ideal if you’re facing severe opioid withdrawal syndrome symptoms or need space to focus on recovery. At residential opioid rehabilitation centers like Freeman Recovery Center, you’ll receive medical care, therapy, and emotional support as you work through the detoxification process and begin opioid abuse recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs combine FDA-approved opioid withdrawal syndrome medication with counseling. These programs reduce cravings, ease opioid withdrawal syndrome symptoms, and lower the risk of relapse. Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction is a proven approach used in both inpatient and outpatient opioid treatment settings across Tennessee to support lasting addiction recovery.

Virtual/Online PHP and IOP

Virtual PHPs and virtual IOPs give you access to structured opioid withdrawal treatment from the comfort of your home. You’ll participate in therapy sessions, discuss medications for withdrawal relief, and receive ongoing opioid addiction recovery support through secure online platforms. These flexible programs are ideal if you need comprehensive care but face barriers to attending in-person rehab programs in Tennessee.

Opioid Abuse Withdrawal Physical Symptoms

When going through opioid withdrawal, your body will likely react with various physical symptoms. These physical symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe reactions, depending on how long you’ve been using opioids and how much your body has become dependent. Understanding these physical symptoms can help you know what to expect during the detox process.

• Fatigue: Withdrawal can cause extreme tiredness, making it difficult to stay alert or motivated. Your body is adjusting to the lack of opioids, which can lead to a significant energy drain.
• Muscle Pain and Cramps: You may experience sore muscles or painful cramps as your body reacts to the absence of opioids. These aches can range from mild to intense, contributing to discomfort during withdrawal.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating, often accompanied by chills, is a common physical symptom of opioid withdrawal syndrome. Your body struggles to regulate temperature as it adjusts to being without the drug.
• Headaches: Opioid withdrawal often leads to throbbing headaches, which can be debilitating. These occur as your body’s chemistry shifts in response to the absence of the drug.
• Nausea and Vomiting: As your digestive system reacts to the absence of opioids, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or both. These symptoms may contribute to dehydration and further discomfort.
• Diarrhea or Stomach Cramps: Withdrawal can cause gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea and stomach cramps. This is due to changes in your body’s ability to process food and manage waste without the influence of opioids.
• Tremors or Shakiness: Many people going through opioid withdrawal experience uncontrollable shaking or tremors, particularly in the hands. This can be a result of nervous system agitation as your body adjusts.
• Heart Palpitations: You might notice an increased heart rate or irregular heartbeats during withdrawal. This happens as your nervous system reacts to the stress of the detox process.
• Appetite Changes: Your appetite may fluctuate significantly, with some people experiencing a lack of hunger and others feeling extreme cravings for certain foods. This is a common response to the hormonal and chemical shifts in your body.
• Insomnia: Having difficulty sleeping is a common withdrawal symptom. You may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can contribute to overall fatigue and irritability.
• Dilated Pupils: Your pupils may become noticeably larger, a physical sign of opioid withdrawal syndrome. This occurs as your nervous system adjusts to the absence of opioids.
• Runny Nose and Watery Eyes: Opioid withdrawal often causes your nose to run and your eyes to water, similar to when you have a col. This is part of your body’s response to the abrupt change in drug levels.

Opioid Abuse Withdrawal Psychological Symptoms

In addition to the physical symptoms, opioid withdrawal also affects your mental and emotional state. Psychological symptoms can make the detox process even more challenging, affecting your mood, thoughts, and overall well-being. Recognizing these psychological symptoms can help you understand the mental strain you may experience during the recovery process.

• Anxiety: As your body adjusts to life without opioids, you may feel anxious or overwhelmed. This heightened sense of worry is a common psychological symptom, often triggered by your body’s chemical imbalance during withdrawal.
• Depression: Withdrawal can lead to feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Without opioids, your brain may struggle to produce feel-good chemicals like dopamine, leading to emotional lows and even a sense of despair.
• Mood Swings: Your emotional state may fluctuate rapidly, causing irritability or intense emotional reactions. These unpredictable mood shifts are a result of both the physical and psychological stress of withdrawal.
• Agitation and Irritability: You might feel easily frustrated or restless. The discomfort of withdrawal combined with your body’s struggle to regain balance can lead to heightened agitation and irritability.
• Drug Cravings: One of the most challenging psychological symptoms, opioid cravings can be intense and overwhelming. These urges are a normal part of withdrawal and may continue throughout recovery, especially in the early stages.
• Paranoia: Withdrawal can sometimes trigger feelings of suspicion or mistrust, causing you to question the intentions of others. This symptom can add to the emotional strain, especially when dealing with the discomfort of physical withdrawal.

Opioid Abuse Withdrawal Cognitive Symptoms

During opioid withdrawal, your cognitive functions may also be affected. Cognitive symptoms affect your ability to think clearly, concentrate, and make decisions. Understanding these cognitive symptoms will allow you to anticipate challenges during detoxification and emphasize the importance of professional support in managing these mental shifts as you work through recovery and tackle the long-term effects of opioid use.

• Confusion and Clouded Thinking: During withdrawal, you may experience difficulty concentrating or processing information. This mental fog is a common result of the chemical changes in your brain as it adjusts to life without opioids.
• Memory Problems: Short-term memory loss or trouble recalling recent events is common during opioid withdrawal. This happens as your brain’s cognitive function is disrupted by the absence of the drug.
• Hallucinations: In some cases, opioid withdrawal can lead to visual or auditory hallucinations. This can be distressing and may occur as your brain struggles to regain its usual balance without the influence of opioids.
• Poor Coordination: You might experience difficulty with motor control or balance, making tasks that require fine motor skills challenging. This symptom often arises due to the nervous system’s adjustment during the withdrawal process.

Opioid Abuse Withdrawal Severe Symptoms

Some opioid withdrawal symptoms can become severe and may require immediate medical attention. These symptoms can be physically and mentally overwhelming, and they can complicate your recovery if not properly managed. Understanding the most severe symptoms of opioid withdrawal can help you recognize when you need professional care to safely navigate detoxification.

• Seizures: In severe cases, opioid withdrawal can trigger seizures, which can be life-threatening. This occurs when the nervous system becomes overstimulated. Seizures require immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications.
• Delirium: Severe withdrawal can lead to delirium, causing confusion, disorientation, and an inability to focus. This symptom can be distressing and may pose risks to your safety if not treated by healthcare professionals.
• Severe Dehydration: Due to excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea, withdrawal can cause dehydration. This can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, which need to be addressed quickly through medical support.
• Hypertension: Opioid withdrawal can cause high blood pressure, or hypertension, as your body reacts to the stress of detoxification. Left untreated, hypertension may increase your risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Fever: A high fever is a possible symptom of opioid withdrawal, signaling that your body is struggling to adjust. This can lead to further complications. Your fever should be monitored carefully by medical professionals.

Opioid Withdrawal Statistics in the Nashville Area

• Fifty-nine substance use treatment facilities in Tennessee provide opioid detoxification services, according to SAMHSA.
• In fiscal year 2022, 10,080 people received services for opioid use funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
• Providers in Tennessee are no longer required to register with the DEA to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, according to the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service.
• In Tennessee, 1.64% of hospital births are cases of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, according to information from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
• Outpatient detoxification is a safe and effective option for people with mild to moderate symptoms of withdrawal, and it is generally more cost-effective than inpatient care. However, inpatient detox may be required for people with a history of severe withdrawal, underlying medical or psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, or insufficient support, according to an article in American Family Physician co-authored by Max Bayard, M.D., an assistant professor at East Tennessee State University’s Department of Family Medicine.