Detox Guide and Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline: Drug Treatment Centers in Memphis, TN

Memphis, Tennessee, situated along the Mississippi River in the state’s southwestern corner, is renowned for its rich musical heritage as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. This vibrant city, with a population of over 630,000, is Tennessee’s second-most populous after Nashville. It is famous for its historic sites like the National Civil Rights Museum and lively culinary scene, especially its world-class barbecue. However, Memphis also faces significant challenges, including a persistent addiction problem that affects many of its residents, stressing the city’s ongoing struggle with health and social issues. The alarming report from the CDC reveals a dire situation in Tennessee, with a staggering 3,826 overdose deaths recorded in 2022 alone. Particularly distressing is the problem in Shelby County, home to Memphis, which accounted for 704 of these fatalities. [1]

In Tennessee, opioids were involved in 3,073 overdose deaths in 2022. The rise in these deaths is mainly due to illicit fentanyl. [2] Fentanyl is extremely potent, making it highly addictive. Its strong effects on the brain’s reward system make it difficult for users to stop, as they develop a physical and psychological dependence. Discontinuing fentanyl can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including pain, severe anxiety, nausea, and symptoms that are physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. These fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can drive individuals to continue using the drug to avoid discomfort. Over time, users develop a tolerance to fentanyl, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This increased use enhances the risk of overdose while also making quitting more challenging.

The detoxification process from fentanyl presents a formidable challenge, necessitating a nuanced and scientifically grounded approach. Memphis drug treatment centers are equipped with the latest medical strategies to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse safely. This typically begins with a medically supervised detoxification phase, where healthcare professionals administer medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or clonidine to alleviate the severe physical and psychological discomfort associated with fentanyl withdrawal. The fentanyl withdrawal timeline can vary significantly based on the duration and intensity of use but generally spans several days to a few weeks. During this critical period, patients receive comprehensive support, including hydration, nutrition, and counseling, to address the multifaceted challenges of addiction. This compassionate, patient-centered approach aims to restore physical health and equip individuals with coping strategies for long-term recovery, emphasizing the importance of continuous care from drug treatment centers in Tennessee.

How Many People Overdose in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, in 2021, the overdose death rate was 56.6 per 100,000 people, with a total of 3,813 deaths recorded. [3] In 2023, the Tennessee Department of Health received a $5.4 million grant from the CDC to continue supporting the Tennessee Overdose Prevention Week. This grant is part of the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action program and aims to boost the state’s efforts in tackling the opioid overdose crisis and reducing harm related to opioid use. [4]

The fear of painful withdrawal symptoms can keep people from seeking help or attempting to quit, leading to continued use and increased risk of overdose. For instance, fentanyl withdrawal can manifest as an acute and distressing syndrome characterized by severe physical discomfort, including muscle aches, gastrointestinal disturbances, profuse sweating, and extreme anxiety. These symptoms, which can begin within hours of the last dose and peak over a few days, are often described as intolerable, driving individuals to reuse fentanyl to alleviate their suffering. The psychological components of withdrawal—such as anxiety, depression, and intense drug cravings—further complicate the recovery process.

Without professional medical intervention, which typically involves the administration of medications like buprenorphine to mitigate withdrawal effects and reduce cravings, individuals are at a higher risk of relapse.

Unfortunately, many individuals express reluctance to seek professional help for addiction, often citing previous experiences with rehab and subsequent relapses as their reason. However, it’s essential to recognize that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that demands ongoing management, much like other chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Completing a treatment program is a significant step, but it’s just the beginning of the journey toward recovery. For sustained success, aftercare is crucial. Halfway houses in Memphis can help in this stage by providing a supportive environment where individuals can continue to heal and grow while maintaining their sobriety. These facilities help bridge the transition from intensive treatment settings to independent living, offering structure, support, and community.

How Do You Prevent Withdrawal Symptoms?

Opioid withdrawal can be challenging, but there are strategies to help manage symptoms and prevent relapse. Here are some specific approaches for preventing withdrawal symptoms related to opioids and fentanyl:

Tapering Off Gradually

Tapering involves gradually reducing the dose of opioids over time. This approach helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and allows your body to adjust more smoothly. Consult your doctor or an addiction treatment center to create a personalized tapering plan. Abruptly stopping opioids can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Tapering allows your body to adapt gradually, reducing the shock to your system.

Recognize the Stages of Relapse

Recognizing these stages helps you intervene before relapse occurs.

• Emotional Relapse: During this phase, you may not actively think about using, but your behaviors set the stage for relapse. Isolation, bottled-up emotions, anxiety, and poor self-care are signs.
• Mental Relapse: You’re torn between wanting to use and wanting to stay abstinent. Memories of positive experiences with opioids may resurface.
• Physical Relapse: This is when you start using again. It often begins with a single lapse and can lead back to regular use.

Identify Your Triggers

Knowing triggers allows you to avoid or manage them effectively.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: The discomfort of withdrawal can drive you back to using.
• Destructive Relationships: Avoid people who enable substance use.
• Reminders: Objects associated with drug use (e.g., pipes).
• Places: Locations where you used to drink or use drugs.
• Stress and Loneliness: Emotional stressors can trigger relapse.

Remember Your Reasons for Quitting

• Reflect on why you started your recovery journey.
• Recall the negative consequences of substance use.
• Focus on the positive aspects of a drug-free life.

Seek Support

Support makes the process easier and guides withdrawal.

• Professional Help: Consult your doctor or addiction treatment center.
• Self-Help Groups: Join support groups for encouragement.

If you’re also struggling with alcoholism, know that you’re not alone in this journey. Attending AA meetings in Memphis can be a transformative step toward achieving long-term abstinence. AA offers a supportive community environment where individuals can share experiences and gain strength from others facing similar challenges. 

Self-Care

Sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep each night.

• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Exercise: Engage in daily physical activity.

Everyone’s experience is unique, so consult a healthcare professional to tailor a plan that suits your specific needs. You don’t have to face opioid withdrawal alone—reach out for support and guidance.

What Is One of the First Signs of Withdrawal?

Here’s a comprehensive table outlining the typical timeline for fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. This timeline can vary based on the individual’s usage pattern, overall health, and whether they use other substances. The severity and duration of symptoms can differ significantly.

Time Since Last Dose	Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
6-12 hours	Initial symptoms may begin to appear. These can include muscle aches, anxiety, and a strong craving for the drug.
1-2 days	Symptoms peak in intensity. Individuals may experience severe pain, gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, increased heart rate, and trouble sleeping.
3-5 days	Symptoms remain but may start to decrease in intensity. This period may still involve abdominal cramping, shivers, sweating, and continued anxiety.
1 week and beyond	Most physical symptoms typically begin to subside, though some, like fatigue and depression, may linger. Psychological cravings can persist, requiring continued support and treatment.

 

It’s critical for individuals undergoing withdrawal to do so under medical supervision to manage these symptoms safely and effectively. Treatment professionals can provide medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and support the individual’s recovery through this challenging phase.

Supervised Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline: Memphis Drug Treatment Centers in Tennessee

As regulations tightened on prescription opioids in Tennessee, many people started seeking out illegal drugs like heroin. When heroin overdoses began to increase, the situation worsened as fentanyl, a synthetic opioid much more potent than morphine, became widespread. By 2019, fentanyl was involved in three out of every four heroin overdose deaths. Today, fentanyl is the leading cause of opioid-related overdose deaths, involved in more than half of all drug overdose deaths. [5]

Drug treatment centers IN Memphis offer supervised detox programs specifically tailored for individuals undergoing fentanyl withdrawal, a critical first step in the recovery process. These centers provide a controlled, medically supervised setting where withdrawal symptoms can be closely monitored and managed. The withdrawal timeline typically starts within hours after the last dose, with early symptoms including severe cravings and anxiety. Over the following days, individuals may experience peak and harsher symptoms. Professional healthcare providers at these Tennessee drug treatment centers administer targeted medications to alleviate these symptoms and reduce cravings, significantly improving the chances of a successful detox. Alongside medication, comprehensive support, including hydration, nutritional guidance, and psychological counseling, is provided to address the individual’s holistic needs. This structured environment not only ensures safety during the physically taxing withdrawal phase but also fosters a foundation for sustained recovery. Get the help you deserve today and start contacting professionals for help.

 

Resources:

[1] 2022 Drug Overdose Hospital Discharges in Tennessee TN (.gov)

[2] 2022 Tennessee Drug Overdose Deaths – TN (.gov)

[3] Drug Overdose Mortality by State – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

[4] CDC Grant Continues Support of Tennessee’s Overdose Prevention Week – TN (.gov)

[5] Opioid Overdose Deaths in Tennessee – The University of Tennessee System