Opioid Detox

Opioid Detox at Summit at Knoxville

The opioid crisis continues to cast a long shadow over communities in East Tennessee and across the nation. For individuals caught in the grip of opioid dependence, the thought of withdrawal can be terrifying, often presenting a formidable barrier to seeking help.

At Summit at Knoxville, we understand this profound challenge. Our medically supervised opioid detox program provides a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where individuals can safely withdraw from opioids under the constant care of medical professionals, laying a crucial foundation for lasting recovery. We are located at 1016 Ic King Rd, Seymour, TN 37865, serving as a critical resource for our community.

The Urgent Need for Opioid Detox in Tennessee

Tennessee has been hit particularly hard by the opioid crisis, with statistics revealing a grim reality:

  • Soaring Overdose Deaths: Between 2019 and 2022, Tennessee witnessed a shocking 90% increase in overdose deaths, totaling 12,538 lives lost.
  • Fentanyl’s Dominance: In 2022, fentanyl was implicated in 75% of all overdose deaths across the state, making it the primary driver of the crisis.
  • Knox County’s Struggle: Knox County alone recorded 519 drug-related deaths in 2023, with fentanyl and its analogues being the top drugs identified. Alarmingly, the 15-24 and 75+ age groups saw the sharpest increases in deaths.
  • Synthetic Opioid Threats: The landscape of opioid use is evolving with the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids. In 2023, 258 overdose deaths in Tennessee involved xylazine, with 100% of those also involving fentanyl. Nitazenes were involved in 92 overdose deaths between 2019 and 2023, often alongside polysubstance use.
  • Prescription Opioid Misuse: Despite increased awareness, 4.26 million opioid prescriptions were filled in Tennessee in 2023, contributing to the cycle of dependence and potential misuse.
  • Racial Disparities: The age-adjusted overdose death rate among Black Tennesseans surged by an alarming 185% between 2019 and 2022, highlighting severe health equity issues.

These statistics underscore the vital importance of accessible, medically supervised opioid detox services. Opioid withdrawal can be incredibly painful and distressing, often leading individuals to continue use simply to avoid these symptoms. A professional detox program ensures safety, manages discomfort, and prevents severe complications, offering a real chance to break free from the cycle of dependence.

Why Medically Supervised Opioid Detox is Crucial

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration but are universally unpleasant. They can include:

  • Severe muscle aches and bone pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Intense cravings
  • Insomnia and restlessness
  • Cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”)
  • Anxiety, depression, and agitation

While typically not life-threatening on their own, the intense discomfort and cravings associated with opioid withdrawal make relapse highly likely without professional support. Moreover, the presence of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and xylazine in the drug supply means that self-detox carries an even higher risk of overdose if relapse occurs, as tolerance decreases.

A man sits on a green sofa with his elbows on his knees, covering his face with his hands, appearing distressed or contemplative, in a softly lit room. A blanket is draped over the couch beside him.

Our medically supervised detox program at Summit at Knoxville provides:

  • Safety: 24/7 medical monitoring prevents complications and ensures your physical well-being.
  • Comfort: Medications are administered to significantly alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making the process more tolerable.
  • Support: Our compassionate medical and clinical team provides emotional support and guidance throughout this challenging phase.
  • Reduced Relapse Risk: By managing symptoms and cravings, professional detox helps individuals complete withdrawal and prepare for the next steps in recovery.

What Summit at Knoxville Offers for Opioid Detox

Summit at Knoxville’s opioid detox program is designed with your safety, comfort, and long-term recovery in mind.

  • 24/7 Medical Expertise: Our dedicated team of nurses and nurse practitioners provides continuous medical supervision. A physician, including our Medical Director Dr. Brian Fuller, MD (board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology), is available weekly and as needed to oversee your care.
  • Evidence-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Detox: We utilize medication management to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This may include the use of medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) to manage withdrawal and cravings, making the detox process smoother and safer. Dr. Fuller’s philosophy emphasizes using the lowest necessary doses of non-addictive medications to aid recovery.
  • Personalized Detox Plans: Each individual’s journey is unique. Our multidisciplinary team, including medical doctors, licensed therapists, and certified addiction counselors, collaborates to create a customized detox plan that addresses your specific physiological needs, substance use history, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition is crucial for healing. Our on-site chef prepares three nutritious meals daily, with community snacks available. We accommodate dietary restrictions communicated during the pre-admission assessment (PAA).
  • Integrated Care Continuum: Our detox services are seamlessly integrated with our residential treatment programs, all housed within the same facility. This allows for a smooth transition from medical stabilization into intensive residential substance use treatment, eliminating the stress and discontinuity of moving between different locations.

What to Expect During Opioid Detox at Summit at Knoxville

Your journey through opioid detox at Summit at Knoxville will typically follow these steps:

  1. Comprehensive Assessment: Upon arrival, you’ll undergo a thorough medical and clinical evaluation. This helps our team understand your specific opioid use history, co-occurring mental or physical health conditions, and overall health to develop a tailored detox plan.
  2. Medical Stabilization & Monitoring: This is the core of the detox phase. You will be monitored around the clock for withdrawal symptoms. Medications will be administered as prescribed to manage discomfort, reduce cravings, and prevent complications. Our team will adjust your medication regimen as needed to ensure optimal comfort and safety.
  3. Comfort and Support: Our compassionate staff understands the challenges of opioid withdrawal. They are there to provide continuous emotional support, reassurance, and practical assistance, ensuring you feel safe and cared for.
  4. Early Therapeutic Engagement: Even during detox, we believe in introducing foundational therapeutic elements. You’ll have daily therapeutic check-ins with clinical staff. After an initial 5-day blackout period focused on medical stabilization, monitored phone calls are permitted, and family calls are available every other day at 5:00 PM for 10 minutes, helping to re-establish healthy connections.
  5. Preparation for Next Steps: As your body stabilizes and withdrawal symptoms subside, our team will work closely with you on aftercare planning. The typical next step is transitioning directly into our residential treatment program, which provides the intensive therapy and support needed to address the root causes of addiction.

Beyond Detox: Building Lasting Recovery

Opioid detox is a vital first step, but it is not a standalone solution for sustained recovery. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires addressing the underlying psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors.

After successful detox, patients at Summit at Knoxville transition into our comprehensive residential treatment program. Here, you will engage in a structured therapeutic environment, participating in:

Accessible Opioid Detox in East Tennessee

Summit at Knoxville is committed to making effective opioid detox and treatment accessible to our community. We are strategically located near Knoxville, TN, and understand the unique challenges faced by individuals in our region.

We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including:

  • BCBS
  • Cigna
  • Ambetter (TN, GA, SC, AR, MS, MO, NH, OK)
  • Aetna
  • UnitedHealthcare (UHC, non-ACA)
  • Magellan
  • Humana
  • Optum
  • VA CCN (Veterans Affairs Community Care Network)

For those without insurance, we offer self-pay options at a preferred rate of $1,000/day, with flexibility to accommodate various financial situations. Our admissions team is available to assist you in verifying your insurance benefits and guiding you through the payment process.

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Take the Courageous Step Towards a New Beginning

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid dependence, don’t let the fear of withdrawal prevent you from seeking help. The compassionate and expert team at Summit at Knoxville is ready to provide the safe, medically supervised opioid detox you need to begin your journey to lasting recovery.

Reach out to us today. Call our main line at (423) 395-7600 to speak confidentially with our admissions team, ask questions, or start the admissions process. Your path to freedom from opioids and a healthier life starts with this courageous step.

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