Fentanyl addiction can become life-threatening before a person or family fully understands what is happening. Some people knowingly use fentanyl, while others are exposed through counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or other substances that contain illegally manufactured fentanyl without their knowledge.
Brooks Healing Center provides fentanyl addiction treatment in Tennessee for adults struggling with fentanyl use, opioid use disorder, physical opioid dependence, counterfeit pills, repeated overdose, heroin use, prescription opioid misuse, and appropriate co-occurring mental health or substance use concerns.
Located in Normandy between Nashville and Chattanooga, Brooks can provide medical detox, residential addiction treatment, medication treatment for opioid use disorder when clinically appropriate, evidence-based therapy, and continued care through our Partial Hospitalization Program and sober living program. Brooks’ current treatment model also supports buprenorphine-based options including Sublocade and Brixadi when clinically appropriate.
Today’s fentanyl supply is also more complicated than fentanyl alone. Counterfeit medications and illicit powders may contain fentanyl alongside xylazine, medetomidine, other synthetic opioids, benzodiazepine-like substances, stimulants, or other drugs. That makes individualized assessment especially important.
Table of Contents
Key Points About Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
- Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used legitimately in medicine but also manufactured and distributed illegally. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
- Most current fentanyl-related harm in the United States involves illegally manufactured fentanyl, which may appear as powder or counterfeit pills or be mixed with other drugs.
- Fentanyl addiction is treated clinically as opioid use disorder (OUD). Physical dependence and OUD are related but are not the same thing.
- Fentanyl withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable, but one of the greatest risks occurs if someone returns to opioid use after tolerance has decreased.
- Detoxification alone is not adequate treatment for opioid use disorder. Continuing care may include medications for OUD, residential treatment, behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and structured step-down care.
- Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder.
- Naloxone can reverse the opioid effects of fentanyl during an overdose. A suspected overdose should still be treated as a medical emergency.
- How Brooks helps: Brooks can provide fentanyl withdrawal management, residential addiction treatment, medication assessment and MOUD support when appropriate, evidence-based therapy, dual-diagnosis support, PHP, structured housing, and continuing recovery planning.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at a Glance
| Brooks Program / Level of Care | What It Provides | When It May Be Appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | Medical and clinical monitoring, withdrawal support, symptom management, medication assessment, and stabilization. | When physical dependence, significant withdrawal, frequent fentanyl use, polysubstance exposure, overdose history, or other clinical needs make structured stabilization appropriate. |
| Residential Treatment | 24-hour structured living with therapy, clinical support, recovery education, relapse prevention, and individualized treatment. | When continued fentanyl use is difficult to interrupt outside treatment or substantial structure is needed after detox. |
| Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) | Evidence-based medications that may reduce withdrawal, cravings, continued opioid use, and overdose risk. | When buprenorphine, naltrexone, or coordinated treatment involving another MOUD provider is clinically appropriate. |
| Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) | Intensive daytime treatment with therapy, medication management, recovery support, and increasing independence. | After residential treatment or for medically stable patients who continue to need substantial clinical structure. |
| Sober Living | Structured, substance-free housing with accountability, routines, peer support, and increasing independence. | For eligible individuals who no longer need intensive residential care but benefit from a structured recovery environment. |
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is used in controlled medical settings for severe pain and anesthesia, while illegally manufactured fentanyl is produced outside regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing and distributed through the illicit drug supply.
CDC describes pharmaceutical fentanyl as approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Illegally manufactured fentanyl may appear as powder, be pressed into counterfeit pills, or be mixed with heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances.
Illicit fentanyl may be encountered as:
- Powder sold as fentanyl or heroin
- Counterfeit oxycodone or Percocet-style pills
- Fake “M30” or “blue” pills
- Counterfeit Xanax-style tablets
- Counterfeit stimulant tablets
- Cocaine containing fentanyl
- Methamphetamine containing fentanyl
- Mixtures containing fentanyl and additional sedatives
- Products containing fentanyl plus other synthetic opioids
The appearance of a street pill cannot reliably tell someone what it contains. Brooks’ guide to counterfeit pills and fentanyl adulteration explains how tablets sold as prescription medications can contain fentanyl or other unregulated substances.
Fentanyl in Tennessee
Fentanyl remains a major overdose concern in Tennessee even as overdose deaths have declined from their peak. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services lists 1,624 overdose deaths involving fentanyl in 2024, compared with 2,270 in 2023 and 2,797 in 2022.
Lower overdose numbers are encouraging, but they do not mean the illicit drug supply has become predictable. Tennessee health officials have continued to identify emerging synthetic opioids and other substances alongside fentanyl. In March 2026, the Tennessee Department of Health issued a statewide warning after more than 30 fatal overdoses were associated with cychlorphine, a newly identified synthetic opioid.
For treatment purposes, the practical issue is that a person may not know precisely which substances they have been exposed to. Assessment needs to consider the whole pattern of drug use rather than relying solely on a street name or what someone believed they purchased.
What Is Fentanyl Addiction?
Fentanyl addiction is generally diagnosed and treated as opioid use disorder.
OUD involves a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. Someone may become physically dependent on fentanyl and experience withdrawal when use stops, but opioid use disorder includes a broader pattern involving impaired control, cravings, harmful consequences, or continued use despite serious risks.
Signs may include:
- Strong fentanyl or opioid cravings
- Using more often or in larger amounts than intended
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop
- Spending substantial time obtaining or using fentanyl
- Using fentanyl primarily to avoid withdrawal
- Needing opioids soon after waking
- Missing work, school, appointments, or responsibilities
- Continuing to use despite relationship problems
- Continuing to use despite medical consequences
- Giving up important activities
- Increasing tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal between doses
- Returning to fentanyl after an overdose
- Repeated overdose
With significant physical dependence, avoiding withdrawal may eventually become as important as seeking intoxication. Someone may continue using because the prospect of becoming sick feels overwhelming even when they genuinely want to stop.
Signs of Fentanyl Intoxication or Overdose
Fentanyl becomes particularly dangerous when opioid effects suppress the brain’s drive to breathe.
Possible warning signs of opioid overdose include:
- Being unable to wake the person
- Very slow, shallow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- Limpness or extreme sedation
- Pinpoint pupils
- Pale, blue, gray, or otherwise discolored lips or nails
- Gurgling, choking, or unusual snoring sounds
- Loss of consciousness
A severely slumped or bent posture sometimes described online as the “fentanyl fold” can occur during profound opioid sedation. The posture itself is not a diagnosis, but a person who cannot remain upright or respond normally should not simply be assumed to be sleeping. Brooks has a separate guide explaining the fentanyl fold and signs of dangerous opioid sedation.
What to Do During a Suspected Fentanyl Overdose
If an opioid overdose is suspected:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Give naloxone if available.
- Follow emergency-dispatch instructions and begin rescue breathing or CPR as appropriate.
- If the person does not respond or normal breathing does not return within 2–3 minutes, give another naloxone dose if available, following the product instructions.
- Stay with the person until emergency medical help arrives.
Naloxone can reverse opioid effects, including fentanyl-related respiratory depression. It is still important to call 911 because the opioid may remain active after naloxone begins wearing off, and other non-opioid substances may also be involved.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Repeated fentanyl exposure can cause substantial physical dependence. When fentanyl use stops or decreases, opioid withdrawal may include:
- Intense cravings
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle and bone aches
- Sweating
- Chills
- Goosebumps
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Yawning
- Dilated pupils
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Depressed mood
- A profound sense of physical discomfort
Withdrawal can feel severe even though uncomplicated opioid withdrawal is generally not considered inherently life-threatening in the same way severe alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be.
The clinical concern is broader than the withdrawal symptoms themselves. Dehydration, pregnancy, co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions, simultaneous alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, unknown adulterants, and rapid return to opioid use can all increase risk.
How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?
There is no reliable single fentanyl-withdrawal timeline that applies to everyone.
The course can depend on:
- Amount and frequency of fentanyl use
- Length of physical dependence
- Route of administration
- Individual metabolism and physiology
- Other opioids being used
- Alcohol or benzodiazepine use
- Stimulant use
- Previous withdrawal episodes
- Medical conditions
- Current medications
- Pregnancy
- Other substances present in the illicit product
The first several days can contain substantial physical symptoms for many patients, while cravings, sleep problems, anxiety, low mood, and other symptoms may continue after the most intense acute withdrawal begins improving.
Fentanyl’s pharmacology and the changing illicit supply can also complicate medication initiation, which is one reason treatment decisions should be based on clinical assessment rather than a rigid number of hours since the last dose. Reviews of fentanyl-era opioid withdrawal management similarly emphasize that fentanyl has complicated traditional withdrawal and buprenorphine-initiation assumptions.
Can You Detox From Fentanyl at Home?
Some people attempt fentanyl withdrawal at home, but the more useful question is whether a person’s medical condition, substance-use pattern, support system, and overdose risk make home withdrawal appropriate.
A professional assessment is particularly important when someone has:
- Frequent or heavy fentanyl use
- Severe physical dependence
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop
- Previous overdose
- Significant depression or suicidal thoughts
- Serious medical problems
- Pregnancy
- Alcohol dependence
- Benzodiazepine dependence
- Polysubstance use
- Possible xylazine or other sedative exposure
- No reliable person available to help
- Immediate access to fentanyl
- No continuing treatment plan
One of the greatest dangers can occur if withdrawal becomes intolerable, the person returns to fentanyl, and their opioid tolerance has already begun to decrease.
Medical Fentanyl Detox at Brooks Healing Center
Brooks provides medical detox in Tennessee at our Normandy campus for adults who need structured withdrawal management and stabilization.
Assessment may consider:
- What the person believes they have been using
- Whether counterfeit pills are involved
- Amount and frequency of fentanyl use
- Route of administration
- Time since last use
- Current withdrawal symptoms
- Previous opioid withdrawal
- Previous overdoses
- Previous naloxone administration
- Other opioids
- Alcohol use
- Benzodiazepine use
- Stimulant use
- Current prescriptions
- Medical history
- Mental health symptoms
- Previous medication treatment for OUD
- Possible exposure to xylazine, medetomidine, or other substances
The goal is not to complete fentanyl withdrawal as quickly as possible. The goal is to stabilize the patient, manage withdrawal and related risks, determine an appropriate medication strategy when indicated, and connect detox directly with treatment for opioid use disorder.
Brooks therefore does not need to promise a “rapid fentanyl detox” or a predetermined number of days. Fentanyl exposure, physical dependence, other drugs, medical needs, and medication-initiation timing vary too much for a responsible one-size-fits-all promise.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Fentanyl addiction is opioid use disorder, and medication treatment is one of the most evidence-supported approaches available for OUD.
The FDA has approved three medications:
| Medication | General Role in OUD Treatment |
|---|---|
| Buprenorphine | A partial opioid agonist that can reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings and support stabilization. |
| Methadone | A full opioid agonist used through certified opioid treatment programs to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings. |
| Naltrexone | An opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and requires an appropriate opioid-free period before initiation. |
All three are FDA-approved for OUD, although they work differently and are not appropriate in exactly the same circumstances.
Brooks may incorporate buprenorphine-based medication treatment into care when clinically appropriate. Available treatment planning can include daily buprenorphine products as well as long-acting medications such as Sublocade® and Brixadi®.
Brooks does not operate an opioid treatment program or dispense methadone for OUD. When clinically appropriate, Brooks may support patients already receiving methadone by coordinating with an outside provider.
Buprenorphine and Precipitated Withdrawal
Buprenorphine binds strongly to opioid receptors. If it is introduced while sufficient full-agonist opioid activity remains, it can displace those opioids and trigger rapid-onset withdrawal known as precipitated withdrawal.
Fentanyl has made this issue more complicated, but that does not mean people using fentanyl should avoid buprenorphine. Research continues to support buprenorphine as an effective OUD treatment while showing that initiation strategies may need to be individualized. Studies in fentanyl-exposed patients have found that precipitated withdrawal can occur but does not occur in most buprenorphine initiations.
Brooks provides additional information about fentanyl and precipitated withdrawal.
Residential Fentanyl Rehab
Detox addresses immediate physical stabilization. It does not automatically address the pattern that repeatedly brings someone back to fentanyl.
After withdrawal stabilization, clinically appropriate patients can transition into residential addiction treatment at Brooks. Staying within the same treatment continuum can reduce the disruption of completing detox and then having to find an entirely separate provider for the next stage of care.
Residential treatment may address:
- Cravings and relapse patterns
- Emotional regulation
- Distress tolerance
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and grief
- Shame
- Impulsivity
- Relationships and boundaries
- Environmental triggers
- Sleep and daily routines
- Medication adherence when MOUD is part of treatment
- Overdose-prevention planning
- Recovery support
- Planning for life after treatment
The goal is not simply to prevent fentanyl access while someone is inside a structured facility. Treatment should help patients prepare for the situations, emotions, relationships, environments, and access to substances they may encounter after leaving residential care.
Therapy for Fentanyl and Opioid Use Disorder
Medication and behavioral treatment are not competing approaches. They can address different parts of opioid use disorder.
Brooks’ individualized treatment plans may incorporate:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help patients identify connections among thoughts, emotions, cravings, triggers, and behavior while developing alternatives to automatic opioid use.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on skills such as distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can be useful when fentanyl use has become a rapid response to intense emotions or stress.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
For some patients, opioid use and trauma are closely connected. Trauma-informed therapy allows treatment to consider traumatic experiences and trauma-related symptoms without assuming that trauma explains every case of addiction.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy provides structured opportunities to work on emotional awareness, coping, communication, problem-solving, and relationships beyond traditional talk therapy.
Group treatment, peer support, relapse-prevention work, and recovery planning can also help patients build accountability and practice skills with other people facing similar challenges.
Today's Fentanyl Supply May Include Other Drugs
The current illicit fentanyl supply makes single-drug thinking increasingly unreliable.
| Substance or Combination | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Counterfeit pills | Pills made to resemble oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, or other medications may contain illegally manufactured fentanyl in unpredictable amounts. |
| Fentanyl + xylazine | Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative. Naloxone can reverse the fentanyl component of an overdose but does not directly reverse xylazine. Xylazine exposure has also been associated with serious skin wounds. |
| Fentanyl + medetomidine | Medetomidine is another non-opioid sedative. Reports have described complicated withdrawal involving severe autonomic symptoms in fentanyl-exposed patients. |
| Fentanyl + stimulants | Cocaine or methamphetamine may be intentionally combined with fentanyl or contaminated unintentionally, creating overlapping stimulant and opioid effects. |
| Other synthetic opioids | Nitazenes, cychlorphine, and other emerging opioids can enter the illicit supply without the person knowing exactly what they are taking. |
| Fentanyl + alcohol or benzodiazepines | Combining central nervous system depressants can increase sedation and respiratory risk, while simultaneous alcohol or benzodiazepine dependence can also complicate withdrawal. |
CDC advises that naloxone should still be given when xylazine involvement is suspected because fentanyl or another opioid may also be present, even though naloxone does not directly reverse xylazine.
Medetomidine has created additional concern. A 2025 CDC report described 165 hospitalized fentanyl-exposed patients in Philadelphia with suspected medetomidine-associated withdrawal involving severe hypertension and tachycardia.
Brooks has deeper resources on xylazine and fentanyl, medetomidine in the fentanyl supply, and combined drug intoxication.
Fentanyl Addiction and Mental Health
Fentanyl use can occur alongside depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma-related symptoms, grief, bipolar symptoms, sleep disturbance, and other mental health concerns.
The relationship can work in both directions. Someone may begin or continue opioid use partly to escape emotional pain, fear, stress, trauma symptoms, or insomnia. As dependence progresses, withdrawal, repeated overdose, financial strain, isolation, unstable relationships, and the consequences of fentanyl use can also worsen mental health.
Brooks can provide dual-diagnosis treatment for appropriate co-occurring mental health needs that can be safely managed within our addiction-treatment environment.
Partial Hospitalization and Continued Recovery
Residential treatment is not necessarily the final step.
Brooks’ Partial Hospitalization Program provides intensive daytime clinical treatment while allowing patients to begin taking on greater independence. PHP can include therapy, medication management, relapse-prevention work, recovery education, and continued support for appropriate co-occurring mental health needs.
Eligible patients who need a structured living environment while participating in PHP may use Brooks’ supportive housing in Tullahoma.
For individuals who no longer need intensive clinical treatment but still benefit from structure, Brooks’ sober living program provides substance-free housing, peer accountability, healthy routines, and increasing independence.
For someone receiving buprenorphine or another appropriate MOUD, continuing medication without unnecessary disruption can also be an important part of the transition out of residential treatment.
Why Choose Brooks for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Tennessee?
Brooks Healing Center provides a connected fentanyl and opioid treatment continuum from our 36-acre campus at 1100 Cortner Road in Normandy, Tennessee, between Nashville and Chattanooga.
Someone entering treatment for fentanyl use may begin with medical stabilization and detox, transition into residential treatment, incorporate medications for opioid use disorder when clinically appropriate, and later move into PHP, supportive housing, sober living, and continued recovery planning.
Brooks’ fentanyl treatment continuum can include:
- Medical fentanyl detox and stabilization
- Residential addiction treatment
- Medications for opioid use disorder when clinically appropriate
- Buprenorphine-based treatment
- Sublocade and Brixadi when appropriate
- Individual and group therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Trauma-informed treatment
- Experiential therapy
- Treatment for appropriate co-occurring mental health needs
- Overdose-prevention planning
- Naloxone education
- Relapse-prevention planning
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Supportive housing
- Sober living
- Continuing recovery planning
Brooks is accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. View Brooks’ current credentials and licensure.
For patients coming from Davidson County, Brooks also provides a dedicated guide to drug and alcohol treatment for Nashville residents rather than representing the Normandy campus as though it were physically located inside Nashville.
Does Insurance Cover Fentanyl Rehab?
Many commercial health insurance plans provide benefits for substance use disorder treatment, although coverage varies according to the individual policy, network status, medical necessity, recommended level of care, deductible, coinsurance, and authorization requirements.
Brooks’ admissions team can verify your insurance benefits before treatment begins and explain the information provided by your insurer.
Insurance verification is not a guarantee of payment, but it can help patients and families understand what benefits may be available before admission.
Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction in Tennessee
Fentanyl addiction does not have to reach another overdose before treatment becomes appropriate. Withdrawal between doses, escalating use, counterfeit-pill use, repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop, using primarily to avoid becoming sick, or surviving a previous overdose are all reasons to consider an assessment.
Brooks Healing Center provides a connected fentanyl treatment pathway that can include medical detox, residential treatment, medications for opioid use disorder, evidence-based therapy, dual-diagnosis support, PHP, supportive housing, sober living, and continued recovery planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Is fentanyl addictive?
Yes. Fentanyl is an opioid and can cause tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, cravings, and opioid use disorder. Illicit fentanyl may be used frequently throughout the day because of dependence and the desire to prevent withdrawal.
Is fentanyl stronger than heroin?
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. The actual risk of an illicit product cannot be predicted only from the drug name because concentration and additional ingredients may vary.
Is fentanyl addiction considered opioid use disorder?
Yes. Clinically, problematic fentanyl use is treated as opioid use disorder. “Fentanyl addiction” remains useful everyday language for patients and families searching for help.
Does Brooks provide fentanyl detox?
Yes. Brooks provides medical detox at our licensed Normandy, Tennessee campus for clinically appropriate adults withdrawing from fentanyl and other substances.
Is fentanyl withdrawal dangerous?
Uncomplicated opioid withdrawal is usually not considered inherently life-threatening for a medically stable adult, but complications can occur. Dehydration, pregnancy, co-occurring medical or psychiatric problems, additional substances, alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, and rapid return to fentanyl can increase risk.
How long does fentanyl withdrawal last?
There is no universal timeline. The most intense physical symptoms often occur early in withdrawal, while cravings, sleep disturbance, anxiety, low mood, and other symptoms may persist longer. Frequency of fentanyl use, physical dependence, other drugs, health conditions, and individual physiology can all change the course.
Can I detox from fentanyl at home?
Some people attempt it, but professional assessment becomes especially important with frequent fentanyl use, previous overdose, repeated unsuccessful withdrawal attempts, polysubstance use, significant medical or mental health needs, pregnancy, or alcohol or benzodiazepine dependence.
What medications are used for fentanyl addiction?
Because fentanyl addiction is opioid use disorder, the FDA-approved medications are buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Which medication is appropriate depends on clinical circumstances.
Does Suboxone work for fentanyl addiction?
Buprenorphine, the primary OUD medication in Suboxone, is an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder involving fentanyl. Fentanyl can make medication initiation more complex for some patients, so treatment should be individualized rather than based solely on a generalized online timeline.
Does Brooks provide Sublocade or Brixadi?
Brooks supports buprenorphine-based medication treatment when clinically appropriate, including long-acting options such as Sublocade and Brixadi as part of an individualized treatment plan.
Does Brooks provide methadone?
Brooks does not operate a federally certified opioid treatment program and does not dispense methadone for OUD. When appropriate, Brooks may coordinate care for patients already receiving methadone through an outside provider.
What is precipitated withdrawal?
Precipitated withdrawal is rapid opioid withdrawal that can occur when a medication such as buprenorphine is introduced while sufficient full-agonist opioid activity remains. Fentanyl has made the timing of some buprenorphine initiations more complicated, but precipitated withdrawal does not occur in most patients who receive buprenorphine.
Can Narcan reverse fentanyl?
Yes. Naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, can reverse the opioid effects of fentanyl and restore breathing. Call 911 during every suspected overdose even when someone responds to naloxone. If the person does not respond or normal breathing does not return within 2–3 minutes, give another dose if available, following product instructions. Begin rescue breathing or CPR as appropriate and follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions.
Does Narcan work on xylazine?
Naloxone does not directly reverse xylazine because xylazine is not an opioid. However, xylazine is frequently found alongside fentanyl, so naloxone should still be given during a suspected overdose to reverse any opioid component.
What are fentanyl-laced or counterfeit pills?
Counterfeit pills are illicit tablets made to look like prescription medications but containing different or unknown ingredients. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is commonly found in counterfeit pills resembling medications such as oxycodone or Xanax.
Can cocaine or methamphetamine contain fentanyl?
Yes. CDC reports that illegally manufactured fentanyl can be mixed with substances including cocaine and methamphetamine, meaning opioid exposure can occur even when someone did not intentionally seek an opioid.
Can someone overdose after completing fentanyl detox?
Yes. Opioid tolerance can decrease after a period without fentanyl. Returning to an amount someone previously tolerated can therefore cause severe respiratory depression or overdose. Continuing treatment after withdrawal is an important part of reducing that risk.
Does insurance cover fentanyl addiction treatment?
Many health plans provide benefits for substance use disorder treatment, but exact coverage depends on the policy, level of care, medical necessity, network status, deductible, coinsurance, and authorization requirements. Brooks can verify benefits before admission.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, June 9). Fentanyl. Retrieved September 25, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/fentanyl.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Xylazine. Retrieved September 25, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/what-you-should-know-about-xylazine.html
Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Information about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Retrieved September 25, 2026, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/food-and-drug-administration-overdose-prevention-framework/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
Huo, S., London, K., Murphy, L., Casey, E., Durney, P., Arora, M., McKeever, R., Tasillo, A., Goodstein, D., Hart, B., & Perrone, J. (2025). Suspected medetomidine withdrawal syndrome among fentanyl-exposed patients—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 2024–January 2025. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 74(15), 266–268.
Tennessee Department of Health. (2026, March 18). TDH reinforces importance of naloxone with rise in cychlorphine fatalities. Retrieved September 25, 2026, from https://www.tn.gov/health/news/2026/3/18/tdh-reinforces-importance-of-naloxone-with-rise-in-cychlorphine-fatalities.html
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (n.d.). Fentanyl information and resources. Retrieved September 25, 2026, from https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/prevention/fentanyl.html
Thakrar, A. P., Christine, P. J., Siaw-Asamoah, A., Spadaro, A., Faude, S., Snider, C. K., Delgado, M. K., Lowenstein, M., Kampman, K., Perrone, J., Nelson, L. S., & Kilaru, A. S. (2024). Buprenorphine-precipitated withdrawal among hospitalized patients using fentanyl. JAMA Network Open, 7(9), e2435895.
Weber, A. N., Trebach, J., Brenner, M. A., Thomas, M. M., & Bormann, N. L. (2024). Managing opioid withdrawal symptoms during the fentanyl crisis: A review. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 15, 59–71.