Building a Foundation of Support from Fentanyl Combined with Other Drugs with Knoxville Halfway Houses

Knoxville, Tennessee is a city in the eastern part of the state, nestled alongside the Tennessee River. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, with the Knoxville Museum of Art showcasing a collection that spans centuries and the Knoxville Civic Auditorium hosting a variety of performances. The city is also home to the University of Tennessee, with its sprawling campus and Neyland Stadium, a major venue for college football games. Nevertheless, beneath the celebrations in Knoxville and throughout Tennessee, there exists a significant concern that affects the community, addiction and abuse from fentanyl combined with other drugs.

The incidence of fentanyl-related deaths involving other substances has been a concerning issue in Knoxville, Tennessee. Between November 2020 and August 2021, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center (KCRFC) reported a total of 770 unintentional drug overdose deaths. Approximately 73% of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Knox County during that time frame tested positive for fentanyl. These cases included 192 fentanyl-only cases, 188 cases involving both fentanyl and methamphetamine, and 74 cases involving other illicit drugs.

Tennessee halfway houses extend its assistance to those grappling with overdose and addiction involving fentanyl combined with other drugs. Note that halfway houses in Knoxville serve as structured living environments rather than treatment centers. These facilities are designed to assist individuals transitioning into society after completing inpatient treatment or serving time in incarceration. By accessing appropriate resources and receiving support from peers and professionals, individuals struggling with substance addiction and overdose can embark on the path to recovery.

How many overdose deaths in Knoxville TN?

A drug overdose death occurs when someone takes too much of a drug, causing their body’s functions to slow down or stop working altogether. This can happen intentionally, or unintentionally. Opioids, particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl, are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the United States. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine are also becoming a concerning factor.

Many factors can contribute to an overdose, such as the type of drug, the amount taken, the person’s weight and overall health, if they’ve consumed other drugs or alcohol, and even how the drug was ingested (swallowing, injecting, snorting). Recognizing the signs of overdose and seeking medical assistance from professionals at trusted drug treatment centers in Knoxville to receive compassionate care and prevent fentanyl-related overdoses.

In 2018, 325 people died in Knox County due to a drug overdose. By 2022, Knox County experienced a 2% increase in drug-related deaths, totaling to 544, while Anderson County saw a notable 22% decrease, dropping to 66 deaths after experiencing a 67% increase in 2021. Combined, in 2022, Knox and Anderson Counties recorded a total of 10,067 deaths, with 610, or 6%, attributed to drug overdoses. 

The Drug Related Death Task Force in Knox County actively investigates overdoses to combat the opioid epidemic. Their goal is to hold drug dealers accountable when their trafficking leads to overdose deaths. This task force also gathers intelligence to fight this increasing problem across the country.

What are the five best Fentanyl combined drug halfway houses in Knoxville?

Knoxville halfway houses are an important resource for individuals recovering from addiction to fentanyl, especially when combined with other drugs. These facilities provide a structured living space after they complete detox or inpatient treatment. This is crucial for fentanyl addiction, which is highly addictive and carries a high risk of relapse.

Halfway houses provide a link between intensive treatment and independent living. They help residents avoid the temptations and dangers they might face upon returning home. Residents continue to receive therapy and support from addiction specialists, therapists, and support groups. This continued professional help is essential for addressing the underlying causes of addiction and developing strategies to prevent relapse.

Here are five halfway houses in Tennessee, that provide support for individuals dealing with fentanyl addiction:

1. Steps House Knoxville Transitional Housing: Offers a residential recovery program for men with substance abuse from fentanyl or other drugs. Their community-based, group living situation aims to break the cycle of homelessness and provides a structured course on recovery, life skills, discipline, and responsibility.
   • Location: 712 Boggs Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
2. Harbor House Inc: Provides gender-specific rehabilitation services in Memphis. Their program includes a 28-day residential treatment center, co-occurring disorder support, halfway housing, and aftercare services. They focus on individualized treatment plans and provide a safe environment for recovery from fentanyl combined with other drugs.
   • Location: 1979 Alcy Road, Memphis, TN.
3. Threshold Recovery: These halfway houses assist individuals transitioning from substance abuse treatment to daily life without drugs or alcohol. They provide a safe, secure, and healthy family environment for sustained recovery.
   • Location: 220 Richardson Ave, Murfreesboro, TN.
4. Turning Point Recovery Residence Inc: These houses offer a chance for early recovery to men and women through in-house support teams. They focus on providing a safe, supportive environment for sustained sobriety.
   • Location: 342 Valeria St, Nashville, TN.
5. First Things First: provides a safe, clean, and loving environment for men recovering from addictions like fentanyl or other substances. Their mission is to help men build a long-term foundation for recovery and independence. They offer a faith-based approach to healing.
   • Location: 4012 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN.

These Tennessee halfway houses offer different services and payment options, so explore further and find the one that best suits your needs. Seeking professional advice and contacting these facilities can help you find the best fit for your needs.

Can you smoke Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a very powerful synthetic opioid, much stronger than morphine. Smoking carries a high risk of overdose because it enters your bloodstream rapidly. This rapid absorption can quickly lead to dangerously slowed breathing or even respiratory arrest, which can be fatal. The intense high from fentanyl encourages continued use, leading to addiction. People who smoke fentanyl may find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependence.

There’s another layer of danger involved with illegally sold fentanyl. It’s often combined with other substances, making the exact dosage unpredictable. This unpredictability further increases the risk of overdose as you can’t be sure how strong the effects will be. Smoking fentanyl can also damage your lungs. The harsh fumes irritate and injure lung tissue, potentially leading to long-term respiratory problems. Fentanyl overdose can lead to coma, respiratory failure, and ultimately, death. 

Knoxville Halfway Houses Serve as Healing Havens of Recovery from Fentanyl Combined with Other Drugs

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s significantly stronger than morphine. It’s prescribed medically but also used illegally. The danger comes when fentanyl is combined with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA. This combination is highly addictive and increases the risk of overdose and death. Fentanyl’s addictive nature stems from its interaction with the brain’s reward system. Taking fentanyl triggers the release of dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure. This positive reinforcement drives repeated drug use, leading to addiction. Between 2019 and 2020, overdose deaths in Tennessee, including Knoxville, increased from 2,089 to 3,032 (a 45% increase). Fentanyl overdoses rose from 11.6 to 16.8 per 100,000 residents during the same period.

The statistics above highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address substance abuse, improve prevention measures, and provide support to affected individuals and their families. Tennessee halfway houses become essential resources for the concerning rise of overdoses, especially those involving opioids like fentanyl combined with other drugs. These facilities offer vital assistance to individuals on the path to recovery and prevent relapses. Raising awareness is crucial. Those seeking to overcome the grip of dangerous drugs mentioned can reach out to a halfway house in Knoxville to start their journey towards long-term sobriety and rediscover the joy of life.

Resources:

[1] Knox County overdose deaths – 6ABC Wate

[2] Fatal Overdose Victims and the Justice System – Office of the District Attorney General

[3] Increased Incidence of Fentanyl-Related Deaths – CDC