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Robin Campbell, LMFT, PHD The opioid crisis continues to affect families across Tennessee, and more people are becoming interested in opioid overdose prevention and scheduling naloxone training in their communities.
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Clinical Editorial Team
The opioid crisis continues to affect families across Tennessee, and more people are becoming interested in opioid overdose prevention and scheduling naloxone training in their communities. In Knoxville and across Tennessee, free naloxone training opportunities are available through local health departments, community non-profits, and state-backed specialists to distribute free Narcan kits, share brain science information about substance misuse, and help attendees learn how to administer naloxone during an emergency. These trainings are designed for the general public and do not require prior medical experience. Some events may additionally offer free pizza, open discussion, and easy ways to request training or contact ROPS for a future program planned through September and October.
Narcan training teaches Knoxville families how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, give naloxone, call 911, and stay with the person until emergency help arrives. Training also explains how opioids slow breathing, why fentanyl increases overdose risk, and why some overdoses may require more than one dose of Narcan. Families learn that naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose, but addiction treatment is often needed to address opioid use, relapse risk, and co-occurring mental health issues.
An opioid overdose happens when opioids slow breathing so much that the body does not get enough oxygen. The person may become unconscious, stop responding, or stop breathing completely. Overdoses can happen with fentanyl, heroin, prescription pain medication, or a mix of opioids and other substances.
Naloxone, also called Narcan, can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain. This can help restore breathing within minutes and give emergency responders more time to help the person. Naloxone only works on opioids and does not replace medical care or addiction treatment.
Narcan training matters because fentanyl has made opioid overdoses faster and more dangerous across Tennessee. Many people do not realize fentanyl may be mixed into counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, or other drugs without warning. Training helps families respond quickly during an overdose and understand how to connect a loved one to treatment after the emergency.
Opioids affect the brain by attaching to receptors that control pain, breathing, reward, and mood. They can create feelings of relaxation or euphoria, but they also slow breathing and reduce alertness. Repeated opioid use can increase tolerance, physical dependence, overdose risk, and mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Fentanyl is much stronger than many other opioids, which increases the risk of accidental overdose even in small amounts. It is often mixed into counterfeit pills or other substances without the person knowing. Because fentanyl can act quickly and suppress breathing fast, overdoses may require multiple doses of Narcan.
Before giving Narcan, try to wake the person, check for breathing, and call 911 right away if an overdose is suspected. During the overdose, give naloxone as directed and stay with the person while monitoring breathing and responsiveness. After Narcan is used, the person still needs emergency medical care because overdose symptoms can return after the medication wears off.
Knoxville residents can look for naloxone training through local health departments, pharmacies, harm reduction programs, community recovery groups, public health events, and the state’s public Naloxone Training and Self-Assessment module, an option that provides a certificate of completion after a brief quiz. Tennessee residents can also get naloxone through CVS under the state’s standing-order approach, which began in September 2015. Grassroots mail-based groups can also ship free Narcan directly to Tennessee residents without requiring formal training. Parents, partners, friends, roommates, first responders, school staff, and anyone close to a person using opioids should consider carrying Narcan. It can help save a life during an overdose while families take the next step toward treatment and support.
Opioid overdose remains a serious public health issue in Tennessee. State data reported 2,487 fatal drug overdose deaths in 2024, which was lower than 2023 but still high. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were involved in most overdose deaths in Tennessee, and alcohol use can raise overdose risk when mixed with opioids.
Short-Term:
Long-Term:
Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose by helping restore breathing during a medical emergency. It gives the person more time to receive emergency care. Narcan does not stop cravings, withdrawal, relapse, or the mental health issues that often drive opioid addiction.
Overdose risk can increase after detox because the body may lose opioid tolerance. If a person returns to the same amount they used before detox, that dose may be too strong. Relapse also becomes more dangerous when fentanyl is present, mixed into pills, heroin, or other substances without the person knowing.
Many people with opioid addiction also struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, or other mental health conditions. Some people use opioids to cope with emotional pain, panic, stress, or traumatic memories, which can increase the risk of physical dependence and overdose. Mental health symptoms may also make relapse more likely, especially during periods of isolation, emotional distress, or untreated trauma.
A Narcan reversal can become an important turning point for families dealing with opioid addiction. After emergency medical care, families can help a loved one explore detox, outpatient programs, residential rehab, therapy, medication assisted treatment, and mental health support. Early treatment can help reduce relapse risk, improve stability, and address the issues connected to substance use.
Outpatient treatment may help people with mild to moderate substance use issues, stable housing, and reliable support systems. Residential treatment may be needed when overdose risk is high, relapse keeps happening, mental health symptoms are severe, or the home environment is unsafe. A professional assessment can help determine the right level of care after an overdose or Narcan use.
Community naloxone programs help increase public access to Narcan, overdose education, and emergency response training. These programs may provide free naloxone kits, teach overdose prevention, and connect people to addiction treatment and recovery resources. Expanding access to naloxone has helped reduce opioid overdose deaths in many communities.
Regional overdose prevention specialists, often called ROPS, work with organizations, schools, treatment providers, and community groups to improve opioid overdose prevention efforts across Tennessee. They help distribute naloxone, provide brain science education, and connect attendees with local recovery community resources. Many specialists also help families request training events and contact local support programs.
Seek help when opioid use continues despite overdose risk, health problems, legal issues, or major changes in behavior. Warning signs can include withdrawal symptoms, isolation, depression, repeated relapse, blackouts, or mixing opioids with other substances. Early treatment may help prevent another overdose and improve long-term recovery outcomes.
Many insurance plans cover opioid addiction treatment, mental health services, detox, outpatient care, and residential rehab when treatment is medically necessary. Coverage depends on the insurance provider, policy details, and level of care needed. Families should verify benefits, confirm network status, and ask about out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment.
Naloxone training gives families practical tools to respond during an overdose and connect loved ones to support before another crisis happens. As more organizations join opioid overdose prevention efforts, Knoxville residents have more opportunities to administer naloxone safely, receive information, and become part of a stronger recovery community. If you or someone you know has decided to seek help for substance misuse, treatment and support remain available.
At New Hope Healthcare, as an in-network provider we work with most insurance plans, such as:
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse, seeking treatment and emotional support is crucial. Consulting a doctor can provide the necessary support and guidance for your teen. Reach out to New Hope Healthcare today. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to support your journey towards lasting well-being. Effective medication management is a crucial part of the treatment process to ensure safety and success. Give us a call at 866-799-0806.
Visit SAMHSA for more information.
Narcan training teaches people how to spot an opioid overdose, give naloxone, call 911, and support the person until help arrives.
Knoxville residents can look for naloxone training through local health departments, harm reduction groups, pharmacies, and community recovery programs.
No. Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose, but treatment is needed to address opioid use, cravings, relapse risk, and co-occurring mental health issues.
Yes. Naloxone is safe to give if an opioid overdose is suspected, and emergency help should be called right away.
Narcan often works within minutes, but fentanyl or stronger opioids may require more than one dose.
Families should call 911, stay with the person, watch for returning overdose symptoms, and connect them to addiction treatment after medical care.
](https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/prevention/rops.html)
](https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/prevention/naloxone-training-information.html)
](https://metrodrug.org/overdoseprevention/)
](https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html)
](https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/overdose-prevention-response-kit-pep23-03-00-001.pdf)
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