What Does Fentanyl Look Like? A Tennessee Guide to Identifying a Dangerous Opioid

What does fentanyl look like? This is one of the most important questions families across Tennessee are asking right now. If you live in Columbia, Memphis, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, or Chattanooga, understanding what fentanyl looks like could help you recognize a serious risk before it becomes a tragedy.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we treat adults ages 18 to 65 across Tennessee who are struggling with fentanyl and other opioids through 100% virtual Suboxone treatment. Knowing what fentanyl looks like — and why it’s so dangerous — is a critical first step toward getting help.

Recovery for Tennesseans by Tennesseans in Recovery

Recovery Care of Columbia provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required.

• Serving all communities across Tennessee
• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Owned and operated by people in long-term recovery

Register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is FDA-approved for severe pain, often in cancer patients or during surgery. However, most fentanyl overdoses today involve illicitly manufactured fentanyl, not prescriptions.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that illicit fentanyl is now widely mixed into street drugs across the United States. Many people do not even realize they are taking it.

What Does Fentanyl Look Like in Prescription Form?

When prescribed legally, fentanyl may appear as:

• Transdermal patches (placed on the skin)
• Lozenges (sometimes called “lollipops”)
• Tablets
• Injectable liquid in hospital settings

Prescription fentanyl patches are usually small, square or rectangular adhesive patches. They are clearly labeled and dispensed in pharmacy packaging.

However, most overdoses in Tennessee are not caused by prescription fentanyl.

What Does Fentanyl Look Like on the Street?

What Does Fentanyl Look Like in Illicit Form?

Illicit fentanyl can look very different from pharmaceutical products. It may appear as:

• White or off-white powder
• Brown powder
• Blue, green, or multicolored pills
• Pressed tablets made to look like oxycodone (often stamped “M30”)
• Mixed into heroin
• Mixed into cocaine or methamphetamine

Because fentanyl is extremely potent in very small amounts, even a tiny quantity can be fatal.

Fake Pills Containing Fentanyl

One of the most dangerous trends is counterfeit pills. These pills may look like:

• Oxycodone (M30 blue pills)
• Xanax bars
• Hydrocodone tablets

But they may contain fentanyl instead. A person may think they are taking a familiar prescription drug when they are actually taking a lethal synthetic opioid.

In cities like Memphis and Knoxville, law enforcement has reported large seizures of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills. The risk is statewide — including smaller communities near Columbia.

Why It’s Hard to Identify Fentanyl

The honest answer to “What does fentanyl look like?” is this:

You cannot reliably identify fentanyl just by looking at it.

Illicit fentanyl:

• Has no distinct smell
• May not taste different
• Can be mixed invisibly into other drugs
• Can vary in color and shape

This unpredictability is what makes fentanyl so dangerous. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), synthetic opioids like fentanyl are driving overdose deaths nationwide (https://samhsa.gov).

The Dangers of Fentanyl Exposure

Fentanyl works by binding tightly to opioid receptors in the brain. It can cause:

• Slowed breathing
• Extreme drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Death from respiratory failure

Because fentanyl is so strong, overdose can happen quickly — especially if someone has lost tolerance after a period of sobriety.

Many people in Tennessee begin with:

• Hydrocodone
• Oxycodone
• Percocet
• OxyContin
• Morphine
• Codeine

But when prescription opioids become unavailable or expensive, they may turn to street pills. Those pills may contain fentanyl without their knowledge.

How Fentanyl Addiction Develops

The Cycle of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction can develop rapidly due to its potency. A person may experience:

• Intense euphoria
• Rapid tolerance
• Severe cravings
• Painful withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal from fentanyl may include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Restlessness

The fear of withdrawal keeps many people stuck in the cycle.

In Harriman, Oakdale, Church Hill, Etowah, Gatlinburg, Oak Ridge, Athens, and other Tennessee cities, we regularly speak with individuals who started with prescription pills but became dependent on fentanyl through counterfeit medications.

How Suboxone Helps With Fentanyl Addiction

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we treat fentanyl addiction using Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), a medication supported by national health authorities.

Suboxone works by:

• Reducing cravings
• Easing withdrawal symptoms
• Blocking the effects of other opioids
• Lowering overdose risk

Starting Suboxone After Fentanyl Use

Transitioning from fentanyl to Suboxone requires proper medical guidance because fentanyl can remain in the body longer than expected.

Suboxone can also safely support individuals transitioning from:

• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Oxycodone
• Methadone
• Kratom
• 7-OH and other opioids

Our experienced team guides you step-by-step to make the transition as comfortable as possible.

Tired of Visiting Clinics and Pharmacies? You Don’t Have to Anymore

We know the frustrations and stigmas often associated with addiction treatment, as well as the time it takes to get to a clinic, sit in a waiting room with unfamiliar people, wondering if you’re being judged, watching the second hands on the clock in hopes of leaving within a few hours. 

Sadly, your day isn’t over yet. You still have to drive to a pharmacy to pick up your Suboxone medications, which can sometimes be met with judgement, stigma, embarrassment, and even rejection.

Why Virtual Treatment Works Across Tennessee

Many adults struggling with fentanyl use:

• Hide their addiction from family
• Fear stigma
• Lack transportation
• Work long hours
• Care for children

Recovery Care of Columbia provides:

• 100% virtual appointments
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
• Medication sent to your local pharmacy or delivered overnight
• Private, secure video visits

Reasons People Choose Recovery Care of Columbia with Addiction Treatment

• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Clinic owners in long-term recovery
• Over 100+ Google Reviews (from real patients)
• Recipient of Tennessee’s very first Virtual OBOT medical license
• Over 1000 patients served since 2021
• 2025 regional award winner for the “Best Substance Abuse Facility” by Best of Tennessee
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
• A kind and caring staff, some who are in recovery
• TennCare Medicaid and all major health insurance accepted
• Overnight Suboxone delivery available in most areas (the pharmacy charges a delivery fee)
• A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who genuinely care about your recovery.
• No clinic visits, ever. 100% online/virtual Suboxone treatment statewide
• Same-day appointments available every Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on availability)
• Evening appointments available every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 PM
• Compassionate, stigma-free, judgement-free care
• No referral needed

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (931) 548-3062, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Worried about starting online addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

We have served Tennessee for six years and treated over 1,000 patients. We are Joint Commission Accredited and the first clinic in Tennessee with a virtual OBOT medical license. Our owners are in long-term recovery and built this clinic to treat patients with dignity.

Start Online Addiction Treatment Today—Feel Better Tomorrow

• Register for virtual Suboxone treatment with TennCare Medicaid insurance
• Register for online Suboxone therapy using private health insurance
• Schedule a virtual Suboxone doctor appointment as a self-pay patient
• Returning patient? Click here to register
• Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
• View all insurance plans we accept
• View our affordable self-pay program with biweekly and monthly payments
• We accept all TennCare Medicaid insurance plans, including Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care
• We accept all major private insurance plans (from your employer or Healthcare.gov) including BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare.
• Same-day appointments and Suboxone prescriptions are often available when fully-registered before 10:00 am Central Time. (based on availability)

Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Click here to check your insurance coverage now.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, Norcos, Roxicodone, Vicodin, Tianeptine, Tramadol, Opana, Percocet, codeine, oxymorphone, and other opioids.

Call or text us at (931) 548-3062 to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

What to Do If You’re Worried About Fentanyl

If you are asking, “What does fentanyl look like?” because you are worried about yourself or someone you love, trust that instinct.

Warning signs of fentanyl addiction include:

• Needing more pills to feel normal
• Buying pills on the street
• Mood swings
• Financial problems
• Hiding drug use
• Fear of withdrawal

You do not have to wait for an overdose to seek help.

FAQ: What Does Fentanyl Look Like?

Can I tell if a pill contains fentanyl just by looking at it?

No. Counterfeit pills can look identical to legitimate medications.

Is prescription fentanyl safer than street fentanyl?

Prescription fentanyl is regulated and dosed carefully. Illicit fentanyl is unpredictable and far more dangerous.

Why is fentanyl so deadly?

It is extremely potent and can stop breathing quickly, especially if mixed with other substances.

Does TennCare cover fentanyl addiction treatment?

Yes. TennCare Medicaid generally covers Suboxone treatment for opioid use disorder.

Can I start treatment without going to a clinic?

Yes. Recovery Care of Columbia provides fully virtual treatment across Tennessee.

You Deserve Stability and Privacy

Whether you’re in Memphis, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, or right here near Columbia, fentanyl is affecting communities across our state.

If you or someone you love is caught in fentanyl addiction, Recovery Care of Columbia offers compassionate, confidential, same-day help.

You deserve a safe path forward.

7-OH (Kratom, 7-Hydroxy) Addiction Spreads Like Wildfire in Tennessee

If you’re struggling with Kratom addiction or products containing 7-hydroxy (7-OH), you are not alone. Many people across Tennessee have experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and loss of control after using these highly potent substances.

Some Tennessee retailers have reportedly distributed free samples of Kratom or 7-Hydroxy products, raising concerns that initial exposure may lead to repeated use and ongoing purchases.

Recovery Care of Columbia has extensive experience helping patients safely transition from Kratom and 7-hydroxy products to buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) through secure telemedicine appointments. Since 2024, we have treated hundreds of Tennesseans seeking relief from Kratom dependence—including individuals using daily amounts in excess of 800 mg.

Our providers understand the unique withdrawal patterns associated with 7-hydroxy and Kratom extracts. We develop personalized induction plans designed to reduce discomfort and stabilize you safely, without ever stepping into our clinic.

If you’re ready to stop Kratom, 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, confidential online treatment is available now—no matter where you live in Tennessee.

Read More Addiction-Related Articles

• How Long Does Fentanyl Last?
• Suboxone Doctor Accepting New Patients in Tennessee
• Online Addiction Help Tennessee: Start Recovery Without Leaving Home

External Resources

• Learn more about Kratom, 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy treatment options in Tennessee
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• SAMHAS – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction Resources
• National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
• Kratom/7-OH/7-hydroxymitragynine addiction is becoming a crisis in Tennessee
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov

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