Demerol Addiction in Tennessee: Signs, Risks, and How to Get Help

Name: Recovery Care of Columbia
Price range: $$$

Demerol addiction is a serious but often overlooked form of opioid use disorder that can quietly take hold after surgery, injury, or chronic pain treatment. If you or someone you love in Tennessee is struggling with Demerol addiction, understanding the warning signs and knowing that effective treatment is available can be the first step toward recovery.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we provide 100% virtual Suboxone treatment across Tennessee, helping adults ages 18 to 65 stabilize safely and privately from opioid dependence — including Demerol.

Accredited, 100% Virtual Addiction Treatment for Tennessee

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 Demerol?

Demerol is the brand name for meperidine, a prescription opioid pain medication. It is sometimes used in hospital settings for moderate to severe pain, including after surgery or childbirth.

Like other opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl, Demerol works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This reduces pain but also produces feelings of:

Relaxation
Euphoria
Drowsiness
Emotional numbness

Because of these effects, Demerol carries a risk of misuse and addiction. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), opioids can lead to dependence even when taken as prescribed.

How Demerol Addiction Develops

How Demerol Addiction Starts

Demerol addiction often begins in a medical setting. A patient may receive meperidine after surgery in Columbia, Murfreesboro, or Memphis and discover that it not only relieves pain but also eases anxiety or emotional stress.

Over time, the brain adapts to the drug. This leads to:

Tolerance (needing higher doses)
Physical dependence
Cravings
Withdrawal symptoms without it

For some individuals, especially those facing financial stress, trauma, or depression, Demerol can become a coping mechanism.

Why Demerol Addiction Can Escalate Quickly

Demerol has a shorter duration of action compared to some other opioids. That means people may feel the need to take it more frequently. This pattern increases the risk of:

Overdose
Mixing with alcohol or benzodiazepines
Transitioning to stronger opioids like heroin or fentanyl

In cities like Harriman, Oakdale, Church Hill, Etowah, Gatlinburg, Oak Ridge, and Athens, we’ve seen how quickly prescription opioid use can evolve into a more dangerous cycle.

Signs and Symptoms of Demerol Addiction

Recognizing Demerol addiction early can prevent long-term consequences.

Common signs include:

Taking more than prescribed
Doctor shopping
Running out of medication early
Mood swings
Financial problems related to obtaining pills
Isolating from family
Anxiety when doses are missed

Withdrawal Symptoms From Demerol Addiction

When someone with Demerol addiction stops suddenly, they may experience:

Muscle aches
Sweating
Nausea
Diarrhea
Anxiety
Insomnia
Intense cravings

These withdrawal symptoms are one of the biggest reasons people continue using opioids. The fear of withdrawal can feel overwhelming.

The Dangers of Untreated Demerol Addiction

Demerol addiction can increase the risk of:

Respiratory depression
Seizures (meperidine carries unique seizure risk at high doses)
Accidental overdose
Legal consequences
Job loss
Family disruption

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies meperidine as a Schedule II controlled substance because of its high potential for abuse (https://dea.gov).

If Demerol becomes unavailable, some individuals turn to street opioids. This is especially dangerous in Tennessee, where illicit fentanyl contamination has dramatically increased overdose deaths.

How Suboxone Treatment Helps With Demerol Addiction

The good news: Demerol addiction is treatable.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we use Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Suboxone works by:

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

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports medication-assisted treatment as a proven approach for opioid use disorder (https://samhsa.gov).

Starting Suboxone for Demerol Addiction

If you are dependent on Demerol, you can safely transition to Suboxone under medical supervision.

Suboxone can be started when transitioning from:

Hydrocodone
Oxycodone
Morphine
Codeine
Percocet
OxyContin
Oxymorphone
Heroin
Fentanyl
Methadone
Kratom
7-OH and other opioids

Our medical team will guide you through the timing to reduce discomfort and ensure safety.

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.

By using our telemedicine addiction treatment and overnight Suboxone delivery program, you can receive professional addiction care entirely from home—without ever having to visit a clinic or a pharmacy again.

Why Telemedicine Treatment Works in Tennessee

Many adults struggling with Demerol addiction face barriers:

No reliable transportation
Busy work schedules
Childcare responsibilities
Fear of stigma
Legal concerns

Recovery Care of Columbia makes addiction treatment easily accessible:

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

People in Tennessee Trust Recovery Care of Columbia with their 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 program to treat patients with dignity and respect.

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 Expect When You Start Treatment

Step 1: Register Online

Thanks to our unique virtual medical license, anyone living in East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, or West Tennessee can safely and legally access online Suboxone treatment using any smartphone, tablet, or computer, without ever having to visit a clinic.

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises.

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans.

Step 2: Attend Your Video Appointment

Your visit is private, supportive, and judgment-free.

Step 3: Receive Same-Day Suboxone

Your prescription is sent directly to your pharmacy or delivered overnight.

You never have to visit a clinic in person.

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.

FAQ About Demerol Addiction

Is Demerol addiction common?

While Demerol is prescribed less frequently today than some opioids, addiction can still occur — especially after repeated medical exposure.

Can I become addicted even if I took it as prescribed?

Yes. Physical dependence can develop even when following a doctor’s instructions.

Is withdrawal from Demerol dangerous?

Withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but can be extremely uncomfortable. Medical support makes the process safer and more manageable.

Can I start treatment without telling my employer?

Yes. Your care is confidential and protected under federal privacy laws.

Does TennCare cover treatment for Demerol addiction?

Yes. TennCare Medicaid typically covers medication-assisted treatment, including Suboxone telemedicine appointments.

You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck

If you’re hiding Demerol addiction from your family in Memphis, struggling alone in Murfreesboro, or afraid of withdrawal in Knoxville, help is available.

Recovery Care of Columbia provides compassionate, stigma-free treatment across Tennessee. You deserve privacy, stability, and a real chance at recovery.

START TREATMENT TODAY

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