A deadly new drug called cychlorphine is spreading through East Tennessee, and opioid addiction treatment in Knoxville has never been more urgent. While the Volunteer State has strong close knit communities and addiction treatment resources available to all, new drugs like cychlorphine continually raise the stakes in the drug crisis gripping the country.
Cychlorphine has played a role in the deaths of 50+ people in East Tennessee since late October 2025, according to experts at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. Health officials are urging residents to recognize the warning signs before it’s too late.
What is Cychlorphine
Cychlorphine is formally known as N-Propionitrile Chlorphine and isn’t related to fentanyl. It belongs to a group called new synthetic opioids, or NSOs: man-made opioids that look chemically different from fentanyl and similar substances. They’re estimated to have 10x the potency than fentanyl, which itself is 200x more powerful than heroin.
The drug has never been approved for clinical use or legally sold anywhere, notes Dr. Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center’s chief medical examiner. Officials believe it originated in China in 2024 and moved through Europe before reaching the U.S. in late 2024.
Cychlorphine Spreads Quickly in Tennessee
When Knox County officials first publicly warned about the drug in February 2026, 16 people had already died. By April, the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office reported roughly 40 deaths across the region. The death toll has since climbed above 50.
Officials have so far found cychlorphine in eight Tennessee counties: Knox, Roane, Union, Claiborne, Sevier, Anderson, Campbell and McMinn. It’s also in nine other states, although experts believe the number is far higher.
Most overdose deaths have involved cychlorphine in combination with other drugs, primarily meth and fentanyl. Data from Knox County shows that more than half of all drug deaths — 53% — involve more than one substance.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
One of the most dangerous aspects of cychlorphine is how easily it goes undetected. The drug is hard to detect, and some testing strips don’t pick it up. This means folks who think they’re careful with street drugs might not even know if the drug is mixed in.
Overdoses from cychlorphine happen faster than with other opioids. People may overdose on smaller amounts than they normally would, especially if they are buying from a new or unfamiliar source.
General signs of opioid addiction include:
- Sudden drowsiness, confusion, or slowed breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Using drugs in larger amounts or more often than intended
- Continued use despite serious consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, or agitation when not using
If you recognize these signs in a loved one, connecting them with addiction treatment options as soon as possible can save their life.
Narcan May Not Be Enough
Dr. Mileusnic-Polchan warned that naloxone — commonly known as Narcan — doesn’t completely block the effects of cychlorphine. Multiple doses may be needed to prevent a fatal overdose.
Still, officials recommend using Narcan and other harm reduction methods in overdose situations because users may not know what substances they’re taking. Calling 911 immediately remains critical.
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Knoxville and Beyond
The rise of cychlorphine makes professional medical detox and addiction treatment more important than ever for Knox County residents. Attempting to stop opioid use without medical support can be dangerous, especially with a substance this potent.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction in Knoxville or anywhere else in the country, help is available. Addiction treatment centers can provide medically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and ongoing recovery support.
A great starting point is to search our directory for verified treatment facilities anywhere in the U.S. Or, call
800-681-1058
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