Drug abuse in Tennessee

Tennessee has a population of 6,975,218 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 859,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 12.32% of the population. 741,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 1,184,000 in the past year. The report also found that 124,000 Tennessee residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 196,000 had abused meth, and 333,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 143,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Tennessee totaled 381,000 people.

Alcohol abuse in Tennessee

Alcohol misuse was also reported in Tennessee with 2,844,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 1,333,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 2,770,000 people.

Drug overdose deaths in Tennessee

In 2021, Tennessee saw a total of 3726 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. This puts the overdose death toll in Tennessee at 53.4 people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 1323 or 19 per 100,000 people.

Addiction treatment in Tennessee

The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Tennessee and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 1,168,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 724,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 212,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 512 people in Tennessee needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 695,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 993,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.

What treatment options are available in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, you can get treatment depending on the kind of addiction you are going through. Whether you are a teenager or a senior citizen, you can access inpatient treatment, therapy, detox treatment, and outpatient services to help you recover from substance or alcohol abuse. 

The additional treatment facilities in  Tennessee help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce substance use through detox programs, cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, and medication treatment. 

Here are rehab centers in Tennessee where you can seek treatment for drug and alcohol abuse:

Self-funded rehab centers in Tennessee

Tennessee rehabs that accept Medicaid / Medicare or other state assistance

Addiction & detox centers in Tennessee for teens and young people

Addiction treatment programs for seniors in Tennessee

How do I pay for rehab in Tennessee?

The price you pay for addiction treatment depends on the kind of treatment you require, whether you are going to an inpatient or outpatient rehab facility, and the location of the rehab center. 

You can self-pay for treatment through cash or credit card. In some cases, rehab facilities accept various payment options like health insurance, military insurance, installment payment plans, and scholarships to help reduce the high cost of treatment. 

Most private insurance plans cover substance abuse treatment, so you need to call your insurance provider or visit their website to determine the specific percentage.

Local government assistance in Tennessee

In Tenessee, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, through the Division of Substance Abuse Services, works on collaborating with stakeholders to treat and promote the recovery of individuals with mental illness or substance abuse disorders. 

They are customer focused and committed to helping their patients recover from addiction. This department also offers funds for prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need.  

The Division of Substance Abuse Services carries out faith-based initiatives that allow places of worship and faith-based organizations to support and strengthen families and individuals to help beat their addictions.  

If you are experiencing a mental health or substance abuse emergency and need urgent help, you can reach them through their 24/7 crisis line at 855-274-7471. All calls are routed to trained professionals and counselors from your area, so you get the support and guidance you need.