Substance abuse is an ever-prevalent public health concern around the country. The crisis is growing even more problematic in Tennessee, specifically, Nashville. Drug abuse isn’t limited to specific groups of people or lifestyles, but it impacts people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Health professionals, local government, and the public must take action to combat this aggressive hold. The next life saved could be yours or a loved one’s. Effective treatment, rehab programs, and proper education must get into the hands of those needing it. 

Southeast Addiction Center Tennessee is here to help. With locations in Tennessee and Georgia, we are conveniently located. 

Our addiction treatment programs include the following: 

• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Sober Living Homes
• Intensive Outpatient Program

We also have several other solutions to help those in Nashville and surrounding areas recover as comfortably as possible. Our treatment is done in a professional and supervised environment. 

Our treatment services include the following:

• Alumni Program
• EMDR Therapy
• Experiential Therapy
• Family Program
• Medication-Assisted Treatment

Failing to address the substance abuse crisis will continue to have severe consequences. We’ve compiled facts to help you understand the immediate need for action.

Nashville Substance Abuse Statistics

In 2021, 3,814 citizens died from drug overdose-related incidents in Tennessee. 540 occurred in Nashville alone. To give some perspective, that is a 12% increase from the previous year. 

Opioids, the number one cause of drug overdoses, were involved in approximately 70% of drug overdose deaths in Davidson County in 2021. Heroin and stimulants were second and third, respectively, 

While the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world, the Metro Public Health Department reported more deaths from drug overdose than from the pandemic. 2020 saw 619 fatal drug overdoses in Nashville, up 25% from 2019. 

Most people dying from overdoses in 2020 were adults aged 25-44. Nearly 80% of those were related to high-powered Fentanyl.

35,460 adults were treated and entered a substance abuse treatment program in 2022. 

By 2012, 20% of citizens aged 12 and older reported episodes of alcohol binge drinking. By 2019, alcohol-related deaths had a rate of 37% compared to the national average of 19.5%.

Methamphetamine continues to be a statewide problem in Tennessee. Officials cite that it is made in various places, including single-family homes, rental properties, hotel rooms, and vehicles. The residue left behind can be dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it.

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction 

It goes without saying that breaking the cycle of addiction is critical. It can affect families, individuals, and entire communities if left unchecked. 

Not only that, but untreated addiction can cause physical and mental health problems, financial and social instability, and, unfortunately, death. 

When the stronghold of addiction is released, individuals can regain control over their lives, improve their overall health, and become productive citizens. 

Lastly, the chances of passing the addiction down to children lessen as more and more families receive the treatment and services they need.

Getting Help for Substance Abuse in Nashville

Naloxone in Nashville

Naloxone is available in Tennessee. It is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Individuals can receive it without a prescription from most pharmacies around the state. 

The following locations provide naloxone is little or no cost:

• Nashville Prevention Partnership
• Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County
• Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse
• CVS stores in Nashville
• Walgreens
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Support Groups in Nashville

Support groups provide a supportive, safe space for individuals who share a common condition, in this case, substance abuse. It is a place to share stories, feelings, and emotions while building educational knowledge and coping skills for overcoming addiction. 

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings in Nashville: The AA Resource Center provides a comprehensive list of AA meetings in Nashville, Tennessee. These meetings are an essential component of ongoing efforts for recovery. Individuals can select from the open, closed, speaker, and other specialized meetings to help them through sobriety.
  
• Narcotics Anonymous NA Meetings In Nashville: Like AA meetings, NA meetings provide guidance and support for continued sobriety. These meetings include peer support, the Twelve Steps Program, and other coping strategies.
   
• Syringe Services Program: This service provides a safe and clean way to dispose of needles and obtain sterilized ones. This helps to reduce the transmission of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections. To help those needing treatment, services include access to recovery programs, educational resources, and counseling.  

• Hospitals in and near Nashville: Hospitals have programs to provide medical care and support to individuals struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Many hospitals offer medically-assisted detoxification (detox), medication management, therapy, and aftercare support. Hospitals also provide the educational resources families need to support loved ones. 

If you or a family member needs support treating addiction, we encourage you to contact Southeast Addiction Center Tennessee or access the available resources. How you or your loved one receives treatment is up to your needs and access. 

But, most important to us is that individuals receive the treatment they need to live a better quality of life. You can reach us at (615) 326-6449. You can also email us at [email protected].