Expert Insights
I was very happy to hear that the Tennessee Department of Health recently helped develop a new website to help people in Tennessee find help to overcome addiction and substance abuse. This site, called FindHelpNowTN.org, guides people to nearby services at addiction treatment facilities. Users can search for specific treatments or filter their results by location, insurance programs, payment methods, and various other filters. It starts by asking the user some simple questions, then it asks if the person has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder along with a substance use disorder. The results are a list of nearby facilities and centers along with the services they provide, along with whether or not they are currently accepting patients. This is a long-awaited step in the right direction. I’d love to see the momentum continue – we certainly need all the help we can get.
~ Nikki Seay
Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Knoxville
The cost of alcohol and drug rehab in Knoxville can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the type of rehab you attend, such as whether it is an inpatient or outpatient program, the location such as urban or rural with scenic views or ordinary views, the amenities offered, the availability of government funding, and the length of time you spend in rehab.
For example, an inpatient or residential rehab in Knoxville, one where you would spend both your days and nights during the course of your rehab stay, will often be more expensive than a typical outpatient rehab. Furthermore, choosing a luxury rehab will typically be more expensive than an ordinary rehab because of the deluxe amenities luxury rehab centers provide.
With costs varying widely based on your needs and desires for your recovery, your insurance may cover some or all of the costs of alcohol or drug rehab in Knoxville. This may help to significantly reduce your rehab costs.
Knoxville Drug and Alcohol Statistics
Approximately 20,279 individuals aged 12 or older in the Knoxville region and surrounding Knox county were using state-funded substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.1
Of these individuals:1
Approximately 6,727 residents received treatment for alcohol use disorder.
6,887 individuals received drug rehab treatment services for marijuana dependency.1
6,887 individuals received drug rehab treatment services for marijuana dependency.1
There were approximately 1,333 non-fatal drug overdoses and 342 fatal overdoses in Knoxville.4
Three substances most frequently abused or misused were opioids, alcohol, and marijuana.2
The majority of individuals admitted into drug and/or alcohol rehab were male, with
The most common age range of those undergoing treatment is 25 to 29 years old.3
Overdose Statistics in Knoxville
- The majority of drug overdose deaths were among those who were male and in the age range of 35 to 44 years old.4
Knoxville Rehab Treatment Admissions
- In total, 40% of admissions into rehabs in Knoxville were for opiates other than heroin, with alcohol use disorders being a close second at 39% of admissions.3
- Methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin use all accounted for approximately 10% of admissions for alcohol and drug rehabs in Knoxville, TN.3
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Knoxville
Tennessee Good Samaritan Law and Addiction Treatment Act: Tennessee has a Good Samaritan law relating to individuals who seek medical attention for themselves or another person during an overdose on illegal substances. According to the Good Samaritan law and Addiction Treatment Act, if an individual seeks medical attention for themselves or another during what they believe to be an overdose, that individual cannot be arrested or prosecuted for drug-related offenses. These laws also protect people from a civil lawsuit that may arise from any actions taken that are related to saving another’s life during a suspected overdose.5
Tennessee Governmental Treatment Laws: If you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while in Tennessee, you may face serious consequences. As a first-time offender, you may face jail time and a revocation of your driver’s license for up to one year. You will also be court-ordered to attend a drug and/or alcohol rehab program.6
Access to Naloxone in Tennessee: In Tennessee, naloxone can be accessed with or without a prescription. To access naloxone in Knoxville, you can either buy it over the counter or you can contact an anti-drug coalition for more information. Tennessee also provides a free 15-minute online training for the general public on what opioids are, what naloxone is, and how to administer naloxone properly. You can also receive a certificate of completion after you have finished the program.
Resources
- Fast Facts: Opioid Treatment. Tn.gov. (2022). Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- TDMHSAS Fast Facts. Tn.gov. (2022). Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2005-2015.(2017). State Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services. BHSIS Series S-95, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 17-4360. Rockville, MD.
- Data Dashboard. Tn.gov. (2022). Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- Weinstein, S. (2022). Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Statutes. Namsdl.org.
- DUI Offenses. Tn.gov. (2022). Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
