Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Overdose Statistics in Smyrna
Fentanyl is currently a leader among drugs that cause fatal and nonfatal overdoses. However, other dangerous substances may be deadly. For example, in 2021,1
61 deaths were due to stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines
121 deaths were due to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain pills
Not all overdoses are fatal. In 2020, many Rutherford Countians with drug toxicity received treatment in a hospital but did not require admission. The county’s nonfatal overdose numbers fell into the following ranges:2
Between 134 and 277 Rutherford County people were seen for nonfatal opioid overdose (except heroin).
For nonfatal heroin overdose, between 161 and 420 were seen.
Between 37 and 78 Rutherford Countians were seen for nonfatal benzodiazepine overdose.
There were between 26 and 62 patients for nonfatal amphetamine overdose.
The number of prescriptions written for patients in Rutherford County may play a role in the drug epidemic. In 2021, the numbers of the two most filled prescriptions were:2
185,075 all opioids
101,492 benzodiazepines
Levels of Care for Rehabs in Tennessee
To meet diverse treatment needs, several levels of addiction treatment are available.
Detox
Detox is the process of safely and comfortably clearing your system of all drugs and alcohol. It occurs in a supervised setting, to manage withdrawal symptoms and allow you to move forward with recovery services.
Residential or Inpatient
Residential or inpatient treatment involves receiving 24/7 care while you live at a rehab facility. Treatment methods include individual, group, and family therapy. Additional methods may include medication, recreational therapy, and other holistic therapies.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
Partial Hospitalization Programs usually provide similar treatments as inpatient services, but you only stay at the facility during treatment times, then return home.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
A step down from PHPs, IOPs often serve as a transition from PHPs to outpatient treatment. IOPs provide several hours of treatment over several days per week. Treatments often include individual and group therapy.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient programs are the least intensive treatment option. They involve two to three hours of care per week, typically at an outpatient clinic or a therapist’s office.
Aftercare
Aftercare provides follow-up and ongoing support after you complete an inpatient or outpatient program. It may include 12-step meetings and continued therapy, with the goal of relapse prevention.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Smyrna, Tennessee
Private Insurance
Tennessee residents are protected under the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This law requires all insurance companies to provide at least some coverage for substance abuse treatment. However, plans differ regarding specific coverage, and copays and deductibles may apply.
Tennessee Medicaid
TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. It provides healthcare coverage for Tennessee residents who are parents or caretakers of a minor, pregnant, elderly, or have a disability. To qualify for Medicaid, residents must meet income and resource limits.4
Tennessee Medicare
Medicare provides healthcare coverage for Tennessee residents 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. This government program includes coverage for addiction treatment under various plans. However, not all rehab facilities accept Medicare as a method of payment. The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP) provides free counseling and assistance to Tennessee residents who qualify for Medicare, to help them understand and access these benefits.
TRICARE in Tennessee
TRICARE in Tennessee provides health insurance coverage, including coverage for addiction treatment, for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Tennessee residents who attend a sliding scale rehab program pay only what they can afford based on their income. To qualify, they must provide proof of income when applying for treatment in Tennessee.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a health program for indigenous people, funded by the federal government. The program offers free or low-cost SUD treatment for Native Americans and Native Alaskans.
Local Information for Smyrna
Going to an accredited treatment center for detox and a fresh start in a new location away from all your triggers and negative influences is a great idea. If you fly, the Smyrna Airport is available for private charters and general aviation. It also serves as a “reliever” airport for the Nashville International Airport. Flying into Nashville International Airport is the easiest way to get to a drug rehab in Smyrna if you come from a different state.3
Getting Around
Once you land, you can use any of the following:
- 2 ride-share services
- 9 taxis and cabs
- 11 rental car companies
- 20 limousines and courtesy cars
- 7 buses and shuttles
- 28 hotel shuttles
- Turo peer-to-peer car sharing
The public transit system can help you get to a Rutherford County drug rehab for daily services.
Places to Stay
If you do not plan to enter inpatient drug rehab in Smyrna, you must consider the plentiful housing options.
- 16 hotels and motels
- 1000+ Airbnb and VRBO sites
- 23 campgrounds and RV parks
Things to Do
Smyrna has over 800 acres dedicated to parks and recreation, where you can participate in individual and family activities. There is something to do for everyone, including the following:4
- Agri-tourism (vineyards, farms, etc.)
- Arts and Culture (museums, theaters, cultural festivals, etc.)
- Outdoor activities (greenway trails, water sports, horse riding, speedways, adventure parks, etc.)
- Education (Middle Tennessee State University)
- Group activities (painting classes, team sports, civil war tours, etc.)
- Local events (parades, civil war presentations, Winterfest, etc.)
Whether you are seeking drug and alcohol rehab in Smyrna or are visiting someone getting help in treatment, you can find numerous ways to fill your spare time with healthy activities that support recovery goals.
Tennessee Drug and Alcohol Laws
Tennessee law includes the following policies regarding substance use and addiction treatment:1,2,3,4
Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act: Passed in 2014, this law centers on the opioid overdose antidote, naloxone. The law includes four key components:
- Provides immunity from civil suits to those who prescribe naloxone
- Allows the Department of Health to provide training on naloxone use
- Grants civil immunity for administering naloxone to someone who appears to be overdosing on an opioid
- Requires Tennessee residents to receive basic instruction on how to administer naloxone, in order to be protected by this law
Tennessee Naloxone Distribution: Enacted in March 2022, Public Chapter 749 increased access to naloxone in Tennessee. The law allows organizations such as schools, homeless shelters, recovery organizations, and hospitals to prescribe and distribute naloxone. It also allows health care practitioners to prescribe naloxone to individuals at risk of an overdose as well as to family and friends of those at risk.
Adult Drug Court: This law protects Tennessee residents who seek medical assistance for a person who is experiencing a drug overdose, as well as the person who is experiencing the overdose, from arrest, charge, or prosecution for simple possession. The law is designed to prevent overdose deaths by removing fear of legal repercussions when calling 911.
Tennessee Drug Treatment Instead of Incarceration Act: This bill allows nonviolent drug offenders to participate in a rehab program instead of serving jail time. If they successfully complete treatment, the court will dismiss the charges.
Resources
- Tennessee Department of Health. 2022. Fatal Drug Overdose Trends By County- Downloadable Data.
- Tennessee Department of Health. 2022. The 2020 Drug Overdose Hospital Discharges in Tennessee.
- Tennessee Department of Transportation. 2022. Public Transit Services.
- Rutherford County Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. 2022. Things to Do.