Overdose deaths Tennessee figures
Families concerned about someone they love frequently search for overdose deaths Tennessee. In the 12 months ending May 2026, the state recorded 1,961 overdose deaths, down from 2,337 the year before. Provisional CDC data puts that at a 16 percent decrease.
- overdose deaths, 12 months
- 1,961
- change from a year before
- -16%
- centers offer naloxone training
- 275
Behind every figure is a person someone calls about. Maybe it is a son who has been distant, a sister who relapsed, or a friend whose drinking has become heavier. The numbers tell us what is happening across Tennessee. They cannot tell you what to do for the person in front of you. But they can help you see that this problem is widespread and that many types of care exist, from outpatient treatment in Tennessee to residential rehab programs across Tennessee.
Care usually works out better when it fits the person as well as the substance involved. FindTreatment.gov currently lists 325 SAMHSA-listed facilities across Tennessee. Those entries cover outpatient programs, residential sites, and detox services. Reaching the helpline costs nothing and keeps your details private. Advisors lay out options without pressure and without guaranteeing a bed. They can also help you sort out what level of care in Tennessee might suit the situation.
What these figures say about care
Fewer deaths does not mean the risk has passed for any one person. It means more people are surviving, and more families are looking for care. Tennessee lists 275 naloxone programs, which can help reverse an opioid overdose. If you are unsure whether someone needs detox, then call the free helpline and ask what level of care fits. With alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, clinical supervision should guide things because those withdrawals can be dangerous. A doctor or detox program can manage symptoms safely; the helpline does not give tapering or dosing advice. Outpatient care is the most common level in Tennessee, with 304 programs listed, and 163 intensive outpatient programs. Residential and detox options are fewer, so planning ahead helps. If cost is a concern, then ask about Medicaid acceptance and sliding-scale programs when you call. Nobody can promise admission or coverage, but clear information is available.
Overdose deaths in Tennessee by drug
Opioids remain the largest category, with 1,285 deaths in the period, a 22 percent drop from 1,646. Fentanyl accounted for 1,092 of those opioid deaths, down 27 percent. Prescription opioids rose slightly, to 249 from 231. Among the drug categories, fentanyl remains the leading driver of overdose deaths in Tennessee. That pattern shapes what treatment providers see, and it is one reason medication options such as buprenorphine are listed at 197 programs. Other substances also appear in the data. Methamphetamine was involved in 820 deaths, down 13 percent. Cocaine figured in 534 deaths, an 8 percent decrease. Heroin was involved in 15 deaths, down from 33. When alcohol or opioids are part of the picture, then medical supervision during withdrawal matters for safety. Detox and residential programs listed in Tennessee can provide that oversight, and dual diagnosis treatment in Tennessee can address mental health needs alongside substance use.
| Drug | Past year | Prior year | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every kind of drug overdose | 1,961 | 2,337 | -16% |
| Opioid-related | 1,285 | 1,646 | -22% |
| Fentanyl and other lab-made opioids | 1,092 | 1,491 | -27% |
| Heroin overdose | 15 | 33 | -55% |
| Opioid painkillers by prescription | 249 | 231 | +8% |
| Meth overdose | 820 | 940 | -13% |
| Cocaine | 534 | 582 | -8% |
CDC provisional figures, 12 months ending May 2026. Newer months can climb as reports arrive.
Alcohol use and mental health in Tennessee
Percentage of adults in 500 communities throughout Tennessee, per CDC PLACES data (2023).
| Measure | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Heavy alcohol use | 14.9% |
| Serious mental strain | 19.7% |
| Depressive conditions | 28.2% |
| Smoking rate now | 16.9% |
| Lacks coverage (ages 18-64) | 12.3% |
Source: CDC PLACES, unadjusted prevalence among adults; state value weighted by population across listed places.
Cities in Tennessee with heavy drinking
| City | Heavy alcohol use | Serious mental strain | Lacks coverage (ages 18-64) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | 15.8% | 22.0% | 12.9% |
| Johnson City | 15.3% | 21.1% | 11.9% |
| Chattanooga | 14.2% | 19.2% | 12.7% |
| Memphis | 13.5% | 20.7% | 14.9% |
| Jackson | 12.0% | 20.6% | 13.2% |
| Kingsport | 12.0% | 19.8% | 11.9% |
Source: CDC PLACES, unadjusted prevalence among adults; state value weighted by population across listed places.
Overdose deaths Tennessee now and a year
Provisional CDC NCHS numbers show Tennessee recorded 1,961 overdose deaths for the year ending May 2026 a drop from 2,337 in the preceding 12-month period. That works out to a 16 percent decrease. With 1,961 overdose deaths in Tennessee, the need for treatment remains high. The decline is good news, but families are still losing people, and many more are searching for care.
Provisional numbers may shift as investigations close, so treat these figures as a snapshot. What matters for a family is that help exists today. If someone is ready to consider care, then the 325 SAMHSA-listed facilities in Tennessee offer a starting point. The right level of care depends on the substance, the person's health, and what they are willing to try. When you call the free helpline, then you can ask about outpatient and residential options in Tennessee without committing to anything.
- past year
- 1,961
- the prior 12-month period
- 2,337
Questions people ask
How many overdose deaths were there in Tennessee?
Tennessee recorded 1,961 overdose fatalities during the 12 months ending May 2026, per provisional CDC NCHS data. That is down from 2,337 in the prior 12-month period, a 16 percent decrease. Opioids were involved in 1,285 of those deaths. These counts are provisional and may be revised. The figure is still significant for families deciding about treatment.
What is the current state of the drug problem in Tennessee?
Fentanyl is involved in most overdose deaths, with 1,092 in the latest period. Methamphetamine was involved in 820 deaths and cocaine in 534. Prescription opioids were involved in 249 deaths. While overall deaths declined 16 percent, the numbers show that multiple substances are affecting communities. Treatment options include outpatient, residential, and detox programs listed across the state.
Why do people usually seek rehab?
People seek rehab for many reasons: a substance use disorder involving opioids, alcohol, methamphetamine, or cocaine; a need for medical supervision during withdrawal; or a desire to rebuild relationships and daily routines. In Tennessee, 304 outpatient programs and 51 residential facilities are listed. The right reason is the one that matters to the person and their family.
Are all rehabs inpatient?
No. In Tennessee, outpatient care is the most common level, with 304 programs listed, compared with 51 residential and 52 detox facilities. Outpatient programs include regular and intensive outpatient (163 programs), and some offer medication support such as buprenorphine (197 programs). The appropriate level depends on the person's needs and health.
Does Tennessee Medicaid pay for drug rehab?
Some substance use treatment services in Tennessee may be covered by Medicaid, but whether that applies depends on the program and how intensive the care is. When you dial the free helpline, be direct about asking whether Medicaid is accepted. Many of the 325 SAMHSA-listed facilities across Tennessee take Medicaid, and others adjust fees on a sliding scale. No one can promise coverage, but you can get clear information before making any decision.