Memphis, Tennessee Drug and Alcohol Rehab Resources

Memphis is the second largest city in Tennessee. Located in Shelby County at the southwest corner of Tennessee, Memphis spans over 326 miles and is home to 628,970 residents. Like the rest of the country, Memphis’ addiction treatment rates are rising as addictions continue to spread.

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 44.1 million American adults reported having a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. With addiction rates at such a high level, finding a rehab center and program is an integral part of recovery. Finding the right Memphis addiction treatment could make all the difference.

Thousands of people die from substance abuse each year. And those numbers are only growing. Memphis, like the rest of the state, is seeing epidemic levels of addiction.

In fact, Shelby County (where Memphis is located) is among the highest in drug-related deaths across the entire state, with the main culprit being opioids. Today, approximately 70,000 Tennessee residents suffer from opioid addiction.

The CDC confirms it is the third among all states. In 2021, Tennessee reported a high of 3,814 deaths due to drug overdose. That was an increase of 791 from the previous year.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Despite the rising opioid and drug issues, alcohol remains a highly abused substance in the state. According to the 2021 NSDUH, 29.5 million people aged 12 and older reported alcohol abuse disorder. Nearly 900,000 of those reported were between the ages of 12 and 17. Very few of those with an illicit drug or alcohol use disorder have sought or undergone any sort of treatment.

Other drugs often seen in the area include heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. While methamphetamine use has begun to decrease, heroin, like opioids, has continued to rise. On top of that, the creation and use of synthetic drugs, fentanyl, and counterfeit drugs continue to grow.

Fentanyl has become the top concern, especially with how often it is used in the manufacturing of heroin and its off-the-charts death and illness rates. While Shelby County and all of Tennessee continue to decrease the number of opioid prescriptions, the addiction issues persist.

Studies show that about 350,000 Tenneseeans—about 5% of the statewide population—have used painkillers for non-medical purposes in the last year. Among that group, more than 70% of those received painkillers from someone other than a medical professional.

As of 2017, Shelby County and the state of Tennessee have considered suing painkiller manufacturers for their aggressive marketing practices involving these highly addictive drugs.

Tennessee plays a major part in drug trafficking in the nation. In 2010, the Memphis Police Department implemented new software, allowing the targeting of “hotspots” for crime and drugs.

The state of Tennessee offers numerous programs—from government-backed recovery initiatives to overdose prevention resources. Though these efforts offer hope, more needs to be done at all levels so everyone can access support services and treatment options.

In addition, there are many organizations dedicated to helping people affected by substance abuse. Some of the ongoing initiatives by the city, county, and state include the following programs.

TN Together

TN Together provides resources and activities to support individuals, families, and communities battling drug addiction. Many people and communities have experienced positive change through participation with TN Together.

Tennessee Recovery Navigators

Tennessee Recovery Navigators matches people in long-term recovery and Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) to patients in dozens of hospitals throughout Tennessee. These connections have proven highly effective in placing people into detox and addiction treatment programs.

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS)

Located in 13 regional divisions, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) play a vital role by reaching out to their assigned communities for training events that focus on opioid overdose prevention outreach initiatives.

Training consists of:

• Harm reduction
• Addressing stigma
• Increasing public awareness

Tennessee Redline 1-800-889-9789

Coordinated by the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and Other Addiction Services (TAADAS) and funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), Tennessee REDLINE is a toll-free phone service available to people in need of resources within their communities.

Freeman Recovery Center is here as the first step near Memphis addiction treatment. But what comes next? Finding the right group for recovery after completing your program is vital in the process of overcoming addiction. 

There are a plethora of options around the Memphis area. Most follow a 12-Step program and all have seen tremendous results. Traditional 12-Step programs in the Memphis area include: 

• Alcoholics Anonymous

• Narcotics Anonymous

• Cocaine Anonymous

There are other programs that do not follow the same 12-Step process and are tailored more specifically to meet individual needs and beliefs. These include religious practices and self-management strategies such as: 

• SMART Recovery: Self-Management and recovery training.

• Celebrate Recovery: A Christian-based recovery practice. 

Addiction affects not just the addicted individual, but those close to them, including friends and loved ones. However, there are options to help those in need including:

• Al-Anon: to help families and friends of alcoholics. Follows a similar 12-step process to AA.

• Al-Anon and Alateen: for families and children.

Most of these groups offer both in-person and virtual meetings and are structured to deliver the highest-quality Memphis addiction treatment possible. Whatever the need, there is a program to help.

Freeman Recovery can help those struggling with addiction, no matter which step of the journey. Our mission is simple: to provide the highest level of care to individuals living with substance use and mental health disorders. Using evidence-based practices and individualized, compassionate care, we equip people with the skills and resources to achieve lifelong recovery.

Freeman Recovery offers a variety of programs to suit the needs of each and every patient. Our programs are built to take patients through any step of their recovery.

These individualized programs include: 

• Medical detox
• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization
• Intensive outpatient services
• Sober living

At Freeman, we treat a wide variety of addictions with a focus on each and every challenge of an individual’s recovery. Whether suffering from alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or a dual diagnosis involving addiction and mental health disorders, we are here to help.

Our recovery services include: 

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Trauma therapy
• Individualized case management

Freeman Recovery makes it easy for anyone in need to take advantage of our programs. We not only accept insurance but also offer financial support for those who need assistance. 

At Freeman Recovery Center, our detox process is overseen by an addiction professional and staffed 24/7. We provide medically monitored detox in-clinic, including medication, allowing patients to safely detox on their road to recovery.

Addiction affects many. But we are here to show you that there is hope. If you or a loved one is tired of letting substance abuse control their life, Freeman Recovery Center can help. We strive to consistently deliver on our core values of integrity, compassion, and excellence.

Remember, recovery is possible, one life-changing step at a time. Contact us today to learn more and begin your Memphis addiction treatment.