Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Tennessee

Quick overview

Tennessee recorded 3,825 overdose deaths in 2022 - one of the worst rates in America - yet treatment access is often limited by insurance. TennCare does cover withdrawal management and residential care, and TDMHSAS funds a statewide referral line. Here is what to know before choosing rehab in Tennessee.

Tennessee had 3,825 overdose deaths in 2022 - a rate of 56 per 100,000 that ranks among the worst in the nation - and the rate only edged down in 2023. Finding treatment here hinges on two systems: TennCare, which covers detox, residential, and outpatient care for people who qualify, and TDMHSAS-funded services for people without coverage. This page maps both.

The scale of the problem

Tennessee's overdose picture is heavy on fentanyl and stimulants. State health department data shows 3,826 Tennesseans died of drug overdose in 2022, with 2,797 deaths involving fentanyl and 2,103 involving stimulants. After years of increases, the age-adjusted death rate dipped from 56.0 in 2022 to 52.3 in 2023, per NCHS - a first sign of plateau rather than a turnaround.

The economic backdrop matters for treatment decisions. Tennessee's unemployment rate was 3.5% in 2025 (BLS, not seasonally adjusted), and private-sector workers averaged about $32.07 an hour in August 2026. Recovery programs that include employment support are common in the state's provider networks.

Coverage: TennCare and the coverage gap

Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, which leaves some low-income adults without an insurance route into care. For those who do qualify, TennCare covers:

Withdrawal management - supervised detox for alcohol, opioids, and other substances
Inpatient and residential treatment
Outpatient care - including intensive outpatient programs

TennCare members work through their managed care organization (Wellpoint, BlueCare, or UnitedHealthcare) to find a covered provider. If you're unsure whether you qualify, it is still worth applying - eligibility rules are specific, and the application is free.

The state safety net

Tennessee's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) funds a network of providers, supported by federal block grants, aimed at people who are uninsured or have no other payor source. A legislative brief from the state comptroller counted 91% of Tennessee facilities as outpatient - so residential beds are scarcer than counseling slots, and the wait can be longer.

Two referral lines are free and open to anyone:

Tennessee REDLINE - call or text 800-889-9789, 24/7
SAMHSA National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

To compare facilities yourself, use the SAMHSA treatment locator. It lists licensed programs but does not endorse them.

Metro-level treatment density

Facility counts within 30 miles, from the SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator:

Nashville - 60 facilities, including 16 detox and 17 residential
Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga - large regional networks; city pages are being published under Tennessee treatment
Smaller cities (Cookeville, Morristown, Oak Ridge) - mostly outpatient, with referrals for residential care

How to start today

In a medical emergency, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
Call or text (800) 653-9376 or fill out
. Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit to anything.
If you are uninsured, call Tennessee REDLINE at 800-889-9789 for state-funded referrals.
Apply for TennCare if you think you may qualify.

Tennessee's treatment system has gaps, but both the state and TennCare fund real options. Knowing which door to knock on first - insurance or the state network - saves weeks.

Treatment Centers by City in Tennessee

Explore city-specific treatment resources, local detox centers, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid guidance:

Bristol

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Bristol, TN.

Chattanooga

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Chattanooga, TN.

Clarksville

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Clarksville, TN.

Cookeville

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Cookeville, TN.

Franklin

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Franklin, TN.

Jackson

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Jackson, TN.

Johnson City

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Johnson City, TN.

Kingsport

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Kingsport, TN.

Knoxville

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Knoxville, TN.

Maryville

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Maryville, TN.

Memphis

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Memphis, TN.

Morristown

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Morristown, TN.

Murfreesboro

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Murfreesboro, TN.

Nashville

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Nashville, TN.

Oak Ridge

Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Oak Ridge, TN.

Treatment by city and substance

Frequently asked questions

Does TennCare cover drug and alcohol rehab?

Yes. TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, covers withdrawal management and treatment at inpatient, residential, and outpatient levels for children, adolescents, and adults who need substance use treatment. Details come from each member's managed care organization.

Is there a free hotline for addiction help in Tennessee?

Tennessee REDLINE is a 24/7 resource for substance use treatment referrals. Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) also serves Tennessee residents.

Did Tennessee expand Medicaid?

No. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. People who earn too much for traditional Medicaid may fall into a coverage gap, which is why TDMHSAS-funded services and TennCare eligibility rules matter when planning treatment.

How bad is the overdose problem in Tennessee?

There were 3,825 drug overdose deaths in Tennessee in 2022, an age-adjusted rate of 56.0 per 100,000 - among the highest in the country. The rate fell to 52.3 in 2023, according to NCHS data.