Quick answer
334 overdose deaths in Knox County in 2024 (Regional Forensic Center); 280 resident deaths (TDH). Knoxville has 49 treatment facilities within 30 miles, including 8 medical detox programs. Here is how to navigate local care.
Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Knoxville is the county seat of Knox County in East Tennessee. Overdose deaths remain a major local public health problem even where totals are falling, and the metro has a measurable licensed treatment network. This guide covers the local numbers, who coordinates public care, and how to pay for it.
What the local overdose data show
The Knox County Regional Forensic Center reports 334 drug overdose deaths in Knox County in 2024, a 36% drop from 519 in 2023. Tennessee Department of Health vital statistics (resident deaths) count 280 Knox County overdose deaths in 2024 (down 150 from 2023), including 216 involving opioids and 196 involving fentanyl. The Forensic Center notes polypharmacy in 61% of Knox County overdose deaths and lists synthetic opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, xylazine, and alcohol/ethanol among the most common substances identified.
Who provides treatment in Knoxville
The SAMHSA treatment locator lists 49 facilities within 30 miles of downtown Knoxville (ZIP 37902):
- 8 offering detoxification (withdrawal management)
- 9 with residential programs
- 42 offering outpatient services
Public-network anchors include Tennessee's free 24/7 TN REDLINE (1-800-889-9789, call or text) and TennCare managed care networks serving East Tennessee. Confirm openings on FindTreatment.gov.
Substance-specific guides for this city:
Paying for treatment
TennCare covers medically necessary SUD treatment for eligible members. Most members enroll through BlueCare Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee, or Wellpoint. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. If you are uninsured, call or text TN REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789.
Private plans are also required under federal parity rules to cover substance use disorder benefits on par with medical and surgical benefits when those benefits are offered.
How to start today
- If this is a medical emergency, call 911. For a crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to talk through your options with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Search findtreatment.gov with ZIP code 37902, or use the local public-network contacts listed above.
- Ask any program whether they offer medical detox, residential care, or outpatient and intensive outpatient options that match your schedule.
Knoxville has the scale of a major metro treatment market and public agencies that publish timely overdose data. The next step is one phone call.
Treatment by substance in Knoxville
Questions about rehab in Knoxville
How many people die of drug overdose in Knox County?
The Knox County Regional Forensic Center reports 334 drug overdose deaths in Knox County in 2024, a 36% drop from 519 in 2023. TDH resident counts list 280 Knox County overdose deaths in 2024.
How many addiction treatment centers are near Knoxville?
The SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator lists 49 substance use treatment facilities within 30 miles of Knoxville, including 8 offering detoxification, 9 with residential programs, and 42 offering outpatient care.
Does TennCare pay for rehab in Knoxville?
Yes. TennCare covers medically necessary SUD treatment for eligible members through BlueCare, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, or Wellpoint. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid - TN REDLINE can still help with referrals if you are uninsured.
What should I do if I am uninsured in Knoxville?
TN REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789 (call or text) provides free 24/7 confidential treatment referrals. In an emergency call 911; for a crisis call or text 988.
Is it dangerous to stop opioids or alcohol suddenly?
Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal after heavy use can be dangerous and should be medically supervised. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening on its own but is extremely uncomfortable. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe, and call or text 988 for a mental health crisis.