Opioid Treatment and MAT in Memphis, TN

Tennessee Department of Health vital statistics report 342 drug overdose deaths among Shelby County residents in 2024, down 157 from 2023. Fentanyl remains central to local fatalities even where totals are falling. The Memphis metro also has a measurable medication-assisted treatment network: buprenorphine prescribers and federally certified opioid treatment programs within 30 miles. This page explains each piece and how to access it.

How bad the opioid problem is here

Of those 2024 resident deaths, 256 involved opioids and 244 involved fentanyl. Stimulants other than cocaine appeared in 93 deaths and cocaine in 150. The West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center supplies provisional suspected-overdose surveillance to the Shelby County Health Department. TDH county tables show fentanyl in 244 of Shelby County's 342 resident overdose deaths in 2024.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) near Memphis

Medication-assisted treatment - also called medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD - uses one of three FDA-approved medications alongside counseling. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

  • Methadone is a full opioid agonist that relieves withdrawal and cravings. It is dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs.
  • Buprenorphine is a partial agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal, and can be prescribed in a doctor's office.
  • Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors so opioids no longer produce a high. It can be started only after opioids have cleared the body.

Within 30 miles of downtown Memphis (ZIP 38103), the SAMHSA locator lists:

  • 2 federally certified opioid treatment programs
  • 11 facilities that prescribe buprenorphine
  • 9 facilities that prescribe naltrexone
  • 14 offering outpatient methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone treatment

Public-network anchors include Tennessee's free 24/7 TN REDLINE (1-800-889-9789, call or text) for treatment referrals, the Shelby County Health Department's overdose surveillance program, and TennCare managed care networks. Confirm openings on FindTreatment.gov.

Paying for opioid treatment in Memphis

TennCare covers medically necessary SUD treatment for eligible members, including withdrawal management, outpatient and intensive outpatient care, residential treatment, and medications when clinically appropriate. Most members enroll through BlueCare Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee, or Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup); TennCare Select serves defined special populations. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. If you are uninsured, call or text TN REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789.

How to start today

  1. If this is a medical emergency, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it. For a crisis, call or text 988.
  2. 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.

  1. Search findtreatment.gov with ZIP code 38103 and filter for opioid treatment programs or buprenorphine.
  2. Call or text 988. Call or text TN REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789 for treatment referrals.

Medication for opioid use disorder works. The barrier is usually finding an opening and confirming payment - not whether treatment exists in Memphis.

Call or text (800) 653-9376 Get help online