Top 30 Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers in Tennessee & Free Treatment Resources

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee ranks incredibly high for substance use among other states. For one, roughly 70,000 Tennesseans have an opioid use disorder (OUD).⁸ Among states reporting prescription drug abuse, Tennessee ranks third in the United States.⁸ It is estimated that at least 80% of all crime in the state is related to illicit substance use and trafficking.¹

Some of the most current statistics regarding substance use in Tennessee include:^{1, 8, 9, 11}

By current estimates, there are more than 800 methamphetamine labs operating throughout the state of Tennessee.

By the mid-2000s, residents of Tennessee illegally abused prescription opioids at higher rates than residents of any other state.

Since 2012, the total number of prescription opioids written in Tennessee (other than buprenorphine / Suboxone) has decreased significantly.

While reports of hydrocodone and oxycodone abuse in TN have decreased year over year, abuse of heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl-like substances have spiked.

During the mid-2000s, TBI crime labs documented the first cases of counterfeit opioid painkillers. The pills were disguised as oxycodone, but in reality, they were fentanyl.¹ Heroin has become an increasing concern for TN, as there haves been a notable influx of the substance often mixed with fentanyl.¹ Moreover, in the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin MS areas, the yearly average of individuals using illicit substances starting at age 12 is 218,000—representing 14.7% of the national average.²

Costs for Tennessee treatment vary depending on multiple factors. Consider the following when putting together a budget for a potential treatment center in Tennessee:

Treatment Type: Do you need a long-term residential (inpatient) program or an outpatient program?

Program Duration: How long will you be in rehab? Treatment programs typically range from 30 to 90 days, but can last longer if needed.

Amenities: What amenities do you want or need? Standard rehabs offer evidence-based treatment, but luxury programs tend to have on-site pools, gyms, spas, and more.

Location: Which part of Tennessee do you want to attend? Costs vary significantly from metropolitan areas to more rural areas.

Private Health Insurance Coverage: Do you have health insurance? Providers cover some, if not all, costs associated with substance use treatment.

Funding: Are you eligible for state-funded programs, scholarships, or financing plans?

According to a 2020 profile compiled by the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), Tennessee rehab centers accept the following payment methods:⁷

291 accepted cash or self-payment

184 offered sliding-scale payments

216 accepted Medicaid

158 accepted state-financed health insurance that is not Medicaid

229 accepted private health insurance

143 offered treatment without charge or with the minimal client payment

12 offered treatment free for all clients

121 accepted federal military insurance

116 accepted Medicare

12 accepted IHS/Tribal/Urban (ITU) funds

Even if you lack insurance or the financial means to cover out-of-pocket costs, you still have options to access quality treatment. Free and low-cost rehab is available, if you qualify.

Free and low-cost treatment in the Volunteer State is mostly provided by private nonprofits or for-profits. Among the 311 reported treatment centers, 143 offer treatment at the minimal amount, while 12 offer addiction treatment free of charge for everyone. Only five state and federal government facilities exist in Tennessee ⁷

State-funded facilities are regular, full-service programs, but they offer free or low-cost treatment for substance use disorder. State-funded facilities receive funding from state and federal government programs for low-income individuals. The state provides grant money and insurance programs like Medicaid (TennCare) and Medicare. Corporate donations and private scholarships also supplement these funding sources.

State-funded facilities provide medical detox programs, interim care if no beds are available, various forms of therapy, recovery housing, peer support groups, and virtual care. However, residents must meet eligibility requirements for this type of care, such as:

• Proof of state residency and citizenship
• Proof of income level (or no income)
• Family size
• Lack of health insurance

Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, health insurance companies in every state must provide plans that include both substance use disorder and mental health benefits.³ This means that if you have insurance coverage, you should legally receive some level of coverage for addiction services in Tennessee.

Private Insurance

Private health insurance providers, such as United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, COBRA, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), should cover at least the general costs of rehab and any needed mental health treatment.

Amount of coverage varies based on provider, insurance plan, and premiums. Check with your health insurance company first to get the specifics of your coverage.

Keep in mind: If you have insurance, but you choose a facility that isn’t in-network, you may have to pay full price.

Medicaid

TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. It provides healthcare coverage for Tennessee residents who are parents or caretakers of a minor, pregnant, elderly, or have a disability. To qualify for Medicaid, residents must meet income and resource limits.

The basics under Medicaid are:

• Intervention assistance
• Medical detox programs
• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Family counseling
• Cravings medications and maintenance

Medicare

Medicare provides healthcare coverage for Tennessee residents 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. This government program includes coverage for addiction treatment under various plans. However, not all rehab facilities accept Medicare as a method of payment. The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP) provides free counseling and assistance to Tennessee residents who qualify for Medicare, to help them understand and access these benefits.

Talk to Your Insurance Provider About Policy Coverage in TN

To find out how much coverage you have for substance use treatment, contact your insurance provider directly via the phone number on the back of your insurance card. The representatives will explain everything you need to know about your coverage and the type of treatment it can help you with, and which facilities are in-network.

In many cases, insurance alone is not enough to cover all your treatment needs. Luckily, there are a few supplemental funding options for drug rehab.

Choose a Program Offering Payment Plans

Most Tennessee rehab centers offer monthly payment plans that accommodate a number of financial situations. These plans work just like a typical loan, allowing you to make incremental payments for addiction treatment instead of being forced to come up with a large lump sum before entering the program.

And just like a loan, you will likely pay interest or fees associated with the regulations of the facility. Each rehab has its own payment plan system, so be sure to ask yours about types of payment plans offered.

Apply for a Scholarship

Scholarships can be administered by individual treatment facilities or directly provided by corporations that manage large private facilities. Nonprofit foundations are also known to contribute to rehab scholarships, which means you have several places to look for this type of funding.

Keep in mind that rehab scholarships are given on an individual basis. This means your financial situation and history of substance abuse must be evaluated before a facility can decide if you are eligible for funding.

To determine if your facility of choice offers scholarships, contact them directly. You also can find grant opportunities using the SAMHSA website.⁴

Sliding Scale Payment Options

A sliding-scale program is exactly what it sounds like: a program that allows you to pay on a sliding scale. These payment options offer more flexibility when it comes to paying for treatment, as your payments are based on factors like your income, financial resources, the type of treatment you need, and your ability to make on-time and consistent payments. Sliding-scale payments can increase or decrease over time depending on the above factors.

To find out if a treatment facility offers a sliding-scale payment option, get in touch with them directly.

Here is an overview of the different levels of care offered in the state of TN, so you know what to expect.

Medical Detox

Medical detox involves ridding the body of all drugs and alcohol while under 24/7 medical supervision. Many people choose medical detox to help prevent severe withdrawal symptoms, as the process can be life-threatening for those addicted to substances like alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.⁵

During detox, various medications are often used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or decrease cravings. The length of medical detox depends on several factors like drug(s) of choice, frequency of use, and duration of abuse. Generally speaking, however, medical detox usually lasts five to seven days. In Tennessee, medical detox is usually the first step in the recovery process.

Inpatient Care

Inpatient treatment programs are the most common among individuals recovering from substance use disorder. This form of care requires you to reside at the facility – generally for either 30, 60, or 90 days. During your stay at an inpatient rehab, you are given a room with a bed, all meals are provided, and there is a specific schedule you must follow. Depending on the facility and what you can afford, private rooms are available or you may have a roommate.

Upon entering an inpatient program, you can expect to have your personal belongings thoroughly searched while you complete the required paperwork. The search of your belongings is to ensure you aren’t sneaking in items that are banned by the facility, including illicit substances. You will also be evaluated by medical staff and receive a customized treatment plan.

Outpatient Care

Below you’ll find information about three unique forms of outpatient treatment:

Standard Outpatient Treatment

This program demands the least time commitment to participate, usually requiring only a few hours of scheduled treatment and therapy each week. However, outpatient programs also require individuals to attend support group meetings which often include Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or both. Outpatient treatment is suitable for someone in long-term recovery who needs ongoing counseling and life skills coaching in order to avoid relapse.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)

IOPs require attendance for a certain amount of scheduled treatment and therapy each day. The main difference, however, is that rather than being an everyday fulfillment, IOPs typically require you to attend treatment five days per week.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)

PHPs are very intensive outpatient programs, requiring several hours of treatment and therapy on a daily basis. However, they operate outside of a residential facility. While PHPs are designed for individuals who cannot commit to residential care due to certain obligations or lack of bed availability within a facility, individuals are expected to fulfill their scheduled treatment requirements at the designated facility.

Telehealth and Online Addiction Treatment

Telehealth (virtual therapy) is a modern form of various health therapies that can make substance use treatment more accessible for individuals that have disabilities or live in isolated locations, making it too difficult to attend an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.

Life after extensive treatment can be a difficult adjustment. Once you complete inpatient treatment, a return to your old daily life can trigger cravings and tempt you to relapse. This is where aftercare is valuable.

Aftercare is essentially any type of ongoing care you receive once you graduate from inpatient treatment. During your inpatient stay, you will work with a therapist to come up with an aftercare plan that supports your early recovery and helps to prevent potential relapse. As you anticipate future challenges, you will populate the aftercare plan with ready solutions to keep you on the right path.

Aftercare can include any one of the following elements:

• Residing in a sober living home as you transition out of residential care
• Attending local support group meetings like NA or AA
• Continuing individual counseling
• Participating in alumni programs at your rehab

There are a number of options for specialized care in the Volunteer State. Each program is purposefully designed to cater to certain populations and to ensure the recovery outcomes for individuals that fall into these special populations.

Veteran

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) governs veteran-specific rehab facilities. These facilities specialize in providing the necessary medical, social, vocational, and rehabilitation therapies for returning soldiers who have been negatively impacted during their time of active duty.

LGBTQ+

Members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle with substance use disorders at a higher rate, which doubles that of the general population.6 The factors contributing to this rate include vulnerability to ongoing discrimination, family rejection, stigma, and higher rates of depression.

Men-Only

Male-only treatment programs can dispel society’s gender biases by helping men heal and recover without any pressure to keep their issues hidden. Men are often stigmatized for being “weak” if they seek treatment, and male-only centers understand these challenges.

Women-Only

Female-only rehab programs specialize in providing a safe space for women to process and recover, especially those females who may have experienced sexual assault or abuse from a male partner or loved one.

Teen

Teen rehab centers focus on the significant changes that adolescents experience—psychological, physiological, and social—that tend to play a role in ongoing substance use. They also teach coping skills for various pressures known to trigger substance abuse in teenagers. There are several teen options in Tennessee according to the Adolescent Substance Use Disorders Services Program (ASUDSP).¹²

Tennessee lawmakers have enacted the following policies regarding substance use and addiction treatment:

Tennessee State Good Samaritan Law: In 2014, Tennessee became the 18th state to pass the Good Samaritan civil immunity law focusing on naloxone, the lifesaving medicine used in the event of an opioid overdose. Under this law, providers who prescribe naloxone to a patient, family member, friend, or another individual will be immune from any civil suits. Additionally, this law allows the Department of Health to provide training on how to use naloxone and it protects anyone—even nonmedical personnel—from prosecution if they administer the medicine to someone experiencing an opioid overdose.

Tennessee Drug Treatment Instead of Incarceration Act: To promote recovery and decriminalize individuals with substance use disorders, Tennessee passed bill HB0881, the Drug Treatment Instead of Incarceration Act. Under this bill, nonviolent drug offenders are allowed to participate in a rehab program instead of serving time behind bars.

Tennessee Reentry Success Act: In addition to the Drug Treatment Instead of Incarceration Act, Tennessee also passed legislation known as the Reentry Success Act. Under this bill, recently released inmates will receive mandatory supervision with an established employer liability shield for felons to help those with criminal records—especially those with a history of substance use on their records—find jobs easier.

The goal is to reintegrate inmates into their communities to reduce reincarceration rates and make cities safer within the state.

Tennessee Addiction Treatment Act: The Tennessee Addiction Treatment act maintains that any person who seeks medical assistance for themselves or someone else during an overdose event will not be subject to the following:

• An arrest, charge, or prosecution for the possession or exchange of the substance and associated paraphernalia in question
• Penalties for violations of restraining orders
• Sanctions or violations of a condition of pretrial release, probation, or parole based on a substance violation

1. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (n.d.). Current Drug Trends.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Review of Substance Use and Mental Disorders in the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA.
3. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Help.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Grants.
5. Shah, M., & Huecker, M. R. (2022). Opioid Withdrawal. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
6. Marshal, M. P., Friedman, M. S., Stall, R., King, K. M., Miles, J., Gold, M. A., Buksteins, O. G., & Morse, J. Q. (2008). Sexual orientation and adolescent substance use: A meta-analysis and methodological review. Addiction, 103(4), 546-556.
7. National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS). (2022). 2020 N-SSATS State Profile: Tennessee. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.
8. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Opioids. TN.gov.
9. Office of Informatics and Analytics. (2022). Tennessee Drug Overdose Data Dashboard. Tennessee Department of Health.
10. Office of Informatics and Analytics. (2021). Tennessee’s Annual Overdose Report 2021: Report on Epidemiologic Data and Projects to Address the Overdose Epidemic. Tennessee Department of Health.
11. Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (2017). Youth Substance Use Declining in Tennessee: Hope for a Brighter Future.
12. Adolescent Substance Use Disorders Services Program (ASUDSP). (2020). Provider Listing.
13. About TN Together. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://www.tn.gov/opioids/about-tn-together.html