Substance Abuse Statistics in Johnson City, MA
Being a college town, Johnson City is no stranger to illicit substance use or binge drinking. However, the opioid epidemic has posed a serious problem in the city. The use of opioids typically begins as a way to manage pain under medical guidance or through recreational experimentation— but for some it becomes an all-consuming addiction.
Here’s an overview of opioid statistics for Tennessee, Washington County, and Johnson City over the recent years:2,3
In 2019, the highest rates of drug overdoses were observed among males and the white population at rates of 41.3 and 33.2 people per 100,000, respectively.
17.81 per 100,000 males and 7.92 per 100,000 females in 2018 suffered fentanyl/synthetic opioid related overdose deaths.
Out of all the overdose deaths caused by synthetic opioids in 2018, the white population accounted for 14.28 overdose deaths per 100,000 and the African American population accounted for 8.77 overdose deaths per 100,000.
The number of drug overdoses in Tennessee rose from 1,818 in 2018 to 2,089 in 2019.
In 2018, the overdose rate due to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids reached 12.83 people per 100,000 in Washington County.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Johnson City, Tennessee
Private Insurance
Tennessee residents are protected under the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This law requires all insurance companies to provide at least some coverage for substance abuse treatment. However, plans differ regarding specific coverage, and copays and deductibles may apply.
Tennessee 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.4
Tennessee 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.
TRICARE in Tennessee
TRICARE in Tennessee provides health insurance coverage, including coverage for addiction treatment, for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Tennessee residents who attend a sliding scale rehab program pay only what they can afford based on their income. To qualify, they must provide proof of income when applying for treatment in Tennessee.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a health program for Indigenous people, funded by the federal government. The program offers free or low-cost SUD treatment for Native Americans and Native Alaskans.
Resources
- Tennessee Department of Health. (n.d.). Drug Overdose Dashboard. https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/pdo/pdo/data-dashboard.html
- Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Tennessee’s Annual Overdose Report. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/pdo/2021%20TN%20Annual%20Overdose%20Report.pdf
- Live Stories. (n.d.). Washington County Fentanyl Death Statistics. https://www.livestories.com/statistics/tennessee/washington-county-fentanyl-deaths-mortality
