Drug & Alcohol Rehabs in Memphis, TN

Memphis Alcohol/Drug Use Statistics

Memphis is located in Shelby County, Tennessee, where alcohol and drug use have long been serious concerns for the community. Noteworthy substance misuse and treatment statistics for the Memphis area include:^{1, 2}

• From January to March of 2021, there were nearly 500 opioid-related emergency department visits in the greater Memphis area and nearly 650 suspected overdoses.
• Between January and March of 2021, there were 117 overdose-related deaths involving opioids in Shelby County.
• In 2016, roughly 51% of people admitted to state-funded addiction treatment centers identified alcohol as a substance of misuse.
• Nearly 37% of people admitted to state-funded rehab facilities in 2016 identified marijuana as a substance of misuse.
• In 2016, nearly 700 people were admitted to state-funded treatment centers for cocaine or crack misuse.
• More than 500 people were admitted to state-funded, Memphis-area rehabs for heroin misuse in 2016.
• In 2016, nearly 200 individuals were admitted to state-funded, Memphis-area treatment centers for methamphetamine use.

What is the Cost of Rehab in Memphis?

The cost of going to alcohol or drug rehab in Memphis can vary widely based on several factors, including:

• Treatment setting (inpatient vs. outpatient)
• Type of rehab (luxury vs. standard)
• Length of treatment program (short term vs. long term)
• Whether the rehab center receives government funding or donations
• The insurance providers and plans accepted
• Whether the facility offers income-based payment assistance
• Treatment plan specifics (whether you need detox, medication-assisted treatment, dual diagnosis care, or other specialized services)

Fortunately, you have several options to pay for addiction treatment. Many Memphis rehabs may also be willing to work with you on payment based on your financial situation.

How to Find Free Rehabs in Memphis

If you cannot afford to pay for addiction treatment, you may be eligible for low-cost or free treatment at a state-funded drug rehab in Memphis. These facilities receive funding from the government, which allows them to provide reduced-cost and free treatment options for people in need.

State-funded Memphis rehabs are a public health service, which means their services are available to any Tennessee resident. However, to qualify for treatment at one of these facilities, you’ll likely be asked to prove that:

• You are a legal resident of the United States.
• You are a resident of Tennessee.
• You do not have adequate income to pay for treatment.
• You do not have insurance.
• You have a history of substance addiction.

If you need help finding a free drug or alcohol rehab in Memphis, you can call our free, 24/7 helpline to speak with a treatment support specialist who can assist you. You can also search for “drug rehab near me” or “alcohol rehab near me” online and contact facilities to inquire about reduced-cost services.

Does Insurance Cover Rehab in Memphis?

Yes, most health insurance policies provide at least partial coverage for alcohol and drug rehab. However, coverage type and extent vary by insurance provider and plan.

Private Insurance

Private insurers are insurance companies not funded or operated by federal or state governments. The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) made behavioral health treatment—which includes treatment for substance use and mental health disorders—an essential health benefit.³ That means private insurers must provide some coverage for these treatment services.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act stipulates that insurers cannot place more restrictions on behavioral health coverage than other essential health benefits.³

Medicaid

Medicaid is an insurance program jointly funded by the federal government and each state’s government. This type of insurance provides low-cost or free health coverage for eligible low-income adults, elderly adults, children, pregnant people, and people with disabilities.

Each state administers Medicaid according to federal guidelines, and all plans must provide partial or complete coverage for the following behavioral health services:^{4, 5}

• Interventions
• Screenings
• Detox
• Inpatient treatment and long-term residential treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Medications for cravings and treatment maintenance
• Mental health services

Medicare

Medicare is a federally funded insurance program issued by the U.S. government. This type of insurance provides coverage for individuals who are 65 or older and specific younger individuals with disabilities.

Although Medicare provides inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment coverage, it does not cover all alcohol and drug rehab services.⁶ You can call Medicare directly to learn more about your plan’s benefits and extent of coverage.

Does My Insurance Plan Cover Addiction Treatment?

Your private or public health insurance should provide either partial or full coverage for addiction treatment. However, not all Memphis drug rehabs and alcohol rehabs accept all types of insurance. You can call our free, confidential helpline at (800) 662-HELP (4357) for help verifying your insurance coverage at any Memphis treatment facility you’re considering. You can also call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with a plan representative about your policy’s specific benefits.

How to Finance Addiction Treatment in Memphis

If you are uninsured or underinsured, do not qualify for free treatment, or all free Memphis alcohol and drug rehabs are full, there are other ways you can pay for rehab.

Apply for a Rehab Scholarship

Treatment scholarships may cover the cost of alcohol or drug rehab in Memphis. In addition, some facilities offer in-house scholarships that provide partial or full coverage for treatment at their facility. Third-party organizations, such as 10,000 Beds, also offer rehab scholarships and partner with specific facilities to cover treatment for people in need.

All rehab scholarships require an application and are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Applications may ask you to provide details about your financial situation, addiction status, and other measures you’ve taken to obtain payment assistance.

Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program

Many Memphis alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs only require you to pay what you can reasonably afford. These rehabs structure their treatment fees on a sliding scale and base your out-of-pocket costs on your income and other situational variables. You’ll need to provide proof of income to qualify for reduced-cost treatment at one of these facilities.

Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans

Alcohol and drug rehabs in Memphis may offer payment plans, which work similarly to taking out a loan. These payment plans offer the option of deferring payments until you’ve been discharged from treatment. You’ll need to provide credit information and details about your financial situation to qualify for this type of financial assistance. Many facilities offer a range of financing options for various credit histories and income levels.

Popular Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers in Memphis

Memphis is home to dozens of alcohol and drug rehabs of varying types. You may want to consider facilities based on their accreditation, treatment programs, levels of care, and amenities.

Memphis Recovery Centers

Memphis Recovery Centers is a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)-accredited alcohol and drug rehab in Memphis within the Midtown district. This facility offers inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for adults and youth, as well as dual diagnosis programs and holistic therapies. Gender-specific treatment programs and family therapy programs are also available here.

The Transformation Center

The Transformation Center is a Joint Commission-accredited rehab facility located on the eastern outskirts of the Memphis metro area. This treatment center offers intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, as well as treatment for mental health disorders and eating disorders. Both adults and young adults can receive age-targeted treatment at this facility.

Crestwyn Behavioral Health

Crestwyn Behavioral Health is accredited by the Joint Commission and offers several treatment programs and holistic therapies for adults and adolescents. Inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs, standard outpatient rehab, and aftercare are all available at this facility. Crestwyn also provides treatment for mental health disorders and partners with the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide specialized treatment for military members.

Serenity Recovery Centers

Serenity Recovery Centers is a CARF-accredited rehab facility that has helped more than 15,000 Memphians heal from addiction over the last 50+ years. This facility offers gender-specific residential treatment programs, medication-assisted treatment, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and aftercare support. Sober living housing, long-term counseling, and perinatal treatment services are also available here.

Addiction Treatment Settings

Every person’s recovery needs and timeline are unique. Memphis drug rehabs recognize this and provide a variety of treatment options to suit various needs.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab, also referred to as residential treatment, provides a stable, structured, highly supportive environment where you can work diligently on your recovery. Inpatient programs are the most intensive form of addiction treatment and require you to live at the rehab facility for the length of your program. Depending on your needs, your program may last 30-90 days but could last longer if your treatment team thinks you need more time.

Before you start an inpatient program, you’ll likely undergo medical detox—a process that provides constant supervision and medical support throughout the withdrawal process. From there, you’ll begin your individualized treatment plan, which may include a variety of addiction therapies and treatments, such as:

• Individual and group therapy
• Holistic therapies like meditation, yoga, or art therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which helps with opioid and alcohol use disorders
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders
• Relapse prevention education and planning
• Peer support meetings

Inpatient rehab may be the right choice for your needs if you live with a serious substance use and/or mental health disorder that requires intensive therapy. Residential treatment settings provide an environment free of triggers, distractions, and social situations that may interfere with your recovery.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides several hours of outpatient addiction therapy per day, up to seven days per week. Although a PHP program provides similar therapies as inpatient programs, it does not require you to live at the rehab facility.

Sometimes, PHPs function as a form of step-down treatment after residential rehab. They can also function as a first-line treatment program for people who cannot attend an inpatient program. Partial hospitalization treatment may be a good fit for your needs if you have a stable home environment that can support you throughout your recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide three to five weekly treatment sessions that consist of several hours of addiction therapy per session. These programs are less intense than PHPs but provide many of the same therapeutic interventions. An IOP may be a good fit for your needs if you must continue tending to daily life obligations, such as work, family, or school, during treatment.

Standard Outpatient

Standard outpatient treatment is much more flexible than IOPs, PHPs, and inpatient rehab. Generally, low-intensity outpatient programs provide approximately 10 hours of weekly addiction therapy, spread out over one to three weekly treatment sessions. Often, these programs offer early morning or evening meetings to accommodate work and school schedules.

Telehealth and Online Addiction Treatment

If your circumstances may prevent you from accessing in-person drug rehab in Memphis, you may be able to get help through an online addiction treatment program. Advances in telemedicine have made virtual addiction treatment much more common in recent years, and many Memphis rehabs now offer this service.

An online addiction treatment program can provide you with an assessment and screening, therapy sessions, peer support, and other services. You can access such a program from your home, via any internet-connected device, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. If you don’t currently have internet, you may qualify for discounted or free internet service through Memphis’s Affordable Connectivity Program.⁷

Medical Detox

Detoxification is the process of eliminating substances from your body so you can begin your treatment program in a medically and psychologically stable state. Medical detox may be the first step in your treatment plan if you live with serious substance dependence or have a history of using alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opioids.

A supervised withdrawal management program provides 24/7 care and support from medical and addiction professionals. Depending on your needs, you may receive IV fluids and medications to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and substance cravings.

Although medical detox can ensure you eliminate toxic substances as safely as possible, it is not a substitute for addiction treatment. After successfully detoxing, you should receive personalized addiction therapy that can help you work toward long-term recovery.

Specialized Rehab in Memphis for Various Populations

Every person’s experience with addiction and/or mental health disorders is unique. Many Memphis drug rehabs and alcohol rehabs recognize the need for highly personalized treatment and offer specialized programs for various identities and populations.

Veteran Rehab

In 2019, approximately 3.9 million United States veterans had a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental illness.⁸ It’s common for veterans to develop comorbid addiction issues and mental health disorders, particularly PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Veteran-specific alcohol and drug rehabs offer programs designed to target the unique and often complex treatment needs of the veteran population. These facilities employ staff who are highly trained in best practices for evaluating and treating former military members.

LGBTQ+ Rehab

Reports suggest LGBTQ+ individuals are roughly twice as likely to develop SUD than people outside the community. Research also shows that members of the LGBTQ community often enter rehab with more severe substance use disorders than their heterosexual counterparts. Those with addiction issues are also more likely to have co-occurring mental health disorders.⁹

People who belong to the LGBTQIA community may be hesitant to seek treatment because non-specialized programs may not address their needs or provide an ideal safe space. Social stigma may also be of concern. Research shows that rehab programs tailored specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals often produce better treatment outcomes than non-specialized programs.⁹ These programs are highly sensitive to sexual orientation, gender identity, co-occurring mental health conditions, and other concerns.

Men-Only Rehab

Men are statistically more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than women. They’re also more likely to engage in illicit substance use.¹⁰ However, societal expectations and traditional gender roles may make men more hesitant to seek treatment than women. Once involved in treatment, men may also find it difficult to identify and express their problems or weaknesses.¹¹

Men-only rehab programs recognize that male clients often require a specialized approach to treatment that allows them to express their needs and emotions freely. Such programs employ male-specific behavioral considerations in their therapeutic approach to help men work toward physical, psychological, and emotional healing.

Women-Only Rehab

Women who use drugs or alcohol may experience addiction differently than men. Research shows that women often use less of a substance before they develop an addiction to it and tend to have more substance cravings and a higher risk of relapse after treatment.¹⁰

Cognitive changes in women who use misuse alcohol and/or drugs are also typically different than in men who use the same substances.¹²

Women-specific Memphis alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs understand the unique challenges women with substance use face. These programs provide a stable and secure environment where women can feel safe working through recovery and expressing their needs. Programs tailored for women may also offer childcare services and parenting education/support to help parents focus more intensely on their recovery.

Teen Rehab

Teens experience a wide variety of social, emotional, and developmental changes as they mature and transition to adulthood. Research shows that substance misuse and mental health issues often emerge during this period of a person’s life. It’s also common for teens with mental health disorders to have co-occurring substance use issues.¹³

Teen-specific Memphis rehab programs understand adolescents’ complex treatment needs and provide extensive screening to identify mental health and addiction disorders. These programs provide integrated addiction therapy and mental health treatment to address the intertwined challenges of both conditions.

Many teen rehabs also provide ongoing education, peer support, and family therapy to help ensure the best possible long-term treatment outcomes.

Should I Travel to Memphis for Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

Traveling to drug or alcohol rehab in Memphis may be right for you if your insurance covers treatment at a facility in the city. Other reasons you may want to travel to Memphis for addiction treatment include:

• You want to break from your day-to-day environment and get away from triggers or distractions that may interfere with your recovery.
• Your local area does not provide the type of treatment you need.
• You want to experience a new environment while you work through recovery.
• You have family or friends in the area who can provide support while you work through recovery.

Neighborhoods in Memphis to Consider for Treatment

There are many neighborhoods in which to seek an  alcohol or drug rehab in Memphis, both throughout the city center and in outlying areas. Some neighborhoods you may want to consider for treatment include:

• Midtown: Home to several entertainment districts, the award-winning Memphis Zoo, and historic Overton Park, Midtown Memphis offers a wide variety of activities to suit just about any interest.
• Downtown: The heart of the city, downtown Memphis is packed with history, culture, and entertainment opportunities. The area is known for its riverfront parks, community events, sporting events, and a plethora of free activities. Public transportation is also available.
• South Memphis: Home to Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland, South Memphis is known for its music scene, a state-of-the-art climbing gym (which has a pay-what-you-can fee structure), and many photography walks.
• East Memphis: Known as the city’s garden district, East Memphis is packed with gorgeous parks, lush gardens, and beautiful waterways perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking.

Alcohol & Drug Laws in Memphis

Tennessee Addiction Treatment Act of 2015

Under Senate Bill 871, anyone who calls for emergency medical assistance during a suspected overdose cannot be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for a drug violation. However, this law only applies if the evidence for such a violation was obtained as a result of a good faith 911 call.¹⁴

Calling for emergency medical assistance in the event of an overdose could save a life. If you’re ever involved in this type of situation, do not hesitate to seek help. This law protects you from legal consequences.

Tennessee Good Samaritan Naloxone Administration Law

This law grants immunity from civil suits to providers who prescribe naloxone (Narcan) to a person who can assist in administering the medication during an overdose. This legislation also allows the Department of Health to give instruction and training on proper naloxone use. Furthermore, the law grants civil immunity to people who administer the medication to someone who appears to be overdosing on an opioid.¹⁵

Tennessee Addiction Treatment Marketing Laws

In 2018, Tennessee passed House Bill 2068, which makes deceptive treatment facility marketing practices illegal. This legislation makes it unlawful for rehab facilities to deceptively redirect readers to other websites and requires that site coding, electronic links, and activation be transparent.

HB 2068 also stipulates that rehab facilities cannot solicit, receive, or attempt to receive a financial kickback for patient referrals.¹⁶ This law makes it easier for prospective addiction treatment clients to make well-informed, unbiased decisions about the rehab facilities they’d like to attend.

Aftercare Options for Post-Rehab Success

Addiction recovery is a long-term process that doesn’t end when you’re discharged from treatment. Transitioning back to your normal daily life can present triggers and situations that may challenge your ongoing recovery. That’s where aftercare comes in.

Aftercare, also known as continuing care, involves ongoing support designed to encourage you to stay strong in your sobriety. There are several aftercare options available to help ensure your long-term recovery success, including:

• Sober living housing, which provides a stable, substance-free living environment as you transition back to normal life
• Counseling, which provides ongoing support and skills training to help you respond to triggers in a healthy way
• 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, which provide ongoing peer support and recovery assistance
• Alternative support groups, such as SMART Recovery and non-12-step groups, which provide tools and training to help you stay strong in your recovery

A quality addiction rehab program will help you with aftercare planning while you’re in treatment, so you have a relapse-prevention plan upon discharge. It is important to engage in ongoing support programs as part of your long-term recovery. Aftercare can help prevent future relapse.

Finding the right drug or alcohol rehab in Memphis for your needs can be a challenge. If you’d like assistance determining which treatment facility is best for you, call our confidential, free helpline to speak with a treatment support specialist about your rehab options. We’re available 24/7 to assist you.

Resources

1. Shelby County Health Department, Bureau of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases. (2021). Provisional Opioid Report, Quarter 1 – 2021.
2. Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. (2017). 2017 Tennessee Behavioral health County and Region Services Data Book.
3. National Library of Medicine, American Journal of Public Health. (2017). The Affordable Care Act Transformation of Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
4. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Fact Sheet, Substance (Other Than Tobacco) Abuse Structured Assessment and Brief Intervention (SBIRT) Services.
5. Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Pathways for Covering Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services.
6. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2016). Medicare Coverage of Substance Abuse Services.
7. USAC Affordable Connectivity Program. (n.d). What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Veteran Adults.
9. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Substance Use and SUDs in LGBTQ+ Populations.
10. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use.
11. National Library of Medicine, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2013). Treatment Improvement Protocol Series, No. 56. Addressing the Specific Behavioral Health Needs of Men. Treatment Issues for Men.
12. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Substance Use in Women Drug Facts. Sex and gender differences in substance use.
13. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Treatment Consideration for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Emotional Disturbances and Serious Mental Illnesses and Co-occurring Substance Use.
14. Capitol.tn.gov. (n.d). Senate Bill 871.
15. Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. (n.d.). Naloxone Training Information.
16. Capitol.tn.gov. (n.d.). House Bill 2068.