Drug & Alcohol Rehabs in Nashville, TN

Nashville Alcohol/Drug Use Statistics

Various agencies in Tennessee collect data on substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs). Results show where Nashville is succeeding and areas in need of improvement. Alcohol and drug use statistics help inform a plan of action to ensure treatment is accessible to everyone.

Overdoses

In 2021, 712 deaths in Nashville were due to drug overdoses; this was a 15% increase from the number of drug overdoses in 2020. Males between 35 and 44 were most common age group of those who had fatal drug overdoses. In 74% of fatal overdoses, fentanyl was present in toxicology analysis. Along with fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine were present in some.²

The number of visits to the emergency room for drug overdoses decreased slightly from 2,591 in 2020 to 2,583 in 2021. Most of the overdose survivors were males ranging from 25-34 years of age. The most common drugs involved in non-fatal overdoses were synthetic opioids at 61%, followed by heroin at 34%, and stimulants at 5%. ²

Additional Nashville overdose statistics include:²

• 5,746 fire Department and EMS calls responded to suspected drug overdoses
• 28% of emergency responses in the third quarter required multiple doses of naloxone
• 34% of emergency responses in the fourth quarter required multiple doses of naloxone

Alcohol Use in Nashville

Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducts occasional needs assessment surveys on the health of the Davidson County community. Data gathered from participant responses and other resources suggest the following about the community’s alcohol and substance misuse:⁴

• 18% report excessive drinking, compared to 14% in Tennessee and 27% in the U.S.
• 29% of alcohol-impaired driving-related deaths in Davidson County, compared to 28% in Tennessee and 28% in the U.S.
• 7% of Davidson County residents are alcohol dependent

Cost of Drug Rehab in Nashville

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services makes it possible for anyone living in Nashville to get help with a substance use disorder.

Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in Nashville

Nashville drug rehabs want everyone to get treatment. As such, several programs have been created to help with treatment-related costs, such as the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT), in which local treatment centers contract with the state to accept funding that covers people who need treatment but cannot afford to pay for it.⁵

Eligibility criteria include:⁵

• You have no way to pay for services.
• You are not enrolled in TennCare.
• You do not have third-party healthcare coverage.
• You have maxed out all of your TennCare or third-party benefits.
• You meet the 133% federal poverty guidelines.

There are currently 12 SAPT-funded drug and alcohol rehab in Nashville:⁵

• Behavioral Health Group (BHG) Nashville
• Lloyd Elam Mental Health Center
• Meharry Family Medical Center
• Mathew Walker Comprehensive Health Center
• Mending Hearts
• Park Center
• Renewal House
• Samaritan Recovery
• STARS
• The Next Day
• Neighborhood Health
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Other funding resources that cover your cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Nashville include the following:⁵

• Crisis Detoxification
• Adolescent Substance Use Disorders Services Program
• Treatment for Pregnant Women Abusing Substances
• Women’s Recovery and Treatment
• DUI Offenders Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment (ADAT)
• Supervised Probation Offender Treatment (SPOT)
• Faith-based programs

If you have insurance, it could cover part of the costs. Check with your insurance company by calling the number on your card. You can also search online using the phrase, “drug rehabs near me (or alcohol rehabs near me) accepting (the name of your insurance).”

You may also contact the alcohol or drug rehab in Nashville directly to see if you meet the qualifications for funding.

How Do I Pay for Addiction Treatment in Nashville

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for free drug and alcohol rehab in Nashville, or if they do not have an opening at the time of your call, there are still options for affordable treatment services.

Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans

Payment plans are contractual agreements with a rehab facility that state you will receive treatment services at a given rate. The rehab recognizes you cannot pay for the services at one time; therefore, they create a schedule to include specific dates on which you will submit a portion of the total fee. You will make payments until the amount is paid in full, which will be well after you have completed rehab.

Apply for a Rehab Scholarship

Scholarships and grants are funding sources that do not require repayment for drug and alcohol rehab in Nashville. You may have to provide financial information that shows you cannot afford a Nashville drug rehab without the financial support of a scholarship.

Although you may have to call a drug and alcohol rehab in Nashville directly to learn about their scholarships, you can also contact your county’s drug and alcohol program, which often receives funding from the state to support scholarships and grants.

Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program

Sliding scale fee programs help people with no or low income or who cannot afford their deductible get treatment services at a reduced rate. Your income determines how much you pay.

Popular Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers in Nashville

The Nashville drug and alcohol rehabs below showcase the wide range of settings, payment options, treatment services, and therapies in Davidson and surrounding counties.

Solutions Retreat

Solutions Retreat is a drug and alcohol rehab in Nashville in a private, wilderness setting offering experiential therapies. They provide services for adults and young adults and have programs starting with detox and continuing through aftercare. Solutions Retreat payment options include self-pay, sliding scale, and financing options. The Veteran’s Administration pays for all veterans in the program.

Renewal House Nashville

Located on Clarksville Pike, Renewal House provides programs for adults and young adults, such as inpatient, sober living, and outpatient programs as a continuum of care or individual treatment. Renewal House accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, self-pay, financial aid, and military insurance. They also offer a family residential program where women can live with their children while in treatment.

Vertava Health Nashville

Vertava Health has programs for adult men and women and young adults. They are a dual diagnosis facility offering a full range of services, including medication-assisted treatment, inpatient, aftercare, outpatient, and telehealth programs. They offer traditional and alternative therapies, from cognitive behavioral therapy to outdoor wilderness therapy and animal-assisted therapy. They are accredited by multiple agencies and provide care for specific groups, such as LGBTQIA, veterans, pregnant women, and first responders. Payment options include private insurance, self-pay, medical loans, scholarships, grants, and employee assistance programs.

Cumberland Heights in Nashville

Cumberland Heights operates on 177 acres surrounded by courtyards, walking trails, an orchard, memorial garden, pond, chapel, and more. Inside, there is a yoga studio, music room, and an art activities room. Serving young adults and adults, they are a dual diagnosis program offering the entire continuum of care. From intervention services to sober living and aftercare programs, they accept private insurance and will work with you to create a self-pay option.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab in Nashville

When looking for a drug or alcohol rehab in Nashville, it’s important to know what kind of treatment setting will best fit your needs. Whether inpatient or outpatient, your program will provide therapeutic treatment to help steer you to recovery.

The difference between inpatient and outpatient Nashville drug rehabs include:⁶

• Inpatient medical detox occurs in a setting with round-the-clock medical supervision and care to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient rehab is also in a highly structured facility with continual medical care and medication management, and individual and group activities.
• Partial-hospitalization programs (PHPs) are where you live at home but attend between 20 and 30 hours of individual and group therapy each week.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) provide between 10 and 20 hours of individual and group therapy each week.
• Standard outpatient treatment requires only a few hours of therapy a week, whether it be in-person group sessions or telehealth meetings with a doctor or counselor.

Benefits of Inpatient Addiction Treatment

Inpatient rehab treatment is recommended for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms or who need access to medical care throughout the day or night. It offers several benefits, including:⁶

• Medication assistance to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• 24-hour access to nurses and counselors
• Peer support from people with shared experiences
• Environment away from your home environment, family, and friends that may be triggers
• Access to onsite Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-Step facilitation groups

Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Outpatient treatment for SUDs is recommended for those with a stable, healthy support system at home who can travel back and forth each day to attend therapy. Benefits include:⁶

• You get to stay at home at night.
• You can receive medication assistance for withdrawal.
• You can work or go to school when not in treatment.
• You get support while living in your home environment, applying what you learn immediately.

Types of Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Nashville

Holistic Drug Rehab

Holistic rehabs use traditional therapies and alternative therapies to treat each person’s mind, body, and spirit in recovery. Healing from SUDs does not happen overnight. However, specific techniques aid in the healing process and reconnect the link between mind, body, and spirit that drugs and alcohol break.

Examples of holistic therapies are mindfulness yoga, meditation, acupuncture, art, music, spiritual counseling, massage, fitness, and nutrition management.

Christian and Faith-Based Rehab

Many people with a substance use disorder prefer a faith-based rehab available among Nashville alcohol rehabs. Most faith-based programs are not limited to Christianity and help treat those from various religions or spiritual backgrounds. The goal is to integrate therapies that help you restore your faith so it can help you maintain recovery.

Bible studies, prayer groups, mission work, and testimonies supplement traditional therapies at faith-based rehabs.

Luxury Rehab

Comfort is a priority at a luxury drug or alcohol rehab in Nashville. The focus is on healing the whole person in a serene environment with specific therapies that target the mind, body, and spirit. Luxury programs take an individualized treatment plan to the highest level. Everything is customized to meet your needs, such as privacy, personal counselors, organic foods cooked by a chef, and onsite amenities you may find in resorts.

Massages, private rooms, private baths, fitness gyms, horseback riding, access to electronics, and outdoor activities in resort-like surroundings are a few examples of amenities at luxury rehabs.

Executive Rehab

An executive drug or alcohol rehab in Nashville meets the needs of professional businesspeople with significant responsibilities in their careers. Fear of losing a job or being overwhelmed with work after rehab is a deterrent to seeking treatment for many. Executive rehabs allow specific times each day for work. You can access computers, conference rooms, phones, and private living spaces. Some executives are permitted to travel when necessary.

When not working, you can participate in traditional therapies with a low counselor-to-client ratio, holistic therapies, gourmet meals, and access to many other perks you can often purchase a la carte.

Dual Diagnosis Rehab

One in four adults with a substance use disorder also has a mental health disorder, which is referred to as dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder.⁷ For some, self-medicating a mental health disorder may have led to an addiction. For others, drugs and alcohol may have led to a mental illness. Effective treatment for dual diagnosis addresses both disorders, as an untreated condition could trigger a relapse. Traditional and holistic therapies can help you through each phase of treatment, from detox to aftercare.

Depression and Addiction

Data from a 2020 survey of 199,070 participants shows that 14.7% had co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 11.1% had co-occurring depression and drug use disorders^.8

Because a substance use disorder can lead to depression and vice versa, a treatment that addresses both conditions separately is recommended, such as a dual diagnosis drug rehab in Nashville. Working with a qualified mental health professional can help you  decide if an antidepressant medication can enhance your recovery.

Anxiety and Addiction

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 20% of people with anxiety also have a SUD.⁸

Anti-anxiety medications are an effective treatment for all types of anxiety disorders. It helps you stabilize to participate in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapies, mindfulness, and treatments specific to your type of anxiety disorder. For example, if you have a phobia, exposure therapy can help.

PTSD and Addiction

Data reports suggest that 46.4% of civilians and veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.⁹ Another study of veterans with a comorbid diagnosis of alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder also have PTSD.¹⁰

Cognitive behavioral therapy works well for both PTSD and addiction. Forms of CBT, like trauma-focused CBT, can be adapted and supplemented with treatments such as Seeking Seeking Safety (S.S.), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy. For some, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial.

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) reports on the bipolar disorder and substance misuse connection. Reports claim between 30% and 50% of people with bipolar disorder will develop an SUD. SAMHSA also suggests the percentage could be higher than 50%.¹¹

Anticonvulsant medications stabilize moods in people with bipolar disorder. Doctors sometimes prescribe medications to treat mania and depression with lithium or antipsychotic medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy and its many adaptations have also been effective in treating bipolar disorder.

Personality Disorders and Addiction

Ten different personality disorders exist, with one of the more common being borderline personality disorder (BPD). One study found more than 53% had co-occurring BPD and addiction.¹²

Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) treats borderline personality disorder. It is also an effective method to treat substance use disorders.

Types of Addiction Therapy Used in Drug Rehab in Nashville

Every drug or alcohol rehab in Nashville will use evidence-based behavioral therapies for treating substance use disorders. The goal is to replace unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with more constructive ones. Below are examples of standard behavioral therapies.¹³

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most prevalent behavioral therapies that help address negative thought patterns. Rather than letting these patterns influence your feelings and behaviors, you learn to change them to rational, healthy thoughts. Doing so leads to better problem-solving and improved reactions. Numerous types of CBT are available for use in therapy.

Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of CBT that uses mindfulness to help you be present and aware of what is happening now. Mindfulness techniques teach you to avoid emotion-based reactions and, instead, calm yourself to make informed decisions. Rather than escape negative situations by misusing alcohol or drugs, you learn to work through them and make your needs a priority.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Motivational enhancement therapy helps you overcome any hesitation or ambiguity regarding entering recovery. It enables you to assess your SUD and the consequences it causes and create a desire to change.

Contingency Management (CM)

Contingency management (CM) is a structured form of therapy that uses incentives and rewards to change behaviors. For every milestone you reach in recovery, you earn money, prizes, or vouchers that can be used in the community or while in treatment. Incentives keep you working toward a goal and give you an additional reason to change behaviors.

Group Therapy

Licensed treatment professionals lead group therapies, and each session focuses on a specific topic familiar to the substance misuse of all group members. Topics include relapse prevention, communication, conflict resolution, depression, anxiety, triggers, coping skills, etc. Group therapy is a place where you can give and receive beneficial feedback from your peers.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can include anyone you consider family that is close to you and is affected by your SUD. Your loved ones may be part of the problem and need to learn how to support your recovery rather than supporting your addiction. In family therapy, everyone can learn how to set healthy boundaries, stop enabling, and for some, start their recovery. It can help you and your family get on the same page to create a supportive environment and build healthy relationships.

Should I Travel Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Nashville?

The decision to travel to Nashville drug rehabs requires practical consideration. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Does your insurance pay for treatment in Nashville alcohol rehabs?
• Is your home environment supportive or conducive to recovery?
• What will the weather be like while you are in Nashville alcohol rehabs?
• Do you have friends or family near Nashville drug rehabs?
• Are there more suitable drug rehabs near me?

Neighborhoods in Nashville to Consider for Treatment

Before you decide to follow through with traveling for Nashville alcohol rehabs, explore compatible rehabs or preferred neighborhoods online first.  Further, you can explore what different neighborhoods in Nashville are known for, such as:

• Berry Hill is business-focused, known for its music publishers and recording studios.
• 8^th Avenue is south of downtown and known for antique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• East Nashville is parallel to downtown, across the Cumberland River, with an eclectic, vintage vibe.
• Belmont is located near Belmont and Vanderbilt University, giving it an authentic college town feel.
• Music Row encompasses all things country music, but you may also find an underground music scene.

Alcohol and Drug Laws in Nashville

Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law

Under the Good Samaritan Law, if someone is overdosing and you contact emergency services for help, neither you nor the person overdosing can be arrested or prosecuted for:

• Drug possession
• Being in the vicinity of drug use
• Violating probation or parole due to drug use or possession
• Outstanding warrants from drug use or possession

This law does not protect you from other crimes that may have been committed, however.

Substance Abuse Marketing Law

Passed in 2018, Tennessee is now enforcing regulations that prevent substance abuse treatment facilities from false marketing tactics. Facilities must be transparent and avoid manipulation in all marketing efforts.

Expanded Availability of Naloxone

Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving drug that reverses opioid overdoses. Tennessee recently passed a bill that provides more prescriptions of Naloxone to people with an opioid use disorder, their family, friends, coworkers, and anyone else who may be near someone misusing opioids.

There are many great rehab options in Nashville. If you need help finding the right one, call our confidential helpline at 800-926-9037 (Who Answers?) . We have treatment support specialists available to help you 24/7.

Resources

1. Priester, M. A., Browne, T., Iachini, A., Clone, S., DeHart, D., & Seay, K. D. (2016). Treatment Access Barriers and Disparities Among Individuals with Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: An Integrative Literature Review. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 61, 47-59.
2. Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/ Davidson County. (2021). Quarterly Drug Overdose Surveillance Update.
3. Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County. (2019). Nashville Community Health and Wellbeing Survey.
4. Vanderbilt University Medical Center. (2019). Davidson County, TN Community Health Needs Assessment.
5. Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (2021). Adult Substance Abuse Treatment.
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (U.S.); Office of the Surgeon General (US). Washington (D.C.).
7. U.S. Department of health and human services. (2022). Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders.
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health Detailed Tables.
9. Anxiety & Depression Association of America. (2021). Substance Use.
10. Flanagan, J. C., Korte, K. J., Killeen, T. K., & Back, S. E. (2016). Concurrent Treatment of Substance Use and PTSD. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(8), 70.
11. Dworkin, E. R., Bergman, H. E., Walton, T. O., Walker, D. D., & Kaysen, D. L. (2018). Co-Occurring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder in U.S. Military and Veteran Populations. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 39(2), 161-169.
12. Trull, T. J., Freeman, L. K., Vebares, T. J., Choate, A. M., Helle, A. C., & Wycoff, A. M. (2018). Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders: An Updated Review. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 5, 15.
13. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Behavioral Therapies.