The Power of Nashville Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs

Across the country, drug and alcohol abuse is a persistent problem that continues to undermine our development as individuals and as a community. Unfortunately, this same trend is reflected in Nashville and the surrounding areas. While Tennessee is one of the states with the lowest rates of marijuana use among 12-17 year olds and of alcohol and binge alcohol use by all age groups, it also has the dubious distinction of being ranked among the 10 states with the highest rates of “nonmedical use of pain relievers.” What does this mean for Tennessee? While we have made strides in certain areas, like marijuana and alcohol abuse, something new is now eroding the quality of life of our citizens.

Thankfully, with the help of Nashville’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation professionals, this trajectory can be changed. In fact, one can deduce from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that addiction has continued to fester in large part because those who need treatment either do not seek or receive it. It may be startling to read that nationally,“23.5 million persons aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem.” What is even more disheartening, however, is that only 2.6 million, or 11.2%, received treatment from professionals specializing in drug and alcohol addiction. Something that has become clear over the years is that successful drug and alcohol rehabilitation and a life in recovery require the expertise of specialists who understand addiction from all angles.

Tennessee has devoted significant resources to assist its citizens in gaining access to treatment and recovery. Whether you avail yourself of Tennessee’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services or not, finding a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that will work for you is critical to you or your loved one combatting addiction. When choosing a program, there is a lot to consider, and at times, there may seem to be significant obstacles. In fact, the two primary reasons people cited in the SAMHSA’s report for not receiving treatment was lack of health insurance or funds to pay for treatment (36.8%) or they simply were not ready to stop using (30.5%). Neither of those is an insurmountable barrier, however, and should not deter you or a loved one from seeking treatment. You can start researching your options by contacting either Tennessee’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services or a specific rehabilitation program, and they can help you formulate a plan to seek or receive treatment.

While a lifetime of recovery is never guaranteed, it is certain that Nashville’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are a critical step forward towards living a sober, happy, and meaningful life.