Skip to Content

Division of Planning, Research & Forensics

Prescription Drug Abuse in Tennessee

Abuse of prescription opioids (pain relievers) is the number one drug problem for
Tennesseans receiving state-funded substance abuse treatment services.  Key strategies to address prescription drug abuse are to:

  • Increase public awareness about dangers of methamphetamine and prescription drugs;
  • Increase data sharing among state departments and agency partners for drug abuse;
  • Expand treatment options for people addicted to prescription drugs;
  • Support health care organizations and providers to become champions for prescription drug abuse prevention;
  • Reduce unethical and dangerous practices among prescribers; and
  • Develop regional approaches to monitor and reduce prescription drug and methamphetamine trafficking.

The complexity and impact of prescription drug abuse make a collaborative response to this issue essential. A multi-agency collaborative initiative to address prescription drug abuse is being coordinated by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Department of Health, in conjunction with Safety Subcabinet Working Group convened by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.  Other partner agencies are the Departments of Children’s Services, Correction, and Military; the Board of Probation and Parole; the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (Department of Transportation); Law Enforcement Training Academy (Department of Commerce and Insurance) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Links

Research Links