Prevention
Efforts to prevent addiction and substance use disorder in Tennessee take many forms. From the impactful work done with young people by the Substance Use Prevention Coalitions to the trainings and naloxone distribution performed by the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists, prevention at its essence is reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors.
The Power of Prevention
The videos below are collected stories of individuals engaged in prevention work across Tennessee. You can watch the videos or scroll down to directly connect with programs.
Call or text 800-889-9789 for a free and confidential referral to substance use disorder treatment services 24/7/365.
Substance Use Prevention Coalitions work to reduce dependence on harmful and potentially lethal substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) are a point of contact for training and education and for the distribution of naloxone. The work of the ROPS has prevented 103,000+ opioid overdose deaths.
Naloxone is a powerful tool in the fight against deadly opioid overdoses. Learn more about how to administer naloxone and possibly save a life.
Fentanyl is a man-made opioid that's driving huge increases in drug overdoses. Sadly, more Tennesseans than ever dying, but these deaths are preventable with knowledge and tools.
This page has the latest information, resources, and trainings to keep you up to speed on the substances that are affecting Tennesseans.
Nearly 22,000 Tennessee students participate in this biennial survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. The results are insightful for parents and prevention efforts.
Prescription drug take-back boxes provide a place where unused prescription drugs can be safely disposed. Click for a map to find one near you.
Preventing substance use among children and youth is a main goal for TDMHSAS. In addition to the other resources offered on this page, parents may find the following links and information helpful.
Underage drinking Awareness Resources: SAMHSA’s national youth substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use.
Parent Resources - Talk. They Hear You | SAMHSA
Tobacco-Free Kids: Information about preventing tobacco and flavored smoking/vaping
Home | Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Truth Initiative: Information from the nation’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all.
Truth Initiative: freedom from nicotine addiction
Partnership to End Addiction: Resources for prevention and early intervention of substance use
Prevention & Early Action - Partnership to End Addiction
Stop Overdose: Information and resources from the CDC about drug overdose
About Stop Overdose | Stop Overdose | CDC
Conversation Starters: National Institute for Drug Abuse’s resources for providing parents with help to talk to teens about drugs and their effects.
Parents: Conversation Starters | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Tennessee Prevention Network: The Tennessee Prevention Network (TPN) is composed of multiple agencies across Tennessee that provide prevention education for substance use.
To be effective agents of change, community coalitions must understand the unique problems and opportunities that exist in their community, develop a strategic plan, and address the needed changes.
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) is a basic standard for professional competence in the field of prevention. Certification as a Prevention Specialist is based on experience and competencies as set by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
The mission of the Prevention Alliance of Tennessee (PAT) is to inform and advocate for alcohol safety, substance use prevention, and public health policy concerns to Tennesseans and lawmakers.
The Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Campus Community (CHASCo) addresses alcohol, drug, and violence prevention issues on Tennessee’s campuses by providing high-quality consultation and training, technical assistance, research support, and policy development to our member institutions.
Substance Use Prevention Coalitions work to reduce dependence on harmful and potentially lethal substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services (SUPTRS) Block Grant from the federal government provides essential services to Tennesseans who would otherwise have no means to pay.
Women who are pregnant, or who have recently given birth, and have a history of mental health illness and/or who use or use drugs, tobacco and alcohol may qualify for in home visits from a Registered Nurse.
The TN Recover app is designed for people in recovery from substance use disorder or for people looking to get more information on preventing addiction.
The Problem Gambling Program is a service designed to provide outreach, education, and referral services to individuals and their families who have experienced problems with compulsive gambling.
For More Information
If you or a loved one need a referral to substance abuse treatment services, please call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789
If you feel at any time that you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 and press 0 to talk to a counselor or chat with 988lifeline.org.
To learn more about TDMHSAS Prevention and Early Intervention Services, please contact:
Anthony Jackson, Jr.
Director, Office of Prevention and Early Intervention Services
Division of Substance Abuse Services
615-585-8956
Anthony.Jackson@tn.gov