MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Overdoses are on a decline in Tennessee, but the state still has some of the most overdose deaths in the country. Many of those fatal overdoses were a result of substance abuse.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose deaths spiked. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, social isolation and stress were the root of the surge in substance use.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tennessee Overdose Deaths are are on a decline since peaking during the pandemic. But still, Tennessee ranks number eight in the nation for overdose deaths. More than 3,800 people in Tennessee died from a drug overdose last year, and 75% of those people had fentanyl in their system.
For more than 20 years, Urban Family Ministries in North Memphis has been treating up to 300 people a year, ages 13 and up, for substance abuse. The program director, Annie Ivory, said they've helped Memphians battle a large range of substance abuse issues.
"Things happen in your life that make you turn to substance abuse. Some of the biggest issues with substance use are the abuse of opioids, crack and cocaine, and marijuana that's laces," said Ivory.
Here are the services and treatment options offered by Urban Family Ministries:
- Assessments
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Outpatient Treatment
- Recovery Services
- Aftercare
- Adult Housing
- Soup Kitchen/Clothing
- Referral Services
- Prison Ministry
Executive Director Bishop Jerry L. Ivery said any Tennessee resident can get the free services, as walk-ins and referrals are welcome.
Urban Family Ministries urges anyone battling substance abuse to seek professional help immediately.
Urban Family Ministries is just one of many facilities in Memphis that offers substance abuse treatment. You can find more resources here.
