Tennessee Diversion Trends

Tennessee consistenly ranks as a state with one of the worst prescritpion drug abuse problems in the nation. This translates to Tennessee being one of the national leaders in highway traffic deaths resulting form prescription drug use, and from overdose deaths related to prescription drugs.

Prescribing and dispensing rates have decreased in the last couple of years, but much work still needs to be done. Tennessee has passed legislation lowering the number of pain clinics in the state, and in the amounts of opiates being dispensed. The DEA has just announced the unveiling of a new education resource designed for schools and families to help educate students on the dangers and results of prescription drug abuse. A link to the Operation prevention is included in the list below.

Drug Overdose Deaths Reach Record High in 2015

The Tennessee Department of Health reports that 1,451 people died in Tennessee during 2015 from a drug overdose. This is the highest annual rate of drug overdoses in the state's history. The overdose death rate for 2015 was 22 per 100,000 people. This is a very large rate when comapred to the 14.7 per 100,000 rate of deaths from motor vehicle accidents in Tennessee during 2015. Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner recorded a video statement regarding this report. The statement can be viewed at the Commissioner's message on drug overdose in Tennessee.

Drug Overdose Deaths by Year in Tennessee

• 2011 1,062 deaths 16.6 rate
• 2012 1,094 deaths 16.9 rate
• 2013 1,166 deaths 17.9 rate
• 2014 1,263 deaths 19.3 rate
• 2015 1,451 deaths 22.0 rate