Tennessee reports highest annual overdose death count in state history

Tennessee Ranks Among Top 10 U.S. States Where Drug Overdose Is Most Likely to Turn Deadly

A new study reveals Tennessee has the third most severe drug overdose mortality landscape in the U.S.

The research by Georgia-based Bader Scott Injury Lawyers examined drug overdose mortality data from 2018 through 2022 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Average annual deaths per 100,000 residents were calculated to identify the states with the highest fatality rates.

Tennessee comes in third with an average of 42.2 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 27.5. With a population of approximately 6.91 million, The Volunteer State averaged 2,917 overdose deaths annually. In 2018, The state recorded its lowest number of deaths (1,823) in 2018 and its highest (3,825) in 2022.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Bader Law commented,

“The study reveals that Tennessee reported the third highest drug overdose mortality rate in the U.S.

“These states have been particularly hard-hit by the opioid epidemic, facing challenges with prescription painkillers, heroin, and increasingly, synthetic opioids like fentanyl. A combination of socioeconomic factors, healthcare access limitations, and geographic challenges has created perfect conditions for this crisis across these regions.

“Addressing these trends requires comprehensive interventions, including expanded access to addiction treatment services, increased availability of overdose-reversing medications like naloxone, and strengthening prevention efforts targeting vulnerable communities.”

Table of Extended Results: 

The study was conducted by Bader Law, a personal injury law firm that helps accident victims successfully navigate legal aspects of insurance claims.

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