Memphis Overdose Deaths Are Declining: Here's How to Get Help With Addiction Recovery
- Alliance Healthcare Services
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, you're not alone. Memphis is making real progress.
New data from the Memphis Police Department shows overdose incidents are declining across the city. Presented to the Memphis City Council on March 24, 2026, the numbers reflect a community that is investing in treatment, crisis response, and addiction recovery support.
The progress is real. But the work isn't done.
What the Data Shows
Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis shared year-to-date overdose figures with City Council members. The numbers tell a story of meaningful improvement, especially in non-fatal overdoses.
Here's what the data looks like across three years:
2024: 17 fatal overdoses, 106 non-fatal overdoses (123 total)
2025: 32 fatal overdoses, 63 non-fatal overdoses (95 total)
2026 (as of March 15): 14 fatal overdoses, 35 non-fatal overdoses (49 total)
Non-fatal overdoses have dropped 67% since 2024. Total overdose incidents in early 2026 are tracking nearly 50% below the same period in 2025.
The Picture Is Encouraging, But Honest
The overall trend is positive. However, fatal overdoses rose from 17 in 2024 to 32 in 2025. That increase is a reminder that progress isn't always a straight line.
What stands out in 2026 is that both fatal and non-fatal numbers are tracking well below prior years. At the current pace, Memphis could see its lowest total overdose count in three years.
Every number represents a person, a family, a community. The decline means more people are surviving. It also means more people are getting connected to treatment.
If you're ready to take that step, call (901) 369-1410 for a same-day intake at Alliance Healthcare Services.
Why Overdoses Are Declining in Memphis
These numbers don't happen by accident. Memphis has expanded its behavioral health infrastructure in recent years.
Crisis response has grown. The Crisis Wellness Center at 3200 Broad Avenue now operates 24/7. It provides crisis stabilization, detox services, and immediate assessment. The C.A.R.E. Team (a CIT officer, paramedic, and licensed mental health professional) responds to behavioral health calls across the city daily.
ER diversion is keeping people out of emergency rooms. Through partnerships with the Memphis and Shelby County Fire Departments, EMTs bring eligible individuals directly to the Crisis Wellness Center. This keeps people out of hospital ERs and connects them to specialized care faster.
Treatment access has expanded. Same-day intakes, sliding-scale fees, and TennCare acceptance mean fewer barriers between someone who needs help and the care that can change their life.
Addiction Recovery Services at Alliance Healthcare Services
Alliance Healthcare Services is the largest behavioral health provider in Shelby County, serving more than 22,000 people each year. Our addiction recovery programs meet you where you are: detox, medication support, therapy, or long-term recovery planning.
So what does treatment look like at Alliance?
Our MMWM program provides a safe, medically supervised 7-day detox from opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines (sedative medications). This is the only detox program in Shelby County for uninsured adults 18 and older.
You don't need insurance to access this program.
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and therapy to treat substance use disorders. This "whole person" approach helps reduce cravings, lower the risk of return to use, and support long-term recovery.
Alliance provides MAT at multiple locations with on-site pharmacy services for daily dosing.
The Community Addictions Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment, including individual therapy, group therapy, and connections to recovery support services.
Some adults live with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. This is called a co-occurring disorder. Our EOP provides team-based care with a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner, therapist, certified peer recovery specialist, and case manager.
How to Get Help Today
You don't have to wait. Alliance offers same-day intake appointments Monday through Friday during business hours. Here's how to take the first step:
Call our main line: (901) 369-1410
In crisis right now? Call (901) 577-9400 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
Walk in to any of our six outpatient clinic locations across Memphis
Insurance accepted: TennCare, Medicare, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cigna, Wellpoint, United Healthcare, and Aetna. No insurance? We offer sliding-scale fees and our Mental Health Safety Net Program.
Recovery is possible. And it starts with one call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are overdose deaths declining in Memphis?
Yes. Data from the Memphis Police Department shows that total overdose incidents have dropped significantly over the past three years. Non-fatal overdoses declined 67% from 2024 to early 2026.
While fatal overdoses rose in 2025, the 2026 numbers through mid-March are tracking below both prior years.
Where can I get addiction treatment in Memphis?
Alliance Healthcare Services offers a full range of addiction recovery services at locations across Shelby County. Programs include medically monitored detox, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), outpatient therapy, and team-based care for co-occurring disorders. Call (901) 369-1410 for a same-day intake.
Does Alliance accept TennCare for addiction treatment?
Yes. Alliance accepts TennCare, Medicare, and most major insurance plans. We also offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured individuals. Our detox program (MMWM) is the only one in Shelby County available to uninsured adults.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
MAT uses FDA-approved medications alongside counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. It helps reduce cravings and supports long-term recovery. Alliance provides MAT with on-site pharmacy services at multiple locations.
Do I need a referral to get addiction treatment at Alliance?
No. You can call (901) 369-1410 to schedule a same-day intake, or walk in to any clinic location Monday through Friday during business hours. No referral is needed.
What substances does Alliance's detox program treat?
The Medically Monitored Withdrawal Management (MMWM) program provides safe, supervised detox from opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. The program is a 7-day stay that includes medical services, individual and group therapy, and referrals to continuing care.