Current Drug Trends
The Issue
According to the National Council of Alcoholism & Drug Dependency, 80% of all offenses leading to incarceration involve drugs and alcohol. Additionally, 80% of inmates acknowledge drugs and alcohol played a part in their arrests and 50% of inmates arrive in jail or prison chemically addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Crimes such as murder, rape, DUI, reckless driving, domestic violence, robbery, assault, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and drug offenses are often associated with drug use, addiction, and dependency. However, drugs are related to crime in multiple ways. Most directly, suspects are charged for possessing, manufacturing, and distributing drugs, but drugs also motivate users to commit other types of crimes so they can support their addictions or even their living expenses because of their addictions.
Combating illegal drug use and abuse is crucial, and tracking drug trends provides critical, timely data on substance misuse patterns for public health officials, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and policymakers to help them more effectively address the drug-related public health crisis.
Right now, illicit drug use in Tennessee continues to be a major concern, with fentanyl and prescription opioids remaining among the most pervasive.
In recent years, fentanyl has become especially prevalent, often mixed with other drugs, exacerbating overdose risks.
Because fentanyl is so widely available, misuse of prescription medications, particularly for pain management, has
been significantly reduced. Efforts to control “doctor shopping” have also helped to combat the problem. However, it’s imperative law enforcement remains vigilant due to the rapid change of pace in drug trends.
Novel psychoactive substances, or “fake pills,” are designed to mimic the effects of traditional opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and cannabinoids. Created to bypass drug regulations, these substances are often far more potent and unpredictable, leading to severe health risks, including overdose, acute psychosis, dependence, and life-threatening intoxication. Commonly found in illicit markets, NPS opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and cannabinoids contribute to public health crises, emergency room visits, and increased risks when combined with other substances.
Methamphetamine use continues to be widespread, partly due to its lower cost and accessibility compared to opioids.
Cocaine has seen a resurgence, with increased availability across the state.
An increasing number of children are using vapes and edibles, many of which contain a high percentage of THC. That can and has led to overdoses, some of which have occurred inside Tennessee schools. Evidence is mounting that regular marijuana use among teens and young adults impacts brain development and could lead to psychosis.
Because of the legalization of the drug in other areas of the country, TBI special agents are seeing a rise in psilocybin. While some states have moved toward decriminalization, the drugs remain illegal in Tennessee and the TBI enforces strict prohibitions on possession, use, and distribution.
While the dangers of illegal drugs and abuse of legal drugs continues to change, it is incumbent upon law enforcement officers and the public to be vigilant in their fight of these substances. It requires an increased understanding of the dangers presented, as these drugs now not only present a threat to those using them, but also to those fighting the use.
Reports and Publications
Top 10 Most Prevalent Drugs
2024 Total Instances
Resources
CLICK HERE for info on TADEC
CLICK HERE for info on the substance misuse hotline
Campaigns and Visuals
CLICK HERE for info on the Pill Take Back Campaign
CLICK HERE for info on Naloxone training
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have observed suspected drug activity, you can report it to the Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force by filling out this form or by notifying a local law enforcement agency by dialing 911.
Tennessee has legalized the cultivation of hemp and defined hemp as Cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC. Marijuana, Cannabis sativa containing greater than 0.3% THC, is still illegal in Tennessee.
The TN Dangerous Drugs Task Force is committed to ending the overdose crisis in Tennessee by partnering with state and local agencies and community coalitions in addition to teaching the public how to recognize, respond to, and prevent overdoses. For more information on the crisis and resources click here.