Sevier County, like many other communities, faces challenges of substance misuse. The effects of a substance use disorder or substance misuse are felt by the whole family.
Sevier County Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs, through funding from federal, state, and local government agencies, have formulated an inter-agency framework on county-wide programs. This framework calls on all sectors to work together to educate our residents both young and old about the dangers of substance misuse and the correlation with mental health. Through prevention efforts, overdose awareness, support services for children, self-care advocacy, and treatment/recovery resources, we encourage Sevier County residents to be healthy both physically and mentally.

Primary Prevention
Young people are particularly at risk for substance misuse, they are in a period of life when patterns of behavior are being formed, influenced by peers, and role models or lifestyle play a significant part in their decisions. Using SAMHSA’s strategic prevention framework, we engage youth K-12 in drug, alcohol, tobacco -free events. We engage our community through; media campaigns, court ordered intervention classes, Hidden in Plain Site interactive mobile unit for parents/caregivers, alcohol and tobacco retailer education, drug take back events, and student classroom presentations.

Overdose Awareness
The Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs in collaboration with Sevier County C.A.R.E.S. and TDMHSAS provides classroom as well as individual overdose awareness training with certification. This training is POST/EMS certified for all first responders. This program allows our department to follow up with individuals and their families following an overdose event.

Treatment and Recovery Efforts
Our current treatment and recovery efforts include partnerships with local and state organizations including our judicial systems. Our department offers peer support services for individuals who are seeking detox, treatment/recovery due to a substance use disorder. Support service may include, increase stability in client’s family and living situation, in crease social support to mitigate a relapse, increase access in employment or other immediate needs in partnership with TDMHSAS Hybrid Lifeline Peer Project.

Drug Endangered Children
In partnership with Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and other community partners, our DEC program offers appropriate intervention services to children and families affected by parental or a caregiver’s substance misuse.
We are able to respond, provide resources, and have multidisciplinary alliances to assist with the immediate needs to children and families, in order to break the generational cycle of addiction and substances of abuse.


Other Resources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/ (NIDA
https://www.dea.gov/
https://www.taadas.org/tn-redline
https://countitlockitdropit.org/drop-box-finder/ (unwanted or expired medication disposal locator)
https://www.sccares.org/
https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.html
https://www.tn.gov/tbi.html

There is no single solution, but by working collaboratively across all departments and agencies we are better able to serve all the residents of Sevier County.
 
https://countitlockitdropit.org/drop-box-finder/  ( unwanted or expired medication disposal site locator) 
 
https://www.seviercountysheriff.com/crime-tips.html ( SCSO Crime tips)
 
TEXT OR CALL
The Tennessee REDLINE (1-800-889-9789) is a toll-free information and referral line coordinated by TAADAS and funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Substance Abuse Services. The purpose of the REDLINE is to provide accurate, up-to-date alcohol, drug, problem gambling, and other addiction information and referrals to all citizens of Tennessee at their request. The Redline provides referrals for Co-Occurring A&D disorders that arise along with Mental Health disorders.