One recovery group in middle Tennessee is hoping to reach those battling addiction nationwide. In our special series, FOX 17 News is investigating the pandemic within the pandemic: those suffering from addiction while battling isolation and anxiety. FOX 17 News’ Kathleen Jacob has been looking into this issue for months and tells the story of how one Tennessee recovery center is working to reach millions. You may recognize Adam Comer from other stories we've done on the opioid crisis.

Those who track opioid overdoses in Nashville tell FOX 17 News during the pandemic, drug misuse trends have changed, and unfortunately could take years to get under control. Trevor Henderson is MPHD’s Director of Opioid Overdose Response and Reduction Program. He says this past year has been tough, and he wishes he had better news to share. “We thought 2018 and 2019 were bad. 2020 was worse. The beginning of this year shows no slow down in that trajectory, remaining pretty bad,” Henderson said.

Throughout the pandemic, several rehab facilities across Tennessee closed, but one fought to stay open. And the group's new method for treatment is part of a growing trend around the country. It's a surreal moment for this group watching the documentary they spent most of last year creating "Christ Centered Recovery" in the midst of a pandemic. Adam Comer is the Pastor and CEO of S2L Recovery, the state's first licensed, faith-based recovery center.

A Tennessee judge has made a rare move to rule against an opioid firm before a civil trial over its role in the epidemic, saying there was a “coordinated strategy” by the company and its attorneys to delay proceedings, deprive plaintiffs of information and interfere with the administration of justice. In Sullivan County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Chancellor E. G.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed a soft-spoken physician as President Joe Biden's surgeon general Tuesday. While Dr. Vivek Murthy says ending the coronavirus pandemic is his top priority, he's also raised concerns over a relapsing opioid overdose crisis. The vote on Murthy was 57-43, giving him bipartisan support. Biden's coronavirus response can already count on plenty of star players, but Murthy has a particular niche.

The Nashville Fire Department saved more lives than ever in 2019, thanks to Narcan. They say the small tool has done wonders, but they're still concerned at the rapidly growing overdose rate. Paramedic Captain Erik Gallup says is 2019 they treated almost 2300 patients with Narcan. In 2011, that number was only 361. “It's certainly grown exponentially. I mean this is one of those drugs that we probably didn't use to use every day but you use it almost every shift here,” Captain Gallup said.

Rules and regulations meant to curb the opioids crisis may have unintended effects on patients who need pain medication. A local man who just had a spinal fusion ran into a nightmare when he tried to get his prescriptions. To say Joseph Holland is uncomfortable is an understatement. He's three weeks out from a spinal fusion aimed at fixing crippling pain. “My degenerative disc, that nerve slipped in there and then it pinched it,” Holland said.

We all know navigating health insurance is no easy task. So many of us just pick a plan hope for the best. Experts say that's actually contributing to the opioid crisis. Benefit Leader is a group that will go into a business and evaluate what the best health insurance plan is for their employees, and then connect them with people who will talk to employees confidentially about their needs. So, it’s basically a guide through health insurance that's completely free.