Published: 01/8/2026 | Author: Terri

Tennessee’s fentanyl crisis continues to claim lives and experts say that, increasingly, the synthetic opioid’s newest victims are children.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and is often unknowingly ingested, increasing overdose risks for both adults and children.

Fentanyl’s Impact on Tennessee’s Most Vulnerable

Fentanyl continues to drive the war on drugs in Tennessee. While a variety of agencies have poured resources into reducing overdoses, too many Tennesseans are still affected. And lately the newest victims have been the Volunteer State’s youngest.

In 2025, fentanyl was responsible for most overdose fatalities. 

Lieutenant Shannon Heflin with the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force said of fentanyl, “It’s poison. You know that there’s a potential that whoever you sell that drug to has the potential to die.”

Cheatham County borders the Nashville metro area and is among Tennessee’s more populous regions.

Gains and Losses

According to Heflin, 2022 was the worst year for deadly overdoses in Cheatham County. Since that time, they’ve seen a decrease as they’ve worked to tackle the fentanyl crisis. 

Heflin said he attributes the decrease in fentanyl overdose deaths to the amount of resources and educational materials disseminated to the public. 

Despite these efforts, however, the drug is still affecting many people in Tennessee, often its most vulnerable citizens and particularly the state’s young people.

Because of the ubiquity of drugs, the Statewide Coordinator at the Tennessee Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children, Tabitha Curtis, said, “We consider every child as a drug-endangered child. Drugs are available everywhere.” 

At least 74 children either experienced or witnessed a drug overdose in 2025, according to the TBI. Exposure can include accidental ingestion, witnessing overdoses at home or contact with fentanyl contaminated substances.

Of the 74 overdose events, 16 involved the drug overdose of a child or teen.

In the remaining cases, the children were present when an adult, such as a parent or other family member, overdosed. 

Curtis said, “We want every child to have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and healthy community and home environments.”

Through education, the Tennessee Alliance for Drug Endangered Children strives to create and implement systemic changes that prevent exposure to the drug epidemic. It’s especially important because some drugs are brightly colored and look like candy, which appeals to kids. 

Experts are encouraging parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of drugs. Curtis admonishes, “Talk to them about it, and talk to them about the risk and educate them on not taking anything or eating anything unless you give it to them.”

Finding Support Through Recovery and NA Meetings

If you or someone you love is experiencing opioid addiction, help is available. Peer recovery support, including Narcotics Anonymous meetings, can play a critical role in long term recovery.

Find an NA meeting near you or call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) for personalized support.