NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Alcohol-related deaths are on the rise in the Volunteer State, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Health, matching a nationwide trend.

State data shows alcohol-attributable deaths in Tennessee increased more than 24% from 2019 to 2023.

Dr. Louis Lerebours with the Freeman Recovery Center isn't surprised by the numbers. He told News 2 the Freeman Recovery Center has seen an uptick in patients seeking help for alcohol use disorder. He believes the increased access to alcohol and the pandemic are partly to blame.

“I can’t understate the impact COVID-19 had in creating isolating situations, decreased access to care, increased stress, and using different coping strategies, specifically alcohol use and other substances," Lerebours said.

The problem d

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