Like many states, Kansas has experienced a growing trend of cases involving alcohol and substance use disorder, often tied with co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders. Even though The Sunflower State’s statistics are lower than the national average, many residents continue to face obstacles to finding free addiction resources in Kansas.
Drug Statistics in Kansas
Addiction Nonprofits in Kansas
Kansas Preventive Collaborative
This organization provides education, awareness, and community resources to combat substance use. The group also maintains a directory for other local coalitions.
First Call
This hotline offers assistance and referrals for individuals in Kansas and Missouri who are impacted by substance use disorder. Harm reduction resources, such as Narcan, are also available.
Kansas Substance Abuse Hotline
This hotline offers empathetic communication, referrals to providers, and informal counseling.
211 Kansas
This site provides resources and social services for seniors, underserved communities, homeless/indigent persons, and those lacking food security.
Confluence HRKC
This volunteer organization distributes test strips, Naloxone, hygiene kits, and other personal health supplies throughout the Kansas City region. All products are free.
Harm Reduction Programs
The Behavioral Health Services of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services
This government agency offers resources for military veterans and seniors, including Narcan information, links to other organizations, and other education material.
DEA: Engage Kansas City
This joint program between Kansas and Missouri state officials is a youth-centered initiative to combat opioid and substance abuse.
KTracs
This pharmacy-based program allows providers and clients to monitor their opioid intake to reduce dependency on chemical substances.
Government Grants & Resources
Kansas Medicaid (KanCare)
Kansas allows low-income clients to enroll in health insurance programs to address primary care needs, along with selected services for mental and behavioral health disorders. An online portal is available for clients to check their eligibility, status of their application, and services available. Applications for enrollment are free, and enrollment options and timetables may differ for each state.
Kansas Insurance Department
This FAQ provides clients with answers to commonly asked questions regarding health and life insurance options, resources for individual and small businesses, and data from prior years.
Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Program
This state program allows local communities and organizations the opportunity to apply for funding to build, enhance, and maintain substance abuse disorder programs.
Kansas Specialty Courts
This judicial program is designed to lead individuals out of substance abuse and into a treatment program under court order. Various courts focus on veterans, youths, and families.
Kansas Designated Women's Substance Use Disorder Treatment
This agency maintains 8 sites to treat pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorder and who may have children. Women with IV substance abuse are given priority. Services include individual assessments and assigned to treatment within 48 hours. Legal resources are available for women who have custody battles.
College Addiction Resources
Butler Community College
Butler Community College offers students campus resources to address alcohol, substance, and tobacco abuse. Services include health risk assessments, screenings, and in-person programs.
The University of Kansas
This university offers programs for students with substance use disorder. The university has partnered with local organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon and Alateen, and campus counseling programs.
Wichita State University
The university offers an overview of the campus policies regarding substance use and alcohol consumption, as well as disciplinary actions, which may include counseling, enrollment in a recovery program, and naloxone training.
Kansas State University
Kansas State University requires all students to complete a program on alcohol use and sexual abuse. Additional resources include information workshops, links to emergency first responders, and explanations about the substance use and alcohol consumption, including disciplinary actions.
LGBTQ+ Resources
Wichita Health Coalition
Based in Wichita, this group provides medical resources and information to the LGBTQ+ community and larger public. Resources include links to health insurance information, hepatitis and HIV, assistance for seniors and college students, and a mental health directory.
Equality Kansas
This state-wide organization advocates for greater legal recognition and social services for LGBTQ+ communities. Local chapters address community concerns, provide public outreach and peer support, and networks via state conferences.
LGBTQKS
This organization provides education resources for families and community members, and advocates for stronger recognition and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Chapters meet to discuss local and state issues and spread awareness.
Veterans Programs
Veterans Commission of Kansas
This state agency provides services for military service veterans and their families. The center offers information on state and national benefits, health care sites, news, and a hotline for emergency care. The agency partners with the Veterans Homes network, which offers rehabilitation, counseling, and inpatient crisis services.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA maintains a directory for VA and affiliated hospitals, outpatient clinics, and benefits offices for service members and their families. Selected sites provide programs specifically for substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health disorders.
KanVet
KanVet is a directory for veterans and their families, covering subjects such as mental and behavioral health, education, retirement, and social services. The site provides links to state resources and hotlines, Medicare, and the VA.
Indigenous & Tribal Programs
Native American Affairs
This state agency coordinates federal and state resources with local American Indian tribes. The center makes available funding and advocacy for Native American health, social welfare, education, and links to outside resources.
Kansas Preventive Collaborative
This directory maintains assorted articles and research studies relating to American Indians and Akaskan Natives. Links to outside resources are also available.
Drug Laws in Kansas
Kansas Fights Addiction Act
75-775 is an overview of the state’s description and implementation for treatment for substance use disorder.
Paul’s Law/Social Host Law
21-5608 specifies that adult hosts are liable for any minors who consume alcohol and become intoxicated while on their property. Offenders may be subject to a $1,000 fine and community service.
Naloxone Dispensary
65-16,127 outlines the distribution and administration of naloxone from licensed pharmacies and first responders. The law includes a Good Samaritan component that waives general liability for volunteers and first responders who treat overdose emergencies.