Kentucky Drug Statistics and Resources

In terms of alcohol and substance use disorder, Kentucky has seen a slight decline in opioid related overdose deaths in recent years. Nevertheless, the Bluegrass State’s number of deaths related to substance abuse continues to be substantially higher than the national average. Residents of the state continue to need access to free addiction resources in Kentucky.

Drug Statistics in Kentucky

Addiction Nonprofits in Kentucky

Voices of Hope

This agency offers family assistance, mentors, career coaching, and overdose/recovery resources for youths and adults, including pregnant and postpartum women. These recovery coaches partner with incarceration facilities, hospitals, and rehabs to peer support. A mobile unit is available.

Northeast Kentucky Substance Use Response Coalition

This organization provides education resources, medication assisted treatment, preventive interventions, and outreach programs to schools, rural areas, and other community members in rural areas.

Hope and Help

This government program is a referral service to treatment centers for clients seeking assistance for substance use disorder.

Harm Reduction Programs

Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition

This organization provides assistance to prevent overdosing and deaths among clients.

Kentucky Opioid Response Unit

This organization provides funding and support to organizations battling opioid use, such as providing syringes, test strips, and other resources.

Harm Reduction Outreach Service

This program, based in Louisville, offers education workshops, naloxone, and referrals to treatment programs to reduce opioid dependency.

Syringe Services Program

This government allows clients to exchange needles and syringes to reduce exposure to substance abuse and HIV related illnesses.

Government Grants & Resources

Kentucky Medicaid and CHIP

This government program provides health insurance for low-income individuals and their families, including seniors, pregnant and postpartum women, and children.

Recovery Supportive Living Assistance Program

Up to $400 are available for eligible clients in Fayette County staying at a recovery housing program.

KY Help Call Center

This government program provides referrals to treatment centers and specialized substance abuse programs.

Syringe Services Program

This government allows clients to exchange needles and syringes to reduce exposure to substance abuse and HIV related illnesses.

College Addiction Resources

University of Kentucky–Research Guides

The University of Kentucky provides research studies, education material, personal stories, and links to resources regarding substance use disorder.

Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University offers students interventions and outreach programs, including lifestyle choices counseling, CollegeAlc alcohol reduction online courses, and on- and off-campus seminars and workshops.

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University offers professional guidance and counseling, interventions, links to campus and off-campus resources, and disciplinary actions.

Kentucky Community and Technical College System

The community college has published its policy regarding alcohol and substance use, and outlines disciplinary procedures for first-time and repeated offenses.

LGBTQ+ Resources

Louisville Pride Foundation

This LGBTQ+ advocacy group offers education resources, public outreach programs, and networking opportunities to assist community members impacted by substance use disorder.

Sweet Evening Breeze

This residential care program for homeless LGBTQ+ youth provides harm reduction resources, including syringe exchange, counseling, education resources, and peer support. HIV testing and youth support programs are also available.

Lexington Pride Center

This facility houses education programs, support groups, a primary care mobile unit, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ community members. The center offers workshops for building inclusivity, an internet cafe, a library, and outreach programs.

Big Sandy Safe Zone

This facility, located in Pikeville, Kentucky, offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ community members, and includes local outreach and events.

Veterans Programs

Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs

This state agency provides resources for military veterans and their families, including links to education and medical programs, social services, and legal assistance.

Veterans Program Trust Fund

This state program provides funds to veterans to help cover costs for services not covered by other veterans programs. Funds are to be used in accordance with set guidelines and cannot be used to cover entertainment, salaries, and maintenance costs of facilities.

Veterans Treatment Court

This state judicial program assists justice-involved veterans through court-ordered treatment programs rather than incarceration. The program takes 1.5-2 years to complete, and clients receive supervision, assistance in housing and social services, and referrals to additional treatment centers.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

Kentucky Indigenous Peoples

This organization promotes American Indian heritage and culture, conducts education and outreach programs, and advocates for greater resources and equity for indigenous groups. The group has partnered with the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission to improve the wellbeing of all indigenous peoples.

Drug Laws in Kentucky

Good Samaritan Law:

311.668 offers exemption from liability for first responders and volunteers who act in good faith when rendering aid to individuals experiencing a drug-related overdose.

Syringe Possession Law

Syringes and injection needles are considered drug paraphernalia in Kentucky. The possession and distribution of syringes is illegal.

Naloxone Law

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 217.186; 201 Ky. Admin. Regs. 2:360 enables medication prescribers to provide naloxone to individuals or organizations during an opioid-related emergency. Pharmacists can issue naloxone in good faith to individuals who appear in need of relief from a drug overdose.

Casey’s Law

The Matthew Casey Wethington Act allows a relative or loved one to petition a court of law for treatment on behalf of an individual with substance use disorder.

Sources

Where do calls go?

Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: Rehab Media Group, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.