Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers in Kentucky

Kentucky Addiction Treatment

The 'Bluegrass State' is located in the southern region of the U.S and is the 26th most populous American state. Despite the beautiful vast areas with bluegrass and a perfect landing place for horse racers, the Kentucky state is among the most drug-stricken American states.

Speaking of drug abuse, Kentucky was the 5th state with the highest death rates due to drug overdose in 2017. The state reported a death rate of 37.2 per 100,000 persons. Other commonly abused drugs in Kentucky include alcohol, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

A glance on drug abuse, consequences and addiction treatment in Kentucky;

In 2017, Kentucky reported 1,566 drug overdose deaths, which translated to a 10.3% increment from 2016.

In 2017, Kentucky hospitalized or admitted more than 19,000 patients due to substance abuse. However, in 2018, there was a significant decline in the number of patients admitted to about 16,000.

According to SAMHSA, more than 24,000 were admitted to various addiction treatment centers in Kentucky (66.9% men and 33.1% female).

From the admission above, persons admitted for opiate addiction other than heroin comprised 28.2%, followed by those admitted for alcohol addiction treatment (18.8%) and marijuana treatment (16.7%).

In 2010, the numbers of persons admitted in different treatment programs were as follows;

Kentucky admitted 6,249 people for treatment of opiate abuse (heroin not included). The most abuse opiates were oxycodone and hydrocodone.

4,159 people were admitted for alcohol abuse treatment, and an additional 3,257 persons were admitted for alcohol combined with another drug for treatment.

3,695 Kentuckians were admitted for marijuana addiction treatment; 62% were male.

1,178 persons were admitted for cocaine addiction treatment (there were more women admitted (51.5%) than males).

1,062 persons were admitted for heroin addiction treatment.

Behavioral Health Barometer: Kentucky, 2015 shows that;

Kentucky state has been experiencing severe drug abuse episodes since 2011. The percentages of substance dependence and abuse in the state surpass the national percentages in several surveys done;

From 2011-2014, Kentucky registered percentages of illicit drug abuse similar to those of the whole country for persons aged 12 years and above (for the persons aged 12-17, the percentages were lower than the national ones).

From 2010-2014, Kentucky reported higher cigarette use percentages among persons of 12-17 than the national percentage.

From 2010-2014, Kentucky had higher percentages of individuals with suicidal thoughts than the national percentage.

Kentucky had higher mental illness percentages than the national percentages in persons above 18 years from 2010 to 2014.

There was no significant difference in alcohol dependence of persons over 21 years from 2010 to 2014 between the Kentucky percentage (6.6) and the national percentage (6.7).

Only 8.2% of the persons (12 years and above) with alcohol dependence received treatment in 2010-2014, while 91.8% did not receive treatment.

Only 18.1% received illicit drug addiction treatment in 2010-2014 for persons aged 12 and above.

The abuse of opiates has led to fatalities in Kentucky over the years. Below are some findings on opioids abuse and prescription in Kentucky;

In 2018, Kentucky reported 989 deaths involving opioids overdose.

In 2018, Kentucky reported 315 deaths involving prescribed opioids

Heroin-related deaths were 140 in 2018.

Kentucky physicians gave 79.5 opioids prescriptions per 100 individuals, while the national average rate was 51.4 prescriptions.

Kentucky Drug Laws

Evidently, the Kentucky state struggles with opiates abuse, and the drugs are a threat to the Kentuckians. Therefore, the Kentucky administration has come up with laws that have seen reducing fatalities and emergency admissions of its residents. For instance;

House Bill 333

It took effect in June 2017.

Classified illegal selling or distribution of fentanyl, carfentanil, and other related drugs as a felony offense.

Limited the prescriptions of schedule II drugs-to 3-day limit for medications used for acute pain. There were exceptions on inpatient treatments, cancer treatments, and other severe cases.

Let's have a look at the changes that came forth after the introduction of the law;

In 2017, Kentucky had 1,160 drug overdose deaths caused by opioids, while in 2018, there was a significant decline to 989 deaths.

Prescribed opiates involved deaths reduced from 433 (in 2017) to 315 (in 2018).

Heroin deaths also declined to 140 in 2018 from 269 in 2017.

Deaths mainly caused by fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (synthetic opioids not including methadone) remained at a high rate of 744 deaths in 2018.

Senate Bill 192

Kentuckians have turned to use heroin due to prescription drugs' high costs or when they can't obtain them due to restrictions. In this regard, the Kentucky senate came up with a 'Heroin Bill' that took effect from 2015.

It added stringent measures to heroin traffickers-heroin traffickers can face up to 20 years' imprisonment.

The bill added the annual budget of addiction treatment to $34 million to ensure more Kentuckians receive addiction treatment.

Kentuckians were allowed to exchange used needles for new ones at the regional health facilities.

Made naloxone drugs available to Kentuckians for reversing heroin-related overdose and reduce fatalities.

The 'Good Samaritan' provision in which the heroin addict who reports an overdose case will not be charged.

Kentucky Illicit Drug Laws

In Kentucky, illicit drug possession is ranked by degree, and the punishments vary as per the number of offenses committed.

First degree; involves possession of schedule I and II like cocaine, meth, and some narcotics-1st-time violators are jailed for up to 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 (a class D felony). Violators are imprisoned for subsequent crimes for not more than ten years or fined an amount not exceeding $10,000 (a class C felony).

Second degree; includes mainly prescription drugs-1st offense violators get imprisoned for up to one year or a fine of up to $500 (Class A Misdemeanor). For a subsequent offense, offenders receive a jail term of not more than 5 years and a fine up to $10,000.

Kentucky Marijuana Laws

It is illegal to possess, sell, distribute, cultivate, or manufacture marijuana in Kentucky. The drug is classified under Schedule I meaning it is highly addictive and has no significant medical value.

Possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use is illegal. Violators are jailed for a maximum of 45 days or fined not more than $250 or both.

Cultivating marijuana in Kentucky is a criminal offense. Growing up to 4 plants; 1st offense - a jail term of up to one year or fine not exceeding $500 or both (Class A misdemeanor). For subsequent crimes, violators face 1-5 years in prison or a fine of $1,000- $10,000 or both (Class D felony).

In Kentucky, selling or trafficking of marijuana is charged as a felony crime and attracts hefty penalties and extended jail terms. If caught in possession of marijuana, seek a criminal attorney to represent you.

Kentucky Addiction Treatment

Substance addiction is a mental disease; if not treated in good time, it can lead to irreversible conditions or even fatal incidences. The Kentucky state is committed to combating the drug abuse menace by putting in place several measures and programs;

Added Added $10 million to the existing $24 million addiction treatment kitty.

Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER)

In pursuit of monitoring prescription drugs, most states put in place prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP). However, the Kentucky state has a unique system that monitors prescription drugs, KASPER.

The KASPER program can keep track of prescribed drugs and pinpoint the illegal entrance of prescription drugs in the state. The system has curbed the 'doctor shopping' tendency (going from doctor to doctor purchasing the same prescribed medication). It is achievable through the availability of a report showing all prescribed drugs obtained by an individual at any period. The system also indicates where a patient received the prescribed medication and who prescribed the drug.

Casey's Law

Sometimes, the patient suffering from addiction do not desire to seek treatment. As a matter of fact, the majority of them feel comfortable with their status. In such cases, Casey law comes in; Casey law permits relatives, friends, or parents of the individual suffering from addiction to seek involuntary court-ordered addiction treatment for their loved one.

However, the following procedure applies under Casey law;

Petition in Kentucky's court.

The allegations in the petition are reviewed and the petitioner examined under oath.

Determination of the grounds for ordering treatment-- if necessary, the respondent is evaluated, and a hearing date is determined.

Evaluation of the respondent by health professionals in which there must be a physician.

If the respondent is found to need treatment, a court treatment order is given.

Involuntary addiction treatment is as successful as a voluntary treatment when considering relapsing chances.

The Kentucky state has put in place measures to combat addiction. There are several addiction treatments in Kentucky, and some of them receive federal and state grants. Seeking a treatment facility is a personal choice and is mostly affected by certain factors like;

Payment methods-if they don't accept insurance

Services provided, like, detoxification, inpatient, outpatient, and many more

Availability of luxury services like spas, massages, chef-cooked meals, etc.

Patient-centered approach.

Treatment Centers in Kentucky

Seeking addiction treatment is a life-changing venture. It requires financial and emotional commitment. The journey to sobriety can be challenging, but the outcomes are overwhelming. If you need help in choosing the ideal rehab facility, call us to match you with the perfect treatment center today at (844) 377-8070.