The state of Kentucky has taken major steps to address rising rates of drug and alcohol addiction, especially related to opioids and fentanyl.
The Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE) runs programs across the state to help prevent addiction, treat substance use, and support recovery. This is made possible through grants from SAMHSA. Through KORE, Kentucky provides naloxone (Narcan) kits and training to law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations. Thousands of overdose reversal kits have been distributed statewide.
The Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) oversees addiction services. It ensures that treatment programs follow clinical standards and use evidence-based methods.
Kentucky offers targeted programs for people who are pregnant, parenting, or involved in the child welfare system. These services include residential care, outpatient treatment, and case management.
The state also funds recovery housing, peer support, and mobile treatment units for people living in rural or underserved areas. Specialized treatment services are available for groups such as veterans, justice-involved individuals, and adolescents. Every program is built to meet the specific needs of the group it’s designed to support.
Kentucky’s Recovery Ready Communities program encourages cities and counties to support people in recovery by improving access to housing, jobs, and services. While progress continues, Kentucky remains focused on saving lives, expanding access to care, and reducing the long-term impacts of addiction on families and communities.
