Understanding the High Addiction Rate in Kentucky State

According to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, in 2019, there were 1,316 drug overdose deaths in Kentucky, read on to learn more.

In Kentucky, the rate of addiction and substance abuse is higher than the national average—over one in five adults struggles with some form of drug or alcohol misuse. But what causes such a staggering prevalence of addiction?

By working together to understand these complicated topics better, perhaps we can help stop the negative cycle addictions cause for people living there today and those who are sure to suffer their effects down the road.

Overview of Kentucky’s Addiction Rate

According to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, in 2019, there were 1,316 drug overdose deaths in Kentucky, with fentanyl being the leading cause. Addiction is not limited to just opioids, as alcohol and other substances also pose a serious threat.

The addiction rate is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, education, and treatment. While progress has been made in addressing this crisis, there is still much work to be done to combat addiction.

Causes of Kentucky’s High Addiction Rate

As one of the Appalachian states, Kentucky’s rural populations and lack of access to healthcare can contribute to the problem. Socioeconomic factors also come into play, with poverty and unemployment being big risk factors. Kentucky’s proximity to other states with high addiction rates, such as West Virginia and Ohio, may also contribute to the problem.

Impact of the Current Economic Climate on Substance Abuse

Economic stressors such as job loss, financial insecurity, and unstable housing situations can contribute to increased substance abuse and addiction. However, it is important to note that certain populations may be more vulnerable to these stressors and the subsequent consequences.

Increased substance abuse can lead to a host of negative outcomes, not only for the individual but also for their families and communities. It is crucial for healthcare professionals and policymakers to recognize the relationship between economic factors and substance abuse and work to implement effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

Lack of Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Areas

Access to mental health services has always been a concern for individuals in rural areas. These areas often have limited resources and face unique challenges in providing mental health care to their residents.

Many individuals who face mental health issues in these areas do not receive the care they need due to a lack of availability or access to licensed professionals. The issue is further compounded by the isolation that many people in rural areas experience, making it difficult for them to seek out help.

Role of Social and Cultural Factors in Fueling Drug Use

Social factors such as poverty, unemployment, and social alienation can all contribute to drug use by increasing the likelihood that individuals will experience chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

Cultural factors such as peer pressure, norms around drug use, and the availability of drugs in certain social contexts can also play a significant role in shaping individuals’ attitudes toward drug use.

As we continue to identify and understand the many factors that contribute to drug use, it is essential that we work to address the underlying social and cultural issues that fuel this problem.

By creating more supportive and inclusive communities, promoting positive social norms and values, and providing effective prevention and treatment options, we can reduce the harms associated with drug use and help individuals lead healthier, happier lives.

Prevention Strategies for Reducing Addiction Rates

Prevention methods can stem from education and awareness campaigns to policy changes and community intervention. Increasing access to resources and promoting healthy lifestyle choices are essential in reducing addiction.

Preventing addiction starts with understanding the underlying factors that contribute to substance abuse, such as peer pressure, trauma, or mental health issues. Communities can take steps to reduce these risk factors, while also promoting resilience through supportive social networks and healthy coping strategies.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addiction, investing in prevention strategies can have a profound impact on reducing the devastating impact that addiction has on society.

Contact Robert Alexander Center for Recovery Today

The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery provides an invaluable service to those affected—they offer not only great support but also access to resources and counseling sessions that will help guide people through their recovery journey.

If anyone knows of someone struggling with addiction issues, they should contact the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery today—a single phone call or visit could be the first step toward true healing and happiness.

Together, we can make sure that addiction does not plague our communities any longer.

Opioid Detox, Rehab, and Addiction Treatment in Kentucky

Opioid addiction in Kentucky affects not only the person struggling with the addiction but also the family and the wider community at large.

Opioid addiction is a huge problem for many Kentuckians. This affects not only the person struggling with the addiction but also the family and the wider community at large.

Beating an addiction and going on to build a sober life is challenging for anyone to do without suitable help. Luckily, there are several rehab centers in Kentucky designed to help those dealing with addiction. These offer a range of addiction treatment options tailored to an individual’s lifestyle and the severity of their addiction.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Options in Kentucky

The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery is one of the leading alcohol and drug rehabs in Kentucky. Our facility is designed to provide a serene and conducive environment for recovery for Kentucky residents and beyond. Our addiction treatment professionals have years of experience and know what it takes to help someone conquer opioid addiction.

Opioid Detox, Rehab, and Addiction Treatment in Kentucky

Our opioid addiction treatment program includes the following:

Detox

Before admission into our addiction treatment programs, we first ask clients to go through detoxification. This process allows your body to metabolize and cleanse itself of any opioids left in the system, leaving you mentally and physically ready to immerse yourself in treatment. Detox often triggers withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening so it’s always recommended to go for medically assisted detox. This way, doctors can be on hand to help you safely navigate the process.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

After detox, you can now proceed to a treatment program. An intensive outpatient program is designed for those with less severe opioid addiction with no co-occurring ailments. IOP is usually a step down from residential treatment and you’ll attend therapy sessions several hours a day, every day while easing yourself back into your daily routine.

Outpatient Drug Rehab

Our outpatient drug rehab program is meant for those who want to maintain their responsibilities e.g., school or work, while still attending treatment. This program is ideal for those who have mild to moderate opioid addiction with no co-occurring illnesses. Since you’ll be going back home after attending treatment sessions, you need to have a robust support system that will help you in your recovery.

Family Therapy Program

We also have a family therapy program for families that have been devastated by opioid addiction. We educate such families on what addiction is, its impact on the individual and family, and how they can rebuild their relationship with each other. This often includes family therapy sessions where they can discuss issues that affect them while practicing better communication and conflict-resolution skills.

Give Treatment a Chance

With the right help, it’s possible to beat opioid addiction. At the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery in Kentucky, we strive to make opioid addiction treatment accessible and affordable for all those who need it.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to opioids, get in touch with us today. We’ll be glad to help you get onto the path of recovery.

Alcohol Abuse Trends in Kentucky

Many Americans struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction with statistics estimating that 1-in-10 Americans have Alcohol Use Disorder.

Many Americans struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction with statistics estimating that 1-in-10 Americans aged 12 and above have Alcohol Use Disorder. The effects of this are far-reaching including devastating families, destroying communities, and hurting the economy. Alcohol abuse also takes lives with more than 140,000 Americans dying from the effects of alcohol in an average year.

Kentucky hasn’t fared very well when it comes to alcohol abuse. With the Bluegrass state producing most of the world’s bourbon, alcohol plays an important part in its economy. Unfortunately, many Kentuckians know only too well the effects of alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Abuse Trends in Kentucky

To get a clearer picture of alcohol abuse in Kentucky, we’ll have to crunch some numbers.

According to the CDC, Kentucky had the 3rd highest binge drinking rate in the country in 2018 at 15.8%. Louisville took the lead with 18% of residents admitting to binge drinking. Men were twice more likely to binge drink than women.

On average Kentucky has 2206 annual deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use. 70.6% of those who die from excessive alcohol use are male and 83.7% of the deaths are of people aged 35 and older. 2.67% of those deaths are people under 21 years.

Unfortunately, deaths due to excessive alcohol use have increased in recent years. The average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita in Kentucky increased by 40.2% from 2015-2019.

The effect of alcohol abuse is apparent in Kentucky. It has led to increased hospitalizations, alcohol-related deaths, and crashes. It becomes worse when you consider that some Kentuckians get behind the wheel after drinking, with 20.5% of fatalities being attributed to alcohol-impaired driving deaths. In 2019, 21988 DUI arrests were made in Kentucky.

Alcohol Rehab in Kentucky

Over the years, increased awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse has led to an increase in the number of people seeking alcohol addiction treatment in Kentucky.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery is ready to help. Our goal is to offer affordable and accessible drug and alcohol treatment for all clients who walk through our doors. We understand how difficult it can be to rid the body of harmful toxins and offer medical detox to make the process as comfortable as possible. With qualified doctors on hand, you can be assured that you’ll be in safe hands during detoxification.

We also consider our clients’ alcohol abuse history and admit those who need serious care into our intensive outpatient program while our outpatient treatment program is for those who have a mild alcohol addiction and busy schedules. Additionally, we also have a family therapy program to help families that have been affected by alcohol addiction learn healthy ways to rebuild their relationships.

Contact us today and we’ll help guide you on the path to recovery.

Substance Abuse Trends in Kentucky

In the US, accidental drug overdose is a leading cause of death in people below 45 years. Here’s an overview of the abused drugs in Kentucky.

Substance abuse is a countrywide problem, affecting individuals, families and communities. Other than affecting an individual, addiction also has a negative impact on the community at large, contributing to increased crime, broken families, lost man-hours and productivity, among others.

Unfortunately, Kentucky isn’t doing too well when it comes to substance abuse. Cases of addiction and drug overdose deaths have been on the rise across the state. This is a problem that cuts across all age groups with 6.0% or 20,000 youth aged 12-17 using marijuana, 10.7% drinking, and 6.5% of young people reporting using illicit drugs between 2017-2019.

Here’s an overview of the commonly abused drugs in Kentucky:

Drug Overdose Deaths in Kentucky

In the US, accidental drug overdose is a leading cause of death among those below 45 years. In recent years, the number of overdose deaths has increased at an annual rate of 4.0%. The situation isn’t any better in Kentucky with the state having the 7th highest overdose deaths nationally in 2019. By 2021 this had increased by 14.6% from 1964 deaths in 2020 to 2250 in 2021 according to a state annual report released in mid-2022.

During that time, Fentanyl was responsible for 73% of the deaths while methamphetamine was responsible for 48% of the overdose deaths in Kentucky. Other opioids responsible for overdose deaths include morphine, oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone.

Alcohol use

Data from the CDC shows that Kentucky ranks among the top 3 states in binge drinking, behind Arkansas and Mississippi. Another survey showed that 5.45% of Kentuckians struggled with alcohol use disorder in 2018-2019 with more than 20,000 DUI arrests being made during that period. Among people aged 12 and above in Kentucky, the annual average prevalence of past-year alcohol use disorder in 2017-2019 was 5.0%. This is according to data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Marijuana use

Kentucky is one of the states in the marijuana belt and the use of this drug has increased in recent years from 10.8% prevalence in 2002-2004 to 14.6% prevalence in 2017-2019. This is partly fueled by the misconception that marijuana isn’t addictive or that it has fewer negative consequences than other drugs.

Other drugs commonly abused in Kentucky include cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens.

Looking for Treatment?

If you’re struggling with alcohol or drug addiction in Kentucky, help is available. The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery is dedicated to making addiction treatment more affordable and available for all those who need it. We offer a range of drug and alcohol treatment programs including detox, intensive outpatient care and outpatient programs. We also have a family therapy program for families that have been ruined by addiction

Don’t let addiction steal any more of your life. Contact us today and we’ll help you find lasting and sustainable recovery from substance abuse.