For the first time since 2018, drug overdose rates in Kentucky are down from the year before.
After a record number of deaths in 2021, fatal overdoses dropped 5% in 2022. There were 2,127 deaths reported in 2022.
It’s a sign of hope after a record number of deaths in 2021.
According to Kentucky’s 2021 drug overdose report, 2,257 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses in 2021—a 14.5% increase compared with the year prior when 1,965 deaths were reported.
Officials at Addiction Recovery Care say several factors are leading to the decrease, from advocacy, treatment availability, and simply talking more about the issue.
A chart released by the state shows the dramatic spikes in overdose deaths, particularly during the pandemic, when isolation, uncertainty and shutdowns played major factors in addicts using more.
Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear spoke of how the state has worked to increase treatment beds and employment barriers for those in recovery.
The full overdose report is expected to be released in a few weeks.
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, you can call 1-833-8-k-y-help to speak with a specialist about treatment options and available resources. Or you can text ‘hope’ to 9-6-7-1-4.
Source: WAVE
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