Researchers at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) and the Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis at the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago have released a report detailing the findings of a study conducted to understand possible factors that contribute to Eastern Kentucky[Read More…]
Treatment
‘Off The Charts’ Rise In Alcoholic Liver Disease Among Young Women
Historically, liver disease primarily impacted older men. But over the last several years, doctors say they’ve seen a sharp increase in liver disease, caused by excessive drinking, among younger women under the age of 40. And with alcohol use on the rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this shift is becoming[Read More…]
‘Opioid treatment deserts’ abound, study finds
For individuals living in areas without opioid treatment centers, accessing the care they need for long-term recovery can be virtually impossible, according to a new study led by Ohio State University researchers. The study used 2013-2017 data from emergency management services agencies throughout Franklin County. “The study identified clear opioid[Read More…]
“Trauma was my gateway drug”: Theresa Lafeve Shares Her Story of Recovery, Hope & Reunion
“Trauma was my gateway drug,” says Theresa Lafeve, reflecting on her difficult, but inspiring,journey to recovery. At a young age, Theresa found herself turning to recreational substance use to cope withchildhood trauma — a decision that would lead her to an almost eight-year battle with asubstance use disorder. But today,[Read More…]
Grieving An Overdose: ‘There’s Been Nothing as Devastating as Losing a Son’
Parents of Addicted Love Ones (PAL) is providing Kentucky parents with much needed support, healing and camaraderie. Karen Butcher, who founded the first Parents of Addicted Love Ones group in the state, recently sat down with Kayla Moody of Spectrum News to share her family’s story. As Karen tried to[Read More…]
‘A saved life saved a life’: Men in recovery save man overdosing in Lawrence County
Two men in recovery at Addiction Recovery Care are using their experiences to help others find long-term recovery from substance use disorder. And those experiences also led them to be on the helping side of an overdose. Click here to read how the two men saved a life by knowing[Read More…]
WKYT Investigates: Drinking in the pandemic
One year into the pandemic, researchers at the University of Kentucky say they’re seeing a rise in alcohol use and stress among caregivers, according to WKYT’s Kristen Kennedy. And, because women often serve as the primary caregivers in their households, the sex gap between men and women struggling with alcohol[Read More…]
Derby week can be triggering for people recovering from addiction
While the Kentucky Derby is known for the fun and excitement it brings to our communities, the festivities surrounding this annual event can be quite triggering for people who have struggled with substance use disorders. Keith Farah, the transitional care manager at The Healing Place in Louisville, spoke with Spectrum[Read More…]
Kentucky among top states where overdose deaths have spiked during COVID-19 pandemic
Deborah Yetter at the Courier-Journal reports that drug overdoses in Kentucky rose by 50 percent between September 2019 and September 2020. During the same timeframe, drug overdose deaths increased nationwide by nearly 30 percent. Treatment providers and recovery advocates point to job loss and pandemic-related stress and anxieties. According to[Read More…]
Gov. Beshear Signs Recovery-related Bills into Law
With another legislative session behind us, below is a recap of the criminal justice and recovery-related reforms that passed. All bills listed here have been signed into law by Governor Beshear. For more information on specific bills, please visit the Kentucky LRC website. Senate Bill 51, sponsored by Sen. Ralph Alvarado, removes prior[Read More…]