FDA-approved device to alleviate withdrawal symptoms available at Isaiah House in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky is the first state in the country to offer a new device to treat opioid addiction.

The NET Device, which stands for Neuro Electrode Transmitter, is now available at the Isaiah House Recovery Center in Mercer County.

In 2023, 1,984 Kentuckians lost their lives to drug overdose, a rate of 45.9 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to a state report. That was a 9.8% decrease from 2022.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved device is designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It is the size of a phone and has wires connected to electrodes. The signals cue the brain to restart, producing its own dopamine and serotonin without the need for drugs.

"We've just witnesses a tremendous impact as far as cravings and reduced acute withdrawal symptoms from our clients that utilize the device, which is just really exciting," said Mike Cox with Isaiah House.

Isaiah House is Kentucky’s largest nonprofit addiction treatment organization, which serves 3,500 clients each year at facilities throughout Kentucky. Isaiah House has a goal to make the NET Device available across the state and then the country.

The addiction recovery center has 30 NET Devices available for on-site treatment. Residents of Meade, Scott, Bullitt and Shelby counties are eligible to receive treatment free of charge due to funding from local abatement grants.

The NET Device is applied for three to five days of continuous treatment.

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