Recovery experts make push to ease Kentucky restrictions for drug used to treat opioid use disorder

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Addiction recovery specialists say Kentucky is behind in addiction treatment, and, therefore, more people are dying from overdoses than necessary.

Experts were in Frankfort on Wednesday making a push for lawmakers to loosen regulations around a certain type of drug that is used to treat opioid use disorder.

Buprenorphine counteracts addiction tendencies, and there are certain limits on prescribing it in Kentucky.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued new guidelines to improve access to the drug. Now, addiction experts want Kentucky lawmakers to change state law to match the federal guidelines.

Earlier this month, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $37.2 million, three-year Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services grant. The funding will support the Kentucky Overdose Response Effort.

The governor touted a partnership built by KORE with the Kentucky Hospital Association, which Beshear said will "reduce opioid overprescribing and improve safe opioid use through its oversight of the Statewide Opioid Stewardship Initiative."

As part of that program, Beshear said hospitals and clinics statewide will "adopt practices and policies that support appropriate acute and chronic pain management." That includes supporting the "implementation of a treatment model that provides buprenorphine alongside peer support and linkage to ongoing treatment for individuals seeking services in emergency departments for an opioid- or stimulant-related health complication."

To find treatment services and resources, or recovery housing, near you, click here. To look for recovery housing, click here. You can also call 1-877-318-1871.

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