Kentucky has gotten some good news in the fight against drug abuse recently. The Commonwealth reported last week that drug overdose deaths in Kentucky are down by almost ten percent, marking the second straight annual drop in drug overdose related deaths.
The wider availability of Narcan, including efforts to educate the public and get the life-saving drug into the hands of those who might encounter an overdose, seem to be having an impact. But there is still a long way to go.
According to the Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report for 2023, just under 1,984 Kentuckians died in the previous year from a known drug overdose. As noted that’s down nearly ten percent from the previous year. But it’s still a huge number, with Fentanyl indicated as the main culprit in overdoses, accounting for 79 percent of the overdose related deaths in 2023.
But while there is an overall trend towards fewer deaths, the risks are increasing in some communities. For instance, the figures show an increase in the deaths of black Kentuckians from overdose – with those numbers growing by five percent.
So, while things are improving, there is still a long way to go – something that politicians on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged.
While the availability of Narcan has been one factor in preventing deaths (this editor keeps two doses of the drug in his vehicle after receiving doses of the narcotic blocker and instructions in its use during a drug awareness event at Greenbo Lake last year), education has been another factor.
Our courts continue to engage in diversion programs, helping those who sincerely seek treatment to find a bed in a treatment center rather than the county jail. And, according to data shared this week by our guest columnist Nick Hayes, young people are making more responsible choices because of the drug education offered to them.
Hayes notes that Kentucky teens are more than 15 percent less likely to have used drugs over the last month than the average American teen.
But that doesn’t mean our teens are drug free. More than seven percent of children aged 12 to 17 reported some drug usage in the past month, with marijuana topping the list.
Because of this, Hayes said, it’s more important than ever for parents to talk with their kids about the dangers of drug use – especially designer drugs which may be laced with Fentanyl or other unknown substances.
And all it takes is a quick look at the arrests, indictments, and court dockets to see that while drug use may be down among some youth, there are still plenty of adults engaging in risky, self-destructive behavior.
While we applaud all efforts from the state, drug treatment professionals, and volunteers to educate our youth and families on the risks and dangers of drug use – as well as the promotion and distribution of life saving Narcan – the drug epidemic that has plagued our communities is still far from over.
Organizations like the Galaxy Project and their Pathfinder program are still necessary. They still need our support.
We truly believe they can make a difference by giving young people something to say “yes” to other than drugs and alcohol.
Because while efforts to provide treatment and support to the current generation of addicts is a laudable and worthwhile pursuit, we need to work to break the cycles of poverty, desperation, and hopelessness that lead young people to seek solace in drugs in the first place.
If we don’t do that, this brief glimmer of hope we see in the current numbers could easily fade as our communities relapse and the pushers of poison targeting our region seek new markets to replace those customers lost to recovery, overdose, or other drug related deaths.
The current trend is a good thing; but we need to remain vigilant. And we need to support those doing the work to educate and repair the damage drugs have caused in the lives of our addicted community members and their families. Because, as the saying goes, “There but for the grace of God go I.” Or you. Or any of us.
