Expert Insights
On Newtown Pike near Main Street in Lexington, there is a beautiful tribute project that allows people to honor and remember anyone who found themselves or a loved one shackled by the disease of addiction. Known simply as the “Locks of Addiction,” this simple gate started out with one woman seeking to remember her son who died from an overdose. Since then, the project exploded in popularity, with more than 200 Lexington locals coming out to add their own locks in remembrance of a loved one – or to remember their own battles with addiction. People have even taken to adding items that are much more personal than locks – some have added bracelets, hats, pictures, necklaces, and more. I think this is a lovely gesture, and a stark reminder, of how large numbers of people in communities struggle with addiction. And there is no need to struggle in silence.
~ Rita Milios
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Lexington?
The costs of drug and alcohol rehab in Lexington can depend on factors including:
Inpatient/Outpatient
Amenities (such as private room or view)
Duration of treatment (30 or 90 days)
Individualized plan
Individualized plan
Payment
Location
Does Insurance Cover Rehab Center Costs?
Lexington detox centers and rehab facilities provide options to pay for drug and alcohol care. People without insurance may qualify for a subsidized plan, low-cost, or free options.
- Free clinics
- Medicaid/Medicare
- Government or publicly funded programs
- Nonprofit
- Sliding scale fees (based on the person’s income)
- Private insurance
- Self-pay or cash
Inquire about payment options before entering a treatment center.
How Does Lexington Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
Lexington is known for horse farms and thoroughbred racetracks like Keeneland. However, drug overdose deaths in Kentucky increased by 48% from 2019 to 2020, according to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. In total, there were 1,958 people who died of drug overdoses in the Bluegrass State. Experts say fentanyl is the most common drug involved in fatal overdoses, while methamphetamine is the second most common. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are more than 40 accredited alcohol and drug rehab centers in Lexington.
The 2015-2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that approximately 17,000 Kentuckians over age 18 have used heroin within the last year.
According to the 2018 Kentucky Treatment Outcome Study:
1,224 individuals enrolled in subsidized substance use rehabs between July 2015 and June 2016.
46% of those admissions admitted to misusing opioids (other than heroin) in the 12 months before treatment.
25% of admissions reported misusing opioids (other than heroin) during the month before entering treatment.
14% reported heroin use within the previous 12 months, and 6% reported heroin use during the last month.
Kentucky Drug Climate
Although opioid use decreased in those seeking treatment, the opioid epidemic impacted other areas in Kentucky, particularly those residing in larger urban areas in Fayette County. For example, the number of people seeking treatment in a hospital for an unrelated reason, but diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, rose from 992 individuals in 2012 to 1,579 individuals in 2016.
In 2017, Lexington Division of Fire and Emergency Services registered 1,567 calls for opioid-related overdose.
Of those callers, 70% were transported and received treatment, and 76% received a dose of naloxone.
Data shows that EMS, police, and other first responders administered 2,515 doses of Narcan in 2017.
Lexington police saw an increase in heroin seizures, from 8.5 grams in 2008 to 11,871 grams in 2017.
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Lexington
Kentucky Good Samaritan Law: Passed in 2015, Kentucky SB192 introduced The Good Samaritan Law as a response to increasing opioid use in Fayette County. The law protects individuals who call 911 to report an overdose. Acting as a Good Samaritan, the individual cannot be prosecuted if found with drug paraphernalia or a small amount of drugs for personal use. The law does not protect anyone with a large amount of drugs or those who manufacture, sell, or intend to distribute illegal substances.
Kentucky Government Treatment Bills: Kentucky law forbids people from participating in the manufacture, use, possession, or distribution of dangerous, habit-forming, or inappropriate drugs without a prescription. The law also provides a needle exchange program and permits certified pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription.
Resources
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2021). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services
- National Institute of Drug Abuse (2022). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition), Is Drug Addiction Treatment Worth its Cost?
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Prevalence of Any Mental Illness (AMI)
- Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide Addiction Medications
