Kentucky Drug Statistics

When one thinks of Kentucky, horse racing, beautiful nature, food and bluegrass music are a few things that come to mind. But really, this state offers so much more than that, as every resident knows. The state is proud to be the almost exclusive producer of our nation’s native spirit, bourbon. Kentucky’s history mingles with alcoholism and addiction. Today, millions of Kentuckians struggle with chemical dependency. Palm Partners Recovery Center offers effective and specialized treatment services to our clients to ensure long lasting recovery.

Data shows that those 18 and older particularly need – and aren’t receiving – drug detox and rehab in Kentucky.  If you’re using and abusing, call Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab now for immediate help: 502-466-3120. Get into the right facility and transform your life. Our professionals are standing by, 24/7.

What you should know

Marijuana, meth, pharmaceutical drugs and cocaine are the primary drug threats in Kentucky. In fact, Kentucky is one of the leading source states for domestically grown marijuana. And the state is experiencing an explosive growth in the number of meth labs.

Compared to other states

• Illicit drugs overall – average for those 26 and older, moderately low for those 18-25
• Pharmaceuticals – among the highest for those 18 and older
• Cocaine – moderately low for those 18-25, low for those 26 and older
• Marijuana – moderately low for those 26 and older, low for those 18-25
• Alcohol – low for those 18 and older

Source: SAMHSA’s most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, based on 2008-2009 annual averages. SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A closer look

Marijuana

The state’s number one cash crop. Kentucky consistently ranks as one of the top three marijuana-producing states. Mostly grown on national forest land in southeastern Kentucky, the marijuana either stays in state or is exported to cities in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and the eastern U.S. Marijuana is sold in parking lots, bars, store fronts, homes and other locations.

Cocaine

So widespread it can be obtained almost anywhere. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the main source of cocaine from the Southwest Border via cities in the Midwest and Southeast. The organizations supply inner-city, street-level distributors and use business fronts, such as restaurants and auto repair/detailing shops. Inner-city trafficking organizations also get large amounts of cocaine from other sources via motor vehicles and parcel delivery services.

Mexican drug organizations are the main source of cocaine in Kansas, from the Southwest Border via regional distribution networks in the Midwest and the Southwest.

Pharmaceuticals

Largest drug problem in southeastern Kentucky. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are the most highly abused. OxyContin use in the area has risen due to the increased availability of pills from Midwest cities. Use in central and northern Kentucky is high, but stable. Sources are pharmacy theft, “doctor shopping,” prescription fraud and internet pharmacies. In fact, internet shopping is having a significant impact.

Heroin

Limited availability. When heroin is encountered, it is usually found in user amounts, supplied from Atlanta or Chicago.

Methamphetamine

Lab activity decreasing. But trafficking into the state occurs. Primarily ice meth is what’s imported via Mexican drug trafficking organizations. Independent traffickers also bring in pound amounts from Atlanta and Southwest Border cities. Small-scale operators continue to manufacture meth in user amounts.

Club drugs

Ecstasy on the rise. Despite limited availability, MDMA (Ecstasy), ketamine, GHB and LSD are easily available in cities with colleges and universities. The primary suppliers are well organized, middle-class Caucasian males age 25 and older. MDMA is imported via U.S. mail from Miami, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

Alcohol

Not a significant problem.

Percentage of Kentucky population using/abusing drugs

¹ Age group is based on a respondent’s age at the time of the interview, not his or her age at first use.

² Illicit Drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically. Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana include cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically.

³ When the Perception of Great Risk in using marijuana or alcohol is low, use of marijuana or alcohol is high.

⁴ Binge Alcohol Use is defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other) on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.

⁵ Dependence or abuse is based on definitions found in the 4^th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

⁶ Needing But Not Receiving Treatment refers to respondents needing treatment for illicit drugs or alcohol, but not receiving treatment at a specialty facility.

⁷ Major Depressive Episode is a period of at least 2 weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities and had a majority of the symptoms for depression as described in the DSM-IV.

Source: Condensed version of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004 and 2005, from SAMHSA, Office of Applied Studies.