LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A newspaper investigation has found that in a state plagued with one of the worst prescription drug abuse problems in the nation, treatment options are limited.
The Courier-Journal reports the problem is worst for hard-core addicts in need of the most intense care. The newspaper published a series of stories on the problem last week as part of a years-long look at the state's prescription drug abuse epidemic.
The newspaper found that only 40 of Kentucky's 301 treatment sites offer 24-hour residential care for severe addicts. It also found that most outpatient treatment sites typically offer one hour of care a week, and Kentuckians tend to get less intensive treatment than Americans overall.
Kentucky's behavioral health department budget for substance abuse has remained virtually unchanged for a decade, providing $29 million for contracted treatment centers in 2012.
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