(WKYT) – Kentucky saw a decrease in drug overdose deaths for the fourth consecutive year, according to a report released by the commonwealth’s justice and public safety cabinet on Wednesday.
The number has dropped from 2,257 overdose deaths in 2021 to 1,100 in 2025.
The commonwealth saw 2,200 overdose deaths in 2022, 1,984 in 2023 and 1,410 in 2024.
Methamphetamine was the leading cause of overdose deaths, accounting for 49.5 percent of those recorded last year.
Fentanyl was found to be present in 45.4 percent of overdose deaths.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear celebrated the numbers.
“My administration is fighting for the inches that become the miles of progress to save more lives and protect more families from the heartbreak and pain that comes with addiction,” he said. “Kentucky has been one of the states hit hardest by opioids, yet we are showing the nation what’s possible by working together. From Medicaid to supporting our recovery partners, law enforcement and more, every piece of this fight is critical to continue the progress we’re making together.”
The governor highlighted the commonwealth’s efforts to combat addiction:
- More than $29 million was distributed in grant and pass-through funding from the Office of Drug Control Policy;
- 182,810 doses of Narcan were distributed;
- 82 syringe exchange program sites served 25,543 unique participants;
- More than 137,000 Kentuckians received addiction services through Medicaid;
- More than 19,100 Kentuckians received addiction treatment paid for by the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort;
- More than 29,900 Kentuckians received recovery services (housing assistance, employment services, transportation, basic need services, etc.) in their community paid for by the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort.
Anyone battling addiction in Kentucky is encouraged to call the KY HELP Call Center at 833-8KY-HELP.