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The number of people who've died from a drug overdose across the country is down. According to initial data from the CDC, the numbers are even better for Kentucky.

A small Kentucky sheriff's department, within five years, has seized enough fentanyl to kill two million Americans, officials said Tuesday.

Communities across the Commonwealth want to minimize traumatic experiences for the state's youngest residents - as a way to help stem the drug epidemic, and prevent future generations from struggling with substance-use disorders. According to Kentucky Youth Advocates, at least one in five Kentucky kids has had at least two Adverse Childhood Experiences or 'ACEs.' These include physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, having family members with a substance-use disorder, witnessing domestic violence, and parental incarceration. Dr. ...

Celebrating the holiday season can be complicated for households with a loved one dealing with an addiction. A South Dakota expert said there are steps the individual and their family can take to avoid major problems. Matt Walz, representative for the Keystone Treatment Center, said because alcohol is often provided at holiday gatherings, it is important for the host to provide different beverage options. ...

A new statewide program in Kentucky is providing addiction advocacy groups and recovery centers with flexible funding to focus on resource equity and expansion of services. Gary Biggers, program operations manager for the nonprofit Voices for Hope, said the nearly $50,000 grant will be used to provide staff with training centered on listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental communication when working with diverse populations. The group will also work with communities of color to provide education on overdose, substance use trends, and community resources for recovery. ...