Kentucky Laws and Programs

Programs and Treatment

The state of Kentucky has a unique history of progressive programs and policies to prevent and treat drug abuse. In 1935 the U.S. Narcotic Farm, the federal government's first drug treatment center, was opened in Lexington. Individuals who were drug dependent came from across the country to participate in one of the first large-scale efforts to promote rehabilitation.

Several other innovative programs have been developed in Kentucky. The state was an early adopter of the now common electronic prescription monitoring program. The Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) program was developed to monitor the dispensing of controlled substance prescriptions written within the state. While the program was found to be successful in reducing investigation times and “doctor shopping” (i.e., the practice of visiting multiple medical providers in pursuit of drugs) within the state, abusers commonly travel to other states to procure prescriptions.

Following the success of KASPER, Kentucky implemented a similar electronic monitoring program specifically focused on pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that also serves as the primary ingredient of methamphetamine. The online program, called MethCheck, is available to all pharmacies and law enforcement agents through a secure Website.

Another program developed to address prescription drug diversion and abuse is Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education). This program, conceptualized by U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers and funded largely through the U.S. Department of Justice, began in 2003 and serves 29 counties in eastern Kentucky. Operation UNITE's primary foci include investigations, treatment, and drug education. In an effort to bolster local involvement in the program, Operation UNITE conducts town hall meetings and has successfully facilitated the establishment of local coalitions in 30 communities.

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