Addiction Doesn't Only Hurt the Addict.

​Resources

The plague of addiction has damaged countless lives in our community, casting a shadow far bigger than any individual addict. Those suffering from addiction disorders leave behind families, spouses, children, friends and loved ones in the wake of their struggles, for some with a trauma which can last a lifetime. As seriously as we treat the addicted, we must also look for ways to support those whose lives have been impacted by the crisis.

Office of the Powell County Attorney
606-663-2303
SPARK (Powell County)
​606-612-5125
Operation Unite
866-OP-UNITE (678-6483)​
UNSHAME Kentucky
​833-859-4357
Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE)
​502-782-7691

Casey's Law

Under KRS 222.431, Kentucky law states that an individual may be eligible for involuntary treatment in an addiction recovery facility, assuming the individual meets the following criteria:

1. Suffers from substance use disorder;
2. Presents an imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others as a result of a substance use disorder, or there exists a substantial likelihood of such a threat in the near future; and
3. Can reasonably benefit from treatment.

These petitions are filed through the Circuit Court Clerk, and may be filed by a spouse, relative, friend or guardian of the individual in need of treatment. If you are considering invoking Casey's Law on behalf of someone meeting the criteria above, it is best to come prepared in order to move the process along as quickly as possible. Petitioners will be asked to provide:

1. Petitioner's relationship to the respondent;
2. Respondent's name, residence, and current location, if known;
3. The name and residence of respondent's parents, if living and if known, or respondent's legal guardian, if any and if known;
4. The name and residence of respondent's husband or wife, if any and if known;
5. The name and residence of the person having custody of the respondent, if any, or if no such person is known, the name and residence of a near relative or that the person is unknown; and
6. Petitioner's belief, including the factual basis therefor, that the respondent is suffering from an alcohol and other drug abuse disorder and presents a danger or threat of danger to self, family, or others if not treated for substance use disorder.

After receiving the petition, the court will review the contents of the request, as well as interview the petitioner under oath. If it is determined by the court that the needs and requirements have been met to fulfill the requirements, all parties will be notified of a date for a hearing within 14 days. The individual named in the petition will be evaluated by a medical professional 24 hours prior to the hearing, and if determined appropriate ordered into a treatment facility.
You may download a copy of the petition paperwork here.

Health Concerns and Preventing the Spread of Diseases

Beyond the disease of addiction itself, an all-too-common side effect of addiction can be the contraction and spread of communicable diseases. These types of infections can be spread via intravenous drug usage, the sharing of contaminated needles, unprotected sexual activity, etc. If you or someone you have been involved with feel that you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection or may have come in contact with used needles, the Powell County Health Department offers resources to help. 

Additionally, if you are in active addiction or using intravenous drugs, the Powell County Health Department also offers a needle exchange program, to allow the opportunity to prevent transmission of infections while also offering treatment opportunities. Please reach out to the Powell County Health Department at 606-663-4360 for information on any of these programs, and follow this link for additional information on how the needle exchange program can help.