Get evidence-based opioid addiction treatment at CommonHealth Recovery in Kentucky. MAT, counseling, and compassionate care.
Opioid addiction affects thousands of Kentuckians, impacting individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth. Whether the opioids involved are prescription painkillers, heroin, fentanyl, or other substances, recovery is possible with evidence-based treatment and compassionate support.
At CommonHealth Recovery in Frankfort, Kentucky, we provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for opioid addiction, combining medication-assisted treatment with counseling, peer support, and individualized care to help you overcome addiction and build a healthier future.
Opioid addiction, clinically known as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a chronic medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioid drugs despite harmful consequences. It’s a brain disorder that changes the way the brain functions, making it extremely difficult to stop using without professional help.
Opioids include:
Prescription Opioids:
Illicit Opioids:
All opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, blocking pain signals and releasing large amounts of dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This flood of dopamine is what creates the euphoric “high” that makes opioids so addictive.
Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of opioids, leading to tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect) and physical dependence (experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping). What may have started as pain management or recreational use can quickly develop into a life-consuming addiction.
Opioid addiction is not a moral failing or lack of willpower—it’s a treatable medical condition that responds to evidence-based treatment approaches.
Kentucky has been significantly affected by the opioid epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid-related overdose deaths have increased dramatically over the past two decades, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl now driving the majority of fatal overdoses.
Communities across Kentucky—from urban centers like Louisville and Lexington to rural counties throughout Central Kentucky—have felt the impact of opioid addiction. Factors contributing to high rates of opioid use disorder in Kentucky include:
However, there is hope. Effective, evidence-based treatments for opioid addiction are available, and recovery rates improve significantly when people have access to comprehensive care that includes medication-assisted treatment and counseling.
Recognizing opioid addiction in yourself or a loved one is an important step toward getting help.
When someone with opioid addiction stops using or reduces their intake, withdrawal symptoms can include:
While opioid withdrawal is intensely uncomfortable, it’s rarely life-threatening. However, the severity of symptoms is a major reason why people continue using—and why medically supervised treatment with medication-assisted therapy is so effective.
Opioid addiction carries serious, potentially life-threatening health risks:
Overdose: Opioid overdose can cause respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing), leading to hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain), coma, brain damage, or death. The risk is especially high with fentanyl and when opioids are mixed with alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Infectious Diseases: Sharing needles or drug preparation equipment increases the risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and bacterial infections.
Heart Problems: Opioid use can lead to endocarditis (heart valve infection), especially among people who inject drugs.
Lung Complications: Repeated opioid use can cause pneumonia and other respiratory issues.
Liver and Kidney Damage: Chronic opioid use can damage these vital organs.
Mental Health Impacts: Opioid addiction is associated with depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk.
Pregnancy Complications: Opioid use during pregnancy can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in newborns.
Social Consequences: Job loss, relationship breakdown, financial ruin, homelessness, and legal problems.
Recovery from opioid addiction is possible with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. The most effective approach combines medication, counseling, and support.
Medication-assisted treatment is the gold standard for treating opioid addiction. Research consistently shows that MAT significantly improves outcomes and saves lives.
How MAT Works:
MAT uses FDA-approved medications that:
Medications Used in MAT:
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade):
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing dangerous highs. It’s safe, effective, and can be prescribed in an outpatient setting.
At CommonHealth Recovery, we commonly use buprenorphine as part of our MAT program, available as daily sublingual films/tablets or once-monthly injection.
Methadone:
Methadone is a long-acting full opioid agonist dispensed daily at specialized opioid treatment programs. While we don’t directly dispense methadone, we coordinate with local clinics when appropriate.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol):
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, preventing opioids from producing effects. It’s available as a daily pill or once-monthly injection. Individuals must be fully detoxified before starting naltrexone.
Benefits of MAT:
While medication addresses physical dependence, counseling helps address psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Individual Counseling: One-on-one therapy provides a safe space to explore underlying issues, develop coping strategies, address co-occurring mental health conditions, and work toward recovery goals. We use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
Group Counseling: Group therapy offers peer support, shared experiences, accountability, and skills practice.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured treatment 3-4 days per week with group therapy, individual counseling, MAT, and case management.
Outpatient Treatment: Weekly/bi-weekly counseling, group therapy, MAT, and flexible scheduling.
Many people with opioid addiction also struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, or other conditions. We provide integrated treatment addressing all aspects of health simultaneously.
Our case management team helps with:
We embrace harm reduction as a compassionate approach that meets people where they are:
Naloxone Distribution: We provide free naloxone (Narcan) kits and training to prevent fatal overdoses.
Safe Use Education: For those not yet ready to stop, we provide information on reducing risks.
Engagement Without Judgment: We welcome anyone seeking help, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey.
At CommonHealth Recovery, we provide treatment for addiction to all types of opioids:
For more information about the clinical diagnosis of opioid use disorder, including DSM-5 criteria, visit our Opioid Use Disorder page.
Recovery from opioid addiction involves:
Relapse is common but doesn’t mean failure. If it happens:
CommonHealth Recovery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, and serves residents throughout Central Kentucky, including Lexington, Louisville, Georgetown, Versailles, Shelbyville, and surrounding communities.
Why Choose CommonHealth Recovery:
Get Started Today:
Call (502) 661-1444 to speak with our admissions team, or verify your insurance online.
Recovery from opioid addiction is possible. Take the first step today.
If you’re using opioids compulsively, having difficulty stopping despite wanting to, experiencing cravings or withdrawal, or continuing use despite negative consequences, these are signs of opioid addiction. A professional assessment can help determine if you meet criteria for opioid use disorder.
Yes. Thousands of people successfully recover from opioid addiction every year with appropriate treatment. The most effective approach combines medication-assisted treatment with counseling and support.
Treatment length varies. IOP typically lasts 8-12 weeks, while standard outpatient treatment may continue for several months to over a year. Many people benefit from long-term MAT (months to years). Research shows longer treatment engagement leads to better outcomes.
Yes. MAT is safe, effective, and endorsed by every major medical organization including the CDC, WHO, and National Institute on Drug Abuse. Medications are prescribed and monitored by medical professionals and don’t produce dangerous highs.
Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance, cover opioid addiction treatment including MAT. CommonHealth Recovery accepts most insurance plans and can verify your coverage.
Relapse can happen and doesn’t mean failure. If you relapse, reach out to your treatment team immediately. We’ll help you get back on track with compassion and without judgment.
Recovery from opioid addiction begins with one decision and one phone call.
Call CommonHealth Recovery at (502) 661-1444 to begin evidence-based treatment today.
CommonHealth Recovery
Evidence-based treatment for substance use and mental health disorders in Frankfort, Kentucky.
