Overdose Deaths Down in Kentucky for Fourth Consecutive Year

For the fourth consecutive year, drug overdose deaths declined in the commonwealth. 

Kentucky reported 1,101 overdose deaths in 2025 — the lowest total since 2014. According to the 2025 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, that marks a 22.9% decrease from the previous year and a 50.8% drop from 2021.

The report also notes that this decline is the second largest since the state began tracking overdose deaths in 2012.

“Addiction has affected every state in our nation and has caused insurmountable harm to families and future generations — even in our own hometowns,” said Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram. “But Kentuckians did not just accept this fate; we got up, and we fought back. And because we worked together… lives have been saved. For anyone facing addiction today, know that you will find hope, strength, and recovery in Kentucky—please let us help.”

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect you to treatment at 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) or by visiting FindHelpNowKy.org.