Current:Home > reviewsKentucky should reconsider using psychedelics to treat opioid addiction, attorney general says -Wealth Momentum Network
Kentucky should reconsider using psychedelics to treat opioid addiction, attorney general says
View
Date:2025-04-12 16:21:37
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s new attorney general, Russell Coleman, has urged a commission tasked with fighting drug abuse to “step back” from a proposal to invest in a psychedelic drug as a possible treatment for opioid addiction.
When the Republican’s predecessor was in office, the commission had considered dipping into the state’s massive opioid lawsuit settlement to study the use of ibogaine — a psychedelic with an international following that remains a Schedule 1 drug in the U.S. — with the goal of gaining federal approval to distribute it as a medication to treat opioid addiction.
Speaking to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, Coleman said the state has to be “responsible stewards” of settlement funds, which were “purchased by the pain of Kentucky families.”
“In that spirit, I respectfully ask this commission to step back from previous proposals to allocate $42 million to ibogaine research and the unproven and incredibly expensive clinical trial,” Coleman said Tuesday.
“These vital resources — that some call ‘blood money’ — are too precious to gamble away,” he added.
Although overdose fatalities remain staggeringly high, there have been glimmers of hope.
Kentucky had 2,135 overdose deaths in 2022, down more than 5% from the prior year and the first statewide decline since 2018. The increased prevalence of fentanyl — a powerful synthetic opioid — is blamed by officials as a key factor behind the state’s high death toll. Potent, inexpensive methamphetamine is seen as another significant contributor.
Coleman urged the commission to pursue innovations that “push the boundaries of addiction response,” and said he would like to see the group establish a $5 million pool for research and innovation grants.
“With a new fund tailored to big ideas, Kentucky can keep pushing the outer limit in this space,” he said. “And if someone brings forward an ibogaine research proposal that fits the criteria of this new innovative grant program, I hope the commission would give it full and fair consideration.”
The attorney general appoints some of the commission members under state law, and Coleman has named a new executive director.
Kentucky secured more than $800 million as part of settlements with companies for their roles in the opioid addiction crisis. Half of Kentucky’s settlement will go directly to cities and counties. The commission oversees the state’s half and has started awarding funding to grassroots groups that specialize in drug prevention, treatment and recovery services.
“With a new round of grant applications already underway, I look forward to seeing the selections you make this year,” Coleman told the commission.
Coleman, who took office at the start of the year, outlined his priorities for combating the Bluegrass State’s drug addiction woes. Strong treatment and enforcement programs are in place, he said, noting that there are “finally enough treatment beds available in Kentucky.”
“Now we are entering a new phase with a new challenge,” he said. “We need to build up the third leg of the stool: prevention.”
The attorney general’s office is developing prevention initiatives, with a focus on youth education, Coleman said. Those conversations with children need to start earlier, he said, and he urged the commission to be part of the effort to “build a gold-standard” statewide prevention program.
“When kids as young as 11 are dying from fatal overdoses … when a young person with limitless potential is stolen away because he thought he was taking a Xanax, it’s our responsibility to prepare them for this threat,” Coleman said.
veryGood! (54298)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Justin Timberlake reaches plea deal to resolve drunken driving case, AP source says
- Taylor Swift Gives Enchanting Shoutout to Boyfriend Travis Kelce in 2024 MTV VMAs Speech
- 2024 MTV VMAs: Suki Waterhouse Shares Sweet Update on Parenthood With Robert Pattinson
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- Arizona’s 2-page ballots could make for long lines on Election Day
- 'Fine Taylor...you win': Elon Musk reacts to Taylor Swift's endorsement for Harris-Walz
- From Chinese to Italians and beyond, maligning a culture via its foods is a longtime American habit
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Why Travis Kelce Didn't Join Taylor Swift at the 2024 MTV VMAs
Ranking
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Judge rejects innocence claim of Marcellus Williams, Missouri inmate facing execution
- Coach Outlet Bags & Wallets Under $100—Starting at $26, Up to 75% Off! Shop Top Deals on Bestsellers Now
- Rangers prospect Kumar Rocker to make history as first MLB player of Indian descent
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- 'See ya later, alligator': Watch as Florida officials wrangle 8-foot gator from front lawn
- 'Fine Taylor...you win': Elon Musk reacts to Taylor Swift's endorsement for Harris-Walz
- Addison Rae Is Only Wearing Underwear at the 2024 MTV VMAs
Recommendation
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Hailey Bieber Steps Out for First Time Since Welcoming Baby With Justin Bieber
How many VMAs did Taylor Swift win last night? See the singer's full, record-breaking haul
Boeing factory workers are voting whether to strike and shut down aircraft production
Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
Teen Mom’s Catelynn Lowell Claps Back at Critics Over Feud With Daughter’s Adoptive Parents
A plan to extract gold from mining waste splits a Colorado town with a legacy of pollution
Nikki Garcia Files for Divorce From Artem Chigvintsev After His Domestic Violence Arrest