Opioid Treatment and MAT in Louisville, KY
Jefferson County still has Kentucky's highest overdose death total, and fentanyl drives most of it. Louisville also has public crisis capacity through Seven Counties Services and a sizable medication-assisted treatment network. This page explains each piece and how to access it.
How bad the opioid problem is here
Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center data show 269 Jefferson County drug overdose deaths in 2024, down 34.4% from 410 in 2023. Jefferson still had the highest count of any Kentucky county, and KIPRC tables show it recorded the most fentanyl-involved overdose deaths statewide in 2024.
Statewide, 1,439 Kentuckians died of drug overdoses in 2024, a 30% decline from 2023 - progress that does not erase Jefferson's absolute burden.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) near Louisville
Medication-assisted treatment - also called medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD - uses methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone alongside counseling. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows people treated with methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to die or to have an overdose than those who go without treatment.
Within 30 miles of Louisville, the SAMHSA locator lists:
- 65 treatment facilities total
- 5 federally certified opioid treatment programs
- 43 facilities that prescribe buprenorphine
- 33 offering outpatient methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone treatment
Seven Counties Services anchors the public system and opened walk-in crisis centers on East Broadway in September 2026. Counts change as programs open and close, so confirm current options on the locator.
Naloxone and harm reduction in Louisville
Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose and cannot hurt someone who is not overdosing. Kentucky pharmacies can dispense naloxone under statewide access rules, and community partners distribute kits. Ask Seven Counties Services or a local pharmacy about current free or low-cost options.
If someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly, or has pinpoint pupils, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it.
Paying for opioid treatment
Kentucky Medicaid covers behavioral health and substance use disorder services for eligible members, including intensive outpatient and residential care when medically necessary. Most members receive care through managed care plans such as Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, Humana Healthy Horizons in Kentucky, Passport Health Plan by Molina, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and WellCare of Kentucky. Confirm covered levels of care with your plan. If you are uninsured, community mental health centers and the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 can discuss payment options.
How to start today
- If someone is overdosing, call 911 now and give naloxone. For a crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to speak with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Contact Seven Counties Services or search findtreatment.gov with ZIP code 40202 and filter for medication-assisted treatment.
- Ask any program whether they can start buprenorphine quickly.
Opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition, and the medications that treat it are covered here. The hardest part is usually the first call, not the treatment itself.