Ky. needs harm reduction for opioid addiction

Kentucky is grappling with a devastating overdose crisis that demands urgent action. To effectively combat this public health emergency, there is a need to dramatically increase access to housing, harm reduction and other evidence-based treatments. But recently, deep-pocketed political interests from outside Kentucky are pushing an unconventional solution which should raise alarm.

Ibogaine, a psychedelic root found in West Africa, is considered an agonist therapy that works to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings for opioids. Even in the best-case scenario though, ibogaine treatment is likely decades away from being accessible to the general public, let alone Kentucky’s hardest-to-reach communities. While exploring new and promising practices is important, the proposal to allocate $42 million of Kentucky’s opioid settlement funds toward ibogaine research will provide few Kentuckians immediate care.

I used ibogaine to overcome heroine addiction

As an injecting drug user for 20 years, I have personal experience with ibogaine. My life was transformed — potentially saved — when I used ibogaine to rid myself of withdrawal from heroin. I then spent years treating others with ibogaine, leading them through intense and dangerous ibogaine treatment. So why would I oppose this investment into a substance that saved my life and allowed me to save others?

The proposed investment in ibogaine may not be wholly owned by Kentuckians, but rather by the growing number of multi-million and billion dollar investors eyeing the corporatization of psychedelics as a future cash cow.

The scale of a $42 million investment in ibogaine research raises serious concerns, especially considering that Kentucky

has only spent $8 million on evidence-based practices that are proven to work. It’s worth questioning why non-Kentucky individuals are advocating for the allocation of settlement funds towards their non-Kentucky priorities.

Kentucky knows harm reduction saves lives

Most importantly, there needs to be a sense of urgency when deciding how to spend opioid settlement funds. In 2021, Kentucky witnessed 2,250 overdose deaths, with a 47% increase in overdose deaths among Black and Brown individuals since 2020. There is an immediate need to address existing disparities in our overdose crisis and Kentucky must prioritize increasing access and utilization of existing treatments and overdose prevention resources for marginalized communities.

To be clear, I am not dismissing the potential benefits of ibogaine – rather I want to highlight the need for a more balanced approach. Given the current overdose crisis in Kentucky and the urgent need for immediate solutions, it is crucial to allocate resources towards evidence-based practices that are proven to improve and save lives while addressing the specific needs of the affected communities.

These funds were designated for the people of Kentucky to address the damage caused by the pharmaceutical industry’s opioids. Instead of diverting funds to an exotic research project, they should be utilized to address pressing issues for drug users and people in recovery, such as housing, education, transportation, job training, overdose prevention and access to medication assisted treatments. When this proposal comes to the state Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, I urge them to reject it for a more holistic approach that meets the needs of Kentuckians right now.

There is an immediate need to address existing disparities in our overdose crisis and Kentucky must prioritize increasing access and utilization of existing treatments and overdose prevention resources for marginalized communities.