Substance Use Disorders Committee

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Every woman’s story matters. We meet mothers with substance use disorders where they are—offering care, hope, and the belief that healing is always possible.

Patients with Lived Experience

When I found out I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed with emotions—joy, fear, and a deep sense of uncertainty. At the time, I was struggling with substance use, and the shame I carried made it incredibly hard to ask for help. I had previously lost custody of my children, and the weight of that loss was heavy. But deep down, I knew I wanted something better—for my baby, and for myself. Reaching out for support was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it changed everything. I was met with compassion, not judgment. I learned that recovery isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress, healing, and finding strength in community. Throughout my pregnancy, I worked closely with a care team that truly understood the unique challenges of substance use during this time. They helped me access treatment, prenatal care, and emotional support. Slowly, I began to believe in myself again. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m in recovery. My baby is healthy. I’ve regained custody of my other children. And I’m building a life filled with hope, purpose, and love. If you’re reading this and you’re struggling, please know you are not alone. There is help, and there is healing. You—and your baby—deserve both.

Bethany W.

about us

What we do as the Substance Use Disorders Committee

Every mother deserves care rooted in understanding and dignity. The Substance Use Disorders Committee works to support women navigating substance use during and after pregnancy by promoting nonjudgmental, evidence-based care. Through collaboration with healthcare providers, community partners, and recovery services, we’re committed to reducing stigma, increasing access to treatment, and helping mothers build healthy, hopeful futures—for themselves and their families.

Resources

Explore trusted recovery tools, treatment programs, and services for women and families affected by substance use.

Find Naloxone Now KY

Find Naloxone Now connects Kentuckians to naloxone, the drug used to reverse opioid overdose. People that may witness an overdose can use the website to find no-cost naloxone at over 6000 locations or to order by mail. Detailed training materials help Kentuckians learn how to respond to an overdose effectively and with compassion.

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Find Help

Findhelpnow.org is a wonderful resource for those seeking to recover from substance use disorders. They also provide mental health treatment and housing options—click the link below to learn more.

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Find Housing

FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org is a great resource for those recovering from substance use disorders. It also connects users with mental health support and certified housing options—click the link to explore more.

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Kynect Resources

kynect.ky.gov/resources is a one-stop hub connecting Kentuckians to local programs and services. From food and housing to mental health, employment, and legal support, kynect helps individuals and families find the help they need—click the link to explore your options.

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KY-Moms Maternal Assistance Towards Recovery

KY-Moms MATR help expectant Kentucky mothers who are at risk for using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, to reduce harm to their children from their substance use, during and after pregnancy—click the link below for more information.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administrations (SAMHSA) National Helpline

Free, confidential, 24/7, 365 days-a-year treatment referral and information services. Available in English and Spanish for individuals facing mental and/or substance use disorders—click below to get support.

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On the Texas Frontlines – Substance Use Podcast Episode

The AMERSA podcast explores how stigma around substance use disorder affects HIV risk and care in the Southern U.S, especially Texas.

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MoMMAs Voices Substance Use Disorder Resource Hub

MoMMAs Voices is launching a Resource Hub with tools and training to improve care for families affected by substance use during and after pregnancy.

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KYOAAC – 2025 NOFO Research Innovation Grant

Amount: up to $5 million
Length: 12-36 months
Application Deadline: December 19th, 6pm EST

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Provider Resources

Welcome to the Buprenorphine Mini Course. This online training enhances your understanding of federal prescribing guidelines for buprenorphine, a key medication in treating opioid use disorder (OUD).
Gain insights into the latest regulations, best practices, and strategies to improve patient outcomes, with a special focus on maternal health. Learn how buprenorphine can be effectively integrated into care plans for pregnant and postpartum women, ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being.
Whether you’re experienced or new to the field, this course equips you with the knowledge to support mothers and their babies through the challenges of OUD. Join us in combating the opioid crisis and improving lives. Let’s build a healthier future together.

Overview

This 2-hour online course offers a streamlined alternative to traditional 8-hour buprenorphine training, providing a fast and efficient way to equip prescribers with the knowledge needed to effectively treat patients with opioid use disorder. Tailored for MDs, DOs, NPs, and students, this course builds upon the SAMHSA Buprenorphine Quick Start Guide and applies a chronic care model to deliver practical guidance on starting buprenorphine treatment, determining appropriate dosages, and managing ongoing patient care. Through interactive, hands-on learning, participants will explore key principles of opioid use disorder treatment and the importance of compassionate language in patient interactions.

This course is designed to strengthen your ability to support individuals facing opioid use disorder with confidence and skill.
The target audience for this introductory level activity includes prescribers seeking to initiate buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

This activity addresses the following ACGME Competencies: Patient Care and Procedural Skills, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Interpersonal and Communication Skills.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, learners will be able to:
1.    Examine the core principles of opioid use disorder treatment through the chronic disease framework of addiction
2.    Explore safe buprenorphine prescribing recommendations, guidance, and implementation strategies for new prescribers
3.    Identify best practices and clinical considerations for buprenorphine initiation, stabilization, dosing, treatment, and discontinuation
4.    Examine recommendations for ongoing patient management, monitoring, engagement, and care

DEA Education Requirement

As an accredited organization in Section 1263 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, ASAM certifies that completion of this course meets 2 hours of the DEA requirement for 8 hours of education on substance use disorder(s).