LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Robert Downing, 32, has tattoos embodying his life’s journey. 

What You Need To Know

  • According to a news study, Kentucky has 10.79 substance abuse-rehab facilities per 100,000 people

  • The study adds Kentucky spends $57.57 per capita on mental health

  • Maine ranks as the No. 1 state for drug rehabilitation

  • Kentucky was the only southern state to make the top 10 

Despite having a great family and parents, Downing said he felt like he never fit in, no matter where he went. He recalled a particular childhood memory. 

“When I was about 10, I can remember stealing my dad’s pot and everything, wanting to feel different then at a young age,” said Downing, a peer mentor at the Healing Place.

Born and raised in Seymour, Indiana, he’s the youngest of five siblings. He said he started drinking at a very early age and began going to jail at 14.

As a teen, he would steal things from multiple places, from gas stations to schools. Eight months ago, however, he said he got help. 

Downing specifically chose Kentucky to get help because people made him feel at home, which he said matters to him in recovery development. He came to the Healing Place in Louisville, where he now works. 

“I came here broken and badly mangled, I would say,” Downing said. “They helped me; they pulled me in close, and they showed me that it’s going to be OK.”

New research by addiction treatment specialists at the Freedom Center in Maryland ranks Kentucky as the seventh best state in the U.S. for drug rehabilitation. The data state there are at least 10 substance-abuse rehab facilities per 100,000 people, as well as $57 spent per capita on mental health.

“I was really encouraged to see that Kentucky ranks so high, and I think that it just confirms what we are doing here is working with the treatment options available to people in our community,” said Courtney Weisshaupt, the Healing Place director of programs.

The Healing Place has helped over 10,000 people recover for nearly 35 years. Its primary location is at Market Street in Louisville, where there are banners reading phrases such as “Miracle on Market: Where Hope Is Found” and “Recovery Row.”

“It feels great to know that with those kinds of numbers, we’re really making an impact and helping create positive change in the community,” Weisshaupt said.

Downing is still putting in the work on his recovery but has an optimistic mindset, he said.

“Keep pushing forward; no matter what happens, keep pushing forward,” Downing said. “That’s what I would have to say to somebody that’s still struggling.” 

For those struggling with addiction, there is hope and there is help. The Kentucky Help Call Center can be reached at 833-8KY-HELP.

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