The University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension program is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on building assets of individuals and families to address the perennial problems faced across the lifespan. CEDIK is a statewide program dedicated to building capacity around community and economic development issues. FCS and CEDIK have joined together to combat the issue of substance use disorder recovery relapse.

The opioid epidemic scourging the United States is a public health crisis. This crisis has hit Kentucky especially hard, particularly in Appalachian counties. While this epidemic is especially hard for individuals suffering from this disease as well as their families, local communities are also suffering. The opioid epidemic is a significant quality of life issue. 

This proposed project will result in a more employable workforce, a stronger rural economy, and an improved quality of life for all residents. Individuals in recovery are particularly susceptible to relapse during early stages of recovery. This increased risk is due, in part, to financial stress that people in recovery from substance use disorder often encounter. To our knowledge, the inclusion of financial education and soft skills development is often not included (or only marginally) in recovery efforts. Through comprehensive financial education training we can expand the capacity of recovery centers and other partners in the community that work with individuals in recovery thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse.

UK Extension has secured a Rural Community Development Initiative grant that spans a two-year period to address this critical need. The comprehensive goal is to create stronger communities by addressing the behavioral health and substance use disorders in four rural Kentucky communities. Long-term goal 1 is to develop and implement an effective educational intervention that will improve the financial efficacy of individuals in substance use disorder recovery, especially those individuals in early recovery. The short-term goal is to build the capacity of drug rehabilitation facilities and other partners in low-income communities to provide financial education and soft-skills training to patients.

Work has initially begun on this educational project. Extension staff has conducted a needs-based assessment of two current rehabilitation programs and compiled the results into a list of topics for the core curriculum to cover. Work has begun on drafting a new multi-session financial education and soft skills curriculum for individuals in recovery. Eventually this curriculum will be piloted in train-the-trainer workshops with individuals working at treatment facilities. Through this initiative, FCS Extension staff is working toward improving the efficacy of substance use recovery programs and improving the financial education of participants.