GEORGETOWN, Ky. — A new resource is helping people at the Scott County Detention Center fight addiction.

What You Need To Know

  • The Scott County Detention Center has launched a NET Device program

  • People in jail can use the tool to fight addiction

  • It eases symptoms and prevents people from relapsing

  • The Isaiah House is also partnering with the NET Recovery Group, who developed the tool

“Our primary responsibility here is the care and custody of those who are arrested in Scott County and also those who are given time to serve in Scott County," said jailer Derran Broyles, who has led the Scott County Detention Center for more than 12 years. "Care and custody are our primary responsibilities. Second to that and a close second to that, I would say our goal is to positively impact the inmates while they’re here." 

The jail worked with Kentucky developer NET Recovery to implement a NET Device program. It’s a tool used for people going through withdrawals from a substance addiction. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the device last year last year. 

“Instead of going to a muscle group on your back, they go behind your ears and while they’re going through the withdrawal process, have them hooked up to the net device and self-administer low levels of electrical stimulation,” Broyles said. 

The tool eases symptoms such as nausea, headaches and body aches. It must be administered before or while withdrawal symptoms are present.  

The program is voluntary for people who are incarcerated. More than 15 people are already using the device in jail.  

Broyles said this is the first and only recovery tool in the state that doesn’t require medication or invasive work. 

“We have our medical staff here at the jail checking on them twice a day," Broyles said. "Our staff check on them twice an hour, and then the device technicians come in and check on them twice a day. They use this device while they go through the withdrawal process, depending on the individual, depending on the drug they’re using, and how much that withdrawal process could be two to eight or nine days." 

He said the tool can also prevent people from relapsing after recovery.  

“This is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for some of them," he said. “This is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for some of them," he said. "Fifty to 60%, they lose the craving for the drug or the addictive substance that they had altogether." 

The goal is to prevent recidivism and recoup lives after time served, Broyles said. 

Outside of the Scott County Detention Center, the Isaiah House is also partnering with NET Recovery. Broyles said the devices are funded by Kentucky’s opioid settlement.

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