According to the latest data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug overdose deaths in the U.S. have continued to increase significantly over the last several years. Unfortunately, our state is experiencing the same crisis, with the Indiana Department of Health reporting a continued rise in drug overdose deaths among Hoosiers, specifically from opioids.
The need for high-quality addiction treatment services continues to be important. It's essential Hoosiers facing substance abuse can find the care they need and close to home. To help, Indiana recently launched the Shatterproof Treatment Atlas, a free, confidential directory available online at TreatmentAtlas.org.
The website can connect Hoosiers to nearby addiction treatment providers and help them compare details including services offered, accepted insurance and what populations they serve.
Our state is home to hundreds of addiction treatment facilities certified by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Division of Mental Health and Addiction, and they are all listed on Shatterproof Treatment Atlas. Visitors to the directory can find additional information on each provider's use of evidence-based practices. They can also take an anonymous assessment to determine what level and type of care they may need.
Another resource to help Hoosiers on the road to recovery is available by dialing 211. Trained navigators can help connect callers to health services in their communities. FSSA also has a directory of available recovery housing on its website. Those experiencing a mental health crisis should call 911 for medical emergencies or 988 to reach a trained specialist for immediate assistance.
Indiana's new two-year budget continues significant investment in expanding the state's infrastructure for mental health services, including more behavioral health clinics and an expansion of the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline. This better ensures Hoosiers in crisis have someone to call, somewhere to go and someone who can respond during an emergency.
With so many of our loved ones and friends dealing with or affected by substance abuse and mental health issues, it's critical we help spread the word about these free resources. To connect to help today, visit TreatmentAtlas.org, or call 211 or 988.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
