Everything You Need to Know About Addiction

Addiction affects millions of people and their families. It changes how the brain works, making urges feel impossible to resist and leaving many stuck in a cycle they can’t break on their own.

In Indiana, nearly 1 in 5 people aged 12 and older have a substance use disorder. Despite that, only about 1 in 20 receive treatment ⓘ

We’ve gathered helpful resources, along with our blog articles, to offer clarity, comfort, and a place to start.

What is Addiction?

Addiction, or Substance-Use Disorder (SUD), is a condition that makes people keep using drugs or alcohol, even when it’s causing problems. It changes how the brain works, especially around decision-making, pleasure, and self-control. That’s why quitting can be so hard, even if someone wants to stop.
“Infographic showing that 1 in 5 people aged 12 and older have a substance use disorder, illustrated by one red figure among five, and that only about 1 in 20 receive treatment, shown by one red figure among many gray figures.

Common signs of addiction include

  • You have strong urges or cravings to use drugs or alcohol
  • You’re using more than planned, or more often
  • You’re not being able to quit, even after trying
  • You’re falling behind at work, school, or home
  • You need more to get the same effect
  • You feel sick, anxious, or upset when you’re not using substances

 

Addiction can involve many substances, including:

  • Alcohol – linked to serious health and highly addictive when misused
  • Opioids – painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl
  • Stimulants – cocaine, meth, or some ADHD meds
  • Benzos – anxiety medications like Xanax or Ativan

Addiction Treatment Options

Addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Effective addiction treatment addresses more than just substance use—it also supports mental health, physical well-being, and the everyday struggles that can get in the way of recovery.

Medical Detox
Detox is often the first step, especially for substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzos. Medical supervision can ease withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer and more manageable.
Learn More About Our Detox
Inpatient (Residential) Treatment
Inpatient programs provide 24/7 care in a structured setting. These programs focus on therapy, skill-building, and stability, giving people time and space to reset.
Learn More About Our Residential Treatment
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient care offers more flexibility, allowing individuals to attend treatment during the day while living at home or in a sober living environment.
Learn More About Our Outpatient Treatment
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people with addiction also face mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both at the same time.
Learn More About Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For opioid or alcohol addiction, medications like Suboxone, methadone, or Vivitrol can reduce cravings and lower the risk of relapse.
Learn More About Our MAT Program

Immediate Help for Addiction

Indiana Center for Recovery

CallCall (844) 650-0064
  • 24/7 support line, fast admissions, crisis and high-psych options, and a full range of addiction and mental health services to provide unbiased, expert advice.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Call1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Indiana 211

CallDial 2-1-1 or visit in211.org
  • Search for housing and active crisis support in Indiana.

Read Addiction Articles

Below are over 100 articles on the topic of addiction all reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kane.

Two people holding hands.

How to Help Someone with an Addiction

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP
Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 15, 2025

If you know someone struggling with addiction, be there for them in the right ways. Get professional help from Indiana Center for Recovery.

Person looking at brain scans.

How Long Does Your Brain Take To Recover From Drugs?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP
Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 15, 2025

Long-term use of drugs and alcohol increases the risk of brain-related health problems, including cognitive decline and mental illness. The sooner someone gets help for drug addiction, the sooner their brain can heal and recover from the effects of drugs.

Woman speaking to man over coffee.

How Addiction Recovery Stories Inspire Change

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP
Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 14, 2025

Be inspired by real-life addiction recovery stories at Indiana Center for Recovery. Discover how sharing and hearing these powerful narratives can foster hope, encourage healing, and motivate positive change in the journey towards sobriety.

Text: Beating addiction involves personalized strategies, resilience, and support, paving the way to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

How to Beat Addiction

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP
Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 11, 2025

Discover practical strategies on how to beat addiction at Indiana Center for Recovery. Begin your recovery today.

naloxone.

Defining Recovery—How Harm Reduction Can Change Abstinence-Only Thinking

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP
Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 5, 2025

What is “recovery”? As a policy reform advocate, I was fortunate to have an in-depth conversation with the Director of the new Office of Recovery branch of SAMHSA. This is a critical time to move forward and have policymakers and the public agree on what recovery means for millions upon millions

Frustrated man.

Can a Job Lead to Addiction?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP
Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 5, 2025

Between the stressors at home, amongst friends, society, and throughout the pandemic, it can all feel overwhelming. So what happens when your job adds to your daily stress and leads to abusing drugs or alcohol?

Overcome Addiction at Indiana Center for Recovery!

Indiana Center for Recovery provides integrated care tailored to your recovery needs. Our comprehensive services include detox, residential programs, outpatient support, and family programs.

We also have dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

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You don’t have to figure this out alone. We can guide you through your options—completely confidential and with zero commitment.

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