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.

Image of a brain.

Glutamate: The Addiction Neurotransmitter?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP December 8, 2025

Glutamate is very important. It’s a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that nerve cells use to send signals to other cells. It’s how different parts of our nervous system talk to one another. Perhaps the most well-known of all neurotransmitters is dopamine.

Frustrated woman with head down.

9 Myths about Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP December 8, 2025

In reality, some biological (e.g., genetic, mental health) and environmental (e.g., childhood trauma, stress) factors contribute to the risk of someone developing an addiction. The greater the number of those factors that someone deals with, the greater the risk.

Doctors.

The Hidden Epidemic Among Our Frontline Heroes

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP December 8, 2025

Cases of overdose and other drug-related problems are increasing among our frontline heroes during the pandemic. Avoiding the coronavirus, and the potential risk of getting sick, by working from home is not an opportunity available to essential workers.

Pregnant woman.

Being Pregnant in Sobriety

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 17, 2025

With the appropriate support, women in recovery who want to become pregnant can stay on track with their treatment programs and go on to have healthy, happy babies.

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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