Know the Facts about Substance Use Disorder

Fact One Addiction is a Disease

Substance use disorder, commonly known as addiction, is a disease impacting thousands of Hoosiers. Addiction isn’t a behavior problem. It’s a chronic disorder that changes the brain and body.

Learn more about

THE DISEASE

Fact Two Treatment is Available

Substance use disorder can be treated. Treatment takes time but there are many highly effective options available, from medication-assisted treatment to 12-step programs.

Explore options for

TREATMENT

Fact Three Recovery is Possible

Recovery requires a lifelong commitment and looks different for everyone. Standing by a loved one as they fight substance use disorder can be challenging, but you can help them in their recovery when you see the person, not just their addiction.

Find hope for

RECOVERY

Substance Use Disorder Affects All Hoosiers

Every community in our state is touched by substance use disorder. Around half a million Hoosiers, or one in twelve of us¹, meet the criteria for substance use disorder. You likely have a friend, family member, neighbor, or colleague who suffers from the disease of addiction.

Nationwide, 4.2 million people who felt they needed treatment did not seek it because they feared negative attitudes from their community

Say No to Stigma

Substance use disorder is a treatable disease, yet studies show that people who have it often face stigma and negative attitudes. They may encounter mistreatment, stereotyping, and negative bias from society, even in healthcare settings. These challenges can keep them from getting the help they need.

See Beyond the Addiction

We can fight against stigma in our own communities by supporting, listening to, and learning from those who live with substance use disorder. Destigmatizing this disease can help more Hoosiers get the treatment they need and ultimately find recovery.

How Will You See Me?

And I have a substance use disorder. In other words, I’m living in recovery with an addiction disease. And now that you know, will you let it change how you see me? It’s OK to see my addiction, but I want you to know: it’s people choosing to see me as a person that changed my life.

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How You Can Help

We can all play a part in helping Hoosiers affected by substance use disorders, from changing how we talk about addiction to supporting those in recovery.

LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO

Language Matters

Biased and hurtful language can keep someone from seeking treatment. We have to change the way we talk about addiction in order to reduce the stigma.

WHAT TO SAY

Family & Social Services Administration Division of Mental Health and Addition logo

Have questions?
Email KnowtheFactsIndiana@fssa.IN.gov

Know the Facts is an initiative of Indiana Family & Social Services Administration's Division of Mental Health and Addiction in partnership with Next Level Recovery, supported by the Governor's Office for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement.

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Many of the photos included on this webpage are stock or original photography featuring paid actors. These photos do not represent individuals suffering from substance use disorder or living in recovery. The exception to this are photos of people who are named and share their personal story about substance use disorder. We are grateful for these brave survivors' willingness to come forward to help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder and provide encouragement for those suffering from this chronic disease.

1. Indiana University. The Crisis in Indiana: Addiction affects every aspect of Hoosier life. Publishing date not specified.

2. SAMHSA. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Published December 2022.