Drug addiction: treatment, recovery & support resources

If you are seeking drug addiction treatment in Indiana, you will find a wide range of recovery centers located across the state. Many facilities are situated in major cities such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Fishers, Bloomington, Lafayette, Gary, Muncie, Terre Haute, Elkhart, Kokomo, Richmond, Noblesville, and Carmel. Whether you live in the state’s largest metropolitan areas or smaller communities, drug addiction treatment options are available to help you or your loved one address alcohol use disorder and begin the path to recovery.

Several drug rehab centers in Indiana, including those in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend, may provide transportation for individuals entering inpatient care and, in some cases, for those participating in outpatient services.

Our drug treatment facility is accessible for residents of Indiana and surrounding states. Conveniently located near Indiana University and major airports, our center is within driving distance of:

• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Evansville, Indiana
• South Bend, Indiana
• Bloomington, Indiana
• Carmel, Indiana
• Lafayette, Indiana
• Terre Haute, Indiana
• Kokomo, Indiana
• Muncie, Indiana
• Elkhart, Indiana
• Greenwood, Indiana
• Anderson, Indiana
• Noblesville, Indiana
• Fishers, Indiana

Our admissions coordinators are available to assist with travel arrangements and answer any questions about entering treatment. For ongoing recovery support, we also encourage participation in local and statewide community resources, including Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other peer-led programs throughout Indiana.

Drug addiction, clinically referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), can be identified by a combination of physical, behavioral, emotional, and social changes. Common indicators include:

• Needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect (increased tolerance)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms—such as anxiety, sweating, tremors, or nausea—when not using
• Using more frequently or in larger amounts than intended
• Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drug use
• Continuing to use despite health problems, relationship strain, or legal issues
• Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from drugs
• Withdrawing from social events or activities that do not involve substance use

If you or someone close to you shows several of these warning signs, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Early recognition and treatment can greatly improve recovery outcomes and reduce long-term health risks.

Drug addiction can harm nearly every system in the body, and the severity of these effects depends on the type of substance used, the dose, and how long it has been used. Both short-term and long-term health risks can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening.

Short-term risks

• Impaired judgment leading to accidents, injuries, or unsafe behaviors
• Overdose, which can result in respiratory failure, seizures, coma, or death
• Sudden changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature
• Nausea, vomiting, and dehydration
• Intense mood swings, agitation, or paranoia
• Sleep disturbances and exhaustion following periods of heavy use

Long-term risks

• Damage to major organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs
• Lasting changes in brain structure and function, affecting memory, decision-making, and impulse control
• Increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis (especially with injection drug use)
• Chronic respiratory or cardiovascular problems
• Hormonal and reproductive system disruptions
• Persistent mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis
• Malnutrition and weakened immune response, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness

Chronic drug misuse often leads to profound social and emotional consequences as well, including isolation, strained relationships, and financial or legal problems that compound the physical and psychological toll of addiction.

Yes. Drug withdrawal can be dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening—particularly for individuals dependent on opioids, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants. When a person who has developed physical dependence suddenly stops or reduces their drug use, the brain and body must readjust to functioning without the substance. This can trigger a range of symptoms that vary depending on the drug involved, the duration of use, and overall health.

Common withdrawal symptoms

• Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Sweating or chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Headache or fatigue
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Intense drug cravings

Severe withdrawal symptomss

• Seizures or convulsions
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Irregular heart rate or high blood pressure
• Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
• Suicidal thoughts or extreme mood swings

Because withdrawal from certain substances—especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol—can be medically complex, professional supervision is strongly recommended. A healthcare team can provide a safe environment, monitor vital signs, and use medications or supportive therapies to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Drug addiction, clinically referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), is diagnosed by a qualified healthcare provider using established criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The evaluation process helps determine the presence and severity of addiction and guides the most appropriate treatment approach.

• Clinical interview. A thorough discussion about drug use patterns, frequency, and related physical, psychological, or social effects. The clinician may also explore family history, mental health concerns, and past treatment attempts.
• Diagnostic criteria. Determining whether the individual meets two or more of the 11 DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder within a 12-month period. These include symptoms such as cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, and continued use despite harm.
• Physical examination. Assessing for complications related to substance use, such as cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, or signs of infection related to injection drug use.
• Laboratory testing. Blood, urine, or hair testing may be used to confirm substance use, identify co-occurring medical issues, or monitor progress during treatment.
• Screening tools. Standardized assessments such as the DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) or ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) may support the diagnostic process.

The severity of substance use disorder—classified as mild, moderate, or severe—is based on the number of criteria met and informs the individualized treatment plan that follows.

Medical detox is often recommended for individuals with moderate to severe drug addiction, particularly when dependence has developed from prolonged or heavy use. Withdrawal from certain substances—such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants—can cause serious medical complications if not properly managed.

During medical detox, healthcare professionals closely monitor vital signs, manage withdrawal symptoms, and may administer medications to ease discomfort, prevent seizures, or stabilize mood and heart rate. This process allows the body to safely eliminate drugs while minimizing the risk of complications such as dehydration, elevated blood pressure, or severe psychological distress.

While not everyone with drug addiction requires inpatient detox, attempting to quit abruptly without medical oversight can be unsafe. A supervised detox program provides the safest foundation for recovery and helps prepare individuals for the next stage of care, such as residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient or standard outpatient therapy.

The duration of drug addiction treatmentvaries based on the substance involved, the severity of dependence, and the individual’s progress throughout recovery. Some people respond well to short-term programs, while others benefit from several months or more of structured care to support lasting change.

Typical treatment timelines include:

• Medical detox. Usually 5 to 14 days, depending on the substance and severity of withdrawal.
• Residential or inpatient rehab. Commonly 30, 60, or 90 days, though some individuals remain in care for six months or longer for sustained stabilization.
• Partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs. Often last several weeks to a few months, with therapy sessions held multiple times per week.
• Standard outpatient treatment. May continue for many months or years as part of long-term maintenance and relapse prevention.

Recovery from drug addiction is an ongoing process that extends beyond formal treatment. Continued therapy, peer support, medication management, and structured aftercare are key to maintaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.

Yes. Recovery from drug addiction is absolutely possible. While addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition, it can be effectively managed with the right combination of medical care, therapy, and long-term support. Recovery involves more than simply stopping drug use—it includes restoring physical health, emotional balance, and daily functioning.

Drug addiction typically develops gradually through a series of identifiable stages:

1. Experimentation. Initial, voluntary use—often driven by curiosity, peer influence, or stress.
2. Regular use. The individual begins using drugs more frequently, often to relax or cope with emotional difficulties.
3. Risky use. Substance use starts to cause problems, such as changes in behavior, poor decision-making, or neglect of responsibilities.
4. Dependence. The body and brain adapt to the substance, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.
5. Addiction. Drug use becomes compulsive, with strong cravings and continued use despite clear harm to health, relationships, or work.

Recognizing where someone falls within these stages can help determine the most effective point for intervention and treatment.

Yes. Addiction is recognized as a mental illness because it affects the brain’s structure, chemistry, and function, leading to compulsive behavior despite negative consequences. The changes occur in areas of the brain that control judgment, impulse regulation, motivation, and emotion, making it difficult for a person to stop using even when they want to.

Like other mental health disorders, addiction often coexists with conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Effective treatment addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of addiction through integrated care, combining therapy, medication, and behavioral support.