INDIANA – Indiana teens are facing a troubling reality, with statistics indicating they are nearly 3% more likely to have used cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin compared to the national average, according to data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. The types of drugs being used are also causing severe and sometimes deadly consequences.
Indianapolis-based nonprofit Overdose Lifeline is working to combat this issue by partnering with other states to provide substance use prevention education programs. Justin Phillips, the founder and CEO of Overdose Lifeline, is raising alarm about the trends she sees. In 2013, Justin Phillips lost her son, Aaron, to addiction. He died from a heroin overdose. Since then, Justin founded and is now the executive director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc., a statewide Indiana nonprofit that provides citizens affected by substance abuse and addiction with education, resources, and support. Justin’s also responsible for the passing of Aaron’s Law, which makes Naloxone, a heroin overdose antidote, available for over-the-counter purchase.
Phillips reports that young people are increasingly sharing prescription drugs such as Adderall and Xanax with their peers, leading to alarming rates of suicide and overdoses. She emphasizes that these outcomes are largely preventable.
“Onset can be as early as 12, and it varies according to the substance that they’re using,” Phillips stated. “We have a lot of challenges around vaping right now, which is a nicotine and/or a cannabis vape.”
Phillips is a strong advocate for early intervention when substance abuse is identified, believing it is crucial in preventing the development of chronic addiction. She cites research showing that when a substance is introduced to the brain before the age of 15, it is five times more likely to alter brain structure and lead to addiction.
“Onset can be as early as 12, and it varies according to the substance that they’re using,” Phillips reiterated. “We have a lot of challenges around vaping right now, which is a nicotine and/or a cannabis vape.”
The consequences of drug use in Indiana are dire. Last year, more than 700 Hoosiers of all ages died from drug-related overdoses.
Adding to the complexity of the crisis, Phillips notes the emergence of cases in Indiana involving the mixing of the animal tranquilizer Xylazine with fentanyl or other drugs. She warns that this combination is hazardous because Xylazine does not respond to the overdose reversal drug naloxone and can cause other severe health complications.
Phillips also highlights the accessibility of unregulated drugs through online platforms, stating that individuals can purchase these substances on social media and the dark web.
Overdose Lifeline offers a chatbot known as KATE to provide support and resources. KATE, which stands for Knowledge, Advocacy, Trust, and Education, is designed to answer questions about self-care for those with loved ones who are using substances, how to respond to an overdose, and how to initiate conversations with someone who is using drugs.
