Editor,
It’s encouraging to read stories of individuals achieving success with their recovery efforts (“The Face of Addiction,” published in Current in Fishers July 16). However, as an employee of Fairbanks, vice chair for the Indiana Recovery Council and someone in long-term recovery dedicated to helping others overcome substance abuse, there is some information I’d like to clarify.
The article was rather negative toward treatment facilities, services and options available in Indiana. While I respect someone’s personal opinions, it’s important to note that Indiana has a wide range of fully accredited addiction treatment facilities offering everything from cutting-edge therapies to traditional, evidence-based treatments. Fairbanks, which was mentioned by name in the article, has three levels of inpatient options including detox, rehab and residential. Stays at the hospital range from five to 30 days, depending on an individual’s needs. There also are two long-term residential programs with a minimum stay of 30 days and several different outpatient options. The state is focusing on transitional living facilities with 30-plus new facilities opening this year.
Your readers may be interested in a new effort to reduce stigma and change the conversation about substance-use disorders and mental health. Stigma is one of the biggest obstacles for people seeking treatment. This campaign addresses that. For more, visit stigmaneverhelps.com.
Indiana has a significant number of people working tirelessly to improve options and services for those struggling with substance-use disorder. I’m encouraged by how we are working together to help people live in recovery.
Matthew Haughton-Endicott, CHW/CRS SA, Carmel
