Recovery is Possible
There is Hope
Hope—the belief that challenges can be overcome—is the foundation of recovery. Substance use disorder is treatable. Knowing this fact and believing that you or a loved one can recover is the first step on the road to recovery.
Living with a Chronic Disease
Substance use disorder is a chronic disease, which means that it must be managed throughout someone’s life in the same way chronic illnesses, like heart disease or diabetes, are managed. Following treatment, those in recovery can continue taking care of themselves using a variety of methods to maintain their recovery and prevent setbacks.
Maintaining Recovery
After treatment, it’s helpful for many to continue meeting with a counselor and to engage with their local recovery community. Some people attend support groups or mentor others who are just beginning their recovery journeys. Hoosiers in recovery can get involved with one of the state’s 13 peer-led, recovery cafés or our 20 recovery hubs2. Here, you can become a peer mentor, find support services, and connect with others in recovery.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BY THE NUMBERS
20
Indiana Recovery Network hubs across five Indiana regions2
160+
recovery residences with over 2,060 beds certified by the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction2
186,900
services provided by recovery hubs since April 20202
Treatment Works
Inspirational stories of recovery from Hoosiers around the state
Meet Lori
26 years in recovery
“Recovery is possible, and I get to be who I am today. I get to be free.”
Meet Lindsay
Living in recovery and mentoring others
“I like to be a pillar of hope; I like to help other people know that recovery is possible.”
Meet Tony
27 years in recovery
“My brothers and sisters have been my rock. Without them, I don't think I could have done it.”
Meet Cody
Father of one living in recovery
“I realized this is a chronic disease, and I need to look at the long term recovery support.”
Meet Stacey
Inspired to seek treatment while in jail for drug use
“It's nice to have people who believe in second chances.”
Understanding Recovery
- Is there a cure for substance use disorder?
Currently, there is no cure for substance use disorder, but there are effective treatments and therapies that can help manage the symptoms and support individuals in their recovery.
- Is recovery really possible?
Yes, recovery from substance use disorder is possible. While addiction is a chronic disease, it is treatable, and many people do achieve long-term recovery.
- What is Indiana doing to support recovery from substance use disorder?
Indiana is actively working to support those who are recovering from substance use disorder. Governor Eric J. Holcomb has prioritized addressing substance use disorder since his first day in office. His Next Level Agenda has a three-pronged approach focusing on prevention, treatment, and enforcement so that more Hoosiers can recover.
Some of our efforts include:
- Recovery residences: Over 2,850 residential treatment beds are available, specializing in treatment for substance use disorder. When individuals are ready to transition from residential treatment to lower-level care, there are an additional 2,060+ beds across more than 160 certified recovery residences to help individuals maintain recovery for up to one year2.
- Regional Recovery Hubs: Over 186,000 services have been provided by Indiana’s network of 20 recovery hubs2.
Learn more about how Indiana is supporting recovery in our most recent progress report.
- What is recovery?
Recovery is the process of improving one’s health, daily functioning, and overall quality of life after being diagnosed with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are four major dimensions of recovery. These include:
- Health: Making healthy choices and learning to manage or overcome symptoms.
- Home: Living in a stable and safe environment.
- Purpose: Finding meaning in one’s daily life through activities like working, volunteering, and taking care of others.
- Community: Investing in loving and supportive family and social relationships.
What You Can Do
SUPPORT THOSE LIVING IN RECOVERY
- Take time to learn about substance use disorder
- Donate to an organization helping people with substance use disorders
- Volunteer at a recovery community organization
- Start conversations in your community about substance use disorder
STOP THE STIGMA
- Listen while withholding judgment when someone confides in you about addiction
- Treat people with substance use disorders with dignity and respect
- Practice empathy, compassion, and acceptance when they share their stories with you
- Speak up when someone says something unkind or misinformed about substance use disorder
See the Person, Not Just Their Disease
I'm a grandson. A son. I'm an employee and a mentor. I'm a father to two beautiful kids and a husband to an amazing wife. And I have a substance use disorder. In other words, I'm living in recovery with an addiction. Now that you know, will you let it change how you see me?
Have questions?
Email KnowtheFactsIndiana@fssa.IN.gov
Know the Facts is an initiative of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction, funded by the State Opioid Response grant and supported by the Governor’s Office for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement.
Many of the photos included on this webpage are original photography featuring paid actors. These photos do not represent individuals who have substance use disorders or are living in recovery. The exception to this are photos of people who are named and share their personal stories about substance use disorder. We are grateful for these individuals’ willingness to come forward to help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder and provide encouragement to those living with this chronic disease.
1. Recovery Research Institute. “We do recover": More evidence that tens of millions of adults in the United States have recovered from a substance use problem. Publishing date not specified.
2. Indiana Department of Health. 2023 Next Level Recovery Progress Report. Published December 2023.
