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Purdue University students Jason Packard and Rebecca Siener are trying to break the stigma around the Indiana Lifeline law and its effect on underage drinking.

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

By Kody Fisher for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Co…

Indiana State Police investigators secretly bought THC products and found some of them were mislabeled. (Adobe stock)

Indiana retailers warned: THC products may violate state law

By Adam Pinsker for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service C…

Over the next two decades, tens of billions of dollars will flow into state coffers across the country from the National Opioids Settlement. (Adobe stock)

Opioid settlement fund fuels anti-addiction battle in Indiana

Indiana is stepping up its fight against addiction with a boost from an opioid settlement fund. The money comes from a $54 billion 2021 Opioid …

A 2021 Indiana Department of Health report claims the majority of overdose deaths are among people between ages 18 and 60, with males comprising 64% of all overdose deaths. (Adobe Stock)

IN opioid overdoses decrease, other drugs may reverse trend

Drug overdoses are decreasing in Indiana. The data is encouraging, but too late for one mother who lost her son to a heroin overdose. The Centers …

More people in the United States are dying prematurely, including a notable increase in drug deaths, according to a new report released by United Healthcare. (krisana/Adobe Stock)

Report: Drug Overdoses Killing More People in Indiana, Nationwide

More Indianans are struggling with substance use disorders, according to the latest America's Health Rankings report. State data show six Indiana …

According to the Indiana Department of Health, opioid overdose deaths spiked by more than 50% from 2019 to 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Aims to Create Holistic Picture of IN Addiction-Recovery Needs

The State of Indiana wants to learn more about Hoosiers' experiences with substance-use disorder and addiction-recovery services. Administered by …

Overdose Prevention Kits Coming to Indiana Jails, Hospitals

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - It isn't often that a vending machine can save someone's life, but that's the case in South Bend, where a free overdose kit …

An exhibit looking at the opioid crisis in Indiana features personal stories and art installations from people in the recovery community as well as medical professionals. (The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites)

Exhibit Aimed at Reducing Opioid-Use Disorder Stigma Heads to Muncie

INDIANAPOLIS -- An exhibit at the Indiana State Museum, "FIX: Heartbreak and Hope Inside Our Opioid Crisis," is leaving Indianapolis Sunday and …

Medication Assisted Treatment can help opioid users with withdrawal, cravings and relapse prevention. (AdobeStock)

New Effort to Expand MAT for Opioid Use in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS -- Improving access to treatment and recovery services is a key strategy in fighting the opioid epidemic. But not all of Indiana's …

Hoosiers are encouraged to seek alternatives to opioids to cope with dental pain. (Matt Lemmon/Flickr)

Connecting Dots Between Opioids, Oral Health

INDIANAPOLIS – Oral health is a key component in fighting the opioid epidemic, and dental professionals and their patients in Indiana are …

The earlier someone starts engaging in binge drinking, the more likely he or she is to suffer serious consequences, a new study shows. (Gunner Grimnes/Flickr)

New Study Shows Binge Drinking Doesn't Stop After Graduation

INDIANAPOLIS – From beer pong to quarters, binge drinking is a social norm on many college campuses. However, researchers say it's a risk …

One in 10 Hoosier kids reportedly lives with someone who's dealing with substance abuse. (in.gov)

Report: Opioid Crisis Impacting Hoosier Kids

INDIANAPOLIS – The latest KIDS COUNT Data Book for Indiana is out, and it shows the state has made some strides, but the Indiana Youth …

About 286,000 Hoosiers say they have engaged in non-medical use of opioid pain relievers. (cdc.gov)

Critics: President's Opioid Approach Should Include Treatment

INDIANAPOLIS -- Now that President Donald Trump has declared the nation’s opioid crisis a public health emergency, those working the front …

A move to reform the juvenile justice system by offering alternatives other than juvenile detention is now in its 25th year. (aecf.org)

Indiana Judges Have Options for Juvenile Offenders

INDIANAPOLIS -- Young people in trouble with the law in Indiana have benefited from an updated approach to juvenile justice. It's the 25th …

Nearly 80 people drowned in Indiana in 2014. Officials say life jackets can prevent those numbers from being so high. (dnr.gov)

Drowning Numbers High in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS - Boating season is about to kick into high gear on waterways around the state, and officials are urging Indiana swimmers and boating …

The latest report by the Indiana Youth Institute says kids are still smoking and drinking too much, but the teen birth rate continues to decline. (inatashko/morguefile)

Report: Good and Bad News about Indiana's Children

INDIANAPOLIS - More children in Indiana live with adults who are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues than their peers nationally…

Experts are asking parents to discourage underage drinking among their children during the holidays, a prime time for taking that first sip. (Dedulo Photos)

Holidays Often Linked to First-Time Alcohol Use

INDIANAPOLIS - The holidays are prime time for youth experimenting with alcohol, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Randy …

When a person decides to take his or her own life, experts say pain has exceeded hope. Credit: pef/Morguefile

Suicide Prevention Week: Nosiness Can Save A Life

INDIANAPOLIS – No one wants to be nosy, but it could actually save a life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

The shame and stigma of addiction can stop people from seeking the help they need. Credit: andronicusmax/Flickr

New Hope for Those Gripped by Addiction in IN

INDIANAPOLIS - Slightly more than a year since Indiana reduced penalties for drug offenses, a new approach is under way to remove addiction's grip on …

Spending more time outdoors and avoiding electronics in the hours before bedtime has been linked to a better, more restful night's sleep. Credit: Lisa Runnels/Morguefile.

Research: Fewer Screens, More Green Space Mean Better Sleep

INDIANAPOLIS – Sleep deprivation is considered a form of torture, but according to the National Sleep Foundation one in five Americans gets …

A new study finds a later school start time for students results in better overall health. Credit: snowbear/Morguefile.

More Sleep for Teens Means Better Outcomes, Says CDC

INDIANAPOLIS – Getting more sleep will likely help middle and high school students in Indiana and across the country do better in school…

Indiana's Lifeline law allows minors who have witnessed a crime, a medical emergency or sexual assault to call for help without getting into trouble. Photo credit: Anita Peppers/Morguefile.

Indiana College Students: A Call Can Save a Life

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana college students headed to campus are being reminded of an important number that could save a life: 911. Indiana's Lifeline …

PHOTO: A recent CDC report finds heroin use and abuse in the U.S. is rising among most age groups and income levels, and cites a connection to prescription painkillers. Photo credit: Dodgerton Skillhause/Morguefile.

Heroin Use Increase: Experts Examine Connection to Painkiller Addiction

INDIANAPOLIS – Heroin use and abuse in the U.S. is rising among most age groups and income levels, according to a recent report from the CDC…

PHOTO: This summer an Indiana General Assembly interim study committee will examine policies regarding smoking bans, and other tobacco-related matters impacting Hoosiers' health. Photo credit: Pedro J. Perez/Morguefile.

Indiana Lawmakers Explore Expanding Smoking Ban

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana's public smoking ban has been on the books for three years, and this summer legislators will explore the law's benefits …

PHOTO: During two forums this week, Indiana organizations and agencies will share information about programs and resources for kids and young adults to promote safety and positive development. Photo credit: Mary R. Vogt/Morguefile.

Idle Time: Creating a Safer Summer for Indiana Kids

INDIANAPOLIS - Community leaders in Indiana are coming together this summer to encourage young people to make healthy and safe choices during their ti…

PHOTO: Federal and state leaders are working to combat the HIV epidemic in southern Indiana. Some policy experts say syringe exchanges reduce the spread of infectious diseases and should be made accessible statewide on a permanent basis. Photo credit: Nathan F/Flickr.

Policy Expert Weighs in on Indiana Syringe Exchange

INDIANAPOLIS – A temporary syringe exchange program is in place in Scott County to combat the HIV epidemic in Indiana, but some policy experts …

PHOTO: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has kicked off its new Tips from Former Smokers campaign, intended to discourage the use of e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking. Photo by Jonny Williams/Flickr.

E-Cigarettes Targeted in New CDC Campaign

INDIANAPOLIS - Colon cancer, vision problems and myths about "vaping" - a slang term for using e-cigarettes - are featured in a new CDC public health …

PHOTO: Purdue University researchers found that among young adults who abuse prescription medication, those who spend time at college bars are more likely to sell them. Photo credit: jdurham/morgufile.

Purdue Studies Who Sells Prescription Drugs Illegally

INDIANAPOLIS – As Indiana and other states look for ways to curb an epidemic of prescription medication abuse, new research from Purdue …

IMAGE: Nearly 60 deaths at concerts in the United States and Canada were documented from 2010 to 2013. Image courtesy ClickitTicket

Report: Dying at a Concert is Easier Than You Think

INDIANAPOLIS – The summer concert season has arrived, but amid the music and crowds, dangers are lurking that can lead to tragedy, primarily …

PHOTO: As Earth Week wraps up, people are encouraged to turn in expired and unwanted medications for safe and proper disposal on Saturday, which is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Photo credit: Jane M Sawyer.

This Weekend, a Safe Way to Dispose of Unwanted, Unused Meds

INDIANAPOLIS – Many people have medications in their homes that are either expired or unused, and state leaders want to ensure they don't get …

PHOTO: Electronic cigarettes are growing in popularity, and while they may appear to be less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, experts say more research about their safety is needed.

E-Cigarettes: What’s the Story on Safety?

INDIANAPOLIS - Electronic cigarettes are growing in popularity, with celebrities in advertisements touting them as a safer alternative to smoking the …

GRAPHIC: A study from the CDC finds only 1 in 6 Americans talks to a doctor about drinking too much. Graphic courtesy of CDC.

Indiana Doctor: Be Honest about Alcohol Consumption

INDIANAPOLIS - Too many Hoosiers are drinking heavily and not being honest about it, according to a new study from the CDC. The report found that at …

PHOTO: Hoosiers are encouraged to help keep roadways safe during the holiday season by always designating a sober driver.

Holiday Travel Season Can Mean Danger on Indiana Roads

INDIANAPOLIS - This week begins one of the most dangerous times of the year on Indiana roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety …

PHOTO: Drug testing for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families may not be useful or cost effective.

Hoosier Lawmakers Propose Drug Testing TANF Recipients

INDIANAPOLIS - A proposal to require screening and drug-testing of applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) isn't w…

Photo: Indiana Supreme Court Justice Loretta Rush has been appointed by the high court to the proposed Commission on the Status of Children. Courtesy Indiana Supreme Court.

An Indiana High Court Justice – Passionate About Keeping Kids Safe

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Indiana's newest Supreme Court Justice, Loretta Rush, has a long history on the bench in Tippecanoe County of taking action to …

Teens, Tots & Toxic Drugs: Keep Meds Locked Up at Home

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Thousands of American kids are hospitalized every year, and some die, because they take medications not prescribed for them…

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IN: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention