Addiction Aftercare Programs in Evansville

Evansville, Indiana, is a city located in the southwestern portion of the state. It is the third largest city in Indiana, with a population of over 118,000 people. Like many other cities in the United States, Evansville faces addiction and substance abuse issues. In response, the city has implemented several addiction aftercare programs to support individuals in their recovery.

Addiction aftercare programs are designed to provide ongoing support for individuals who have completed a primary treatment program for addiction. These programs help individuals maintain their sobriety, prevent relapse, and improve their overall well-being. There are a variety of aftercare programs available, including peer support groups, counseling, and sober living homes.

According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2019, 7.1% of adults in Indiana reported past year substance use disorder. This is slightly higher than the national average of 6.5%. Additionally, 5.9% of adults in Indiana reported alcohol use disorder, and 2.2% reported illicit drug use disorder in the past year.

In Evansville specifically, there were 1,499 admissions to substance abuse treatment facilities in 2019. The majority of these admissions were for alcohol abuse (1,042) followed by drug abuse (730). Out of these admissions, 65 were for opioid addiction, including prescription opioids and heroin.

The most commonly used substances among individuals entering treatment in Evansville were alcohol (59%), marijuana (24%), and methamphetamine (22%). According to the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug and Alcohol Consortium, methamphetamine use has been on the rise in recent years, with 93% of treatment admissions in 2013 involving meth.

Along with substance abuse, Evansville also faces a high rate of mental health disorders. According to the SAMHSA, in 2019, 18.2% of adults in Indiana reported having a mental health disorder in the past year. This is slightly higher than the national average of 18.1%. In Evansville, depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions.

Mental health and substance abuse often co-occur, with individuals using drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms of mental health disorders. This highlights the importance of aftercare programs that address both substance abuse and mental health.

There are several addiction aftercare programs available in Evansville to support individuals in their recovery. These include:

1. SMART Recovery: This is a peer support group that offers support for individuals in recovery from addiction and other behavioral issues. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training and uses a 4-point program to teach individuals how to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to substance use.

2. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA is a 12-step program for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. There are several AA meetings held in Evansville each week, providing a supportive community for individuals in recovery.

3. Narcotics Anonymous (NA): NA is a 12-step program aimed at those recovering from drug addiction. Similar to AA, NA offers support and fellowship for individuals in recovery and holds regular meetings in Evansville.

4. Community-Based Counseling: There are several counseling centers in Evansville that offer aftercare services for addiction. These services may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and support groups.

5. Sober Living Homes: Sober living homes are structured and supportive living environments for individuals in recovery. These homes provide a safe and drug-free living space, support from housemates, and access to recovery resources.

In conclusion, addiction aftercare programs in Evansville play an essential role in supporting individuals in their recovery from substance abuse. With the high rates of substance use and mental health disorders in the area, these programs are crucial for helping individuals maintain their sobriety and improve their overall well-being. It is important for the community to continue to support and advocate for these programs to ensure that individuals in need have access to the necessary resources for their recovery journey.