(WTWO/WAWV) — Drug overdose deaths were up more than 23 percent in Indiana last year and up 2 percent in Illinois, according to information released by the CDC.
Some experts have said that these increases are a result of the ongoing addiction crisis and that in the long run the crisis costs all people money.
Overcrowding at the Vigo County Jail has been an ongoing issue as of recent, so prevalent that residents are paying to build a new jail. According to County Sheriff John Plasse, many of the people inside the jail are there for one main reason.
“Probably 75 to 80 percent are in here because of drug addiction and abuse,” Plasse said.
However, one Wabash Valley organization is working to help people find the necessary addiction resources to make a full recovery. Plasse said he appreciates local programs that help people find sobriety.
“For us to have those programs and places for those people to receive those programs is paramount for us to solve this problem,” he said.
Wabash Valley Recovery Center is one of those programs working to solve the problem.
Located at the corner of South 5th and Farrington Streets in Terre Haute, the center helps people find everything by utilizing a 12-step program, a detox center and providing someone to talk to such as Peer Recovery Counselor like Shonna Frye.
“Our goal is to meet people where they are, whether they’re in active addiction, early recovery, long-term recovery,” Director Christie Crowder said. “We provide a non-judgmental, empathetic environment here and we’re just here to help people along their path.”
Frye said she also once struggled with a meth addiction, but she now works with women trying to overcome drugs.
“I just like sharing with them what I’ve been through,” Frye said. “Let them know if I can do it, you can do it.”
Frye and other counselors visit with people who come to their office. They also visit inmates at the Vigo County Jail.
“They really help them and I know that makes a difference,” Plasse said. “I’ve heard from many inmates, current and former, that say that’s really making an impact on their life.”
Crowder said it is more important now than ever for recovery programs to impact lives. She pointed to the statistics over the past year.
“There was the highest number of overdoses ever recorded in a 12 month period,” Crowder said. “And so, substance use and mental health is just at an all time high right now.”
Wabash Valley Recovery Center receives state funding and money from various grants. No appointment is required to visit the recovery center or speak to a counselor.
