Late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay struggled with opioid addiction for decades and spent the final years of his life fighting relapses. The Indiana Department of Health says 562 people died in the state this year from drugs.

“I think one of the hard parts about addictions and substance abuse disorder is that the person suffering feels a lot of their own personal shame. They don’t want to admit and ask for help,” said Justin Phillips, who made it her life’s mission to help people with addiction.

Philips is the founder of Overdose Lifeline.

“My son Aaron, who lost his life to opioid use disorder, didn’t want to tell me that he was using again,” Philips said. “So, he skirted around it by saying other things, like “I’m having challenges with my mental health” and “I need to see someone,” because he didn’t want to disappoint me. Because he didn’t want me to know. Because he himself didn’t want to struggle yet again. That’s the internal shame. It’s really hard to put a finger on it, but it’s real. It happens all the time.”

It was after her son’s death that she founded Overdose Lifeline to help others deal with the shame and stigma of addiction. Her organization helps individuals and families with resources, community, and access to treatment.

Phillips said a good indicator that a person might have an addiction problem is seeing a change in a person’s behavior.

“Addiction is a sneaky disease that causes people who are affected to cause harm to their family members because it’s so insidious,” Philips said. “Change in behavior, change in friends, change in spending habits, change in schedule would be the first thing we notice.”

Philips recommends calling 211 in the state of Indiana, where you will be connected to a person who can help. The call is confidential. There are also support groups like Heart Rock Recovery Center and tools like free Naloxone kits that can reverse opioid overdoses. Resources are there, but reaching out is the first step.

“Recovery is possible,” Philips said. “You’re not alone, and there are people who can support you and surround you, and help you find your way.”

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