More Hoosiers on 'the wagon'

Terri joined Monroe County Alcoholics Anonymous after running into some trouble with alcohol about two years ago. When met face-to-face with the law, her attorney and a judge referred her to the organization for help with addiction. \n"When I first came, it took me six months to sit through a meeting and just listen," said Terri, whose last name is not disclosed for AA regulations. "Then someone said something that was related to what I was going through, and I finally started understanding."\nInstead of leaving after her one-year commitment, Terri now attempts to help other new members get past their initial doubts. Around the county, people are on the path to recovery. \nA survey reported more than 21,000 Indiana residents received state-funded services for substance abuse. Of those cases, more than half were for alcoholism in 2004, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Mental Health and Addiction.\nLike AA, several organizations in Monroe County are part of an effort to help individuals dealing with alcohol and drug-related problems. In some cases, clients are referred to recovery organizations by the court systems, while in others, the clients choose help based on the level of anonymity or payment options. \nAlthough the Amethyst House has a rent fee, it is mostly state-funded. Executive Director Tom Cox, who specializes in gambling addiction, said Amethyst's outpatient services assist 150 to 200 people per year.\nAmethyst House also offers housing as part of its services, accommodating clients' children as well. \n"We prefer for them to stay six months because they are folks that have typically not been successful in this sort of treatment," said Cox, who is also the chairperson of the Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition. \nThe Center for Behavioral Health offers services in varying levels, said Office Professional Brandon Pickett. The center provides day treatment to assist in early stages of recovery. \nSimilar treatment is available at the Recovery House, which has a two-week housing option for clients in day treatment. The center's Intensive Outpatient Program for Adults and Adolescents is a six to 12-week course that emphasizes commitment to a recovery plan. Its Continuing Care and Living Sober program is for adults who have completed previous programs.\n"What sets our place apart is that we accept people who don't have insurance," said Pickett. "We offer really competitive rates for people who are not financially able."\nTreatment isn't the only concern for local agencies. The Indiana Prevention Resource Center focuses on prevention rather than treatment by assisting advocates through resources and research. The organization hopes to curb the number of residents in need of sobriety. \nIn a recent survey, the center found that most drug use among minors has declined, said Executive Director Ruth Gassman.\n"Monitoring drug use trends among youth is typically the best way to predict future use," Gassman said.