Expansion of opioid treatment programs endorsed by the Indiana House

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana House of Representatives today passed legislation co-authored by State Rep. Charlie Brown (D-Gary) expanding the number of opioid treatment programs statewide.

House Bill 1449 grants the Division of Mental Health & Addiction administrative and regulatory oversight responsibility for up to 22 additional treatment programs that are urgently needed.

“Opioid abuse is becoming increasingly pervasive in Hoosier communities,” noted Brown. “Many people are desperately struggling to escape the unrelenting nightmare of addiction. However, treatment is often out of reach because there are only 13 opioid treatment programs in Indiana. With proper treatment and support, these individuals can overpower their addictions and get back on the right track.”

Methadone blocks the receptors in the brain that are affected by opiates, such as OxyContin and other prescription drugs, enabling users to experience detox gradually rather than a more extreme and painful withdrawal process.

The drug is available in the form of a pill or oral solution, and has been available in the US for more than 65 years. Effects of the drug last between 24 and 36 hours. Most patients benefit from a single daily dose.

Brown collaborated with State Reps. Steven Davisson (R-Salem) and Timothy Brown (R-Crawfordsville) on the bill.

HB 1449 gained the House’s unanimous approval 94-0 and will now proceed to the Senate for further legislative action.