EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – As previously reported, overall overdose deaths in Vanderburgh County were down in 2025.
[Previously: Overall overdose deaths down, fentanyl deaths up in Vanderburgh County]
But the coroner confirmed drugs like fentanyl are on the rise county-wide, so Dr. Arvind Datt, Medical Director of Addiction Services at Southwestern Behavioral Health, says the risk of overdosing is still a major concern.
“Many times, these are unintentional overdoses,” Dr. Datt said. “So people might be using a substance that they think they regularly use all the time, but it’s been contaminated with fentanyl and/or other substances that they don’t know.”
Dr. Datt says if you or someone you know is using substances, it’s important to always have Narcan on hand and know signs of overdose, such as shallow breathing and pinpoint pupils.
He says if you do have a substance addiction, to let loved ones know, and try to seek help through a recovery center.
“A lot of times, people don’t want to admit they have a problem, or they don’t even know they have a problem,” Dr. Datt said. “Generally, a lot of times, they might be pointing their fingers outward, saying, ‘Oh my boss was just being mad because I was late a third time, it’s no big deal.’ So I think that’s the big one, is they’re not even aware.”
He says for those not sure if they have an addiction, focus on symptoms you may have, such as an increased tolerance or cravings for drugs and alcohol.
“These are all things that kind of encompass somebody, and they’re not even realizing one, I’m at risk, or I’ve already developed some type of substance use disorder,” Dr. Datt said.
He says he’s worried some people may avoid getting help due to the stigma around addiction.
“Substance use is a chronic disease,” Dr. Datt said. “That’s the biggest thing to help decrease the stigma about it, it’s a disease. And when you look at it that way, why wouldn’t you seek help if you have a disease?”
Dr. Datt warns addiction affects all levels of society, and the risk of relapsing is high.
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