Looking for addiction news? Go to the addiction experts.
Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Indiana with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in Indiana, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.
A troubling scene unfolded in downtown Indianapolis on Friday afternoon when six people were hospitalized following what is believed to be a mass overdose. Emergency services were called just before 3 p.m. to a location at 301 E. Washington Street, close to the intersection of N. Alabama Street and E. Washington Street, not far from the Julia Carson Transit Center and the City-County Building.
According to Fox 59 News, 911 callers reported several individuals appearing to overdose, with some describing harrowing scenes. One caller mentioned seeing a person lying in a pile of water, while another reported someone rolling into the street, suffering a facial injury. “They’re just ODing everywhere,” another caller said, noting the staggering number of individuals affected.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered six people, four of whom were struggling to breathe. Authorities described the symptoms as being consistent with a drug overdose. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers administered Narcan, an emergency medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, to at least one individual. However, it was reported that the Narcan did not have the desired effect in reversing the symptoms.
All six individuals were transported to various hospitals in Indianapolis. Five of them were in critical condition at the time of transport. IMPD later confirmed that one of the patients had already been released from the hospital by late afternoon.
Authorities have confirmed that all the individuals involved are adults, but no further personal details have been shared. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey spoke to the media, noting that the area around the overdose site has become a hotspot for drug use and other criminal activity. In fact, crime analysts from IMPD had already detected signs of individuals passing out in nearby Presidential Place Park before the 911 calls were received. The heavy presence of law enforcement in the area reflected the serious nature of the situation, with portions of the park being cordoned off and Alabama Street shut down for over an hour as investigators processed the scene.
Preliminary findings suggest that the overdose was likely caused by “spice,” a synthetic drug commonly coated with substances like bug or roach spray. Often sold cheaply, it has become a particular concern for the homeless population, who are especially vulnerable to its dangerous effects. Chief Bailey explained that while the drug is not new to the area, it continues to pose significant health risks.
The incident comes just a day after IMPD made an arrest for alleged drug dealing in the same area, with officers and investigators from the DEA and Indiana State Police now working together on this case.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are grappling with the growing issue of synthetic drug use in Indianapolis and its devastating consequences. The overdose incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of synthetic drugs like spice, which remain a persistent problem in many communities.
If you or your loved one are struggling with substance abuse and would like to get help, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our experienced staff will help you overcome your addiction and give you a new lease on life. Contact us today to begin your journey to the healthy, happy, and addiction-free future you deserve.