Nationally, the economic toll of the opioid crisis is in the hundreds of billions. For families of addicts, the losses can include their life savings, peace of mind and a sense of hope.

Residents living in rural Indiana are looking at different ways to fight the opioid epidemic. Around 400 Hoosiers joined Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor for a rural opioid addiction symposium Friday in Lebanon.

The stigma surrounding opioid addiction can factor into whether or not a person seeks treatment.

An anti-drug abuse task force in Bartholomew County is working on recommendations that include providing more treatment for opioid addiction in what is now an unused part of the county jail.

If a baby is born with traces of illicit drugs in its system, Child Protective Services will likely start an investigation.