Creating a Path Forward: Justin Phillips on Advocacy, Recovery, and Reducing Stigma 

Interviewer: Chloe Del Carlo, Interviewee: Justin Phillips 

The journey to advocacy often begins with personal experience, and for Justin Phillips, founder of Overdose Lifeline (ODL) and a Woman of the Year honoree, that journey was born from profound loss and a deep determination to save lives. In this interview with Chloe Del Carlo, Phillips opens up about the tragic loss of her son Aaron to an overdose, her own experiences with addiction and recovery, and her unwavering commitment to harm reduction as a means of addressing substance use disorders. With candor and empathy, Phillips discusses the barriers created by stigma, the misconceptions surrounding harm reduction, and the importance of community education and involvement. From providing life-saving naloxone kits to advocating for legislative change, she has dedicated her life to reducing stigma and supporting recovery. This dialogue offers a powerful glimpse into her mission and legacy, showing that through understanding, compassion, and action, meaningful change is possible. 

—————————————————————————————————————– 

Chloe: So, first question, what inspired you to create Overdose Lifeline? 

Justin: I created a overdose lifeline because my middle child Aaron lost his life to an overdose, and I didn’t know that prescription opioids and heroin were the same drug. I didn’t know he could use again after treatment and die. I didn’t know there was something called naloxone, and I knew that stigma and shame around substance use interfered with my willingness to get him perhaps the help he deserved.  

Chloe: Can you share your personal experience with addiction and how it shaped your approach to harm reduction? 

Justin: Sure, I have been sober from alcohol use disorder since 1989, and I thought I understood addiction and I do think that I did understand that addiction had a genetic component and does have a genetic component. So I’ve tried to be open and honest with my children about the potential propensity for substance use disorder, but I didn’t, you know, understand opioids and I, you know, have been in abstinence based 12 step recovery since I got sober 1989 and I learned about harm reduction actually before Aaron, even before Aaron was using opioids as a concept for helping people find their way to recovering and once I learned about it and that it is a public health approach to lots of legal and illegal things that we do in our life. I fully embrace harm reduction as a way to help people stay alive, mitigate the negative consequences of their drug use and you know, have more peace. 

Chloe: You kind of just answered this one, but maybe you can expand on it. Why do you believe harm reduction is essential in addressing substance use? 

Justin: You know, I think we need to meet everyone where they are. I think that people need opportunities to take smaller steps towards their positive outcome and not everyone is ready to be abstinent and with opioids and overdose and the dangerous drug supply. We have to be willing to, to take, you know, do things a little nontraditional because we need to help people stay alive.  

Chloe: Was there a specific part of recovery, either your own or someone else’s, that changed your perspective on harm reduction or advocacy? 

Justin: No, I think it’s just learning more about harm reduction, being exposed more to the concept and understanding, you know, that perhaps had I understood it better, I would have been more willing, for example, for Aaron to take medication for opioid use disorder.  

Chloe: Yeah. This one I kind of know the answer to. I’m not sure if you do, you probably do. What role does ODL play in supporting the substance use intervention services at IU? 

Justin: I don’t know, I think we give you Naloxone.  

Chloe: Yeah, yeah, you guys give a bunch of naloxone, but then, Nicks thing, his training pamphlets are all from ODL too for the Narcan training, and the intramuscular Narcan and stuff. 

Justin: Yeah, which is just another form of Naloxone. 

Chloe: Why do you believe the Collegiate Recovery Community or CRC is a vital resource on IUs campus? 

Justin: I’m going to guess because young people, that are college age need to understand the risks of developmentally appropriating, appropriately experimenting with drugs. And you know how to ask for help. They need to know that they don’t need to be ashamed to ask for help. They need to be able to trust. 

Chloe: How does the stigma surrounding substance abuse or substance use impact your work and the individuals you serve? 

Justin: Well stigma is a barrier to people asking for help. Stigma is a barrier to resources for people, judgment from people. You know, it’s very real, and so that’s one of our core foundational messages is that stigma interferes and we need to remove the stigma in all the ways that we can to improve the language that we use, the way we treat each other, you know, our judgment of others.  

Chloe: Would you say there are any misconceptions about harm reduction or recovery that you frequently encounter and wish more people understood?  

Justin: Yeah, I think people consider harm reduction enabling, which just isn’t true. And, yeah, there’s not much else to say. 

Chloe: Have you faced any challenges advocating for harm reduction then just because of those misconceptions? 

Justin: I mean sure, we’ve had challenges advocating since, you know, we passed the law in 2015 around access to Naloxone, I think we still have some challenges around access to Naloxone. So, as it relates to stigma, people believe that it’s enabling.  

Chloe: How do you balance empathy and boundaries when working with individuals struggling with substance use? 

Justin: Hmm, well that’s an interesting, difficult question. Empathy and boundaries, Yep, that’s a great question! I think that it’s imperative that you have a sense of boundaries with anyone struggling with their own personal crisis. Whether it’s mental health or financial or relationship or substance use disorder. Obviously helping them, standing beside them, having empathy is crucial. We have to see people where they are, meet them where they are, and you know, use first person language you’ve gone through. But we can’t cross the line into working harder for their recovery or their well-being or safety than they’re willing to work for themselves. 

Chloe: Can you share a moment or success story that reaffirmed your commitment to this work? 

Justin: You know, In the beginning when we first passed Aarons law, and I heard directly from people who, well, first of all, you know, let me go back. So, in the beginning, when I did, the very first thing I really did was a news article with a reporter for the Indy Star who’s no longer alive, unfortunately, and it was the front page. Part of the front page of the Sunday Star on Easter and I told Aaron’s story, full story about being the quarterback and dying from a heroin overdose. And so many people reached out to me and said me too, me too. That’s my story too, and that affirmed to me that we were hiding behind our stories because of shame and stigma, and we needed to be vocal. And then when we passed Aaron’s Law, and I heard from people who told me that they got to save their loved one because of access to naloxone. Every single time I get a story from someone that says I’m alive because of naloxone, I’m alive because of Aarons law is it to me. 

Chloe: Yeah. When I was thinking about that question for me, similar to what you were saying, when I was working at the methadone clinic over the summer and people would come up and talk about how what we were doing helped save their life, siblings life or their friend’s life or anyone I guess related to them. That made me realize how important the work we’re doing is and the work you’re doing is.  

Chloe: What partnerships or collaborations have been most impactful in advancing ODL’s mission?  

Justin: That’s a hard question too, because you know, we couldn’t do it without the partnership with the state of Indiana because of funding, right? We couldn’t do 24,000 doses a month of naloxone if the state wasn’t willing to invest in that and make that happen. But almost as equally important are the partners who are grassroots organizations on the ground like Indiana Recovery Aliance or SUIS, who are willing to be that community voice who know their community better than we do, and who can find the people that need the resources. So, they’re both really valuable in different ways. 

Chloe: How do you see the future of harm reduction and recovery support evolving on college campuses?  

Justin: I wish we could get Infront of students more and help them understand the dangers as more of a required piece of their orientation. And help them understand, you know, access to fentanyl test strips. Harm reduction is something that, in this current climate, they need to take just as seriously as knowing where the AED machine is in the resident hall or, you know, knowing how to do basic first aid.  

Chloe: Yeah, I would agree with that. What advice would you give to students or young adults who want to help friends or families struggling with substance use? 

Justin: You know, try to understand harm reduction. Try to understand how to have those open anonymous conversations with your loved ones so that they are willing to come to talk to you. You know, we act often as parents or caregivers out of fear and then that manifests as anger and that’s not very effective.  

Chloe: In what ways can the broader community get involved in supporting Overdose Lifelines mission?  

Justin: In big ways, we can use your financial support because we can’t function without grants and donor dollars for all the things that we need to include in our programs, families in our house for women who are pregnant. We have young children trying to find recovery. We also would love to connect with people in cities other than Indianapolis about, you know, doing outreach, having conversations about stigma. The other thing is if you’re in the Indianapolis area and you want to help us put together these overdose prevention kits. We distribute, you know, 24,000 a month, so we can’t do that without volunteers. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter! 

Chloe: What role does education and awareness play in changing perceptions about substance use and recovery?  

Justin: I think it plays a huge role. I think that people don’t know until they don’t know. Lots of people don’t know how the brain changes when you introduce substances, especially before the age of 15, people are four times more likely to have substance use disorder and have addiction later in life if they, you know, introduce that to their brain. It changes the pathways in the brain. Most people don’t know that. People think it’s about willpower and it’s just blatantly not.  

Chloe: Last question, what does Overdose Lifeline mean to you personally and professionally? 

Justin: Well, sometimes I call it, you know, the imperfect storm because I would never choose to lose my child to any kind of situation you know, and it definitely makes it worse when you lose a child to a stigmatized cause of death. But I’m grateful if one wants to use the word grateful, for the opportunity to make an impact and save other people’s lives in his honor. And change, you know, the lives of kids affected by substance use disorder through camp Mariposa. I mean, those are the things that totally warm my heart and, you know, provide some peace and serenity around raising a child, which is very hard.  

Chloe: Well, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and for all the incredible insight! 

Justin: Thank you! 

November can be a stressful time: upcoming holidays, the semester on its way to its close with projects and exams, the seasons change, election results. Seeing family in large settings, the financial pressure of the holiday seasons, and the inclusion of substances at these events. Seasons change, and the lack of light causing an increase in seasonal depression can cause feelings of isolation and make the world feel colder. It is a season of traditions and new changes. It can all feel like a lot. But there is always hope. November does not have to be just surviving, but an opportunity to build your resilience, to know who you have for support, and to celebrate how far you have come. We can build up our resilience to the potential stress that comes with this month by planning, knowing or building our support system, and taking care of yourself. 

Make a plan

Planning is a good skill, especially in recovery, because it provides structure and helps minimize uncertainty, which can be a source of stress. Having a plan helps maintain a consistent schedule that supports sobriety, which can include meals, meetings, exercise, or moments for relaxation. A predictable routine can counteract feelings of chaos or being overwhelmed. Make a plan on how much you want to spend. Not just financially, how much time do you want to spend at one family member’s house versus another, how do you want to spend your holiday, and who do you want to be around. Having a plan and knowing how your month will look can help manage stress, and it can help you have an expectation. This can help you avoid what may be a high-risk situation, who you can go to, and where if it becomes one. Planning helps you stay connected to your support system, especially if you are around people who may not know your sobriety status or are around people who may not be supportive. You can plan and communicate ahead of time to make sure someone is reachable to you. Make a plan that works for you that helps you decrease potential areas of stress and sets you up for success. Remember, it is not about perfection but progress, so if the plans don’t go exactly as planned, that is okay, and celebrate whatever small wins come along the way. 

• Reach Out for Support: Keep in touch with friends, mentors, or support groups who understand what you’re going through.
• Set a Schedule: Create a clear plan for the month that includes time for studying, family gatherings, self-care, and relaxation.
• Prioritize Tasks: Break down projects and exam preparation into manageable steps to reduce overwhelm and help you stay on track.
• Communicate Needs: Let friends and family know what you’re comfortable with and set boundaries around topics or situations that may cause stress.
• Limit Commitments: Be selective about which events you attend to avoid spreading yourself too thin. If going to an event, you can plan to stay for a limited period and communicate this in advance to avoid overcommitting.
• Join a Study Group or Community: Engaging in group activities can provide a sense of belonging, lessen feelings of isolation, keep up those grades, and help the stress of managing school work. 

Seasonal Depression 

Even the most resilient can find the lack of light challenging; it can be potentially more challenging for those in recovery, as it adds an additional layer of emotional and mental stress. The days being shorter, the weather being colder, and reduced sunshine often times come with feelings of tiredness, sadness, and loneliness. Some things that can help are making an extra effort to stay in touch with your friends, keeping a routine, staying active, and making sure that you get the most time out in the sun that you can. If it is difficult within your schedule to spend time in the sun, using a happy light for 20-30 in the morning can have the same effect. Making sure that you are eating and sleeping well to make sure that you have a good foundation. 

• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drinking water and eating balanced meals can help regulate mood and energy levels.
• Use Light Therapy or get Get Sunlight Exposure: Spend time outside during daylight hours, even if it’s cloudy. Consider using a light therapy box to combat symptoms of seasonal depression.
• Exercise: even if it is just going on a walk with a friend, not only can exercise make you feel less stressed and productive, but it also serves as a break from the rest of your commitments. 

Stress coping skills 

• Having a support system in place
  • Plan check-ins with friends and supportive people before, during, and after whatever you are going to. Going to group meetings up to and after can also decrease potential stress. This can help make you feel that you have a good base to work from and feel in control and comfortable no matter the situation. 
• Having an Exit Strategy
  • One of the best pieces of advice around holidays I have ever received is to always drive yourself so you are never stuck. Having an exit strategy can be good for everyone if events become overwhelming and you have a quick and easy way to leave. Having a friend come with you if you don’t drive so you have a way home. You can always have a code phrase that is easy to work in so that you can communicate easily. 
• Staying Occupied 
  • Bring something to do with you to events, something to do if there is a lull, something to fidget with. Being involved on campus or in volunteer events throughout this time can be helpful. Making plans with friends far in advance for the whole month. 
• Practice Saying No before the moment comes
  • Ask a friend to pretend to offer you something like an apple and practice no matter how persuasive they are or pushy you maintain your no. This can be helpful when someone at a gathering is offering a substance and you can maintain whatever boundaries you have set for yourself. 
• Hydration 
  • Drink water and eat for yourself like you would someone you care for. Maintaining blood sugar levels can help with tiredness and irritability. 
    • Bringing your own beverage: bring a non-alcoholic beverage that you enjoy and you are involved in the gathering while maintaining your boundaries. Plus, you get your favorite drink at the party or dinner guaranteed. 

There may be no avoiding stress, but there are endless possibilities of ways to manage it. Protecting your recovery by taking steps ahead of time to reduce stress. You’re strong and resilient, and people are rooting for you. Make this month your own, and make it the best for you. 

The definition of recovery is ever changing, and looks different for everyone experiencing it. Traditionally, the focus has been based on the substance itself, with treatment programs primarily centered around detoxification and abstinence. However, a refreshing change is taking place where recovery is becoming less about the substance and more about enhancing the quality of life. This transformation represents a change in perspective, recognizing that overcoming challenges surrounding substance use are not just about being sober, but embarking on a journey towards total wellness.

Many people may feel overwhelmed and like recovery is too difficult when they view it from an addiction to abstinence perspective. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration now defines recovery as, “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” There is no strict guidelines of abstinence, or how recovery should look according to this definition. It is a multifaceted process that encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual growth, along with physical health. That being said, it is important to give yourself grace and remember that recovery may look like abstinence for some, and just cutting down on use for others. Growth is not linear and even one positive change can improve your life drastically.

When speaking to others on the journey of recovery, and even when talking about yourself, it is important to remember to use person-first language. This type of language describes what a person has, not who a person is. It shows respect and acceptance by highlighting the fact that a person is a person first, and never their addiction. Using a word like “addict” insinuates that the person doesn’t have a problem, but that they are the problem. This can be very discouraging because it places blame on the individual who is trying to grow in a positive direction. Instead, use language like, “person in recovery.” Positive, person-first language helps combat stigma, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgement or shame. Overall, person-first language reinforces the belief that recovery is a journey of empowerment and resilience, highlighting the person’s strengths and potential for positive change.

Recovery can be difficult, but also a positive, rewarding experience. It’s about more than just the substances. It’s about rebuilding relationships, rediscovering passions, and reclaiming one’s sense of purpose. Let us empower ourselves and others to approach recovery not as a restriction, but as an opportunity for personal transformation and fulfillment.

The month of February and Valentine’s Day is usually associated with love, romance, and celebration. For individuals in recovery, this month can bring a unique set of challenges as there are many social gatherings with alcohol and social media posts about relationships that may bring feelings of loneliness. However, staying in recovery during Valentine’s Day is possible, and an opportunity to strengthen your commitment to yourself. In this post, we will explore some tips and strategies to embrace self-love.

Planning sober activities

Instead of succumbing to society’s pressure to celebrate with alcohol, you can plan sober activities that align with your values and goals. Consider a night filled with dinner, a movie, and baking sweet treats! If you aren’t much of a baker, try taking your favorite fruit (mine is strawberries!) and melting a mug of chocolate to dip them into. It’s simple, delicious, and fun.

Staying off social media

Social media, despite allowing for people to connect, can sometimes exacerbate feelings of loneliness. This can make it tempting to combat loneliness with substance use. If you find that doom scrolling during this time contributes to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and/or anxiety, it might be time for a break. A social media detox can be liberating- you can indulge in some other hobbies such as reading or writing.

Spend time with yourself

Spending quality time alone is essential when practicing self-care and nurturing a positive relationship with oneself. Don’t feel pressured to spend Valentine’s Day with another person, or with anyone at all if you don’t feel like it. Embracing one’s own company can allow for a deeper understanding of your personal needs, goals, and your ability to be resilient.

Celebrating with a significant other

If you have a significant other, celebrating Valentine’s Day with them while staying sober is an opportunity to deepen the connection through genuine and mindful experiences. You don’t need to partake in substances to create meaningful and authentic moments together! Sobriety on Valentine’s Day will strengthen the relationship and emphasize boundaries and respect for each other’s goals. Never let anyone else force you into doing something you aren’t comfortable with. If they truly care about you, they will respect your wishes and help you stay on track with your goals.

As the holiday approaches, it may pose its own unique set of challenges. But remember that there is always space to grow and have an enjoyable time. By prioritizing YOU, navigating Valentine’s Day can make you a healthier and stronger person. Remember, the most important type of love is self-love.

October is the spooky season, and almost everyone gets into the Halloween festivities. These festivities are fun but not always sober-positive. The idea of “Sober October” was started to raise awareness in the United Kingdom and raise money for people suffering from cancer, but it has become such a popular challenge that it is not necessarily tied to just that cause anymore. The challenge is to pledge to be sober from alcohol or other substances for thirty days.

Sober October can be fun! The association between fun and alcohol is one of the hardest challenges with sobriety, but people have been having fun without alcohol for centuries, and you can too! This can be an opportunity to see what life is like without a substance. If are sober curious, this is a great opportunity to commit for a month and get a glimpse at what life would be like without substances. A brief abstinence can help you weigh the benefits and frustrations of sobriety. If you are worried, even a small amount, about your using habits, this challenge can help you recognize how it feels to get urges but not act on them. A month does not sound like a long time, but it gives you an opportunity to see what a sober life would look like, and to see how challenging stopping would be for you. There are so many health benefits that you will experience in only a month. If you still want to go places where alcohol is served and don’t want to be the odd one out, try a mocktail and dive into festivities.

Below is a list of some Bloomington events in October that are sober friendly:

Starlite Drive-In Trunk or Treat Double Feature

Date: Thursday, October 12 Time: 4:00 pm

Location: Starlite Drive-In

Admission: Free

Double feature Hotel Transylvania and Addams Family. There will also be a trunk or treat before the films start.

Barn of Terror Haunted House

Date: Every Friday & Saturday in October plus Halloween night

Time: 8:00 pm-12:00 am / 8:00-10:00 pm on Halloween

Location: 8792 Old State Rd 37, Bloomington, IN

Admission: General admission is $12.00 per person; children 10 & under are $8.00 each. Tickets at door, cash only.

For a good Halloween scare, go to the Barn of Terror, Indiana’s sixth-best haunted house.

Fowler Pumpkin Patch

Date: Every Tuesday – Sunday throughout October

Time: 4PM-7PM during the weekdays and 10AM-7PM on the weekends

Location: 5060 N. Greene County Line Rd. Bloomington, IN

Admission: Free You pick pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, and an animal barn.

The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch

Date: October 14th, 2023

Time: 10AM-3PM

Location: Monroe County Courthouse Lawn

Admission: Free

Come pick out your very own handmade blown glass pumpkin at the 14th annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch! We will have over 1000 glass pumpkins for display and sale spread out on the Monroe County Courthouse lawn like a real pumpkin patch.

October Big Day Wetland Birding Hike with Cathy Meyer

Date: Saturday October 14th

Time: 9:00 am

Location: Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve

Admission: Free, must register online at Sycamore Land Trust

This is a hike guided by expert naturalist Cathy Meyer, looking at local kinds of birds and enjoying a hike with others and helping collect data on the preserve’s birds. Wetland Bird Walk with Wild Birds Unlimited Date: Friday October 20th Time: 8:30 am-10:30 am Location: Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve Admission: Free, must register online at Sycamore Land Trust. This is a local hike hosted by a local nature shop, Wild Birds Unlimited, to help people spot local wildlife and learn and experience nature.

September is Recovery Month and a time to celebrate the recovery community and the service providers working within the community. This national observance is a way to increase awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery.

Recovery is versatile in the way it looks and there are many ways to celebrate both personal recovery and recovery month. Need ideas on how to celebrate recovery? Try sharing your achievement and effort in your recovery with people in your life. Have a meal with those who have supported you on your recovery journey. Host a sober party or treat yourself by buying something special or doing something (maybe a weekend getaway) to celebrate your success. Wear purple to show your support for recovery month, attend a memorial walk raising funds for recovery resources, or simply share positive messages about prevention, treatment, and recovery.

The Collegiate Recovery Community at Indiana University is hosting several events on campus to celebrate Recovery Month. Join us in raising awareness and celebrating the progress made by each individual and the recovery community at large.

Below is a list of events the CRC is hosting. We hope to see you there!

September 11th: Recovery Rocks (2PM-4PM – CRC Office)

Join us in painting recovery rocks from 2pm-4pm at the Collegiate Recovery Office located at 508 N.Fess Ave.

September 12th: Glow and Flow Yoga (9PM-10PM – SRSC)

Flow through yoga poses under the night sky while decked out in purple glow sticks! This cosmic flow will happen outside of the SRSC in the Terrace Area.

September 13th: Day of Service (12PM-3PM – 10th and Fee)

Spend some time giving back by helping us make hygiene kits for those experiencing homelessness in Bloomington. We will be at the intersection of 10th and Fee from 12PM-3PM putting together kits, come hang out and join in on the fun!

September 14th: Recovery Chat (4PM-6PM – CRC Office)

Join us for a recovery chat. We will have several people sharing their recovery journey. This is an opportunity to ask questions and share stories of hope.

September 15th: Tie Dye (1PM-3PM – CRC Courtyard)

Come make Tie-Dye t-shirts with us in the courtyard!