Greetings. I have several suits, shirts, slacks, ties, and belts that I would like to donate.

Does anyone know of an organization that specializes in this around Indy? Basically Dress for Success, but for men's clothes?

My perfect donation spot would provide my donations directly to folks that need them for an interview or a job, free of charge, and have no religious affiliation.

Hi folks; I have a big box of old clothes and different things I no longer need; I would like to give it to some who do need it. I would rather give it directly to some needy people than to goodwill. So does anyone know where a large or decent sized homeless camp is (Indianapolis) that I can drop this stuff off to them?

Thanks in advance and God bless you all 🙏

(Reposting here bc r/Indianapolis won't let new accounts post there)

Where can I find up to date policies and procedures from DCS? I have concerns about a sleeping situation but don’t know if I’m correct to think it’s an issue. One DCS worker says it’s not an issue but won’t give me the why behind it or tell me when it is an issue. I’m just asking for more knowledge. I’ll look it up on my own if someone just tells me how. I cannot find up to date information through the DCS website. The information I can find from the official DCS website is nearly a decade old and says it is an issue. I just want the facts.

The child is five and sharing a room with her parents. To me it’s highly inappropriate. Even though she doesn’t use it She does have her own bed inside their room…..but at what point should she start sharing a room with her sibling and not two full grown adults? It’s not even so much that she sleeps in her parents bed as much as she deserves to have space away from them. They aren’t friends or siblings…they’re her parents. That creates a weird dynamic. She deserves toys, closet space, and a space to play and be loud. Maybe I’m being too biased which I will accept once I see a legal document stating it is of no concern.

2024 IMPD officers brought up on sexual assault charges

(Full articles with pictures and infographics available at links in comment below).

Xylazine (Tranq) Fast Facts

What you need to know about xylazine. a veterinary sedative being added to "tranq" dope throughout the United States.

Note: Medetomidine, another veterinary sedative that is closely related to xylazine, has popped up in the illicit fentanyl supply in many areas. It has many of the same properties and carries the same risks as xylazine.

The percentage of xylazine-contaminated fentanyl samples is somewhat lower in Indiana compared to those seen in some Northeastern and Southern states; however, the prevalence of xylazine is almost certainly underreported, and it is increasing. Although Indiana's data collection on the issue lags behind that of most other states, one important dataset indicates that at least 322 people in Indiana have died of overdoses in which xylazine was involved since 2020 (along with fentanyl, in the vast majority of these cases). Its prevalence is increasing and appears to roughly mirror the distribution of the state's population.

As of 2024, the state of Indiana is considering bills that criminalize both the sale and the possession of the substance.

Beginning in the early 2000s, the veterinary anesthetic xylazine was detected in illegal drug supplies in Puerto Rico. From there, it spread to the East Coast of the United States, beginning in Philadelphia, where this so-called "tranq" dope attracted an ardent fan base.

At present, xylazine has been found in fentanyl and heroin samples from throughout the continental United States. It is most prevalent in the South and Northeast.

Drug Enforcement Agency statistics indicate that in 2022, 23% of seized fentanyl powder contained xylazine. By early 2024, almost half of illicit fentanyl samples in many areas of the Northeast test positive for xylazine.

As DEA figures released in October 2022 indicate, xylazine was most often found in fentanyl samples seized in the Northeast and Southern United States. Its prevalence continues to increase nationwide.

Other DEA data, released in October 2022, indicate that overdoses involving xylazine, the vast majority of which also involve fentanyl, are increasing throughout the continental United States, most dramatically in the Southern United States. From 2020 to 2021 in the South, the number of xylazine-positive fatal overdoses increased from 116 to 1,423 (a rise of over 1,100%).

Fast Fact #1 - Xylazine is a Veterinary Tranquilizer

Xylazine belongs to a group of chemicals known as phenothiazines.

Significantly, this group of structurally related compounds also includes tricyclic antidepressants and the alpha-adrenergic agonist clonidine, a blood pressure regulator that is used to mitigate the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and anxiety caused by opioid withdrawal.

In veterinary medicine, xylazine is used as a surgical anesthetic for horses, rabbits, and other animals because it produces sedation, muscle relaxation, and analgesia (decreased pain).

Possible medical uses of xylazine for humans were investigated, but its side effects, particularly bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure), were judged to be too severe.

Fast Fact #2 - Xylazine Boosts the Effects of Fentanyl

The vast majority of the xylazine available in the United States is combined with fentanyl in so-called "tranq" dope.

When taken on its own, xylazine is unlikely to be particularly recreational.* However, when mixed with fentanyl, it increases the sedation, respiratory depression, and other effects of fentanyl.

Mixing xylazine with fentanyl causes a "nod" that is much closer to anesthetized unconsciousness than to your average, in-and-out heroin or fentanyl high.

*During college, I injected veterinary xylazine; my dark-humor-laden trip report is available at the link in the comment immediately below the article. Previously, I wrote about xylazine hitting the dope supply in my home city of Syracuse (link also available in comment below).

Fast Fact #3 - Xylazine Increases the Chance and Severity of Overdose

Because it increases the respiratory depression and low blood pressure caused by fentanyl, xylazine greatly increases the risk of OD.

Because xylazine is not an opioid, Narcan [naloxone] is not effective in reversing xylazine overdose. However, Narcan should still be administered in cases of suspected OD because the majority of xylazine in the U.S. is sold in combination with illicit fentanyl powder and pills.

There is no approved antidote or reversal agent for xylazine overdose; treatment consists of supportive care involving mechanical ventilation in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Fast Fact #4 - Xylazine Causes Skin Sores That Can Lead to Sepsis and Amputation

For reasons that are not yet understood, in some users, xylazine causes widespread skin lesions that appear 24 to 48 hours after first use.

These ulcers begin as pea- to penny-sized, semicircular lesions found on the arms, legs, face, and other areas (see pic below). They grow rapidly for as long as xylazine is ingested, and they have a tendency to become infected.

Infection of the ulcers can lead to sepsis, in which bacteria spread to the blood, causing multi-organ-system damage and death.

The rate of amputations is very high in xylazine users relative to users of fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit opioids not mixed with xylazine.

Once the user stops ingesting xylazine, the ulcers gradually disappear over a period of days to weeks (so long as infection is resolved and they are kept clean to promote healing).

However, the sores can cause significant, long-term scarring.

Unless the user stops ingesting xylazine, the sores rapidly spread over the face, legs, arms, and other areas of the body. They enlarge until they extend over entire hands / feet / arms / legs.

The sores frequently become infected, which can lead to sepsis, a disseminated infection in which bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause multi-organ-system damage and even death.

There seems to be some genetic / immunological predisposition to developing the sores, perhaps akin to an allergy. Interestingly, people can begin reacting to xylazine in this manner even if they haven't developed sores after taking the drug in the past. Decreased blood flow to the skin (perfusion) is also an important component of the mechanism.

(Pictures of my friend Mike's early-stage lesions, caused by xylazine-contaminated fentanyl procured in the Indianapolis area, available at link in comment below).

Harm Reduction / Risk Mitigation Strategies

If you are using fentanyl in the United States in 2024, it is very likely that at least some of the dope that you are snorting or injecting contains xylazine.

It is imperative that you obtain test strips for xylazine, which are available for free from a variety of government divisions / agencies as well as nonprofit groups.

In New York State, for example, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) will send you xylazine test strips for free (order form here; Narcan [naloxone] and other harm reduction supplies are available as well).

If you have recently ingested what you believe to be tranq dope and have even a single sore anywhere on your body, you need to go to a doctor and obtain a broad-spectrum antibiotic immediately. It is quite possible that life and limb depend upon it.

Carpe Diem Before There Isn't Any Diem Left To Carpe

The wave of fatal xylazine-fentanyl overdoses that the U.S. is currently experiencing is reminiscent of the period in 2015-2016 when fentanyl began replacing heroin in the U.S. illicit opioid supply, as a result of which addicts were dropping like flies.

There has never been a better time to get clean and sober - while you still have all four limbs and haven't sustained severe brain damage from an OD!

Use the resources below to find a 12-Step meeting and / or an opioid maintenance treatment provider.

As always, feel free to use the "Contact" form or Instagram (@concreteconfessional) to reach me with questions.

Buprenorphine and Methadone Provider Directories

Find a Sublocade treatment provider (injectable buprenorphine)

*Brixadi is another injectable formulation that you might want to look into

SAMSHA's Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator

*In certain states, you might be able to obtain buprenorphine by e-consultation. I recommend avoiding this whenever possible because A) these doctors tend to be more expensive, and B) I have heard about too much sketchiness tied to these providers. Very few ethical clinicians are willing to dole out buprenorphine without seeing you face-to-face and drug testing you randomly.

Zubsolv find a doctor (sublingual buprenorphine)

SAMHSA Opioid Treatment Program Directory

*Includes methadone clinic listings

12-Step Meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous [AA] and Narcotics Anonymous [NA])

Intherooms.com has daily, digital meetings at many different times and with different foci / themes throughout the week.

The official meeting listings for your area are best found by Googling the nearest town or city or the name of the region that you live in plus "AA meetings" or "NA meetings." The list of AA meetings in the Indianapolis area is available online.

Intherooms.com has a meeting directory, as well.

Alternatively, you can call the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) for help finding 12-Step and SMART Recovery meetings as well as other treatment resources.

Stay safe and keep your heads up!

Do they have any person on staff who knows there is no such county in Indiana?

I am looking to collect these and could use some help from anyone in Indiana that could point me to a liquor store that has these. Thank you!

So I'm about to visit my girlfriend in Indiana for 2 weeks for the holidays. I'm from Georgia where I've only seen snow maybe 3 times in my life. How screwed am I for the cold? Because I feel like I'm gonna need to start my payments on my wooley mammoth before I become a frozen Neanderthal. Thanks in advance for the help or words of encouragement if there are any lol.

I moved in on 11/8 and still haven’t received my mail box key every time I ask they say they have a work order for it but it’s been over a month now and I have received mailed by my husband in the navy that I need to access so what can I do if I break the mailbox open they said“Handling mail in this manner can lead to unnecessary costs and potential issues with the property.”

Elkhart/goshen area I believe

Did anyone catch this article regarding legalization of Marijuana under Braun?

Amongst other things it says due to being fully surrounded by legal states (not to mention decriminalized Marion county) Braun is in favor of medical. It's time.

You don't have to look far to know that archaic Hoosier laws (seemingly funded by drug companies, ahem...Eli Lilly, and big alcohol) have ruined lives! And disproportionate enforcement across the state is a legal challenge in wait.

We need to pressure the legislature and the governors office to move forward with medical quickly.

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/its-time-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-in-indiana-incoming-governor-says-as-new-poll-shows-nearly-9-in-10-hoosiers-agree/

indiana loses millions a year with residence going across the border and we still jail ppl for simple possession why are u still against legal weed while kids here start drinking early in high school

Looking for good recommendations!

Hi all! Trying to visit some states and thinking of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. I’ll be going during Christmas/Hanukkah time and know that I want to do horseback riding somewhere. Anyone have any ideas or thoughts on specific things to do? If it’s worth visiting?

If the repair that was made just before Sam Jones was to fix how it launches you in a trailer, the repair job was a waste because it still sucks.

https://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/12/09/household-sorting-by-republicans-democrats-drives-economies-opinion/76818521007/

Interesting read

https://www.in.gov/doe/about/news/new-indiana-diploma-requirements-approved-with-unanimous-support/

As a parent, this makes me very nervous. I don’t want my kids having limitations regardless of their path after HS.

Indiana US News Rankings 2024: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/indiana

Currently sitting at #25 for education amongst the states.

There are questions I have about it:

1. Impact on College Admissions

• Will the new diploma meet the minimum entry requirements for out-of-state colleges, including subject-specific coursework (e.g., foreign languages, lab sciences)?

• How will schools ensure students are prepared for selective colleges or universities outside Indiana?

2. Readiness Seals and Flexibility

• What are the “readiness seals” and how will they help students demonstrate college, career, or military preparedness?

• How will guidance counselors and schools help students and families choose the right seals based on individual goals?

3. Course Offerings and Opportunities

• Will the changes reduce or replace any current courses, like advanced math, sciences, or fine arts?

• How will work-based learning, dual credit, or career technical education (CTE) opportunities be integrated into the new diploma system?

4. Standardization Across Schools

• How will schools, especially underfunded ones, ensure they offer equitable resources and course options to meet the new diploma requirements?

• Will smaller or rural schools be able to offer the same opportunities (like advanced coursework or readiness seals) as larger schools?

5. Long-term Preparation

• Are the new diplomas aligned with national standards for career and college readiness?

• How will students be evaluated to ensure they are ready for post-graduate success (e.g., testing, projects, or internships)?

6. Student Support and Planning

• What resources will be available for students and families to map out courses and readiness pathways starting in middle school?

• Will guidance counselors be trained to help families understand the new requirements and align them with long-term goals?

7. Flexibility vs. Accountability

• Does the new flexibility in course selection risk students not meeting certain academic benchmarks?

•How will schools balance flexibility with ensuring a rigorous, well-rounded education?

Chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes

Hello guys I'm from the east coast. Has anyone here ever been to John Patrick University. Is it worth it for 40k?

Just curious. After living in many states I certainly have my opinion. What is yours?

UAP Drones Overtake Evansville, Indiana on December 14th, 2024

Evansville, IN — In an unprecedented event, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) drones descended upon Evansville, Indiana, on the evening of December 14th, 2024, causing widespread panic and confusion. The drones, which had reportedly been spotted in other parts of the country, launched a coordinated attack on the city after bypassing military defenses and breaching existing security measures.

According to local authorities, the drones arrived around 9:30 PM, moving swiftly across the sky in tight formations. Witnesses reported seeing dozens of metallic, disc-shaped craft descending silently, their lights flickering in a sequence unlike anything seen before. In less than an hour, the drones had deployed a network of smaller, hovering units, disrupting communications and power grids across the city.

“There was no warning,” said Emily Richards, a resident of Evansville. “One minute everything was normal, and then the sky was filled with lights. The power went out, and people were running in every direction. It was chaos.”

The drones, believed to be part of an alien intelligence, seem to possess advanced technology capable of disabling electronic systems. Military forces were reportedly unable to respond in time, with the drones’ rapid movements and powerful electromagnetic pulses rendering many defense systems ineffective.

Evansville Mayor, Stephanie Terry, issued a state of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid contact with the drones. “We’re working with federal authorities and experts to understand the situation,” Thompson said in a statement. “This is an ongoing crisis, and we ask for calm as we work toward resolution.”

As of now, no casualties have been reported, though the city remains in lockdown as authorities assess the full scope of the attack. The situation is evolving rapidly, with experts suggesting that the drones may be part of a larger, coordinated effort across the United States.