The fear that being underage and calling the police can lead to jail time. That fear can lead to underage drinkers who need medical assistance, never getting the help they need because their friends were scared of being punished by the law. Indiana’s Lifeline Law was created to eliminate that fear, providing amnesty from prosecution for underage drinking, and many related drinking offenses for a person who calls or texts 911. The goal is simple - sacrifice fear, in order to save a life.

- Use the message/messaging icon on your phone (not a downloaded texting app) - Enter “911” in the “TO” field - Type your location and emergency in the message body - “Send” message - Continue your dialog with the 911 center and follow their instructions - Keep messages short and do not use abbreviations - Indiana has Text-to-911, but not all states do

To qualify for limited immunity, a person must have: - Requested emergency medical assistance for someone else, or acted in concert with a person who made a request - Been the victim of a covered sex offense (includes most common sex offenses) - Witnessed and reported what the person reasonably believed to be a crime

To receive limited immunity, a person described above must: - Provide their full name - Provide any other relevant information requested by law enforcement - Remain at the scene with the person who needs help until help arrives - Cooperate with emergency personnel and law enforcement at the scene

The Lifeline Law provides limited immunity from arrest and prosecution for the following alcohol-related crimes: - Public intoxication - Illegal possession (including possession, consumption and transportation of alcohol)

- If they’re the victim of a reported sex offense, they’re immune from arrest and prosecution for the alcohol related offenses listed above. - If not, they can be arrested and prosecuted for alcohol-related offenses. If it’s their first offense they can ask to be placed under court supervision, with the chance to earn dismissal of the charges.

The law doesn’t provide immunity from prosecution for charges related to controlled substances (illegal drugs), only alcohol. However, having sought help for someone else for a medical emergency related to their use of alcohol or a controlled substance is a mitigating circumstance that courts can consider when sentencing a person convicted of crime.

Alcohol is identified as an anti-depressant that lowers the dopamine levels as the alcohol levels decrease causing the symptoms to worsen. Anxiety and depression and substance and alcohol use disorder are oftentimes linked because the mental condition increase risk of physical and psychological dependency leading to imbalance of the neurological pathways of the brain. The complex combination of mental health and substance use disorders require a dual diagnosis treatment plan to address both conditions for a more effective recovery. Know when it is time to get help, before turning to alcohol.