Not since the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic in the 1970s and the 1980s has the United States experienced as severe of a public health epidemic as the Opioid Crisis. For over 20 years, our nation has been crippled by an influx of synthetic toxins like heroin and carfentanil and an overload of drugs that, in an ironic twist, are legal and fully regulated by the government. As expected, many parts of the U.S. have suffered the brunt of this emergency, like West Virginia, Ohio, and New Hampshire, and the Midwest has continued to serve as a hub for drug problems in recent years. For now, let’s take a closer look at the impact of opioid problems on Illinois and see how the Land of Lincoln is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Keeping up with the National Rate
In contrast to the preceding states, Illinois has managed to keep a steady pace with the U.S. national average of opioid-related deaths, a reveal that, while not relieving, does not provide any more negativity at the very least. Overall, the rates of opioid-related overdose fatalities in the state have risen from 3.9 fatalities per 100,000 people in 1999 to 15.3 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016 (from roughly 493 to 1,947 deaths, respectively). From 2012 to 2016, the number of heroin-related fatalities rose from 269 to 1,040, nearly quadrupling. Meanwhile, Illinois recorded a dramatic increase in synthetic drugs in general, with the total rate rising from 84 to 907 fatalities. In 2015 alone, doctors in Illinois wrote 60 opioid prescriptions per 100 patients (approximately 8 million drugs), ten points below the national average of 70 drugs per 100 people.
Variables of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Ultimately, the rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Illinois have varied in regions across the state. As of 2015, Illinois reported a 42% increase in NAS rates from 2011 to 2015, resulting in an incidence of 2.5 NAS cases per 1,000 births in 2015. In the “collar counties,” five counties that border Cook County, the seat of Chicago, rates of NAS increased by 62%. Meanwhile, urban counties outside Chicago reported a 69% increase, and rural counties confirmed a staggering 212% increase. However, Chicago confirmed a 23% drop in NAS outbreaks, while suburban Cook Country reported an 8% increase.
Outbreaks of HIV and Hepatitis C
Needless to say, Illinois has still confirmed a high rate of viral outbreaks, especially with the influx of heroin and other synthetic injectables. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, 1,472 occurred in Illinois. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C recorded in 2015, Illinois confirmed a staggering 8,696 new outbreaks of the virus.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is easily one of the most terrifying substance use disorders on the planet, mostly because opioid addiction partially stems from a large number of drugs that are legally regulated by the federal government. For decades, our country has suffered beneath the weight of dangerous synthetics and legal painkillers, and millions of Americans have suffered from addiction throughout the 20 years the crisis has been brewing. However, you can make the right decision by taking a stand against your addiction and regaining your health and happiness.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of opioid withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
