While Illinois isn’t one of the top states in the country for drug abuse overdose deaths, the numbers are still startling: According to a recent study, a total of 2,278 Illinois residents succumbed to drugs in 2016 alone. If you live in Illinois and find yourself abusing drugs or alcohol, seeking an Illinois drug rehab facility for your addiction can help. In rehab, you’ll learn the skills and behaviors you need to stay clean long term. First, take the time to learn a little more about Illinois rehab to see if it’s right for you.
More About Illinois
While the state of Illinois has a population of about 12,800,000, much of that number comes from people living in the state’s biggest city — Chicago. Other populous cities to note include Aurora, Rockford, and Joliet, but none are anywhere close to the size of Chicago. In this main hub, you can munch on delicious deep-dish pizza, take selfies at The Bean, or even stroll along the windy Navy Pier.
Illinois was also the residence of three separate presidents — Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama — making it a good place to explore American history. For those not interested in history, Illinois provides both stunning views and myriad attractions thanks to its proximity to Lake Michigan (as well as the other numerous lakes in the area).
Illinois Substance Abuse Statistics
While there are a lot of good things in Illinois, there are also some bad. Opioid addiction is a particularly rampant issue, with 80 percent (1,826) of the state’s 2016 drug overdose deaths involving opioids in some manner. That number is a 70 percent increase since 2013. Unsurprisingly, Cook County (Chicago) accounted for almost 50 percent of all opioid overdose deaths in 2016
The problem isn’t limited to adults, either. According to 2015 statistics from the Office of Adolescent Health, 5 percent of all high school students reported using cocaine at some point in their lives, 4 percent reported using pain relievers in a nonmedical way, and 7 percent reported using inhalants. And from 2013 to 2014, 3 percent of children ages 12 to 17 reported needing treatment for their substance abuse, but not receiving any.
Illinois Substance Abuse Resources
You don’t have to fight your drug addiction alone. There are plenty of Illinois substance abuse resources out there to help you find treatment, provide reliable medical information, and assist you with financing rehab. Some of these resources include:
- Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances, which is a resource for both those using drugs and their loved ones that help them find affordable and reliable substance abuse treatment. The service is free, and you can dial 833-2FINDHELP to get started.
- The Illinois Department of Human Services, which provides a number of services for those suffering from addiction, including rehab listings, medical insurance, and more.
Whether you’re from out of state or you’ve lived there all your life, Illinois is a great place to finally break your habit of drug addiction. As long as you use the tools and resources at your disposal, you can get on the path to a clean life before you know it.
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