In 2020, Illinois noticed an alarming spike in opioid-related overdoses and deaths. Based on the Illinois Division of Public Well being, there have been greater than 2,900 opioid-related overdose deaths throughout the state in 2020 alone. This represents a 33% improve when in comparison with 2019 figures. As well as, artificial opioid deaths have elevated by 80% since 2013.

Although opioid dependancy impacts folks from all backgrounds, analysis reveals that it disproportionately impacts communities of colour and males. From 2019 to 2020, black and Hispanic populations accounted for 5 instances the variety of hospital visits associated to opioids vs white or non-hispanic populations. Along with that, males made up 72.4% of all opioid overdose ER visits.

How Illinois Responded

The State of Illinois responded by launching a plan on September sixth, 2017 to cut back opioid abuse and save lives known as the “State Opioid Motion Plan” (or SOAP for brief). The general purpose of this plan was to cut back opioid deaths by 33% in three years. It included initiatives like increasing entry to therapy, enhancing entry to naloxone (a life-saving opioid overdose reversal agent), and dealing with healthcare suppliers and neighborhood organizations.

Sadly, as statistics have proven the disaster solely obtained worse earlier than it obtained higher. Nonetheless, since 2014 over 54,000 first responders have skilled on methods to use Naloxone, and greater than 70,000 doses have been administered. The state has additionally made progress by increasing medication-assisted therapy entry throughout counties that didn’t have prescribers. From June 2018 to June 2019, 15 counties gained no less than one prescriber.

Sadly, as 2021 knowledge started to be collected it was clear the initiatives haven’t but gone far sufficient. Based on the Illinois Division of Public Well being 2021 opioid overdose deaths had risen to three,013, which reveals a 2.3% improve from 2020. The one optimistic signal is that the speed of development has slowed from 33% from 2019 to 2020, to now 2.3% from 2020 to 2021. It is clear that the state of Illinois nonetheless has some work to do.

What You Can Do for a Liked One Scuffling with Opioid Use Dysfunction

When you assume a cherished one is battling opioid use dysfunction, step one is to search for indicators of dependancy. Indicators can embody: elevated tolerance (needing extra opioids to get the identical impact), modifications in conduct and temper, monetary difficulties associated to acquiring opioids, utilizing greater than prescribed or combining opioids with different medicine/alcohol, and experiencing withdrawal signs when unable to entry them.

Different frequent indicators of opioid abuse embody excessive fatigue, shallow respiration, confusion or disorientation, slurred speech, lack of coordination or stability issues, constricted pupils, and nausea. If you’re involved that your beloved could also be abusing opioids it’s necessary to speak about it brazenly and allow them to know that assist is accessible.

It’s also possible to buy Naloxone at a neighborhood pharmacy. The treatment is used to deal with opioid overdose and could be administered if somebody experiences an opioid-related emergency. It is out there with out a prescription.

When people are able to obtain assist for opioid dependancy, numerous therapy choices can be found. In Illinois, the Division of Human Providers (DHS) supplies companies to assist folks with substance use issues get effectively. This consists of offering monetary help for detox, and residential and outpatient therapy. There’s additionally a Substance Use Helpline that connects callers to native sources comparable to hotlines, assist teams, and way more.

When you or any person you already know wants assist for opioid dependancy or overdoses it’s necessary to hunt assist instantly — there isn’t a disgrace in asking for help! You will discover extra details about opioid dependancy on our web site or by contacting us instantly. At Northern Illinois Restoration Middle, we’re devoted to serving to the state reverse these troubling tendencies.