Chicago and Rehab Centers in Illinois Battle Rising Heroin Addiction and Crime Rates
Treatment admissions for heroin addiction in the Chicago metropolitan area are more than double the national average, according to research conducted by the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy at Roosevelt University. Though the entire U.S. is facing an opioid addiction crisis, Chicago ranks at the top of the list for emergency room visits associated with heroin use. In an effort to address Chicago’s heroin problem, city officials and rehab centers in Illinois are working toward making opioid addiction treatment more available for residents.
If you’re struggling with heroin addiction, understand that you’re not alone in your fight against addiction. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about local rehab centers in Illinois that can help you become clean and healthier through opioid addiction treatment.
Chicago’s Rising Heroin Epidemic
The heroin epidemic is partly to blame for the rising homicide rate in Chicago.
A total of 2,113 people died from heroin overdoses in Illinois between 2013 and 2015, most of which occurred in Chicago and neighboring counties, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Spokesperson Melaney Arnold says heroin overdose deaths are continuing to rise, and that it’s highly possible local heroin deaths are being under-reported.
In previous years, Arnold says overdose reports ruled the cause of death simply as “overdose” or “opiate intoxication,” rather than being more specific about which opioid caused the overdose. This made it difficult for officials to address the city’s addiction problem, given it wasn’t clear whether people died from overdoses caused by heroin or prescription painkillers. Now, reports are accurately reflecting the city and nation’s opioid epidemic, finding heroin as the leading cause of overdose deaths.
In the midst of its heroin addiction crisis, Chicago is also facing rising crime rates, as homicides have topped over 500 so far this year. Many believe that the heroin epidemic is partly to blame, as addicts are involved in a large percentage of the city’s violent crimes.
Addressing Chicago’s Heroin Addiction Crisis
Increasing access to addiction rehab centers can help Chicago and Illinois combat the nation’s rising heroin epidemic. Heroin rehab centers can keep struggling addicts off streets, and lower crime rates associated with drug use. Addiction treatment can also help save the state millions that would otherwise be spent on hospitalization and incarceration costs for addicts and drug offenders.
Treatment for heroin addiction often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle changes. The first stage of treatment is detoxification, during which patients overcome heroin dependence by going through withdrawal. Most rehab centers throughout Illinois offer patients medications that help ease discomfort as the body detoxes from heroin use.
Following heroin detox, patients participate in counseling and therapy sessions that address underlying behaviors that led to heroin use and addiction in the first place. Recovering heroin addicts who suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder can also benefit from therapy sessions that address these mental health conditions.
If you are struggling with heroin addiction and aren’t sure where or how to get help, call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380. Our caring treatment specialists will help you find heroin rehab centers in Illinois that can guide you along the path to improved health, happiness, and lifelong sobriety.
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