Health Agencies and Drug Rehab Centers in Illinois Attend Event to Tackle Opioid Addiction
An event was recently held at the Gateway Center in Collinsville to address the nation’s opioid epidemic. The conference, called Come Together for Change, was attended by several local agencies intent on tackling the opioid addiction crisis, including drug rehab centers in Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois, and the Partnership for Drug Free Communities. The purpose of the event was to discuss and devise complex solutions that can help improve the state’s opioid epidemic.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to opioids, understand that it’s never too late to get help. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 for more information about local rehab centers that can help you or your loved one overcome opioid addiction.
Collinsville Opioid Conference Highlights
The conference was held to address and consider solutions to the state’s opioid epidemic.
Steve Nonn, Madison County Coroner, said the region has experienced a total of 43 opioid overdose deaths so far this year, 21 of which were caused by heroin. Madison County State Attorney Tom Gibbons added that 80% of heroin addicts admit to have started their addictions by abusing opioid painkillers.
Attendees watched a film called Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict, and listened to a speech by keynote speaker Dr. Bob. Twillman from the Academy of Integrative Pain Management.
Some agencies said they have spoken to local middle schools and high schools about the opioid epidemic in an effort to lower overdose rates. Additionally, health agencies that support alternative therapies have been trying to prevent doctors from prescribing opioid painkillers for pain management in the first place.
A handful of agencies mentioned their success in receiving grants to purchase naloxone — an opioid overdose antidote that helps revive victims who have overdosed.
Don Boyce, U.S. Attorney for Southern Illinois, said the three main components that should be used to tackle opioid addiction are prevention, enforcement, and rehab treatment. Given spokespersons from all agencies were present at the event, Boyce said he hopes everyone will cooperate and continue working toward the same goal of improving Illinois’ opioid epidemic.
Benefits of Rehab Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Rehab centers that specialize in treating opioid addiction can help struggling addicts overcome physical dependence and become healthier. Fewer opioid addicts roaming the streets of Illinois could result in less crime, less access to drugs, and improved public safety throughout Illinois communities. The state could even save millions of tax dollars that would otherwise be used to hospitalize addicts and incarcerate drug offenders.
Many opioid addicts avoid seeking addiction treatment under the impression rehab is too costly, while others avoid rehab for fear of experiencing pain, discomfort, and severe withdrawal symptoms after quitting.
However, many rehab centers offer affordable treatments, and often combine medication therapy with counseling so recovering addicts can experience fewer drug cravings and less severe withdrawal symptoms. Patients who choose drug rehab also receive ongoing education about addiction, how to avoid relapse, and how to re-enter the world following treatment.
If you are currently struggling with opioid addiction and live in Illinois, don’t hesitate to get help right now. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 for more information about drug rehab centers in Illinois that can help you overcome opioid addiction for good.
Featured Treatment Center
