The opioid epidemic has been a huge problem across the country for years, with a perfect storm of overprescribing, aggressive marketing, and addiction that caused the frightening epidemic.
Opioids such as fentanyl and pain pills have been at the center of notable celebrity overdoses and even a decrease in the average life expectancy for Americans.1 While the Sackler Family’s role in the opioid epidemic is playing out in court cases, what does this all mean for Illinois?
If you or someone you love is struggling with painkiller addiction, heroin addiction, or opioid addiction, get the help you need from our team at Banyan Heartland. Call 888-280-4763 to get started.
The Opioid Epidemic in Illinois
Doctors have been aggressively writing prescriptions and scripts for painkillers in record numbers. From 2006 to 2012 alone, 1.9 billion pain pills were distributed in Illinois.2
Nationwide, the numbers are even more startling, with 76 billion pain pills distributed nationwide for that seven-year period.2 The statistics show that painkiller prescriptions are problematic throughout the state and the country as a whole, with doctors overprescribing these dangerous pills.
Luckily, the statistics are showing that the epidemic may finally be slowing down, not just in Illinois, but in the nation overall. In Illinois and across the country, there is finally evidence of an opioid epidemic slowdown, but many people are still struggling with painkiller addiction or heroin addiction. Many people with pain pill addiction turn to drugs like heroin when they cannot get their prescriptions.
The State of Illinois has devised an Opioid Action Plan to help those with existing opioid use disorder and prevent new people from struggling with painkiller addiction. The action plan’s first step is prevention, which includes limitations on opioid prescriptions and educating both doctors and patients on the dangers of opioids.3
Getting Treatment for Painkiller Addiction in Illinois
At Banyan Heartland, we offer treatment for those who are struggling with heroin, opioid, or pain pill addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to heroin or pain pills in Illinois, our team is here to help.
We offer inpatient rehab and Heartland heroin detox to help patients get and stay sober. Call 888-280-4763 to learn how we can help.
Sources:
- JAMA Network – Contribution of Opioid-Involved Poisoning to the Change in Life Expectancy in the United States, 2000-2015
- Patch – Opioid Crisis: 1.9 Billion Pain Pills Flooded Illinois In 7 Years
- Illinois Department of Health – Illinois Plan
