Chicago is Illinois’ third most populated city in the United States and is well-known for its agriculture and skyscrapers. Chicago is where skyscrapers originated, and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) is a 110-level building and is the tallest structure in the city. From tall buildings to deep-dish pizza, the famous city is loved for many reasons. However, substance abuse and addiction are not one of them. Chicago has an extensive network of highways, and this means that many drug dealers will use this as a convenient way to transport illegal drugs rapidly. The Eisenhower Expressway is the most notable area for distribution, and it has earned the name “Heroin Highway.”
How Many People Are Affected by Heroin?
The Heroin Highway affects many communities, especially those just off the Eisenhower Expressway. The homes and businesses near the highway have suffered from the presence of illicit drugs in their communities due to an increase in violent crimes like gang-related gun violence. Gang members will obtain illicit substances from the Mexican drug cartels and sell them just off the Heroin Highway to people already struggling with addiction.
Among people in Chicago aged 12 or older in 2020, 0.3% (or about 902,000 people) reported using heroin. In 2017 in Chicago, 796 people died from an opioid-related overdose, and the numbers have only continued to rise along with the crime rate.1 The Expressway has installed many cameras and license plate readers along the Heroin Highway to identify vehicles transporting drugs. Unfortunately, the areas surrounding the highway continue to face major challenges and continue to struggle with addiction.
Heroin Addiction Symptoms
Tolerance is a main physical symptom of heroin and other drug abuse. When heroin use stops or is significantly reduced, the individual will go into withdrawal. Opiate withdrawal can present severe symptoms, such as drug cravings, depression, muscle spasms, and nausea.
A person who abuses heroin will experience psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms. Some heroin addiction symptoms include:
- Itching
- Confusion
- Social withdrawal
- Stealing Items of ranging value
- Becoming irritable or aggressive when confronted about the abuse
Substance Abuse Rehab in Chicago
After you realize you have a substance abuse problem, receive professional help from doctors, nurses, and licensed therapists who can design a treatment plan that best suits your needs and will help you achieve your recovery goals. At our Chicago drug rehab, we understand how difficult recovering from an addiction can be. Whether it is alcohol addiction or opioid addiction treatment that is needed, acceptance is the first step to recovery. Our addiction treatment team is ready to help you safely get through withdrawals through medically monitored detox and therapy.
If you or a loved one are showing signs of substance abuse and addiction, please contact us today for more information on getting started. Our Banyan team is happy to help you and provide excellent services and unique programs like music and art therapy treatment to ensure recovery.
Contact Banyan Chicago today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our treatment plans and unique therapeutic methods!
Source:
1. Chicago Opioid Surveillance - Annual Opioid Surveillance Report
Related Reading:
The Effects of Snorting Heroin
The Different Types of Heroin
