The Opioid Crisis In Illinois : The opioid crisis has become a nationwide epidemic, and Illinois is no exception. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), from 2017-2018, there was an 18% increase in deaths due to opioids in Illinois. The same source reports that there were 6,082 opioid-related fatalities between 2013 and 2018 in the state. In 2020 alone, approximately 2,944 people in Illinois died from overdosing on opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl.
In response to this rising number of lives lost due to opioid abuse, the state of Illinois has implemented several measures designed to reduce opioid use and combat addiction. These include increased access to overdose reversal drugs like Naloxone, expanding medication-assisted treatments like methadone and suboxone, and increasing funding for treatment, prevention, and public health programs.
Opioid Addiction in Women
Women are particularly vulnerable to opioid addiction and opioid-related overdose death. This is due in part to the fact that women often receive opioid prescriptions for longer durations than men. This is because women are likely to experience pain, especially chronic pain. This makes them more likely to develop opioid dependence and opioid use disorder.
In 2016, 19.1 percent of Americans received an opioid prescription. This included 21.8 percent of women and 16.4 percent of men. Interestingly, reproductive-age women who receive Medicaid may also be more likely to be prescribed opioids. Data sets from between 2008 and 2012, show 25 percent of women aged 15-44, holding private insurance were prescribed opioids whereas one-third of female Medicaid beneficiaries were prescribed opioids.
Signs of Opioid Addiction:
- Increased tolerance and need for higher doses of opioids
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Uncontrollable cravings for opioid drugs
- Taking greater risks to obtain opioids, such as forging a prescription or stealing medications from others
- Seeking out multiple doctors for opioid prescriptions
- Changes in relationships with friends, family, and colleagues due to drug abuse
- Mood swings or irritability when not using opioids
Opioid addiction can affect women specifically in different ways than men, including an increased risk of overdose due to higher opioid tolerance which is caused by lower body weight resulting in elevated opioid concentrations in the blood. Women are also more likely than men to have co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that can be worsened by opioid use.
Finally, pregnant women who use opioids may put their unborn child at risk and face difficult decisions as they attempt to manage their opioid cravings without harming their baby.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms from opioids typically have both physical and psychological aspects. Common physical indicators include aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, difficulty sleeping, sweating and chills, flu-like symptoms, cramping, or diarrhea. Psychological signs can include anxiety or depression, irritability or mood swings as well as feelings of restlessness.
If you suspect someone is experiencing withdrawal symptoms from opioids, it is important that they seek medical attention.
Finding Help for Opioid Addiction
The opioid crisis in Illinois is serious, and opioid addiction is a complex disorder with both physical and psychological components. However, help is available for those who need it. The state of Illinois provides resources to assist individuals struggling with opioid abuse or addiction.
There are many services offering support for opioid abuse such as counseling and treatment options, access to naloxone, opioid prevention education programs, and support groups. Additionally, there are also resources that provide guidance on how to safely dispose of unused medications or how to obtain emergency assistance if needed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction in Illinois, seek professional help right away.
Related Infographics :
Related Videos about The Opioid Crisis In Illinois :