The state of Illinois is in the midst of an opioid abuse epidemic. In 2013, there were 1,089 deaths from drug overdoses in Illinois. Of those deaths, 668 were caused by opioids. That number represents a 61% increase from the previous year.
The majority of those who died from opioid overdoses were between the ages of 25 and 44. However, the number of overdose deaths among people aged 55 and older has also been increasing at an alarming rate.
Also, it has been shown that men have made up the bulk of those struggling with opioid use disorder with 72.4% of emergency room visits from 2019-2020.
There are several factors that have contributed to the rise in opioid addiction and overdose rates in Illinois. One is the increased availability of prescription painkillers.
When people are prescribed painkillers for legitimate purposes, they may not be aware of the potential for addiction.