Illinois Sees Drops in Opioid and Drug Overdose Deaths for the First Time Since 2018
Opioid Deaths in Illinois See 9.7% Decrease
According to an Illinois Department of Public Health report, Illinois recorded an 8.3% decrease in overall drug overdose deaths in 2023, exceeding a nationwide decline of 4%. Opioid overdose deaths dropped 9.7%, compared to 3% nationally. In total, 3,502 people died from an overdose in Illinois in 2023, which is 317 fewer than in 2022.
State Credits Naloxone Distribution and Substance Abuse Disorder Hotline for Decline in Deaths
The state believes increased naloxone distribution throughout the state, community outreach through harm reduction organizations and drug overdose prevention programs, the availability of fentanyl test strips, and improved access to treatment and medication-assisted recovery have contributed to the decrease in deaths. Since 2021, the state has distributed one million two-dose boxes of Narcan, a brand of naloxone that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, to community-based organizations, substance use disorder treatment centers, harm reduction organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the state.
Substance Abuse Disorder Hotline Provides Quick Access to Recovery Services
Deputy Governor Grace Hou credited part of the drop to a 24/7 hotline – (833) 234-6343 and the helplineil.org website – for helping Illinois residents find substance abuse disorder services quickly. Illinois residents can access recovery services and medications for opioid use disorders and alcohol abuse disorders through the hotline. “We’ve had thousands and thousands of individuals who have accessed the hotline and then found a pathway to get towards recovery, which is ultimately what we want folks to see,” Hou said.
Pilot Program Connects Those Charged with Drug Crimes with Recovery Services
A pilot program between the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Police that began in 2020 is also allowing state troopers to connect those charged with drug crimes with case managers to try to find a way to recovery.
State Targets Racial Disparities in Overdose Deaths
There are still racial disparities when it comes to overdose deaths in Illinois, with Black individuals more likely to die from an overdose than other racial groups. The state is targeting this disparity with the creation of task forces on the West and South sides of Chicago, community outreach programs, and remediation programs. “Even while we are very proud of the work and recognize that more needs to be done, and that we’re glad to see a decline, I think we need to continue to be diligent about providing interventions in those communities, particularly within the Black community, to see declines in even greater proportion,” Hou said.
State Targets Over-Prescribing by Doctors
The state also targets over-prescribing by doctors with the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program, which monitors prescription patterns and can flag prescription abuse.
Increases in Xylazine-Related Deaths Worry Officials
The only drug that saw a notable increase in deaths in 2023 was xylazine, a drug prescribed by veterinarians that is being used illicitly as a sedative or tranquilizer. “Xylazine is a drug that is being used illicitly as a sedative or tranquilizer, and it’s being found within other drugs, similar to how fentanyl is sometimes laced with opioids or other illegal drugs,” Hou said.
Conclusion
While the decline in opioid and drug overdose deaths is a positive trend, officials recognize that more work needs to be done to address the ongoing opioid epidemic. The state will continue to distribute naloxone, provide access to treatment and recovery services, and target racial disparities in overdose deaths.
FAQs
* What is the cause of the decline in opioid and drug overdose deaths in Illinois?
The state believes increased naloxone distribution, community outreach, and access to treatment and medication-assisted recovery contributed to the decline.
* What is the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program?
The program monitors prescription patterns and can flag prescription abuse, targeting over-prescribing by doctors.
* What is xylazine, and why is it a concern?
Xylazine is a drug prescribed by veterinarians being used illicitly as a sedative or tranquilizer, and it’s being found within other drugs, similar to how fentanyl is sometimes laced with opioids or other illegal drugs.
