Statistical Data on Drugs in Illinois
Illinois has been significantly impacted by the opioid epidemic and rising drug overdose deaths in recent years. This report compiles statistics on drug use, overdose deaths, treatment, and related issues in Illinois, drawing from various state and federal data sources from 2013 to 2024. The statistics show concerning trends but also some signs of progress in addressing the crisis.
Drug Overdose Deaths
- Average annual overdose deaths: 2,790
- Percentage of all deaths due to overdose: 2.54%
- Death rate per 100,000 residents: 21.9 (5.80% above the national average)
Statistics for 2022
- 31 deaths per 100,000 population in 2022 (highest rate since 1999)
- 5.1% increase from 2021 to 2022
- 41% increase in overdose death rate since 2018
- 2.5x increase in overdose death rate since 2013
The sharp rise in overdose deaths, especially since 2013, indicates the severe impact of the opioid epidemic in Illinois. The state’s rate is above the national average, and the consistent increases are very concerning.
Opioid-Specific Overdose Deaths:
- 3,261 opioid overdose deaths in Illinois in 2022
- 79% of all overdose deaths involved opioids in 2022
- 8.2% increase from 2021 to 2022
- 92% of opioid deaths involved synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl) in 2022
- 65% of opioid deaths involved at least one additional substance in 2022
- Opioid deaths increased at an annual rate of 6.16% over the last 3 years
Demographics of Opioid Deaths in Illinois (2022):
|
Group |
Number |
Rate per 100,000 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 1,587 | 20.8 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 1,271 | 73.9 |
| Hispanic/Latinx | 356 | 15.9 |
| Male | 2,357 | 37.6 |
| Female | 904 | 14.1 |
| Ages 55-64 | 728 | 44.1 |
| Ages 35-44 | 710 | 42.3 |
| Ages 45-54 | 669 | 42.3 |
The data shows significant racial disparities, with non-Hispanic Black individuals dying at much higher rates. Males and adults aged 35-64 are also disproportionately impacted.
Substance Involvement in Opioid-Related Fatalities (2022):
- Cocaine was involved in 740 cases of opioid-related fatalities.
- Multiple substances were present in 697 cases.
- Psychostimulants were involved in 257 cases.
- Benzodiazepines were present in 213 cases.
- Alcohol was involved in 204 cases.
Youth Substance Use (ages 12-17):
- 8.69% reported using drugs in the past month (4.29% higher than national average)
- 84.15% of youth drug users reported using marijuana
- 14.09% reported using marijuana in the past year
- 0.42% reported using cocaine in the last year
- 0.11% reported using methamphetamines
- 2.22% reported misusing pain relievers
Marijuana is by far the most commonly used substance among Illinois youth who use drugs. Cocaine use is also prevalent but slightly below national averages.
Methamphetamine Statistics:
- Over 3,300 people arrested for meth use or sales in Illinois in 2017
- McHenry County had 165 meth arrests per 100,000 residents in 2017
- 6.5% of Illinois residents seeking drug treatment in 2017 were using methamphetamine
- Meth lab seizures increased 103% from 394 incidents in 2007 to 799 incidents in 2012
HIV/AIDS Related to Injection Drug Use:
- 10% of new HIV cases in 2016 involved injection drug use
- 16.5% of male HIV cases were attributed to injection drug use or male-to-male contact and injection drug use in 2015
- 128,153 cases of HIV/AIDS attributed to intravenous drug use
Additional Statistics:
- 54,900 cases of hepatitis C attributed to intravenous drug use
- 0.31% of hospital births are cases of neonatal Opioid Withdrawal syndrome
- Doctors write enough prescriptions for 45.2% of residents to have one
- 833 active substance abuse clinics in Illinois
- 50,948 patients serviced annually by Illinois drug rehab clinics
- 3,517 patients enrolled in residential (non-hospital) drug rehab services
- 395 patients in Illinois hospitals for drug rehab
- 4 facilities in Illinois offer free drug rehab treatment for all patients
Naloxone Administration:
- 16,451 EMS events involving naloxone in 2018
- 9% increase from 2017 to 2018
- 125% increase from 2013 to 2018
- Over 70,000 doses administered since 2014
- 54,000 first responders trained since 2014
The rising naloxone administrations reflect both the growing opioid crisis and expanded access to this lifesaving medication.
Substance Abuse Treatment:
- 49,065 total admissions to state-funded treatment in FY 2018
- 30.5% of admissions were for opioids as primary drug
- 84.6% of opioid admissions were for heroin
- 125% increase in outpatient methadone treatment admissions from FY 2017 to FY 2018
- Average individual total cost for residential drug rehabilitation: $56,666
The treatment data shows opioids, especially heroin, driving a large portion of treatment needs. The increase in methadone treatment is a positive sign of expanded access to medication-assisted treatment.
The drug crisis in Illinois, particularly the opioid epidemic, remains a severe public health challenge despite some positive interventions. Rising overdose death rates, especially among certain demographics, highlight the urgent need for targeted action. While increased naloxone distribution and expanded treatment access show progress, the overall trends remain concerning. High treatment costs, polysubstance use, and related health issues like HIV and hepatitis C further complicate the situation. To effectively address this crisis, Illinois must continue prioritizing evidence-based prevention, expanding treatment access, addressing racial disparities, and strengthening harm reduction efforts across the state.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Illinois
The following statistics provide an overview of alcohol use, abuse, and related issues in Illinois. The data covers various aspects including general consumption patterns, underage drinking, alcohol-related deaths, drunk driving, and comparisons to national averages. These statistics highlight the significant impact of alcohol on public health and safety in Illinois.
General Alcohol Consumption in Illinois
- 53.64% of people over 18 reported alcohol use in the last 30 days
- 23.92% of people over 18 reported binge alcohol use in the last 30 days
- 20.5% of adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month
- Median number of drinks per binge: 5.7
- 25% most active drinkers consume a median of 9.1 drinks per binge
- Binge drinking adults binge a median of 1.9 times monthly
- 25% most active drinkers binge 4.4 times per month
These statistics indicate a significant prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking among Illinois adults. The data suggests that while the majority of adults consume alcohol, a considerable portion engages in potentially risky drinking behaviors.
Alcohol Use Trends During the Pandemic
1,508 people died of 100% alcohol-attributable causes in 2021-22
- 1,096 males
- 412 females
Causes of alcohol-attributable deaths:
- Alcoholic liver disease: 865
- Alcohol dependence syndrome: 428
- Alcohol abuse: 119
- Alcoholic psychosis: 36
- Alcohol cardiomyopathy: 25
- Alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis: 19
- Degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol: 10
The pandemic period saw a surge in alcohol-related deaths in Illinois, with a significant gender disparity. Liver disease and alcohol dependence syndrome were the leading causes of these deaths.
Alcohol-Related Deaths in Illinois
|
Category |
Number/Rate |
| Annual deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use | 5,151 |
| Death rate per 100,000 people due to excess alcohol (2020) | 11 |
| Deaths per 10,000 adults | 5.17 |
| Percentage of males in alcohol-related deaths | 70.6% |
| Percentage of deaths from chronic causes | 57.4% |
| Percentage of deaths aged 35 years and older | 82.0% |
| Percentage of deaths under age 21 | 3.48% |
| Years of potential life lost annually | 134,820 |
Alcohol-related deaths in Illinois are significant, with a notable gender disparity. The majority of deaths occur in older adults and are due to chronic causes, suggesting long-term alcohol abuse issues. The death rate in Illinois (11 per 100,000) is lower than the national average (13.1 per 100,000).
Underage Drinking in Illinois
- 17.23% of people aged 12-20 reported alcohol use in the last 30 days
- 8.87% reported binge drinking in the last 30 days
- 179 alcohol-attributable deaths under 21
- 10,455 years of potential life lost under 21
Underage drinking remains a concern in Illinois, with a significant portion of underage individuals engaging in alcohol consumption and binge drinking. The loss of young lives and potential years of life underscores the severity of this issue.
Economic Impact
- Illinois taxpayers spent $9.716 billion due to excessive alcohol use in 2010
- Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $13.116 billion or $2.51 per drink in 2022 US$
The economic burden of excessive alcohol use on Illinois taxpayers is substantial, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of alcohol abuse beyond individual health impacts.
Drunk Driving Statistics
- 309 drunk driving fatalities in Illinois
- 18 fatalities under age 21
- 27,000+ people arrested for DUI in 2017
- DUI arrests by age group in 2017: age 18-34: 13,154; age 45-54: 2,487; over 55: 1,682
Drunk driving remains a significant problem in Illinois, with a considerable number of fatalities and arrests across all age groups. The data shows that younger adults (18-34) are more likely to be arrested for DUI.
In general, alcohol abuse is a significant public health issue in Illinois, characterized by high consumption rates, increasing deaths, and substantial economic costs. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach, including prevention, treatment, and stricter regulations.
Sources:
- Drug Abuse Statistics
- Statewide Semiannual Overdose Report Illinois Department of Public Health October 2023
- The Opioid Crisis in Illinois: Data and the State’s Response
- Opioid Overdose Statistics in Illinois
- ILLINOIS DRUG CONTROL UPDATE Drug Use Trends in Illinois Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Data
- How many drug overdose deaths happen every year in Illinois? | USAFacts
- Illinois 2022 State Report – Underage Drinking Prevention and Enforcement
- Alcohol Statistics in Illinois
- Excessive Alcohol Deaths Surged In IL During Pandemic, CDC Says | Across Illinois, IL Patch