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The Susbtance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration lists the side effects of methodone use as difficulty breathing, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, and hallucinations. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

IL group eyes legislation linked to opioid treatment options

Legislation in Congress, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin - D-IL - could expand treatment choices for people with opioid use disorder…

Nationwide, drug-overdose deaths increased by 30% between 2019 and 2020. (Andrey/Adobe Stock)

Medical Expert: Fake Prescription Pills May Contain Fentanyl

CHICAGO - Overdose deaths in Illinois rose by more than a quarter from 2019 to 2020, and medical experts are warning that pills not prescribed by a …

A survey by young people in Illinois found that, despite peer pressure, most teens say no to alcohol. (V. Carter)

Parents Urged to Speak Up About Alcohol

TINLEY PARK, Ill. – Five months into a yearlong campaign to reduce underage drinking in Illinois, advocates say headway is being made. "Know …

Illinois has been in the nation's longest state-budget deadlock since the Great Depression, and not much headway was made over the holiday weekend. (Meagan Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Illinois' Epic Budget Battle Continues

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Finally, a budget bill has passed both houses of the Illinois Legislature, but the battle is far from over. The $36 billion …

Superutilizers are people who are frequently in and out of jails and hospitals because of mental illness or addiction. (icjia.org)

Effort Under Way to Treat "Superutilizers"

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- An effort is under way in Illinois to create a data bank of so-called "superutilizers" - individuals with mental illnesses and/…

More than 26,000 emergency-room visits a year are the result of acetaminophen overdoses. (V. Carter)

Cold and Flu Season: Double Check, Don't Double Up

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Cold and flu season is officially here, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans catch about 1 …

As heroin use continues to rise in Illinois, a private substance abuse network is opening one of the first so-called sober dorms in the Midwest. (iStockphoto)

Sober Dorms Expanding in IL as Heroin Crisis Continues

CHICAGO - A sober-living residence program for college-age adults is expanding in Illinois. The so-called sober dorm is slated to open in early July …

Experts say the root of suicide lies in untreated mental illness. Credit: hotblack/Morguefile

Preventing Suicide: One Person Can Save A Life

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – No one wants to be nosy, but it could actually save a life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

Medicaid is celebrating a golden anniversary. Credit: Alex Prolmos/Flickr<br /><br />

Medicaid: "A World of Difference" for Illinois Kids

CHICAGO – Medicaid marks its 50th anniversary this week, and a new report examines the lifelong benefits the program has provided to some of …

PHOTO: A survey from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists examines the efforts of Illinois police departments to keep drunk drivers off the roads. Photo credit: Steven Damron/Flickr.

DUI Arrest Survey Highlights Work of Illinois Police

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The work of police departments around Illinois to reduce drunk driving is highlighted in a new survey. The Alliance …

PHOTO: While acetaminophen is helpful in treating some symptoms of a cold, medical experts say it can cause liver damage if not taken appropriately. Photo credit: Michelle Tribe/Wikimedia.

Expert: "Know Your Dose" Before Treating a Cold

CHICAGO - Most adults will get one to three colds every year, and experts say there are some things to keep in mind before heading to the drug store …

PHOTO: Governor Pat Quinn recently signed legislation to expand the scope of the Young Adults Heroin Use Task Force, a year after the task force was first charged with finding solutions to the heroin epidemic in Illinois. Photo credit: Psychonaut/Wikipedia Commons.

Heroin Use Task Force Expanding Scope

JOLIET, Ill. - State leaders are digging deeper for solutions as they try to fight heroin abuse among Illinois youth. The Young Adults Heroin Use …

PHOTO: Finding safe, stable housing is among the many challenges LGBT homeless youth face in Illinois, according to a new report. The issue also was the topic of a summit in Chicago in May. Photo courtescredit: Windy City Times.

Report Shines New Light on LGBT Youth Homelessness in IL

CHICAGO – Voices are being raised about the need to break down the barriers in Illinois that keep many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender …

IMAGE: Nearly 60 deaths at concerts in the United States and Canada were documented from 2010 to 2013. Image courtesy ClickitTicket

Report: Dying at a Concert is Easier Than You Think

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The summer concert season has arrived, but amid the music and crowds, dangers are lurking that can lead to tragedy, primarily for …

PHOTO: Dozens of LGBTQ teens in Illinois will gather this weekend to discuss the current issues impacting homeless youth, and brainstorm solutions with community leaders and policy makers. Photo credit: Tracy Baim/Windy City Times.

Shining a Spotlight on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in Illinois

CHICAGO – An event this weekend in Chicago will shine a public spotlight on LGBTQ youth homelessness in Illinois. Tracy Baim, publisher of …

PHOTO:They�re often advertised as a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but there�s a lot of questions in Illinois about the safety of electronic cigarettes

Safety of Electronic Cigarettes Still Under Debate in IL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - They're often advertised as a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but there are a lot of questions in Illinois about the …

GRAPHIC: A new study finds 38 million Americans drink too much, and despite the health risks, very few are honest with their doctor about their behavior. Infographic courtesty of CDC.

Report: Alcohol Use Should Be a Doctor's-Office Discussion

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Many Illinoisans are pouring themselves a few too many on a regular basis, and despite the health risks, a new study from the CDC …

PHOTO: Leaders in the healthcare field say prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic status in Illinois, in all corners of the state. Photo credit: CDC/Amanda Mills.

Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic Continues in IL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The epidemic of prescription drug abuse continues in Illinois, with more deaths now linked to prescription pain medications than …

PHOTO: Illinoisans are encouraged to help keep roadways safe during the holiday season by always designating a sober driver.

Holiday Travel Season Can Mean Danger on Illinois Roads

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - This week begins one of the most dangerous times of the year on Illinois roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic …

PHOTO: Mothers Against Drunk Driving says high visibility law enforcement campaigns are a proven deterrent against drunk driving. The 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign runs through Labor Day Weekend. Photo credit: MADD

MADD 'Glad' About More Sobriety Checkpoints

CHICAGO - You might think an organization called "MADD" doesn't have much to be glad about, but more police on the streets through this coming …

IMAGE: Time is vital when it comes to treating stroke, as brain damage mounts with each passing minutes and there is just a small window of time where clot busting drugs can be administered. CREDIT: AHA

Think it Might Be a Stroke? FAST is best

CHICAGO – May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and one of the key points in the event of a stroke is fast action. Cardiologist Dr…

PHOTO: The rooftop garden at the Gary Comer Youth Center. Courtesy of Gary Comer Youth Center.

Home Alone After School

CHICAGO - Chicago is having a lot of problems with violent crime these days, and Illinois parents are concerned about what their children are doing …

Where are Illinois Kids on the Campaign Trail?

CHICAGO - Advocates for children in Illinois and across the country say the youngest Americans are being ignored so far in the presidential campaigns…

40 Year Old War on Drugs Called a Failure in IL

CHICAGO - The War on Drugs started 40 years ago this month and, while it has its defenders, some say the approach needs a major overhaul because they …

Take 5 to Save Lives in Illinois

CHICAGO - "Take Five to Save Lives." That's the message being delivered around the globe today for World Suicide Prevention Day. The National Council …

Environmental Health Risks: Not Just Cancer

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A recent report delivered to President Obama by a special panel appointed by President Bush warned that the risk of cancer from …

Illinois Unpaid Bills to Skyrocket; Groups Rally for Budget Fix

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - As the State of Illinois' unpaid bills are expected to exceed $5.5 billion by June, teachers are losing jobs and people who need …

Experts say a New Direction Needed for Illinois Drug Policy

Chicago – With growing disparities in drug sentences according to race, some experts say Illinois needs a new direction in drug policy…

Illinois Budget Clock is Ticking, Worry Lines Deepen

Chicago, IL – Time is running out for an Illinois budget fix. Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., has until midnight tonight to call the Senate …

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IL: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention