Drug Rehabs in Aurora, IL

Substance Abuse and Addiction in Aurora, Illinois

Aurora, Illinois, is the largest suburb of Chicago, and the second-largest city in the state. The city’s proximity to one of the nation’s largest metropolises greatly impacts the availability of many drugs, making them easier to access and less expensive. At the same time, Aurora is close enough to the rural areas of the southern part of Illinois that it also shares many of the same substance abuse patterns that dominate those areas.

Drug Enforcement in Aurora

Recent Aurora drug busts have included opioids like heroin and stimulants like cocaine.  News headlines covere instances of police seizing “41.47 grams of heroin, 35.93 grams of cocaine, 5.33 grams of marijuana, 2.10 grams of crack cocaine,” in addition to Xanax and prescription opioids. There was also a sum of $1200 of cash found on the scene. In another instance, a man faces felony charges after police allegedly found handguns, MDMA, an unlawful amount of cannabis, heroin, and cocaine. Perhaps most shockingly, a recent Aurora arrest included 400 to 900 grams of crystal meth (worth more than $1,000,000) with intent to distribute.

Heroin and Fentanyl in Aurora

Both heroin and fentanyl (an even more powerful drug) are commonly abused in Aurora. Local Aurora officials speculate the “Heroin Highway” is part of the problem. This is the stretch between Kane County and Chicago sprinkled with people struggling with heroin abuse. The numbers of individuals battling a heroin disorder has many concerned. Many of drug dealer’s in Chicago’s West Side are said to bring in drugs into Aurora. In addition to these drugs playing a role in America’s opioid crisis, much of Aurora’s criminal activities include heroin and fentanyl.

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How Prescription Opioids Relate to Heroin And Fentanyl Abuse

Someone battling post-surgery pain that is ongoing may need prescriptions like Oxycodone or Percocet. Unfortunately, these prescription opioids are highly addictive, and when someone develops a tolerance to them, they can up their dosage. Someone may begin taking Oxycodone or Morphine for their back pain but find the euphoric feelings the drug produces can enhance their low moods. They may use it in ways that the doctor has not intended, because of the way it makes them feel. Eventually, the patient’s brain and body have become so used to the presence of the drug that they no longer produce natural chemicals. If the individual then ceases taking the drug or reduces their dose, withdrawal symptoms will likely appear. This is known as dependence.

Often times, a dependency evolves into an opioid use disorder. After a dependency emerges, ex-patients may lose access to prescribed medications and look for stronger alternatives. They may not consider the source of powerful opioids and can look for dangerous substitutes on the street, which is where heroin and fentanyl come it.

Substance Abuse Withdrawal Symptoms

Individuals struggling with a substance abuse dependency go into withdrawal symptoms if they taper off use. These symptoms can be short-term or long-term depending on the frequency of drug use. Cutting down the supply of prescription opioids, a stimulant or illicit opioid by going cold turkey shocks the body. Depending on a number of factors such as what drug or drugs were abused, how severe the addiction is, how long it has lasted, and the person’s mental and physical health, individuals may experience some of the following symptoms due to substance abuse withdrawal:

To avoid the pain of stimulant or opioid withdrawal, people are often tempted to return to using the chemical they are dependent on. They return to substance use, or try to detox alone at home. However, medically-supervised detox is much safer, more comfortable, and likely to result in sobriety. Patients in medically-supervised detox have access to around the clock care and medication that protect them and alleviate symptoms.

Traveling for Rehab

There are several options for treatment that future patient have when entering a facility. Future patients have the luxury of staying locally or traveling out of state. Both have pros and cons. Staying local allows the patient entering rehab to have the support of family and friends. Traveling can create anxiety for some as they are in a new place; however, staying home offers them comfort.

Alternatively, traveling offers a new perspective as patients explore healing in a new space. Newcomers are away from distractions and bad memories they may have back home. Thus, he or she has a fresh start. Financial options vary between state and local options. Also, traveling provides a much greater range of treatment options that may not be available locally. A compassionate treatment provider can assist those seeking recovery to make the right decision for them.

Take the Next Step to Change Your Life

Substance abuse is a difficult trap that can have a powerful grip on someone’s mind and body. There’s no need to suffer alone in silence. Contact a provider today if you or a loved one struggle with the grip of a destructive chemical dependence to get the help you deserve.