The abuse of crack cocaine is very serious in the state of Illinois especially in Chicago and other urban areas as well. Cocaine is a very powerful drug that many people use to get high and sadly there are many serious risks taken when a person uses the addictive stimulant drug. Crack cocaine is a widely abused drug that is derived from cocaine and is a preferred form of cocaine among many drug users. This form of cocaine is smoked and delivers an immediate rush when abused. Illegal drugs like crack cocaine aren't tolerated in the state of Illinois and there can be a hefty price to pay if caught.

Heroin is another street drug that's abused in Illinois that very addictive. There are many risks involving the use of heroin besides addiction which include breathing problems, coma, overdose and death. According to KMOV there have been a dozen deaths since January in Madison County Illinois associated with heroin.

Heroin is abused throughout the United States and individuals that inject the drug risk HIV, hepatitis B & C and other viruses that are blood-borne. Unfortunately today there are many people who are chronically addicted to heroin and in need of intense treatment.

Meth is an extremely addictive stimulant drug that many people become addicted to very easily. Meth is such a powerful drug that it destroys not only the user mentally and physically but destroys the environment as well. Meth labs that produce methamphetamine are not only illegal but dangerous to the environment and residents nearby.

The prevention of meth abuse is taken very seriously in Illinois as well as other substance use. Illinois Meth Project is the state's prevention program that educates their citizens about the serious dangers and consequences related to the use and abuse of methamphetamine. Illinois is focused on educating young people about the risks involved with meth use making sure they receive the facts needed to make good choices and keep them well informed. When it comes to meth related arrests Illinois ranks number 4 which shows the stimulant drug is a problem in the state but also not tolerated by law officials.

Cannabis also known as marijuana is an illegal drug that's used by people in every age group. Out of all abused substances marijuana is the most common drug people use. In Illinois marijuana can be easily found. Many people illegally grow marijuana, some for their own use and others grow marijuana for illegal sale and risk legal consequences if caught in Illinois.

A Research Bulletin from November 2008 shows that SAMHSA estimates there were around 500,000 residents of Illinois using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons at that time. Prescription drugs are becoming a major problem in most states anymore and people are risking addiction and death when they do. Illinois is one of 35 states that have operational PDMP's now which is a statewide electronic database that collects designated data on substances dispensed in the state.

Many young people are experimenting with prescription drugs because they're easy to find and they're legal. They just don't realize how addictive painkillers and other prescription drugs are and the affects these medications are going to be on their health if they continuing abusing them.

Every year anywhere from 9,000 to 10,000 people who live in Illinois die from injuries that are accidental and around 40 percent of the deaths are alcohol related. Illinois Department of Human Services provides addiction education and effective treatment for those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction in their community.

Many different treatment options and programs are available throughout the State of Illinois for residents in need of help for the use of drugs, alcohol and other substance abuse. The state of Illinois continues to educate their residents focusing on preventing drug and alcohol abuse especially in their young people.