IL Church Holds Vigil for Those Lost to Drug Addiction

In Illinois, the rate of heroin addiction is on the rise. Some theorize that it’s because the new laws meant to limit the abuse of prescription drugs have caused prescription painkiller addicts to turn to other sources – namely, heroin – for a similar high. Unfortunately, both the narcotic painkillers and heroin are equally deadly. In fact, the opiate addiction epidemic is sweeping Illinois, creating unprecedented numbers of overdose victims and patients in need of treatment.

In order to fight the rise of addiction in the state, one church is holding a vigil. With the hope of increasing awareness and getting out the message that hope exists, the church intends to light candles and pray for the recovery of those already living with addiction as well as the prevention of further cases of drug abuse in the area.

Preventing New Cases of Drug Addiction

Some organizations are working along similar lines to increase the awareness of rampant drug addiction and hoping that the awareness serves its preventative purpose. If people have a better understanding of just how dangerous it is to experiment with the nonmedical abuse of prescription drugs or to try to replace those medications with heroin, they may be less likely to try those substances in the first place. A candlelight vigil can call attention to educational workshops and other measures put in place to educate the community.

Treating Current Cases of Addiction

A candlelight vigil could also be effective to draw a spotlight toward the addiction treatment options available. Though it is important to stop abusing heroin and other opiate drugs as early as possible, it is never advised to attempt to do so alone. Treatment that offers a medicated detox as well as a complete array of therapeutic options is the only evidence-based treatment for extended recovery for opiate addiction.

Attempting to stop abusing heroin or prescription painkillers at home can be very dangerous. A number of overdoses happen when patients are unable to withstand the severity of the withdrawal symptoms without relapse. Additionally, in some cases, medical complications can arise causing serious issues that require immediate medical treatment; without medical supervision, these complications can be deadly if no one is there to call 911.

If you are struggling with opiate addiction and ready to find a rehab that can give you the treatment you need to heal, contact us today at the phone number listed above.