THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF FOCUS ON OPIOID ABUSE IN RECENT YEARS…BUT A NEW REPORT FROM THE STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION AUTHORITY SHOWS THAT METHAMPHETAMINE IS STILL A BIG CONCERN IN ILLINOIS.

THE REPORT FOUND THAT METHAMPHETAMINE-RELATED ARRESTS INCREASED BY 289 PERCENT FROM 2010 TO 2017, WITH ARREST RATES HIGHER IN SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS. RESEARCHER LAUREN WEISNER SAYS THERE MAY BE A NUMBER OF REASONS MORE PEOPLE ARE USING METH.

WEISNER SAYS THEY ALSO FOUND THAT LESS PEOPLE ARE MAKING THEIR OWN, SINCE IT’S HARDER NOW TO GET THE INGREDIENTS. SHE SAYS MUCH OF THE METH COMING TO ILLINOIS IS FROM MEXICO.

DATA SHOWS MOST OF THE PEOPLE ARRESTED WERE WHITE MALES UNDER THE AGE OF 39.