Methamphetamine in Illinois

Meth Situation and Prevalence

Illinois is faced with a two-pronged methamphetamine problem. First, large quantities of methamphetamine produced by Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations are transported to the state. Second, small-scale methamphetamine laboratories have proliferated greatly in many areas of the state. Methamphetamine is the principal drug of concern in the rural areas of central and southern Illinois. (Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Factsheet, 2008)

According to 2004-2007 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 0.27% of persons aged 12 or older in Illinois reported using methamphetamine within the past year. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007)

Results of a 2007 survey of Illinois students show that approximately 3.1% of 9th graders, 3.8% of 10th graders, 3.4% of 11th graders, and 4.0% of 12th graders reported using methamphetamine at least once during their lifetimes. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth Online: Comprehensive Results, 2008)

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has created the Meth Resource Map, which provides county-level information for those concerned about methamphetamine. Contained within the Map is information on how to contact law enforcement, what to do if children are at risk, how to find a local prevention program, and how to find a local treatment provider.

Drug Endangered Children

According to the El Paso Intelligence Center’s Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System, preliminary data show that there were 15 children affected by, 0 children injured at, and 0 children killed at methamphetamine laboratories in Illinois during 2008. There were 21 children affected by (0 injured/0 killed at) methamphetamine labs in the state during 2007. (El Paso Intelligence Center, Children Affected Summary, report run on February 3, 2009)

Enforcement

According to data reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were 5 state and local arrests for the sale/manufacturing of synthetic narcotics (includes methamphetamine) and 12 state and local arrests for the possession of synthetic narcotics in Illinois during 2007. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Arrests by State, 2007)

During 2008, Federal agencies seized 8.3 kilograms of methamphetamine in Illinois. (Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Factsheet, 2008)

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, there were 324 methamphetamine lab incidents in Illinois during 2008. This includes all meth incidents, including labs, dumpsites, and/or chemical and glassware seizures. (Drug Enforcement Administration, Maps of Methamphetamine Lab Incidents)

Number of Meth Lab Incidents, Illinois, 1999-2008

Year	# of Incidents	Year	# of Incidents
1999	124	2004	1,058
2000	127	2005	931
2001	319	2006	778
2002	552	2007	359
2003	751	2008	324

During FY 2008, 45.8% of the Federally-sentenced defendants in Illinois had committed a drug offense. Approximately 12.5% of these drug cases involved methamphetamine. (U.S. Sentencing Commission, Statistical Information Packet: Fiscal Year 2008 State of Illinois)

The Illinois Methamphetamine Manufacturer Database was developed pursuant to Illinois Public Act 094-0831, which required that persons convicted under 720 ILCS 646/15 (Participation in Methamphetamine Manufacturing) be identified to law enforcement and the public. The Database presents information on offenders convicted on or after June 5, 2006 of Participation in Methamphetamine Manufacturing offenses.

Prevention

Launched in February 2008, the Illinois Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at significantly reducing first-time meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach.

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has created the MethNet Web site, which contains a wealth of information about methamphetamine, the signs of meth use and production, the steps to take if you come across a suspected laboratory, links to Web sites and organizations that focus on prevention, and links to educational brochures.

Treatment

According to data provided to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, during 2008, there were 743 admissions to treatment in Illinois in which amphetamines were the primary substance of abuse. The admissions represented 1.3% of the total drug and alcohol admissions to treatment in the state. (Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, State Treatment Data, report run on May 7, 2009)

For information about treatment programs in Illinois, please contact the Illinois Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services at 866-213-0548. You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Facility Locator service at 800-662-HELP (4357) or conduct a search for programs online using SAMHSA’s Treatment Facility Locator Web site.

If you would like to contact the substance abuse agency in your state, please see SAMHSA’s State Substance Abuse Agencies page, which contains links to and contact information for agencies within each state.

Search

Conduct a search of the MethResources database for additional information about methamphetamine in the state.