To discuss the opioid epidemic, overdose prevention drugs, and more, The 21st was joined by a panel of healthcare and addiction treatment workers.

Since February, patients in Illinois have been able to swap their opioid prescriptions for marijuana. And many are doing just that.

As suicide and opioid death numbers climb, researchers investigate how strong a connection exists.

Getting off drugs is a challenge, and what comes after detox can be just as difficult. With the state’s growing opioid epidemic, many areas don’t have enough long-term treatment centers to meet the demand, but community groups in some parts of Illinois are stepping in to fill the gaps.

The University of Illinois Extension will host a screening of “The Heroin Project," a documentary that takes an up-close look at how the nation’s opioid crisis is playing out in southern Illinois.