Heroin addiction and use continues to climb in Illinois and experts say that it cuts across all economic and social barriers. Now a group comprised of doctors, law enforcement and recovering heroin addicts is asking for a law curb addition to prescription pain pills. Pending legislation in the Illinois House would require crush proof pills to be covered by insurance plans in Illinois. Dr. Michael Rock says that when pills produced with O.A.D.P.s, a formulation that prevents pills easily being crushed, are given to patients they can stop many addicts from using the pills to get high.

Cinda Edwards, Sangamon County Coroner says in there is a clear need to mitigate heroin and opioid overdose deaths. Edwards says those abuse deterrent properties helps to stand in the way of potential deaths.

Dr. Michael Rock says adding deterrents to the pills can impact the cycle of abuse and addiction.