1) Decrease in Price, Increase in Accessibility

In the last four years, heroin has become cheaper and more potent in Chicago. It can be as cheap as $10, making it easier to obtain. It is also no longer required that the user inject it, making people believe it can be used as a recreational drug.

2) Decrease in Access to Rehabilitation

Recently, funding for rehabilitation centers in Chicago have been slashed, leading to dozens to close. Many cannot receive help, and subsequently continue down the path of addiction.

3)  Change in in the Formulation of Oxycontin

The manufacturer of Oxycontin, a form of Oxycodone, came out with a new, abuse-proof formulation, which is next to impossible to inject. Since then, many people that abuse Oxycontin have turned to heroin to satisfy their addiction.