Addiction Treatment in Illinois: A Resource Guide

Illinois is a midwestern state that borders Indiana in the east and the Mississippi River in the west. Illinois is also coined as “the Prairie State,” because of its farmland, forests, rolling hills and wetlands. It’s also home to Chicago; one of the most iconic cities in the US. From deep-dish pizza to the Chicago Cubs, you’ll soon understand why Chicago pride is so strong. If you’re looking for drug and alcohol treatment resources in Illinois, then Ken Seeley Rehab may be just what you need.

The Heart of Illinois is Struggling: The Statistics Behind Drug Use in Chicago

The drug epidemic that’s sweeping our nation is affecting thousands of communities nationwide. Chicago, Illinois is no exception. Illinois had a rate of 17.2 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 people in 2017, whilst the national rate was only at 14.6 deaths per 100,000 people. These statistics reveal that Illinois is struggling with opioids more than other states. These numbers are especially relevant when we take a look at the city of Chicago. Research has shown that there was a 270% increase in opioid analgesics overdose in Chicago from 2015 to 2016. 

These numbers make one thing particularly clear: we must help our communities. There are many drug and alcohol treatment resources, such as opioid treatment, that can make the difference between life and death. Keep reading to learn more about how treatment can make all the difference in a drug- or alcohol-dependent individual’s life.

 

Beginning Treatment at Ken Seeley: What are the First Steps?

The beginning of treatment starts with an evaluation of each patient. The goal of an evaluation is to gather as much information as possible to develop an effective and personalized treatment plan. We’ll gather information about your past and present substance use, mental health, and other details about your health history. 

The next step allows your body to begin the core components with more of a clean slate. This step is known as the process of detoxification. Detox helps rid harmful toxins accumulated through substance use in the body. As you go through detoxification, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms. 

Withdrawal symptoms are a result of your body learning to function without the substance. These symptoms can become painful and discomforting which is why medical supervision is crucial during this process. Although the exact symptoms will be dependent upon many different factors, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Depression
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Hallucinations

Remember, these symptoms are temporary. The long-term reward of recovery will last a lifetime. Through evidence-based therapy, support groups, and holistic care, you’ll begin to take control of your life again.

Medication for Withdrawal Symptoms

Medication may be prescribed during the detox process to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can often become severe and dangerous, which calls for the use of medication. It’s important to note that the use of medication for withdrawal symptoms is not taken lightly. Our medical team will monitor the individual’s use of medication and their accompanying symptoms throughout the entire process. The use of medication is also combined with intensive evidence-based therapy and holistic care to help move the process along.

The Importance of Setting Goals for Addiction Recovery

The importance of setting goals shouldn’t be underestimated. Setting goals allows you to take a step back and truly ask: What do I want? You can set personal goals, career goals, as well as relationship goals. Goals will help you create the life you deserve, rather than just move along with no plan. Holding yourself accountable is key to achieving these goals and finding fulfillment again. Our licensed addiction counselors will help you create these goals and a plan to achieve them.

Helpful questions, to begin with, may include:

• What can I do to help others and contribute to the world around me positively? 
• What interests and hobbies bring me joy? How can I make time for these activities during and after treatment?
• Who am I looking forward to connecting with when I’m staying sober?
• Am I excited about my career? If not, what can I do to change and improve my situation?

 

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Illinois

Residential/Inpatient Treatment Programs

Residential treatment is the highest level of care offered at a recovery center. You’ll receive 24/7 medical support and care in a sober and supportive environment. Each treatment plan will include a tailored daily routine with a wide spectrum of drug and alcohol treatment services. Treatment services individual therapy, group therapy, medical care, full use of amenities, and peer-to-peer support. Inpatient treatment generally lasts anywhere from 28 to 90 days. 

Partial Hospitalization Programs

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a step down from residential treatment. Members of a PHP will travel to our facility three to five days a week for several hours each day. Treatment will incorporate a variety of evidence-based therapies and methods that are also used in higher levels of care. PHPs are especially beneficial for those with obligations outside of rehabilitation such as taking care of a child or attending work.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient treatment in Illinois offers the most flexibility for recovering individuals. While still receiving high-quality care, the patient can return home after treatment. There are different programs in outpatient treatment, like intensive outpatient programs and standard outpatient programs. These differ in the amount of commitment and time the recovering individual must dedicate. 

 

Dual Diagnosis and Treating Co-Occurring Conditions

Dual diagnosis treatment is necessary for people struggling with co-occurring conditions. Co-occurring conditions are when an individual has both an addiction and mental health disorder. Addiction impacts the mind and overall mental well-being of the person. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment will incorporate a variety of evidence-based therapies to address the mental health disorders present, as well as addiction.

At Ken Seeley Rehab, we treat mental health disorders such as:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Attention-deficit disorder/attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Eating disorders

Staging an Intervention for a Loved One in Illinois: What You Need To Know

What’s an Intervention?

An intervention is a carefully planned process that’s done by the loved ones of an addict and directed by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor or intervention professional (interventionist). During an intervention, the family and friends of an addicted individual, and the individual, come together to confront the addiction at hand. 

The Goal of an Intervention

An intervention can act as a wake-up call for the addict. Intervention can be the beginning of the treatment process. The goal is for the drug or alcohol dependent individual to agree upon treatment after the intervention is over. After the addict has shown that they are open to changing their behavior, family and friends can then tell them about the treatment plan.

Researching treatment centers and plans ahead of time is crucial. You can then choose a recovery center that can provide you with a professional interventionist and more details regarding an overall treatment plan. 

It’s important to keep in mind the three key parts of an intervention when planning one out:

1. To provide specific examples of destructive behaviors and their effects 
2. To provide a prearranged treatment plan with clear steps, goals, and guidelines
3. To clearly explain what each person will do if your loved one refuses to partake in treatment

Helpful Tips for a Successful Intervention

You can use these tips as a form of preparation for the intervention. We encourage you to give us a call for more advice, as well as access to a professional interventionist. 

Holding Rehearsals

During an intervention, it can be easy to get carried away in the emotional intensity of what’s going on. You may forget what you want to say or feel overwhelmed and respond in a way you’re not proud of. Holding rehearsals helps make this less likely. We encourage you to practice the intervention with your loved ones as much as you need until everyone feels confident. Rehearsals can also help loved ones roleplay and prepare for potential emotions or angry words from the individual with addiction.

Finding the Right Time to Talk

It’s crucial to talk to your loved one when they’re sober—or as close to sober as possible. Drugs reduce an individual’s ability to think clearly, react calmly and truly understand the situation at hand. Choosing a sober moment also helps protect everyone’s safety. We recommend holding an intervention in the morning. Morning interventions may help you and your loved ones more effectively communicate without the haze of drugs being present in the individual with an addiction. Holding an intervention following a major drug-related incident may also work well.

Choose Who Participates Wisely 

An intervention is a conversation that aims to help the addicted individual at hand. The people who participate must truly care and be concerned about their loved one’s well-being. Individuals with a meaningful relationship to the addicted person should be present. Those who don’t have a strong relationship with the addicted person should stay away from the intervention. Remember, this intervention is a motivating talk with the goal of the addicted person agreeing to treatment.

 

Aftercare Planning

Aftercare planning is a core strategy in preventing relapse. In aftercare planning, we’ll create a tailored plan for the patient that’ll help them safely and confidently transition out of treatment. Long-term sobriety is the goal and aftercare planning helps a recovering individual get there. 

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes are homes at the recovery center that are governed by certain rules. These homes are located in a sober community, free of any harmful triggers. Sober living home guidelines include no substance use, mandatory house meetings, regular drug screenings, and participation in household chores. 

Support Groups and Recovery Meetings

Support groups provide a safe space for recovering individuals to share their thoughts and feelings. You’ll be able to give and get support with like-minded peers all going through similar challenges. Support groups are an integral part of the addiction recovery process. These can take place at the facility, as well as other locations. Specific recovery meetings include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous Meetings.

Case Management

Case management is when the patient in treatment is assigned a case manager. A case manager acts as a counselor and mentor throughout the addiction recovery journey. Throughout treatment, you may find yourself needing answers to certain questions. These questions can be about anything from the treatment program to finding meaning in your life without substance use. Case managers will help you navigate all the ins and outs of treatment.

 

We Can Help You Regain Control of Your Life 

At Ken Seeley Rehab, our goal is to lead you towards a life of long-term sobriety and fulfillment. Although addiction can seem like an overwhelming obstacle to tackle, we’re here to show you that you have the potential to conquer it. With the highest quality of treatment resources and a supportive community, you can make the necessary changes in your life to overcome addiction. 

We encourage you to take that first step in regaining control of your life by giving us a call today. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here for you every step of the way!

References:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/illinois-opioid-summary

 

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/010219oppsopioid-semiannual-report.pdf