When you or a loved one struggle with drug or alcohol misuse and are in need of addiction treatment, it may feel like there is nowhere to turn and that you are on a downward spiral. But, the truth is: There are many facilities around the city of Chicago that specialize in substance abuse and that are ready to help you on your road to recovery. Finding the right rehabilitation center and mental health treatment is an important part of the journey, and there are many different types of treatment centers from which to choose.
With so many different options for drug and alcohol addiction treatment along with varying programs within each one’s doors, choosing the right substance abuse treatment center is a critical decision. But how do you know if you have found the “right” one? There are many factors to consider in your search for the right treatment facility and having an understanding of those factors can help make your search much easier.
Where Do I Start?
The first place to start is with research. Get out your computer; talk to your friends; call drug and alcohol rehab centers. Gather as much information as you can so you can make an informed decision. You may need to consult with a treatment specialist so you also understand what your needs are and what various addiction treatment services are available. For example, do you need outpatient therapy (meaning you go home each night), or do you need residential treatment where you temporarily live in the facility? An expert can help you to determine what addiction treatment programs you need. Additionally, whether you need inpatient or outpatient treatment will depend on the severity of your addiction and your history of substance abuse.
Throughout this initial step of the process, it is important to contact different facilities so that you can ask each Chicago drug rehabilitation center specific questions. Most rehabilitation treatment centers will be happy to help you and even provide you with an evaluation. After that initial evaluation, the center can then make an appropriate recommendation that is catered to your specific needs. They will look at your addiction recovery plan and any co-occurring disorders, and they will consider necessary medication management, as well. Next, the professionals at the drug or alcohol rehab center will then make recommendations about the programs that they think will treat your specific needs.
What Services are Available at a Rehab Center in Chicago?
When researching various rehab centers in Chicago IL, you want to make sure that the facility offers specific services and programs that can meet your needs. Also remember that rehab centers offer different treatments that may vary based on patient health, type of substance use, mental health, etc. Typically, drug and alcohol treatment programs in Chicago include some or all of the following services:
- Drug detox programs
- Partial hospitalization treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Residential treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Group and family counseling
- Holistic therapies such as acupuncture and meditation
- Mental health services and counseling
In addition to the above services, you also want to ask if the facility offers ongoing support. This is important because it ensures that you can still get support even once your treatment period ends. Many people think that once their time at a rehab center ends that their recovery journey is over. In reality, this is the time that is really just the beginning. In order to stay on a healthy path, a continuum of care is often recommended and necessary.
Does the Rehab Center Have a Detox Program?
Some facilities have detox programs onsite; some facilities have medically-assisted detox programs where you detox from home; some facilities will not take you until you have completed an outside detox program. Because of these various possibilities, you want to look for a place that can meet your needs and understand what you are getting. You may need a treatment program that can manage your withdrawal symptoms 24/7 or you may simply need a care team that can monitor your detox from afar. Your recovery process is unique, and many of those decisions depend on your individual needs. Find out if you need to detox in the first place. Some addictions are mild and do not require a formal detox period.
Next, if a detox program is needed, find out if the facility has detox programs on-site or not. Familiarize yourself with the detox process, including how long you should expect detox to take. The average detox period for outpatient programs is seven days. Depending on the program and the facility, the amount of medical support you will receive will vary, as well. Get all of this information upfront during your research phase so you know what to expect, where to go, and if the treatment center is the right fit for you.
What is the Expected Length of Stay at a Chicago Rehab Center?
Depending on the type of program and the severity of your addiction, the amount of time you spend at a Chicago rehab center can vary. Inpatient programs will be much shorter (on average about 30 days), but they require higher upfront costs and a larger, more consuming time commitment. Outpatient programs at Chicago rehab centers can last for several months, with about six months being the average. They are usually less expensive than residential programs and enable you to still maintain many of your day-to-day responsibilities. You can do your treatment, and you can also have the opportunity to possibly still work, care for family members, etc.
What Will I Find at CRC Rehab Center in Chicago?
At CRC Institute, you will receive an evidence-based, customized program based on your individual needs. CRC’s team of qualified experts offers unique programming, including gender-specific programs and both modern and traditional therapies for young adults and adults. Some of the therapies available range from individual therapy to acupuncture. These treatments are meant to help clients by focusing on healing, connection, optimization, and inclusion.
CRC is an integrated center for healing that focuses on one’s overall health, well-being, and long-term recovery. From detox to meditation to family therapy, CRC often takes a holistic approach as they consider the many treatment options to assist clients on their recovery journey. The focus is on your needs and where you are currently in the process. If your research on rehab centers in the Chicago area leads you to CRC Institute, call and set up your customized evaluation today.
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, is the medical director at CRC Institute, where she is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at the Institute. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
