Addiction Treatment In Illinois

The state’s Department of Health recorded an alarming number of fatal overdoses recently. Opioids alone accounted for 3,261 overdose deaths in 2022, which translates to about an 8.2% increase from 2021.

Addiction treatment can reduce the devastating loss of life. It can also help put people on the track to starting fresh and regaining control. In fact, insights show that over 2,100 people in the state need some sort of addiction treatment.

Fortunately, help is available and nearby.

Illinois Recovery Center (IRC) is committed to eliminating drug and alcohol abuse by giving high-quality care to those in need.

Read on to learn more about addiction treatment in general and whether IRC’s programs are a good fit for your needs.

Important Distinction: Treatment ≠ Cure

Let’s just start by clarifying one thing: There’s no cure for addiction.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic disease of the brain, just like how diabetes is a chronic disease of the pancreas.

That said, there are interventions and therapies that can help affected people overcome their cravings and stay drug-free. And that’s what we refer to as addiction treatment.

The Need for Treatment in Addiction Recovery

Now, you may be wondering about the usefulness of professional help if addiction isn’t curable anyway. Couldn’t people just try to control cravings and quit on their own?

Possibly, but here’s why this is often not ideal:

Addiction Rewires the Brain

When neuroscientists say that addiction is a chronic disease of the mind, they’re not exaggerating.

Drugs and alcohol can actually lead to the sort of functional changes that show up on scans. Metabolism, for instance, is lower in the brain of a cocaine use disorder patient than that of a healthy person.

Reward pathways are also affected by addiction since drugs flood the brain with dopamine. As neurons adapt to this dopamine overload, they cut back on the receptors available for binding.

This only makes the brain more resistant to dopamine. Not only will normal pleasurable activities no longer elicit a response, but the drug use itself will become less rewarding, pushing the individual to use even more of the substance.

That’s quite a vicious cycle.

Treatment Can Reverse the Damage

The good news here is that the damage is reversible, at least partially. Studies show that abstinence can help the dopamine pathway recover.

Long-term sobriety is key, though. And the right treatment plan, complete with aftercare, can help you break the cycle and give your brain a chance to heal.

At-Home Treatment Can Be Risky

Quitting alcohol and/or drugs without help is possible, but not recommended for several reasons.

For one, the withdrawals that come with certain addictions (think benzos and alcohol) can be life-threatening. You’d need to get the drugs out of your system in a supervised setting so that medical professionals can manage the symptoms.

Even if the withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening, they can be incredibly uncomfortable, which only pushes people to relapse quickly.

The risk doesn’t end with the withdrawals, either. You have to keep in mind that recovery takes lots of work. Not everyone can find the guidance and support needed for long-lasting recovery outside of rehab.

Addiction Treatment Overview

Before we look at Illinois Recovery Center’s recovery services, let’s cover some basics about addiction treatment, from the main options to the expected duration.

Treatment Options

There’s no one “right” substance use disorder treatment. Different addictions, symptoms, socioeconomic factors, and individual needs all have to be considered before healthcare professionals can settle on a plan.

In many cases, the best route involves combining more than one treatment. For instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes the “whole-patient” approach, which combines both counseling and FDA-approved medications.

Clinicians review each case, discuss the recovery goals with the patient, and come up with a tailored treatment plan on a realistic schedule.

This plan can include the following treatment options:

Counseling

Counseling, in its different forms, helps people understand their disease, know their triggers, and challenge negative thought patterns that fuel their addictions.  It can also increase motivation for recovery and help patients build reliable support systems.

At Illinois Recovery Center, we offer a variety of therapeutic interventions to ensure that every patient receives care tailored to their unique needs.

Some of the available therapies are:

• Individual psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

Medications

As we’ve explained earlier, addiction rewires the brain. And, sometimes, it takes more than counseling to fix the damage. That’s when medication-assisted treatment programs come in handy.

Take opioids, for instance. In order to reverse some of the disruptions to the circuits responsible for reward and impulse control, you may need drugs called medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD):

Let’s take a close look at the common MOUDs:

	Action Target	Use
Methadone	The same areas of the brain as opioids	Withdrawal management, long-term treatment
Buprenorphine	The same areas of the brain as opioids	Withdrawal management, long-term treatment
Naltrexone	Blocks the effects of opioids	Relapse prevention
Naloxone	Blocks the effects of opioids	For opioid overdoses

Alcohol use disorder, however, can be treated with drugs like acamprosate and disulfiram.

Support Groups

Besides therapy and medication, patients may need to attend support groups.

The treatment provider may recommend 12-step groups. If not, you can always look up meetings near you. Narcotics Anonymous, for instance, has a search tool.

Treatment Process

Here’s a breakdown of the treatment journey:

• Intake Assessment: Expect the team to ask about all the factors contributing to your addiction, along with an exam of your overall physical and mental health.
• Detox: You’ll enter a detoxification period to be closely monitored by healthcare professionals throughout the withdrawal process.
• Rehab: You’ll then be directed to a program (inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization) to receive treatment.
• Aftercare: The team helps you set a plan for avoiding triggers and preventing relapses post-rehab.

Treatment Duration

The typical rehab program lasts 30–90 days. The detoxification phase alone can take 7–10 days.

That said, the specifics vary from one person to another. For instance, some people may need to continue addiction treatment medications for months or even years.

Treatment Experience

Since you might spend a month or more in rehab, you might wonder what the average day will look like.

Inpatient treatment is built with structure in mind. The schedule varies as treatment plans are personalized. However, the typical routine starts quite early. Think 7 am for a shower, breakfast, and maybe a short meditation session to kick off the day.

Next comes the actual treatment, with therapy sessions (group, individual, and family) taking place around the center. You’ll attend sessions based on your counseling schedule, which can feel like hard work.

But your day isn’t going to be all work, though.

Patients in a residential program also enjoy recreational activities. Believe it or not, research shows that exercise can play a role in addiction treatment by reducing compulsive drug intake patterns.

Depending on the amenities in your facility, you can incorporate walks, weightlifting, yoga, or basketball into your routine.

Side Note: IRC has a full-length basketball court and a fully equipped fitness center on site.

Treatment Costs

The overall cost depends on the length of stay, types of treatment included in the plan, facility type, and quality of care.

For example, inpatient programs tend to cost more than outpatient treatment services. And public facilities are often a low-cost alternative to private rehab.

The facility location is also an important factor. Illinois more or less falls in the mid-range for rehab services nationwide.

Preparing for Your First Day of Treatment

Entering rehab is a huge step, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare for your first day:

• Get Your Finances in Order. If you have insurance, ask your treatment center for a benefits verification. If not, discuss other payment plans and financial aid options.
• Ask for the Finer Details. Call the treatment center and inquire about visitation, prohibited items, and essentials to pack.
• Inform Loved Ones. Let your family and friends know you’re leaving for rehab and delegate all duties (childcare, pet care, etc). It’s also a good idea to share the visitation details with them and see if they’re willing to participate in family therapy.
• Take Time Off Work. Check if you’re eligible for unpaid, job-protected leave under FMLA.
• Tie Up Loose Ends. Consider setting up mail forwarding and canceling subscriptions you won’t need for now.
• Cover the Logistics. If you choose a far or out-of-state treatment facility, you may have to set travel arrangements. Many facilities will send someone to pick you up at the airport if you ask.
• Pack Your Bag. Use the suggested packing list provided by your treatment center for reference. ID, insurance card, comfortable clothing, loved ones’ contact info, a journal, and some toiletries are generally recommended.
• Embrace the Right Mindset. These are the first steps on a long road to recovery. Shame won’t do you any good. Instead, admit your need for help and lean into your support system.

Next Treatment Steps: What Comes After Rehab

As you’ve probably noticed, the treatment plan doesn’t end when your rehab program is over. In fact, for many people, the first three months after rehab are the hardest and the most risky.

For one, the brain is still recovering. Plus, there’s a sudden change that can leave a person quite vulnerable. The safe, supportive, and substance-free environment gets replaced by normal life with all its triggers and stressors.

To get over these risks, you need structure, accountability, and plenty of support. A tailored aftercare plan can help provide all that.

Aftercare can include:

• Moving into a sober living facility for a transitional period.
• Attending therapy sessions regularly in an outpatient setting.
• Working on building and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Attending 12-step support groups, such as alcoholics anonymous.
• Joining an alumni program.

About Illinois Recovery Center

Illinois Recovery Center, is a premier provider of drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Here’s a little bit more about us and our behavioral health services:

Our Mission and Treatment Approach

The goal driving us is giving people in the community a chance for growth and freedom from active addictions. We aim to treat substance abuse and mental health issues with the highest quality care possible.

Our treatment approach is built around evidence-based practices. But we also believe in each client’s uniqueness. That’s why our services and programs are individualized.

Treated Addictions

The professionals at IRC have experience treating a wide range of substance use disorders, including addictions to:

• Alcohol
• Prescription drugs
• Stimulants
• Benzos
• Opioids
• Meth
• Marijuana

And since mental health conditions and addictions often go hand in hand, we offer dual diagnosis treatment programs. In these programs, our clinicians address both issues simultaneously to break the cycle and help clients make meaningful changes.

Areas We Serve

Our state-of-the-art treatment facility is located in Swansea, Illinois. Our central location allows us to serve Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, Edwardsville, Fairview Heights, Collinsville, and nearby communities.

But the location isn’t the only good thing about our facility. IRC is nestled on a 12-acre lot, with a layout designed to create a campus-style treatment experience, with no shortage of serene views or amenities.

Why Choose Addiction Treatment at IRC

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s see why Illinois Recovery Center is trusted by many.

Compassionate Team of Experts

Behind our evidence-based treatment programs is a team of dedicated professionals ready to provide personalized treatment plans, compassionate care, and unwavering support.

Our team includes Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), board-certified family nurses (FNP-BCs), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).

Qualifications aside, IRC is founded by people in recovery themselves. We understand the challenges you’re facing and know the importance of creating a judgment-free zone.

Multiple Levels of Care

From detox to outpatient counseling, IRC is equipped to provide you with the structured support you need at every stage of your recovery journey.

Specialized Rehab Programs

Besides dual diagnosis programs, IRC offers gender-specific rehab programs. Get in touch to learn more about our treatment options for women who can’t comfortably recover in a mixed setting.

What Clients Have to Say About IRC’s Recovery Services

Client care is our number one concern at IRC. From the moment you enter our facility, staff members are committed to providing you with all the support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.

But you don’t have to just take our word for it. Take a look at what clients had to say after receiving addiction treatment services at our center:

• “I have learned, I have grown, and I am ready to face the world sober.”
• “IRC provided me with the tools to make recovery possible!”
• “I was terrified to be 8 hours from home and going to a state I’ve never been to and I can honestly say IRC helped feel right at home starting from detox through residential.”
• “I never imagined such a welcoming place would exist in a treatment environment. But it does!”

FAQs

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Addiction is very much treatable. Yes, the road can be long and winding. But you can still make it to the other side.

The key is to take one step at a time and accept all the help you can get.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team is here to help, whether you’re searching for more information, looking to start treatment, or just need someone to talk to.