Drug & Alcohol Rehabs In Chicago, IL

Chicago Alcohol Use Statistics

In 2020, approximately 15% of adults in Illinois reported excessive alcohol drinking. Among different races, approximately 15.7% of White people reported excessive drinking, 12% of Black people, 15% of Hispanic people, and 12.7% of Asian people.¹

Those with a college degree were more likely to binge drink than those with only a high school diploma. Males were more likely to report excessive drinking than females at 18.1% vs 11.8%. Excessive drinking was also reported higher among those who were 18–44 years of age.¹

Over 3,000 deaths annually are attributed to excessive alcohol use in Illinois, with over 72% of those deaths occurring in males. Over half of alcohol-related deaths in Illinois are due to long-term alcohol abuse.¹

According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, Healthy Chicago Survey 2017:²

• A higher number of adults report alcohol use in Chicago vs. alcohol use nationally.
• Binge drinking rates were higher in men, non-Hispanic White people, and adults aged 21–29.
• Those with an income 400% over the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) were more likely to engage in binge drinking.
• In 2017, 1,982 adults were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Chicago.
• There were 18,224 alcohol-related disorder emergency room visits.
• There were 223 alcohol-induced deaths in Chicago in 2017.
• There were an additional 257 deaths caused by liver disease and cirrhosis in Chicago.

Alcohol Rehab Admissions in Chicago

In 2020, there were 36,188 admissions into rehab facilities in the state of Illinois. 5,371 of these admissions were alcohol-only rehab admissions, while 6,236 rehab admissions were based on alcohol as well as a secondary drug.³

Of the alcohol-only Illinois rehab admissions, 70% were male, and 29.6% were female. 80% of alcohol-only rehab admissions were non-Hispanic, with over 65% being White, over 20% being Black, over 18% being Hispanic, and less than 1% being Native American or Asian and Pacific Islander.⁶

The majority of alcohol-only rehab admissions, about 15.6%, were among those 31–35 years of age.³

Although 6.7% of Americans who drink alcohol will develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD), research indicates that Chicago alcohol rehab admissions are increasing, which can offer you hope in reaching your goal of recovery.³

Chicago Drug Use Statistics

In 2018, data received from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows that there were 2,722 drug-related overdose deaths.⁴

79% of drug overdose deaths in Illinois were opioid-related. According to the current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assessment Report through the Chicago Field Office Division, controlled prescription drugs as well as heroin were in high and steady supply to Chicago residents.⁴

Most of the heroin seized by the authorities contained the powerful and deadly opioid, fentanyl. Approximately 80% of opioid-related overdose deaths involved fentanyl and other opioids, while 25% of opioid-related overdose deaths involved fentanyl alone.⁵

Those who are most likely to engage in drug use are individuals aged 18–25 with anywhere between 0.3% to 0.48% reporting heroin use in the past year alone.⁵

The most-reported drug use came from people spanning the ages of 18–25 who reported misusing prescription pain relievers in the past year.⁵

Drug Rehab Admissions in Chicago

Over 24,000 people were admitted into Illinois drug rehabs in 2020. These admissions were mainly for heroin (9,551 admissions), marijuana (5,467 admissions), amphetamines (4,571 admissions), and cocaine (1,706 admissions).⁵

Among Illinois drug rehab admissions, the majority were male, ranging from over 60% to 100%, depending on the type of drug the individual admitted was using. As an exception, females were the majority with drug rehab admission related to other (nonspecific) stimulants.⁵

The ages of those entering drug rehab centers varied depending on the type of drug being used. The majority of admissions ranged from ages 12–17 for marijuana to 51–55 for smoked cocaine.⁵

White people were the majority in most of the drug-related admissions with notable exceptions for admissions for smoked cocaine and PCP, which was higher in Black people. Hispanic people accounted for 6.5%–25.5%, depending on the drug, while Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander peoples accounted for the lowest number of drug rehab admissions.⁶

What is the Cost of Rehab in Chicago, IL?

Substance abuse costs the United States approximately $600 billion annually, but treatment can help to alleviate these costs. Nationally, the average cost of a one-year methadone maintenance treatment is can be $4,700.⁷

Drug and alcohol rehabs can vary in cost depending on the type of treatment utilized and the length of the programs. For example:⁸

• Costs for medical detoxification can average $12,183 per episode
• Intensive outpatient treatment programs can average $4,939 per episode
• Typical outpatient treatment programs can average $2,228 per episode
• Residential alcohol and drug treatment options are the most expensive averaging $32,523 per episode.

How to Find Free Rehabs in Chicago, IL

There are many low-cost and free rehab centers in the Chicago area. Many treatment centers will even work with your insurance, whether it is private insurance or Medicaid.

To find free alcohol and drug rehab centers in Chicago, call our helpline at [phone] to speak to a treatment support specialist who can assist you. Our helpline is confidential and someone is available 24/7 to take your call.

Does Insurance Cover Rehab in Chicago, IL?

When it comes to being able to afford alcohol rehab in Chicago, there is a wide range of options available. According to the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, health insurers and group health plans must cover mental health and substance use treatment.

Private Insurance

If you have private insurance, your insurance will likely cover payment for alcohol and/or substance use treatment, though the extent of coverage may vary between providers and plans. Some insurance plans may cover the full cost of inpatient or outpatient rehab while others may provide partial coverage.

Some popular insurance providers include Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which may cover part or all of the cost of an opioid, alcohol, or benzodiazepines detoxification program if deemed medically necessary.

United Healthcare offers a free substance abuse hotline that is confidential and available to members and their families.

Aetna offers an alcohol and substance abuse screening program that leads to referrals to alcohol and substance abuse programs as needed.

Medicaid

If you don’t have private insurance through an employer or a family member, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid is a state and federally-funded program that pays for medical services for eligible adults that have a low income, pregnant individuals, children, and people with disabilities. Medicaid often does cover alcohol and drug rehab programs. Due to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), Medicaid must allow for coverage of mental health disorders and substance use disorders.¹⁰

Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 years of age and older and some younger individuals who have disabilities.

Medicare will pay for your alcohol and/or drug rehab in both inpatient and outpatient programs. Medicare Part A pays for inpatient rehab, and co-pays are the same for any other type of inpatient hospitalization. Medicare Part B will pay for outpatient rehab services from a clinic or hospital outpatient department.¹⁰

Services that Medicare coverage includes:

• Psychotherapy
• Patient education about their substance use disorder and treatment options
• Follow-ups after a hospitalization
• Drugs that are prescribed in an outpatient setting through Medicare Part D
• Drugs that are prescribed in an inpatient setting include methadone and more

Does My Insurance Plan Cover Addiction Treatment?

To find out if your insurance plan covers addiction treatment, call the number on the back of your insurance card to verify your insurance coverage and receive help in finding the right alcohol and/or drug rehab for you in Chicago, IL.

Remember, when using your private insurance for alcohol and/or drug rehab, you may have a deductible, co-insurance, and/or co-pays, so it is best to ask about all of this information when you call your provider.

You can also ask for a list of preferred or in-network providers from your insurance company to prevent higher or unexpected costs down the line.

How to Finance Addiction Treatment in Chicago, IL

If you find that free drug and alcohol rehabs are full or you don’t have insurance, there are alternatives available to you.

You can always seek out faith-based organizations, non-profit alcohol and drug rehabs, or government-funded rehab programs.

Apply for a Rehab Scholarship

Rehab scholarships are need-based programs that offer to pay all or part of your drug and/or alcohol rehab costs. These programs are usually offered through private facilities and can be combined with your private insurance or Medicaid to help cover the cost of your treatment.

Finding a rehab scholarship can be a challenge, so it’s best to contact the alcohol or drug rehab center that you wish to attend directly and ask what resources and scholarship funding may be available to you.

Other ways to find available rehab scholarships include contacting organizations like 10000beds.org, which offers individuals scholarships for drug and alcohol rehab based on various criteria.

Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program

A sliding scale fee is a common method of payment for alcohol and drug rehab programs. This type of payment option involves a flexible fee schedule in which a client’s payment changes based on his or her ability to pay.

To qualify for a sliding scale payment, your income will be requested and examined against a fee scale determined by the alcohol or drug rehab center. If your income is below a certain level determined by the individual clinic, you will qualify for a lower payment depending on your income.

Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans

When it comes to payment options, some drug and alcohol rehabs in Chicago offer payment plans. Payment plans are an easy way to get the rehab you need without having to have a lot of funding up front.

Payment plans can be negotiated directly with your provider or offered through your treatment center based on whether you are using insurance or are considered a “private pay” patient, meaning that you are paying for your treatment out of pocket.

Popular Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Chicago, IL

The search for a Chicago alcohol and/or drug rehab center can be a confusing process if you are just starting.

This is because there is a wide range of alcohol and drug rehabs in Chicago. When looking for the right rehab center for you, distance is just one of the many attributes that you may be considering.

When looking for Chicago alcohol rehabs, some of the options you should consider include not only distance but types of treatment programs, length of treatment, cost, insurance coverage, and in-patient or residential facilities vs. out-patient facilities.

While these are some of the factors to consider when choosing an alcohol rehab, there may be more details to consider that are uniquely important to you. Since there are many options for alcohol and/or drug rehab in Chicago, we will highlight some of the more popular choices available.

Healthcare Alternative Systems South

The Healthcare Alternative Systems South recovery center in Chicago, IL, offers both residential and outpatient treatment options in a private setting. The foundation also offers a range of evidence-based therapies like alcohol rehab, cognitive behavioral therapy, aftercare support, and dual diagnosis. Healthcare Alternative Systems South is also accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center

The Above and Beyond Family Recovery was the 2018 winner of the Chicago Innovation Award and has been listed among the top-rated nonprofits from Great Nonprofits in 2021. This residential recovery center offers a wide range of treatment models and options including the 12-Step recovery model, acupuncture, individual counseling, skills training, and even joke therapy. The Above and Beyond Recovery Center is also accredited by the SAMHSA.

Gateway Foundation

The Gateway Foundation in Chicago, IL, is an alcohol rehab center with different branches across the Chicago area. This recovery center offers many different treatment options including individual and group counseling, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-Step facilitation. The Gateway Foundation is accredited by the Joint Commission.

Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation

The Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation in Chicago offers luxury accommodations as well as a business center and recreation room. The rehab center offers both men’s and women’s rehab as well as LGBTO services. Therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, outpatient rehab, aftercare support, and a partial hospitalization program. This rehab center is accredited by the SAMHSA, Joint Commission, and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).

Addiction Treatment Settings

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab centers, also known as residential treatment facilities, involve living at the treatment center for the duration of the program, which may last from 30 to 90 days. Inpatient rehabs have many benefits that include:

• 24/7 care available
• Highly-structured environment away from triggers
• A supportive recovery community
• Supervised detoxification
• Access to a variety of treatment modalities and amenities

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) offer a high level of care while also letting you return home each night after you have received your treatment. Most partial hospitalization programs offer a minimum of 20 hours of intensive therapy a week. Some of the benefits of partial hospitalization rehabs include:

• Ability to return home to your family each night
• Helps motivate you to continue in treatment
• Offers support if you live in an environment that increases the risk of alcohol or drug use
• Great option for someone who needs the intensiveness of inpatient care but needs to stay home during treatment

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer a minimum of nine hours of treatment a week in three, three-hour sessions. Benefits of intensive outpatient programs include:

• Ability to go home every night
• Longer treatment program than inpatient
• More support than standard outpatient
• Offers flexibility for scheduling
• Great option for step-down care after completing inpatient rehab in Chicago
• More affordable than inpatient

Standard Outpatient

As the least intensive treatment option, standard outpatient rehab offers fewer than nine hours of treatment per week. Benefits of outpatient treatment programs include:

• Some outpatient programs offer weekend treatment options
• Flexible treatment options
• Less expensive than inpatient care

Telehealth and Online Addiction Treatment

Telehealth and online addiction treatment occur over a private communication device like your phone or computer, where you receive therapies in the comfort of your own home. This type of rehab acts similarly to an outpatient program and offers many of the same therapies that an outpatient treatment program does. Benefits of telehealth treatment programs include:

• Therapy in the comfort of your own home as opposed to traveling to a center
• No travel time required
• May have higher retention rates than an in-person outpatient program
• Ease of accessibility

Medical Detox

Medical detox is a program that helps you safely withdraw from alcohol or drugs under the care of trained professionals. It usually involves the administration of medication to help drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety and comfort.

Medical or drug detox is not a substitute for addiction treatment but rather a first step in getting you on the road to recovery. Substances that usually require a medical detox include prescription opioids, heroin, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. This is because withdrawal from these drugs can be so intense and severe that medical care is warranted.

Specialized Rehab in Chicago for Various Populations

Veteran Rehab

There are rehab programs designed specifically for veterans and those who have served in the military. These programs focus on unique concerns that veterans may experience, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from combat or sexual assault.

LGBTQ+ Rehab

Many drug and alcohol rehabs in Chicago offer treatment options for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. These rehabs are experienced in addressing the unique needs of this community, such as familial rejection, internalized homophobia, discrimination, harassment, trauma, and more.

Men-Only Rehab

There are drug and alcohol rehabs in Chicago that specifically address the needs of men. These treatment programs are aware of the unique challenges that many men face in our society, such as the expectation to be strong and unemotional.

Women-Only Rehab

There are drug and alcohol rehabs in Chicago that focus on the needs of women in the community. These rehab programs provide a safe space for women who don't feel comfortable attending a rehab program with men.

Teen Rehab

Being a teenager can be a confusing and often painful experience. Teen-centered alcohol and drug rehabs know this and work with you to address the unique challenges that arise from being a teenager, such as peer pressure and bullying.

Should I Travel to Chicago for Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

You may wonder whether you should travel to Chicago for your alcohol or drug rehab treatment. Chicago has a wide array of high-quality alcohol and drug rehabs to fit your unique needs. To determine whether you should travel to Chicago for your rehab, you should take into account whether you have the financial means to travel and how leaving your current environment would impact your alcohol and/or drug use.

Neighborhoods in Chicago to Consider for Treatment

There are 77 neighborhoods in Chicago, and many of these neighborhoods have high-quality alcohol and drug rehab centers that can meet your specific needs.

Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood offers rehabs with a wide range of options, including inpatient therapy, while the Near North Side neighborhood houses a luxury rehab center. One of the most successful rehab centers in Chicago is located on the west side of Chicago.

Alcohol & Drug Laws in Chicago

If you are caught with or using drugs or alcohol in Chicago illegally, the legal system will determine the trajectory of your case. Some of the outcomes could be court-ordered supervision for a DUI without a previous arrest or court-ordered drug and/or alcohol rehab for nonviolent offenders.

Chicago also offers a “Too Good for Drugs” substance abuse prevention program for middle and high schoolers and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Illinois has also enacted a law called Good Samaritan overdose privation that allows those without a medical background to administer the opioid overdose medication, naloxone, to another individual to prevent an opioid and/or heroin overdose from becoming fatal.

Aftercare Options for Post-Rehab Success

Aftercare programs are programs that become available once you have completed an outpatient or inpatient rehab program. These programs are intended to help keep you from relapsing and offer you continued support.

Aftercare programs are often tailored to your specific needs and can include support groups like AA, NA, and SMART Recovery, group counseling, sober living homes, step-down care, and/or individual therapy.

Attending aftercare once your therapy has been completed can help you stay on the road to recovery.

Resources

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Quick Statistics.
2. Chicago Department of Public Health. (June 2019). Alcohol Use and Outcomes in Chicago.
3. Centers for Disease Control. (2018). During binges, U.S. adults have 17 billion drinks a year.
4. Illinois Department of Health. (2019). The Opioid Crisis in Illinois: Data and the State's Response.
5. Chicago Department of Public Health. (2018). Opioid Surveillance Report
6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Quick Statistics.
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Is drug addiction treatment worth its cost?
8. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2022). Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2022]: by Type, State & More.
9. Medicaidgov. (2022). Parity.
10. Center for Medicare Advocacy. (2022). Medicare Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services