Addiction Treatment in Chicagoland
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness.
Signs & Symptoms of Addiction
Common symptoms of addiction can vary depending on the type of addiction (substance-related or behavioral) and the individual’s specific circumstances, but there are some general signs and behaviors that may indicate the presence of an addiction.
- Compulsive Behavior: Engaging in the addictive behavior (such as substance use or gambling) frequently and in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended, despite attempts to cut down or control it.
- Loss of Control: Difficulty controlling or stopping the addictive behavior, even when aware of its negative consequences on health, relationships, work, or other areas of life.
- Cravings: Intense urges or cravings to engage in the addictive behavior, which can be difficult to resist and may lead to compulsive behavior.
- Tolerance: Needing increasingly larger amounts of the substance or engaging in more intense or frequent behaviors to achieve the desired effect, due to the development of tolerance over time.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when the addictive behavior is discontinued or reduced
- Obsession: Spending a significant amount of time thinking about, planning, or engaging in the addictive behavior, to the detriment of other activities, responsibilities, or relationships.
- Isolation: Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities to engage in the addictive behavior alone or with others who share the addiction.
- Denial: Minimizing or denying the severity of the addiction or its impact on one's life, often as a defense mechanism to avoid facing the reality of the situation.
- Mood Changes: Experiencing mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, or other emotional changes related to the addictive behavior or its consequences.
Treatment Options
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):
Prescription medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, particularly for opioid, alcohol, and tobacco addiction.
Family Therapy:
Involves family members in the treatment process to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen support networks.
Behavioral Therapies:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Facilitates intrinsic motivation and commitment to change addictive behaviors
- Contingency Management: Offers rewards or incentives for positive behaviors
Dual Diagnosis Treatment:
Integrated treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions, addressing both issues simultaneously for comprehensive recovery.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention:
Ongoing support and resources, including continued therapy, support group meetings, sober living arrangements, and strategies to prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing addiction involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified healthcare professional, typically following several key steps. Initially, a thorough clinical interview is conducted to gather detailed information about the individual’s substance use or behavioral patterns, medical history, and any previous treatment for addiction. Using standardized diagnostic criteria from references like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the clinician evaluates whether the individual’s symptoms align with specific substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. Additionally, a physical examination may be performed to assess overall health and identify any physical signs or complications related to addiction.
Help Manage Your Addiction
With support from our expert providers you can go…
1. From dependency to sobriety:
With the help of a comprehensive treatment plan, an individual can move from being dependent on substances to achieving and maintaining sobriety, leading a healthier, substance-free life.
2. From social isolation to rebuilding relationships:
Through therapy and support groups, a person with addiction can transition from experiencing social isolation and strained relationships to rebuilding trust and reconnecting with family and friends.
3.From poor health to improved well-being:
By engaging in addiction treatment and adopting a healthier lifestyle, someone can move from suffering the physical and mental health consequences of addiction to experiencing improved overall well-being and stability.
4. From unemployment to career success:
With vocational training and support, an individual can go from struggling to hold a job due to addiction to finding and maintaining meaningful employment, contributing to their financial independence and personal fulfillment.
5. From hopelessness to a sense of purpose:
Through counseling and discovering new passions or goals, a person can transform from feeling hopeless and purposeless due to their addiction to finding a renewed sense of purpose and direction in life.
How To Get Started
1. Fill in the new patient form
2. Receive your personalized evaluation & treatment plan
3. Experience mental wellness