Substance Abuse Stats in Chicago, IL
Is it any surprise that a metro area like Chicago struggles with substance abuse? A 2017 report had the following findings:
- 27% of people over 12 years old reported binge drinking
- 8% of people in the same age group reported cannabis use
- 3% reported illicit drug use
- 3% reported abusing prescription painkillers
- 2% reported using cocaine
The same report found that drug abuse in youth is a big problem in Chicago. For instance, 69% of high school students report lifetime alcohol use.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
Is inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab the right choice for you? Each kind has its benefits, including:
- Inpatient rehab provides you with the best quality care 24/7. This extra support can help you if you’re vulnerable to relapsing.
- Outpatient rehab lets you attend treatment part-time. This lets you balance your life with treatment. If you have children or work, then this could be the right option for you.
In general, inpatient is the best choice for most clients. Talk to your care team about the right choice for your case.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
You should commit to at least 3 months of rehab. That’s because shorter rehab lengths put you at risk for relapse.
It’s true, 3 months sounds like a long time. However, recovering from substance abuse disorder takes time. In fact, 3 months is only a minimum—you should go to rehab for the longest period you can manage.
If you’re recovering from opioid use disorder, then 12 months of rehab should be your minimum.
What to Expect at Rehab
Your rehab experience will be different from anyone else’s. That’s because your treatment center tailors your treatment plan to your needs.
Some evidence-based rehab treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT teaches you to mind how your thoughts affect your behavior.
- Motivational interviewing: If you have a history of relapse, MI can help you understand why—and motivate you to succeed.
- Medication-assisted treatment: This type of treatment helps manage opioid or alcohol cravings using medications.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
You need to go to detox if you have a substance use disorder (SUD). When you have a SUD, you experience withdrawal when you stop using drugs.
The signs of withdrawal include:
- Agitation
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Mood changes
- Nausea
In rare cases, you may have seizures or other complications. This is more likely with alcohol or benzos than other drugs.
Your risk of relapse is highest during withdrawal. Going to detox increases your odds of success.
How Long is Detox?
Detox treatment can last anywhere from 3 days to 21 days. However, it’s not common for detox to last much longer than 3 to 5 days.
In most cases, you’ll detox from alcohol within 5 days and opioids within a week. Some stimulants can take several weeks to fully detox.
Your care team will talk to you about the right detox length for you. They’ll consider factors such as:
- Your drug use history
- Your health history
- Your relapse history