Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Chicago

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in Chicago, Illinois, and the rest of the country. It is a serious public health concern that requires effective interventions and programs to help individuals who are struggling with addiction. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 24,000 people in Illinois aged 12 or older were admitted to substance use programs for prescription drug abuse in 2014, and the number continues to rise.

There are several prescription drug abuse programs in Chicago, Illinois, that offer comprehensive treatment services for individuals struggling with addiction. These programs offer a range of treatments, including detoxification, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment, to help individuals overcome their dependence on prescription drugs. Some of the prominent prescription drug abuse programs in Chicago, Illinois, include the following:

1. Gateway Foundation: This program offers medication-assisted treatment services for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. They also offer counseling and therapy to address the underlying issues that contribute to addiction.

2. Haymarket Center: This is a comprehensive treatment program that offers detoxification, individual and group counseling, and medication-assisted treatment for prescription drug addiction. They also offer additional services, such as vocational training and support groups.

3. Chicago Lakeshore Hospital: This facility provides detoxification and rehabilitation services for individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse. They use evidence-based treatments, such as individual and group therapy, to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

4. LSSI Addiction Treatment Center: This program offers a dual diagnosis treatment model for individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression, along with prescription drug addiction. They offer residential, outpatient, and aftercare services to individuals in need of treatment.

5. New Hope Recovery Center: This program offers a holistic approach to treating prescription drug abuse, incorporating traditional therapies, such as counseling and support groups, with alternative therapies, such as yoga and art therapy.

In addition to these programs, there are also many support groups and community resources available in Chicago for individuals in recovery from prescription drug addiction. These include Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery, which offer peer support and resources for maintaining sobriety.

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, prescription drug abuse affects people of all ages and backgrounds in Chicago and Illinois. The most commonly abused prescription opioids in the state include hydrocodone, oxycodone, and codeine. In fact, in 2015, there were 1,835 deaths related to prescription drug overdose in Illinois, with the majority of deaths attributed to opioids.

Some other statistics and facts about prescription drug abuse in Chicago and Illinois include:

- In 2016, out of the top ten drugs involved in overdose deaths in Cook County, seven were prescription opioids.

- More than 80% of heroin users in Illinois reported using prescription opioids before turning to heroin.

- Opioid-related emergency department visits in Illinois increased by 66% from 2014 to 2018.

- In 2016, there were 14 prescriptions written for every 10 residents of Cook County – much higher than the statewide average of 10 prescriptions per 10 residents.

In conclusion, prescription drug abuse is a significant problem in Chicago and Illinois, with opioid pain medications being the most commonly abused. The prevalence of prescription drug abuse has led to an increase in the number of addiction treatment programs and resources available in the state. However, there is still a need for more education and prevention efforts to reduce the number of individuals who become addicted to prescription drugs. It is essential for individuals struggling with addiction to seek help from one of the many available programs to overcome their dependence and live a healthy, drug-free life.