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Alcohol use and abuse have been big problems across all age groups for Illinois residents, says the Illinois Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues At-A-Glance published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). A survey taken annually to assess the drug and alcohol perceptions, abuse issues, and need for treatment in every state, it provides valuable insight into the problems facing Americans today in the state in which they live.
In Illinois, while past-year dependence upon drugs has been significantly lower than the national average among those ages 18 to 25, the rates of past-year alcohol abuse and dependence have been significantly higher in that age group than in the rest of the country. It’s an indicator of the future, and it’s an issue that has the attention of authority figures across the state as they attempt to:
- Increase prevention efforts
- Step up law enforcement and anti-drug trafficking and sales measures
- Improve efficacy of current laws on the books
- Address the lack of treatment options across the state
For the families currently living with drug and alcohol dependence in Illinois, there’s no time to wait for legal and government moves to take effect. If your loved one in Illinois is struggling, medical and psychotherapeutic treatment is necessary.
Top Four Drugs of Choice in Illinois
Many look for drug addiction treatment because they believe that the withdrawal symptoms they experience when they attempt to quit on their own are the main problem. However, that is not the case.
Detox is the first step in effective drug addiction treatment, but the psychotherapeutic healing that occurs in the weeks and months post detox make the difference between lasting sobriety and quick relapse.
Often, the drug of choice itself offers insight into the ills or issues that the patient is trying to “self-medicate” and helps the treatment team hone in on appropriate treatment goals. For example, those who use methamphetamine may be attempting to lose weight or manage an eating disorder. Those who use cocaine may be dealing with social anxiety issues. Heroin users may be trying to address feelings of depression, trauma or grief. Understanding the perceived problem experienced by the patient can help them progress more quickly through the healing process when they received dedicated care for that issue.
So what are the drugs of choice in Illinois? According to SAMHSA, they are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
Is Inpatient Treatment or Outpatient recovery program Care the Best Option for Your Loved One?
You have a number of decisions to make when you try to choose a drug rehab for your addicted loved one. One of the first is the type of treatment program: residential or outpatient. SAMHSA estimates that about 91 percent of Illinois residents in treatment at any given time are enrolled in an outpatient treatment program. Why? The benefits include:
- Lower overall cost
- Lesser time commitment
- More flexible schedule
- The ability to continue working or caring for children
Is it the best option for care? Not always, the more comprehensive options available in the form of inpatient treatment offer:
- Detox services
- Medical monitoring during and after detox
- More intensive therapeutic schedule
- The ability to focus entirely on recovery and healing
- Increased protection against relapse during the crucial first month of recovery
