The Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) division of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) provides funds for qualified treatment and recovery support centers. Thanks to SUPR grants, Illinois can expand and improve its substance use disorder treatment efforts.  Receiving treatment from a SUPR-funded treatment center lets individuals work toward recovery with evidence-based methods, plentiful resources, and medical and professional support. The SUPR division and its grants aim to help address the state’s opioid crisis and help citizens experiencing addiction. With SUPR ..read more

  Most states require people to undergo a DUI evaluation after a drunk driving conviction. Often, it consists of a substance use disorder screening to determine the extent of your involvement with drugs or alcohol. Depending on this initial screening outcome, you might also need a comprehensive drug and alcohol assessment.  While a DUI evaluation is fundamentally for your benefit, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Here’s how to make the process as smooth as possible.  What Is an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation?  An alcohol and drug evaluation identifies t ..read more

The recovery journey looks different for everyone. Some clients are back on track within a month, while others can benefit from a longer and more comprehensive treatment program. Depending on your specific situation, you can stay in treatment longer than the typical 30 days.  Discover the typical lengths of stays for each level of addiction care and other services that can support your long-term recovery.  How Long Can You Stay in Rehab?  Most clients stay in inpatient or residential treatment for at least one month, though the exact length will depend on the treatment cen ..read more

When a loved one has a substance use disorder, the hardships impact everyone in the family. Substance use and addiction can change family dynamics, weaken communication, and erode trust. It can often feel like you’re at a loss, unsure where to turn or what to do next. However, family members can play a crucial role in encouraging a loved one to achieve and maintain sobriety. In time, you’ll find that you can heal from addiction and create a healthier home environment for everyone.  The Role of Family In Addiction Recovery Family members can play a significant role in their loved one’s ..read more

Going to an addiction treatment center is your loved one’s best choice for beginning a healthy, substance-free life. Still, you might feel uncertain about what happens next or wonder how you can keep in touch during the process. Fortunately, many treatment centers allow friends and family to call, write letters, or send texts to their loved ones. Writing to someone in rehab can help you show your support and let your loved one know that you’ll be there for them when they are discharged. If you’re unsure what to say, explore some of the following ideas before drafting your letter.  What ..read more

Just as it’s your choice to enter addiction treatment, you also have the decision to leave early. However, leaving before completing your 30-day program is often not advised. People progress through treatment at varying rates, but research has shown the longer you stay in treatment, the better outcomes for your long-term health and recovery. Every step of the treatment process keeps you safe, teaches you crucial life skills, and increases your chances for a lasting recovery.  Here are common reasons a person might leave rehab early and the impact it can have on recovery.  Can Yo ..read more

Xylazine is among the most dangerous illicit drugs circulating in Illinois and the United States, and the number of xylazine-associated deaths is growing. This potent substance is naloxone-resistant, increasing the risk of overdose deaths. An opioid and xylazine combination is known as tranq, and sellers distribute it because it’s more potent and costs less than other illegal and nonprescription drugs. Immediate medical care is crucial when an individual overdoses on opioids and xylazine because cardiovascular and respiratory support can save an individual’s life. The right treatment progra ..read more

When a patient with substance use disorder (SUD) visits, it’s essential to talk to them in a way that shows sensitivity and empathy while avoiding stigmatizing language. Psychologists have found that using medically accurate language can help dismantle stereotypes outside the clinical space while providing more effective, compassionate support for people with addiction. Using motivational interviewing strategies and people-first language can help guide the conversation.  As a health provider, it’s crucial to learn how stigma affects people with addiction and how to create a supportive ..read more

Almost everyone is familiar with lottery tickets, especially scratch-offs. Even if you’ve never bought scratch-off lottery tickets, you likely know what they look like and what the process entails. For some people, scratch-offs are an occasional way to test their luck. However, scratch-offs can become a significant problem for someone with a gambling disorder. Gambling for entertainment can become an obsession or a compulsion, and a person with a gambling addiction may spend more than they can afford to try to win the jackpot with scratch-off tickets. People can develop a scratch-off addic ..read more

Around 2 million adults in the United States meet the criteria for severe gambling addiction. The condition can severely impact a person’s livelihood, leading to financial difficulties, strained relationships and deteriorating mental health. While the dangers of problem gambling are not always understood, looking at the risks and learning more about this complex condition can help you seek appropriate treatment.  Here’s why problem gambling can be dangerous and how to get help. 8 Reasons Why Gambling Is Dangerous What to Do to Help Yourself or a Loved One Get Help for Gambling ..read more