Berwyn, Illinois, is a suburb of Chicago, located west of the Windy City.
According to 2019 U.S. Census data, the Cook County community has just over 54,000 residents. It’s a more diverse community, with nearly two-thirds of its residents being Hispanic or Latino. More than one in four (27.3%) of its population is foreign-born.
It’s also a place that’s experienced losses due to the opioid epidemic.
A Cook County Department of Public Health study compiled data from the Illinois Poison Center, area hospitals, and the Cook County Medical Examiner.
Among the findings of the 2016-2020 survey of Cook County suburbs: The Forest Park zip code, which includes parts of Berwyn, had the fourth highest mortality rate from opioid overdoses: 37.6 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents; that’s more than twice the state average of 17 per 100,000.
Out of 1,576 overdose fatalities, 83% involved heroin or fentanyl.
Black men in the 35-64 age range experienced the most dramatic increase in opioid overdose mortality rates, the survey also found.
Student Substance Abuse in Berwyn, Illinois
The state of Illinois collected data for its 2020 Illinois Youth Survey. More than 17,000 Cook County (excluding Chicago) 8th, 10th, and 12th graders responded.
- Within the past year, nearly one in four 12th graders said they’d taken drugs or alcohol to relax or feel better about themselves.
- Nearly one-fourth (23%) of responding seniors also said they’d driven a car or been a passenger while under the influence.
- 28% of 12th graders said it would be “very easy” to get alcohol.
Dozens of colleges and universities are located in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Among them, there are many City College of Chicago campuses peppering the area. Also nearby are the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University.
Despite marijuana being decriminalized, many colleges outlaw cannabis (as well as other drugs). This is likely due to the fact that public colleges and universities rely on federal funding, and marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.
Forbidden or not, as many as 44% of college students have admitted to partaking in the past year.
Alcohol has long been more of a concern. More than half of college students said they’ve consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. One in three admit to binging on alcohol. (That’s five drinks in two hours, for men. For women, it’s four in the same period.) Binging and heavy drinking, especially at a younger age, can lead to countless problems, including:
- Schoolwork might suffer
- The risk of accidents or overdose
- Addiction and related issues
- Sexual assault (one in four women said they’d been sexually assaulted in college, and alcohol was a factor)

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Choosing a Rehab in Berwyn, Illinois
When looking for addiction treatment in and around Berwyn, Illinois, there are dozens of options, which can be overwhelming at first. Understanding what happens in substance and alcohol abuse treatment and what kinds of therapies are offered can make the decision-making process feel more manageable.
Accreditation
Accreditation and licensing are two things to consider in a rehab center.
LegitScript and the Joint Commission are two third-party entities that inspect and certify rehab centers. When a facility has its seals of approval, it’s a sign they’ve done the work to stay current on training, patient care, licensing, and other details. To learn the specifics about accreditation and licensing, you can learn more online or by contacting the rehab center. If a local center isn’t properly accredited, consider looking to rehabs in Oak Park, IL.
Demographics
Demographics look at a population through various factors like culture, race, age, education level, and more.
Substance use disorders affect all kinds of people. No one group is immune. Addiction treatment typically involves caring for any pressing health concerns (nutritional deficiencies, withdrawal, for example) and addressing the mental aspects (trying to understand the root causes and developing better coping methods).
There is no one true cause of substance use disorders. Genetics, environment, a history of trauma or racism, mental illness, and many other factors can contribute. Each case is unique.
As a result, a rubber stamp approach to recovery isn’t for anyone. Culturally competent care takes things like language barriers, gender roles, and an understanding of cultural nuances into consideration. The result is that the patient may feel better heard, and they may engage more in treatment.
Patient-to-Staff Ratio
A smaller patient-to-staff ratio gives the rehab professionals more time to focus on each patient. That can lead to them gaining a more thorough knowledge of each patient’s history and better insight into what led to drug or alcohol use, resulting in better outcomes.
Inpatient Drug Rehab in Berwyn, Illinois
Inpatient rehab usually happens in three stages:
- Assessment. The staff examines the patient, getting both their medical and mental health diagnosis. They’ll ask questions about their addictive past. That information will be used to shape the treatment plan.
- Treatment. This may start with detoxification if needed. The patient is weaned off drugs or alcohol. At times it’s done with medical assistance to make sure withdrawal happens safely and comfortably. Once the patient is medically stable, treatment can begin. That stage includes behavioral therapies and support groups, so the patient adjusts to sobriety and learns healthier ways to manage stress.
- Aftercare. While the patient is still at the center, the staff prepares a continuing care plan to implement after checking out. The patient may have outpatient appointments lined up, referrals to therapists, and information about support groups closer to home.
Aftercare Planning Procedures
Crafting an aftercare plan is a huge part of rehabilitation. Here, the patient is prepared for life after rehab. The staff will work with them to develop a structured plan so they’re more ready for day-to-day life. It can involve life skills training, group therapies, counseling, relaxation techniques (as a healthier stress-busting approach), and more. Support groups can play a key role here, too. The patient can attend such meetings regularly to develop a network of peers and enjoy a sense of community.
Services Included in Treatment
A rehab center usually various treatments like behavioral therapies and group counseling as a foundation, but there are other services and amenities, too. A rehab facility near the mountains or by a lake might have hiking or rowing opportunities. Other potential services and amenities include fitness centers, swimming pools, recreational opportunities, outings, life skills training, and more.
Treatment Options at Rehab Centers in Berwyn, IL
Treatment for drug and alcohol use disorders varies with the exact causes (genetics, family history of abuse, etc.). Assessment, treatment, and aftercare are the backbone of a rehab program, but other elements can help make the process more suited to the patient’s needs. Specific therapies, holistic care, and more can flesh out a treatment plan.
Treatment includes assessment/intake, various therapies, and aftercare, but support groups, holistic options, dual diagnosis care, and other options may round out the rehab experience.
12-Step Rehab
Alcoholics Anonymous is the oldest and best known of the 12-steps, offering peer support since the 1930s. There’s no cost to join, and meetings are held daily all over the world. Others have branched out, focusing on heroin, shopping, narcotics, and other addictions, while still incorporating the 12 steps of admitting powerlessness, practicing humility, righting wrongs, and paying things forward. The groups are spiritual in nature, but a person need not follow a faith to attend. Twelve-step rehab is among the most popular, so it can be found across the state, such as in a Tinley Park treatment facility.
Non-12-Step Rehab
Non-12-steps also offer fellowship and peer support, but instead of focusing on the spiritual, they’ll lean secular, employing principles of psychotherapy and self-empowerment instead. Non-12-steps don’t view addiction as a moral defect and are more likely to incorporate research findings and practices into their processes. Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery), LifeRing Recovery, and Women for Sobriety are three well-known 12-step alternatives.
Luxury Rehab
When a client checks into a luxury rehab, the setting and services are more upscale, though they will still go through the standard rehab steps of assessment, detox (if needed), treatment, and aftercare planning. Spa-like settings, private rooms, personal trainers, and elegant surroundings (and more) typically await patients. Treatment may be more individualized, too. Executives may prefer luxury rehabs, too, which allow them to continue working through treatment while protecting their privacy. Luxury rehab may not be available locally, so consider looking into a bigger-city rehab, such as a rehab in Springfield, Illinois.
Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol rehab may take place in an inpatient clinic. A person with severe alcohol dependence may require medically assisted detox. Without it, they may experience withdrawal that’s painful and sometimes even deadly. The staff can ensure the withdrawal symptoms like nausea, insomnia, tremors, and anxiety are managed, so it’s less an ordeal for the patient. From there, they’ll continue on to treatment, ideally staying at the center for 30 days or longer, so they can more fully engage in their recovery journey.
Drug Rehab
Drug rehab has a lot in common with alcohol rehab. The patient may undergo medically assisted detox, especially if they’re dependent on opioids or benzodiazepines, which can be dangerous to quit cold turkey. Once detox is complete, the patient can move on to treatment, where they’ll get counseling and therapy to help them understand the underlying causes of their addiction and learn ways to live a life of sobriety.
IOP Program
IOP stands for intensive outpatient. Here, the patient does not live at the center but visits daily or several times a week for treatment. It’s more rigorous than a weekly appointment. Some patients may spend many hours a week in therapy when they are part of an IOP program. Some return home after the day’s program, while others may stay at a temporary sober living home. This approach can be helpful in reinforcing one’s sobriety.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab
When a person has a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, they will have some form of mental illness and a substance use disorder. It’s estimated that 9.5 million adults in the United States have both kinds of disorders. Either condition can lead to the other. Getting both disorders treated is important to successful recovery. That’s often done with a combination of medication and psychotherapies.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy. The counselor works with the patient to help them better understand their mental health condition and develop new, less stressful ways to manage it. CBT can be done one-on-one or in group settings. It can be very effective used alone or with other therapies, helping people with mental illness, trauma, and substance use disorders.
Holistic Rehab
Holistic treatment aims to mend the mind, body, and spirit. It used to be viewed as more of an alternative healing approach, but it’s steadily gaining mainstream acceptance, especially as research finds that practices like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga can reduce stress and anxiety as well as keep a person focused on the now instead of fear-tinged maybes. Because of those benefits, holistic treatments can help with triggers and cravings, and potentially reduce the likelihood of relapse. Rehabs in Oak Lawn might be a good choice for holistic rehab if relevant programs can’t be found locally.
Paying for Rehabs in Berwyn, Illinois
As you look into rehabs in Berwyn, Illinois, there are things you can do to keep costs down or pay for care.
Calling your health insurance provider is a solid first step. They can confirm which services would be included, for how long, what the deductibles and co-pays would be, and more. The rehab center can also answer questions about the services and costs since they regularly work with insurance providers.
Many insurance companies cover behavioral health services or substance abuse treatment. (Sometimes, it’ll be under the category of behavioral or mental health care.) The Affordable Care Act considers mental health care (substance use disorders are considered mental disorders) to be essential health benefits. Because insurance companies offer many levels of care (bronze, silver, gold, for example) co-pays, the number of visits—and more—will change according to one’s particular plan. Researching beforehand and going in-network for care can save money.
Medicare covers addiction treatment, too. If a person has supplemental coverage, that can lower out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid also covers behavioral health, too. Medicaid patients must qualify, however, and not all rehabs will accept Medicaid.
Payment plans, loans, and paying out-of-pocket are other ways a person can cover the cost of treatment. Better yet, contact the best facility you plan to enroll in for your 30-day drug treatment programs or alcohol treatment programs. Also make sure to ask them if your insurance will cover you for 60 day treatment, 90 day treatment, 120 day addiction treatment or even 7-14 day addiction rehab.
Traveling to Berwyn, Illinois Rehab Centers
People flying into the Chicago area would likely land at O’Hare International Airport, which is about 10 to 20 miles away from Berwyn, depending on your route. If it’s rush hour, traffic will (logically) move slowly.
The Chicago Metro area has several public transportation options as well, including:
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) elevated rail line (the Red)
- Berwyn Metra rail service (BNSF)
- PACE and CTA bus lines
Many rehab centers can provide a travel assist, often picking up their clients and transporting them to and from their facilities, often within a set distance (two hours, for example).
Berwyn, Illinois Addiction Treatment Resources
12 Steps
Twelve-step plans consider faith (or some sort of higher power) as essential to recovery. Members work the steps one by one. Traditionally, 12-steps meet in person, but with COVID-19 restrictions, many moved meetings online. It’s a good idea to double-check before you head out to a meeting.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). For those with alcohol use disorders.
- Ala-Anon and Alateen. For people whose loved ones have drinking problems. Alateen is for teens.
- Local Celebrate Recovery groups. Taking a Christ-centered approach to addiction recovery.
- Marijuana Anonymous (MA). For cannabis addiction.
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA). For those overcoming addiction to cocaine and/or other mind-altering substances.
- Dual Recovery Anonymous. The only requirement: The individual has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder that they desire to manage.
- Nar-Anon. This group is for people who have a loved one with an addiction.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics. For people who grew up in dysfunctional homes.
Non-12 Steps
Non-12-steps take a more secular path to addiction recovery.
- LifeRing Secular Recovery. LifeRing’s three S’s — sobriety, security, and self-help — guide the process.
- SMART Recovery. (Self-Management and Recovery Training). For all kinds of addictions: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, food, and more. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivation are used.
- Women for Sobriety. This has a 13-point New Life Program that advocates spiritual growth and self-empowerment.
- Moderation Management. Here, the goal is to practice moderation. It’s not necessary to quit alcohol.
Veterans Affairs Addiction Treatment
Armed forces members risk life, limb, and injury to serve their nation.
Combat and other dangerous situations put a soldier at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A significant number of veterans are believed to have PTSD, including the following:
- 11-20% of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans
- 12% of Gulf War vets
- Nearly one in three Vietnam Veterans
While some soldiers receive care for injuries or get counseling for PTSD, many try to cope alone. Others struggle with pain from injuries they endured overseas. Sometimes they end up self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. That can lead to addiction. In fact, in some studies, more than half of veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers counseling, peer support information, and more for substance abuse and mental health care.
There are several medical centers, clinics, and veterans centers in the Chicago area, including some with substance abuse programs.
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Medical disclaimer:
Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.
