• Opioid Overdose Deaths: In Cook County, where Arlington Heights is located, opioid overdose deaths have been a significant issue. In 2022, there were 1,599 opioid-related overdose deaths in Cook County. This reflects the broader opioid crisis affecting many communities in Illinois.
• Emergency Responses: There has been a noticeable increase in emergency medical service (EMS) responses to opioid overdoses, indicating the severity of the crisis.

• Alcohol and Marijuana Use: According to the Illinois Youth Survey, which includes data from suburban areas like Arlington Heights, a significant percentage of high school students have experimented with alcohol and marijuana. For example, 61% of high school students in Illinois have tried alcohol, and 36% have tried marijuana.

• Commonly Abused Drugs: Similar to other parts of Cook County, widely abused substances in Arlington Heights include alcohol, marijuana, prescription opioids, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

The drug and alcohol detox program at NIRC is often the first step for many entering recovery. It provides a safe and supervised environment for managing withdrawal symptoms.

This level of care includes 24/7 medical supervision to monitor vital signs and manage symptoms, medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and psychological support to address emotional challenges during detox.

The Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at Northern Illinois Recovery Center (NIRC) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction.

This integrative method addresses both the physical and psychological components of addiction for more effective and lasting recovery.

Residential inpatient treatment involves living at the facility to focus entirely on recovery without the distractions of daily life. Patients follow structured daily schedules that include individual and group therapy sessions.

Additional features of this drug addiction treatment program include access to psychiatric care and medication management, holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, and recreational activities, as well as nutritional guidance and physical fitness programs.

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides intensive treatment similar to inpatient care but allows patients to return home in the evenings. PHP involves several hours of therapy and treatment activities each day, typically five days a week.

It offers comprehensive therapeutic services, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. This level of care provides flexibility to maintain some daily responsibilities while receiving intensive treatment.

Intensive outpatient programs are designed for individuals who need structured support but can manage independent living. Therapy sessions are held several times a week for a few hours each session, focusing on relapse prevention, coping strategies, and building life skills. IOP supports the transition back to work, school, or family life, with continued access to individual and group therapy.

An outpatient treatment program is less intensive and suitable for individuals who are further along in their recovery or have completed higher levels of care. It includes regular therapy sessions scheduled around the patient’s personal and professional commitments, ongoing support and monitoring to prevent relapse and flexible treatment plans tailored to the patient’s progress.

Sober living homes provide a supportive and structured living environment for individuals transitioning from intensive treatment to independent living. Features include a drug-free living environment with rules and guidelines to promote sobriety, peer support from fellow residents, access to community resources and continued outpatient treatment, and encouragement to develop life skills and personal responsibility.

NIRC’s aftercare programs provide ongoing support to help individuals maintain their sobriety and build a fulfilling life in recovery.

The programs include regular follow-up sessions and support groups, access to resources such as job placement services and educational opportunities, social events and alumni gatherings to maintain a supportive network, and continuous monitoring and support to adjust treatment plans as needed.