Table of Contents
Alcohol, Drug, and other Rehab Centers in Chicago, IL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Getting Help

What to Consider When Choosing a Rehab Center

There are many different types of rehab programs and treatment options to consider. Here are a few of the decisions you need to make:

The main factors that determine which rehab options will be best for you are the severity of your addiction and your unique personal and financial situation.

For more information on how to make all of these decisions, read our guide to Choosing the Right Rehab

The Best Rehabs in Chicago, IL

If the cost of rehab is a barrier for you (as it is for many) and you don’t have insurance, there are still ways for you to get help. There are 585 rehab facilities recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) in Illinois, and 94 of those offer some sort of payment assistance to most adults. Out of those 94, over half are located in Chicagoland, with the Elmhurst Campus of Behavioral Services Center receiving the highest overall score in the state from Help.org.

Metrics Used to Evaluate Each Rehab

For more information about the five core metrics, head to the full breakdown of our filtering process and ranking methodology

1. Behavioral Services Center - Elmhurst Campus

The Elmhurst Campus of Behavioral Services Center offers group classes, outpatient, and intensive outpatient treatment services and is located near the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. The rehab received an overall score of 9.2, and it’s highest score was on the metric that measured rehab services provided. It provides 13 different rehab services, which was the highest total of all the rehabs we researched.

The rehab’s weakest performance came on “Cost” – it was given a score of 7.7, which is still considerably above average. The main factor that kept the facility from scoring higher was the fact that it doesn’t offer any other type of payment assistance besides sliding scale fees.

  • Rehabilitation Services Provided: 10
  • Treatment Approaches: 10
  • Cost: 7.7
  • Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 8.3
  • Ancillary Services: 9.5

2. Behavioral Services Center - Skokie Campus

While the Skokie Campus of Behavioral Health Services is run by the same company that runs the Elmhurst Campus, the Skokie Campus received slightly lower scores in “Cost” and “Special Programs for Unique Demographics.” The Skokie Campus offers two less special programs for unique demographics than Elmhurst does. However, it does provide two more ancillary services than the Elmhurst Campus, giving it a perfect score in that category, while Elmhurst received a 9.5.

Like the Elmhurst Campus, the Skokie Campus of Behavioral Health Services exclusively provides several types of outpatient treatments.

  • Rehabilitation Services Provided: 10
  • Treatment Approaches: 10
  • Cost: 6.6
  • Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 8.3
  • Ancillary Services: 10

3. Behavioral Services Center - Chicago Loop Campus

Like the Skokie and Elmhurst Campuses, the Chicago Loop Campus is run by Behavioral Services Center and provides outpatient, intensive outpatient, and individual therapy sessions to the greater Chicago area.

The programs designed for unique demographics that the rehab offers is the program’s biggest drawback, followed closely by its performance on the “Cost” core metric. On the other hand, the facility was given perfect scores on “Rehabilitation Services Provided” and “Treatment Approaches.”

  • Rehabilitation Services Provided: 10
  • Treatment Approaches: 10
  • Cost: 6.6
  • Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 6.4
  • Ancillary Services: 9.5
Top-Rated, Low-Cost Treatment Centers in Illinois
Rank Rehab Total Score Contact Information
#1 Behavioral Services Center – Elmhurst Campus 9.2 188 Industrial Drive
Suite 100
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Main Tel: 847-929-4068
Intake Tel 1: 847-673-8577
#2 Behavior Services Center – Skokie Campus 9.1 8707 Skokie Boulevard
Suite 207
Skokie, IL 60077
Main Tel: 847-673-8577
Intake Tel 1: 847-929-4068
#3 Behavioral Services Center – Chicago Loop Campus 8.8 161 North Clark Street
Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60602
Main Tel: 847-673-8577
Intake Tel 1: 847-929-4068
#4 Behavioral Services Center – Mundelein Campus 8.5 25975 Diamond Lane Road
Suite 111
Mundelein, IL 60060
Main Tel: 847-929-4068
Intake Tel 1: 847-673-8577
#5 Behavioral Services Center – Gurnee Campus 7.4 5101 Washington Road
Suite 1114
Gurnee, IL 60031
Main Tel: 847-673-8577
#6 ABRAXAS Youth and Family Services Southwood Interventions 6.9 5701 South Wood Street
Chicago, IL 60636
Main Tel: 773-737-4600
#7 Leyden Family Service
SHARE Program
6.5 1776 Moon Lake Boulevard
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Main Tel: 847-882-4181
Intake Tel 1: 847-843-4949
#8 Gateway Foundation Alcohol and Drug Treatment/Lake Villa 6.1 25480 West Cedar Crest Lane
Lake Villa, IL 60046
Main Tel: 847-356-8205 x3366
Intake Tel 1: 847-356-8205
#9 Trilogy Inc 5.7 1400 West Greenleaf Avenue
Chicago, IL 60626
Main Tel: 773-508-6100
Intake Tel 1: 773-508-6100 x4060
#10 Lake County Substance Abuse Program 5.5 3004 Grand Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60085
Main Tel: 847-377-8120

Finding a Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Chicago

Start by determining your coverage

If you have private insurance or coverage purchased through the healthcare marketplace, contact your plan provider to determine exactly what services are covered. If you have Medicaid (or to determine whether you qualify), visit illinois.gov to get started. Whatever type of coverage you have, insurance companies (public and private) are required to cover substance abuse treatment for qualified individuals.

Use our database to find a treatment center near you

The tool below lists all of the treatment centers in the state of Illinois recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Input your zip code and select the filter icon to find relevant rehabs near you.

Schedule an assessment

If you are pursuing treatment that will be covered by insurance, your first step will be scheduling an assessment with a qualified individual such as a therapist or counselor. Most facilities provide assessments, or your primary care provider may be able to refer you. Contact companies in our database above to find out if they will provide this service.

filter button

Type Of Care
Treatment Approaches
Service Setting
Age Groups Accepted
Ancillary Services
Facility Operation
Facility Smoking Policy
Gender Accepted
Language Services
License Certification Accreditation
Payment Assistance Available
Payment Methods and Insurance Accepted
Special Programs Groups Offered

    What to Expect in Rehab

    There are many different methods for treating addiction, and the science of studying addiction is constantly improving and changing. However, the core pieces of treatment are generally the same.

    Description of the Four Steps of the Rehab Process

    For more on what to expect in rehab, read our guide on the addiction rehabilitation process 

    Rehab for At-Risk Groups

    Substance Abuse Treatment for Veterans

    1 in 15 veterans had a substance use disorder in 2015

    1 in 15

    Veterans had substance use disorder in 2015

    Veterans face unique challenges that can put them at higher risk for substance abuse than the general population. Factors leading to increased risk include things like PTSD and homelessness.

    Thankfully, Veterans have access to additional resources for treatment, and VA benefits often cover the cost. To get help with substance abuse from the VA health care system follow these steps:

    • Enroll: If you aren’t enrolled already, you can check to see if you are eligible by using the Health Benefits Explorer, and then complete the application.
    • Discover: Find out whether your local VA center provides substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by calling or visiting the center. If you don’t know where the closest VA is, call the VA hotline to find out: 1-800-827-1000.
    • Find Treatment: If your local VA does provide SUD treatment, then discover what your options are and enroll in treatment. If your local VA doesn’t provide SUD treatment, then use the SUD program locator to find one that does.

    You can also use the appropriate filter in our database above to find veteran-specific treatment options.

    For more information, read our guide on Substance Abuse Rehab for Veterans

    Substance Abuse Treatment for Teens

    The challenges for youth are usually different than those facing adults, and not all treatment centers offer special programs. Use our treatment finder and the appropriate filter to find those that do. As with adults, payment assistance and other financial help are available at the state-funded treatment centers which you can identify using our “low-cost” filter.

    Co-Occurring Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment

    Substance abuse and mental health issues tend to go hand-in-hand – the technical term is “co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.” Based on data from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 18% of those with some form of mental health illness also have a substance use disorder, and 41% of those with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder.

    Mental Health Resources & Treatment

    If you or someone you love is suffering from mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, or severe anxiety, there are many resources and ways to get help.

    If you feel that you or a loved one is in a crisis, here are a few quick ways that MentalHealth.gov recommends to get immediate help:

    • Emergency Services: If your life (or someone else’s life) is in danger, always start by dialing 911 to get immediate access to emergency services.
    • Suicide Prevention: The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is: 800-273-8255. You can also initiate a private live online chat.
    • Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 800-273-8255 to talk to someone immediately. You can also access help with a private online chat, or you can text 838255.

    Those who have mental health issues and a substance abuse problem may benefit from dual-diagnosis rehabs. Use the appropriate filter in our tool above to find rehab centers with programs designed to meet the unique challenge posed by co-occurring disorders.

    Finding Aftercare in Chicago

    Aftercare is one of the often overlooked yet crucial steps in the rehabilitation process. The chances of relapsing from drugs after rehab dramatically rise for individuals who just try and go back to “normal life,” rather than pursuing further treatment in aftercare. There are several types of aftercare including follow-up visits for continued therapy, group therapy, and sober living homes.

    Alcoholics Anonymous designed the 12-step process for recovering from an alcohol addiction. Today there are many other 12-step programs for other addictions and issues, including Narcotics Anonymous for those struggling with drug addictions.

    Basics of a 12 step meeting

    Contact the appropriate local organization to find an AA or NA meeting near you

    The tool below lists the contact information for local organizations that will connect you to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings near you. Since meeting times and locations change periodically, contact the local groups that coordinate the meetings to ensure that the information is up to date.

    Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Database

    Name City Program Telephone Spanish Hotline

    Sober Living Homes

    Sober living homes (also referred to as recovery residences) are group homes that help recovering addicts transition from treatment facilities to living on their own, while maintaining sobriety. They are especially helpful for those who don’t have a supportive and positive environment to live in after rehab.

    Residents can stay for a couple months of for years, as long as they follow the rules and don’t relapse (most homes have a zero tolerance policy for using substances). Other rules usually include completing chores, attending mutual support groups regularly, and paying an equal share of the cost of renting the home.

    Some halfway houses are listed in our database, and you can find them by using the appropriate filter in our tool above. Otherwise, head to our guide on sober living homes to learn more about sober living homes, and to find a certified recovery residence near you.

    Substance Abuse in Chicago

    Overview

    Heroin is a serious concern in Chicago, and it’s getting worse

    35%

    of 2015 rehab admissions in Chicago were for heroin

    16%

    of 2015 rehab admissions in the US were for heroin

    A 2015 study by the Illinois Drug Policy Consortium indicates that the percentage of treatment admissions in the Chicago Metroplex for heroin in 2012 was more than double the national average (35.1% vs. 16.4%), and 18.6% of arrestees tested positive for opiates (including heroin) which is the highest rate in the nation.

    In addition to the statistic above, there are numerous statistics that indicate that the heroin usage is a much bigger problem in Chicago than it is nationally, and it’s getting worse over the last few decades. For instance:

    • In 2015 there were 355 deaths resulting from cocaine overdoses in Cook County – that’s 23 more deaths than there were in 2014 and 64 more deaths than in 2013.
    • The same study by the Illinois Drug Policy Consortium also related that publicly funded treatment for heroin was only 4% of the total treatment in 2007, but by 2012 it more than quadrupled to 18%.

    Compared to the U.S., the prevalence of substance abuse in Chicago is about average

    According to data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Authority (SAMHSA), 1.1 million people over the age of 12 use illegal drugs yearly in Chicagoland – that works out to 14.8% of the population which is nearly equal to the national percentage of 14.7%. However, the annual average for past-year binge drinking is higher than the national average (26.5% vs. 23.2%)

    The number of deaths in Chicago from substance abuse is comparatively low

    9%

    of Chicago deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol

    13%

    of US deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol

    According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), the national percentage of deaths caused by drugs and alcohol is 13.36% – Chicago’s percentage is quite a bit lower at 8.9%. Additionally, the percentage of youth who die because of drugs or alcohol is low at only 2.47% (compared to 5.3% nationally).

    Drug and Alcohol Induced Deaths in Cook County Between 2006 and 2015
    Ages: 12-17 Ages: 18+ All Ages
    Drug-Induced Deaths 27 32,325 32,371
    Alcohol-Induced Deaths N/A 6,437 6,445
    Total Deaths 1,418 428,492 436,462
    Percentage of Drug & Alcohol Induced Deaths 2.47% 9.05% 8.90%

    Source: CDC WONDER

    Key Indicators of Substance Abuse Issues

    When trying to understand the substance abuse problem in a specific area, researchers and policy makers examine “key indicators.” Combined with usage stats, key indicators can provide a deep level of insight into which substances and demographics present the biggest problem and are at the highest risk. Below, the key indicators that have recent, credible statistics available are examined.

    Homelessness in Chicago is decreasing

    A high rate of homelessness in an area indicates a greater potential for substance abuse problems. Homelessness has been shown to be linked to substance abuse as both the cause and result – sometimes substance abuse is the reason for homelessness, and other times homelessness contributes to it.

    While the relative number of homeless people in Chicago is much higher than the national average, the number has recently been improving. On a single night in 2016, there were 5,889 homeless people (sheltered and unsheltered) which is a 23% decrease from 2015 and the lowest count in over 10 years.

    Below you can see homelessness trends in Chicago and the U.S. over the last six years. The data is expressed as the number of homeless people per 10,000 population. In 2016 there were 21.8 homeless people in Chicago and 17 across the U.S. (per 10,000 population).

    Suicides rates in Chicago are relatively low

    Suicide rates help to indicate the severity of the mental health issues in Chicago. An estimated 39% of all those with a substance use disorder also have mental health problems. The data may suggest that fewer residents of Chicago struggle with mental health issues, that treatment is more readily available, or that the severity of the mental health problems is overall less severe compared to other parts of the country.

    The graph below shows the suicide rate per 100,000 people in Cook County between 2006 and 2015 compared to the overall rate in the United States.

    Take Action

    Substance abuse treatment is available for anyone who needs help in Chicago – you don’t have to struggle alone. To get help, determine your insurance coverage, then use our tool to find and contact a rehab center near you to schedule an assessment. Remember, many low-cost rehab centers can help if you don’t have insurance coverage or feel that rehab is out of the question due to financial constraints.