The Rush Approach to Addiction Care
We believe in treating impulse control or substance use problems as early as possible. If you're even a little concerned about behavior that feels risky or out of control, we can help. You don't have to reach a crisis point to seek treatment.
At your first appointment, we'll start planning the next phase of your life. We'll begin by discussing the physical and emotional causes and effects of your condition. Then, drawing on the latest research, we'll figure out which treatments are likely to work best for you.
These might include medications, group or individual therapy, or other options that will help you:
- Recover — whether that means getting sober or getting better at controlling your impulses
- Prevent relapses — and cope with them if they happen
- Get treatment for other conditions related to your substance use or impulse control disorder
- Connect with the resources you need to live a full life
Most people with impulse control or substance use disorders — no matter how severe — can benefit from treatment. But the earlier you seek treatment, the faster and more lasting recovery is likely to be.
Meet our addiction care providers
Rush Excellence in Addiction Care
- Care for everyone — whether or not you want to quit: Doctors used to think that total abstinence (for example, not drinking at all) was the only way to treat addiction. But research now shows that other approaches can also help. Our experts, who are also addiction researchers, can help determine the options most likely to work for you, right now. This includes harm reduction — or help with limiting your risk, even if you're not ready to quit.
- Short- or long-term options: If you just want one appointment to ask us questions about your substance use, we're happy to talk. If you need longer-term treatment — such as therapy, medication management or a combination — we're here for you.
- Care for related conditions: Substance use is sometimes a sign of an underlying problem. For example, a person might drink too much because they're anxious or because they have trouble sleeping. Experts at Rush can get to the bottom of any related conditions and help you find the right treatment.
- Leaders in the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction: Physicians from Rush helped the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention create its guidelines for chronic pain treatment. The guidelines are designed to help relieve pain while preventing opioid misuse. This expertise will inform your care. If you're dealing with chronic pain, we can help you find relief without opioids.
