Pillars Expands Outpatient Addictions Services

At a critical time when substance misuse is becoming a national crisis, Pillars is expanding its Addictions Services in the Chicago area. Pillars, the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and social services in the western and southwestern suburbs, has provided Addictions Services since 1975. Clients from any town who could get to Pillars’ Hickory Hills or La Grange Park locations could receive treatment in the past. As of January, the agency is now offering services at its Berwyn location, The Fillmore Center. The expansion means people in the Cicero-Berwyn area will have easier access to care.

“Our goal is to get people sober and improve their quality of life—without removing them from the community or their homes,” says Helen Stewart, LCSW, chief clinical officer at Pillars. “By offering services in more areas, we are making it easier for individuals to find help. We’re right here alongside the BNSF tracks, a short walk or ride for those who live in proximity to Berwyn.”

Pillars Addictions Services include:

• Early intervention and outpatient treatment including individual and group therapy
• DUI evaluations and DUI risk education
• Treatment for complex cases such as addiction and pregnancy or domestic violence
• Referrals to higher level of care such as inpatient rehab, if needed

In November 2016, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released the office’s first-ever dedicated report to substance abuse and related disorders. Dr. Murthy cites alcohol and drug issues as one of America’s most pressing public health concerns. Titled “Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health,” the report notes that one in seven Americans will develop a substance use disorder at some point in their lives—yet 90 percent of Americans with these disorders are not receiving treatment. This is particularly concerning for adolescents who are still developing. According to the report, people who use alcohol before age 15 are four times more likely to abuse alcohol later in life.

“With a lack of resources or knowledge of where to turn, many people aren’t reaching out for help or end up with costly hospitalizations,” says Ann C. Schreiner, AM, LCSW, president and CEO of Pillars. “We want to help the community see substance use disorder as an illness and make it easier for them to reach out for help. With an established reputation and many partners in the community, we hope people will continue to see us as a compassionate, knowledgeable group of people who can help them find a path forward.”

Pillars offers Addictions Services in both English and Spanish. Clients do not need private insurance, though some private insurance is accepted; fees are assessed on a sliding fee scale, based on clients’ income. Learn more at www.pillarscommunity.org or call 708.PILLARS (708.745.5277).