- May 5
- Dual Diagnosis TreatmentTreatment
Gateway is proud to announce the ASPIRE program at Chicago Independence is the first in Illinois to be designated as a Dual Diagnosis Enhanced (DDE) site. Now that we’ve been recognized with a top dual diagnosis rating, this means ASPIRE is now officially able to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. ASPIRE is the only women’s program that has met the DDE standard, as determined by an independent rater, and one of the only women’s programs American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) deems appropriate for patients who have severe or unstable mental health disorders and need residential treatment.
The ability to treat substance use and mental health disorders is extremely important, as 40 percent of individuals with substance use disorders also have mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression. In order for a person to have the greatest chance of a successful outcome, both aspects must be treated. When either disorder goes untreated, the probability of relapse is much higher.
In order to ensure the staff is thoroughly prepared for treating patients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, Gateway hired employees who established many techniques to develop a training program to spread the knowledge. Ensuring the staff is properly prepared to treat both disorders allows for patients to have the best chance at lifelong recovery.
What is ASPIRE?
The ASPIRE program was first implemented six years ago and provides evidence-based treatment for women suffering from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. While addiction does not discriminate based on gender, addiction has often been painted as a male issue. In reality, millions of women in the United States are also battling addiction. A program like ASPIRE helps bridge the gender gap of addiction while still ensuring women receive tailored, personalized addiction treatment programs for their individual needs.
“The program gives women everything that exists in the best non-gender specific programs, with the added benefit of women-specific programming that addresses how gender roles impact substance use disorders and related co-morbid conditions, such as trauma,” says Chicago Independence Clinical Director Craig Lamb. “The program is a safe space where participants are not addressed in a confrontational manner or judged.”
About Gateway
ASPIRE is one of many Gateway initiatives that demonstrates our commitment to treating not only substance use disorders but the underlying causes of addiction. For more, call Gateway today at 877.505.4673.
