New Treatment Center Offers Hope Amid Addiction In DuPage County

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Gateway Foundation's Executive Director Jim Scarpace believes the need for substance use disorder treatment in DuPage County is palpable. For Scarpace, it's a need that has only become more urgent amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is why Gateway Foundation's new Downers Grove addiction treatment center might have opened at just the right time.

According to data from DuPage County coroner Robert Jorgensen, fatal drug overdoses spiked in DuPage County during the start of the pandemic. Scarpace said he believes the increase in overdoses is linked to increased isolation.

"There are a lack of substance use disorder treatment providers in DuPage County, and there are many residents in DuPage County who struggle with substance use disorder," Scarpace told Patch. "Right now, more than ever, as a result of this COVID pandemic, there’s a need for increased access to these services," he said.

"Mental health issues are much more difficult to manage than ever," Scarpace noted, adding that residents have had their "support systems taken away from them" and often don't seek treatment until their illness has progressed.

Gateway Foundation's new treatment center opened March 4 in a 3,978 square foot facility at 3040 Finley Rd., Suite 220. Its aim is to fill the void Scarpace mentioned by offering individual and group therapy for residents with substance use disorder.

To start, the center will offer four evening groups Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The goal is to ultimately add a morning meeting as well. Clients can also enroll in intensive outpatient programs.

Virtual and face-to-face meetings will be available, Scarpace said, adding that in-person group numbers will be limited. Face masks and social distancing will also be required.

In addition to counseling, Gateway Foundation's Downers Grove facility will offer medication-assisted treatment, which includes help providing access to Suboxone, Naltrexone and Campral.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, walk-ins will not initially be available at Gateway Foundation's Downers Grove location. To arrange treatment, clients or family members can call the foundation's 24-hour help line at 877-505-4673.

The center can usually set up services within a day or two after the call, Scarpace said.

Scarpace emphasized the urgent need to get treatment "as soon as possible," if needed.

“It’s really important to treat it like you would any other medical condition," Scarpace said.

Scarpace added that Gateway Foundation is "proud to be in DuPage County and be able to provide support and services to community members.”

“We really want to help as many people as we can, so regardless of whether a client has commercial insurance or no funding, we’re going to work with them to help them get the services they need," Scarpace told Patch.