Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of services and resources for people who use drugs. These services help reduce the potential harm from drug use. Harm reduction programs save lives and empower people to make small changes in their behavior to improve their quality of life.

Need2Know Lake County

Need2Know Lake County offers confidential services for:

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C (HCV) prevention and treatment
  • Free safer sex and harm reduction supplies  

We welcome all people. We do not discriminate based on a person’s race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, past or current drug use, or ability to pay.

For more information, visit the Need2Know website or call 847-377-8450.

Syringe Support

Free clean needles, other drug works, drug testing strips, condoms, lubricants, and wound care kits help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and are available for pick up. Need2Know staff also help link people to medical and behavioral health services.

Naloxone

Naloxone saves lives. It is a non-addictive, life-saving medication. It can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time. It is easy to get and easy to use.

There are several ways you can get naloxone for yourself or your loved ones. For more information visit the Naloxone Saves Lives webpage. 

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid. It is so potent that a tiny amount, equivalent to several grains of salt, can cause a fatal overdose. It is difficult for people who use drugs to detect fentanyl, and it is often used to lace illicit drugs. 

Fentanyl testing strips can be used to test a batch or single dose of a substance. Based on the results, people can choose to implement measures to reduce the risk of an opioid overdose. These measures might include:

  • Using less of the substance
  • Going slow or taking test shots
  • Not using alone
  • Having a naloxone rescue kit nearby
  • Not using the substance at all

Xylazine Test Strips

Xylazine, also known as “tranq”, is a powerful sedative that is only approved for veterinary use. It is often mixed with fentanyl when used to lace illicit drugs, increasing the risk of an overdose. Because it is not an opioid, naloxone does not reverse its effects. It is still always recommended to administer naloxone if someone appears to be experiencing drug poisoning. 

In addition to an increased risk of overdose, people injecting drug mixtures containing xylazine can develop severe wounds, including necrosis, that can lead to amputation if left untreated. If a wound develops, individuals should not inject in the limb where the wound is until it is healed.  

It is difficult for people who use drugs to detect xylazine. Xylazine testing strips can be used to test a batch or single dose of a substance. Based on the results, people can choose to implement measures to reduce the risk of an overdose, like those for fentanyl.   

HIV Services

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV kills cells that fight disease and infection. This makes a person’s immune system weaker. If it is not treated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. With the right care, HIV can be controlled and prevented. 

It is important to know your HIV status. Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. For free and confidential HIV testing, call 847-377-8450.

Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment

Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver and can be deadly if not treated. Most people with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Everyone should be tested at least once in their lifetime. For more information about testing and treatment options, call 847-377-8450.

Information for Pregnant Women

Prenatal care helps you make sure you and your baby are healthy. Make your first appointment as soon as possible and go to all of your prenatal checkups. If you think something is wrong, do not wait - call your provider. For prenatal care appointments, call 847-377-8800.

Tuberculosis (TB) Information

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs. Sometimes it attacks other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, spine, or other organs. TB can cause death if not treated.

Some people are at increased risk of being infected with TB. These include homeless persons, injection drug users, and persons with HIV infection.

For more information on TB services in Lake County,
call 847-377-8700.

Treatment Options

Addictions Treatment Program: The Addictions Treatment Program (ATP) is a substance use disorder treatment center providing inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation services.
Phone number:  847-377-8200

Adolescent Outpatient Substance Abuse Program: Serves individuals between the ages of 12 and 20 in need of counseling and education.
Phone number: 847-377-8961

Outpatient Substance Abuse Program: The Substance Abuse Program (SAP) works to prevent and treat substance abuse disorders. The program offers Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Phone number: 847-377-8120

Women’s Residential Services (WRS): Women’s Residential Services is a residential substance use disorder treatment center for adult women.
Phone number: 847-377-7950

FindTreatment.gov website: Help is available, treatment works, and people recover every day. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects information on thousands of state-licensed providers who specialize in treating substance use disorders, addiction, and mental illness.