Tools for Life

35 South Stolp Avenue
Suite 1
Aurora, IL 60506

About Tools for Life

Tools for Life, located in Aurora, Illinois is a private alcohol and drug rehab that offers treatment for a variety of substance abuse addictions including alcoholism, co-occurring mental health disorders, and opiate addiction. They offer flexible outpatient addiction therapy allowing patients to live at home while receiving regular treatment. Additional levels of care offered include intensive outpatient and 12-step therapy.

Specialty rehab programs at Tools for Life include tailored care focusing on women's specific needs and experiences, gender-specific addiction treatment addressing unique challenges faced by men, and age-appropriate treatment for teens addressing adolescent-specific issues.

Tools for Life has received accreditations from SAMHSA.

Latest Reviews

Jenna McClintock

3 months ago on Google

Would recommend them over Care Clinics any day very nice and easy to schedule an appointment.

Kathryn Pruyn

5 months ago on Google

It took a little over a week for them to first get in touch, but genuine apology was expressed and it seemed like unique circumstances.The evaluation process with Shelley was along the lines of what I expected. Having given thorough histories for other reasons before, I did not find it to be overly invasive. Thorough, not overly time- consuming. Fact- focused, not judgmental.At the end of the evaluation, I was told it may take a week to hear anything. It took longer, but I've my attorney reached out to remind Tools For Life, the response was prompt.Can't give five stars yet because I am still waiting for the last phase of this process to be completed, but so far good people to work with.

Karris Foster

1 year ago on Google

Steve helped my daughter with the early intervention counseling program. He made the program relatable to her situation and really helped her understand the outside influences. She successfully completed the program and is still making the right choices and cutting people off that can effect her sobriety.

Response from the owner1 week ago

Thanks Karris. She has so much potential. I hope she realizes it and never looks back!

Gallery

Location

Accepted Insurance

Tools for Life works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Ambetter

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Humana

Elevance Health

UnitedHealth Group

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

12-Step

12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug rehab in Illinois is designed to help people recover from addiction to a number of substances. The length of each program and its intensity tend to vary, and the plan of care is based on your individual needs.

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Programs

Teen Program

Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

HIV/AIDS Program

HIV/AIDS programs support disease prevention and management in high-risk individuals in recovery. Individuals who engage in intravenous drug use and other addictive behaviors are at a higher risk of becoming infected with HIV. Rehab centers that specialize in treating this population typically have a high number of nurses, physicians, and psychiatrists on staff who can make sure both their medical and mental health needs are met.

Program For Men

Men face specific challenges and concerns when seeking addiction treatment. Gender-specific recovery programs help them tackle these issues head-on in an environment that's focused, targeted, and distraction-free. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with and learn from other men who have been through a similar journey and can offer support for the next step.

Program For Women

Rehabs for women provide a safe, nurturing space for female clients to heal. These treatment programs consider the specific obstacles that women can face during recovery and place a special emphasis on mental, social, physical, and reproductive health. They explore how each woman's experience has shaped the trajectory of their substance use, addressing issues such as sexual abuse and past trauma.

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Accreditations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

Contact Information

(630) 906-1200

Website

35 South Stolp Avenue
Suite 1
Aurora, IL 60506

Get Help Now - 800-985-8516

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Reviews of Tools for Life

3.5/5 (23 reviews)

Google Reviews

3.5 (23 reviews)

3 months ago

5 months ago

1 year ago

Response from the owner1 year ago

Stephen Foust

TFL is a godsend for those with the motivation, intelligence, and patience to listen and learn. Our family couldn't be more grateful for Steven Fiorito's wisdom, understanding, empathy, tough love, and guidance.

Thank you Stephen. Unfortunately most people that come to our agency don t want the things you mentioned. Unfortunately (or fortunately for some) it s my job to give it to them anyway. I will ALWAYS do my best and do my job. It makes it worth it when I hear the success stories. Thanks again.

Daniel Ellingsworth

2 years ago

Response from the owner2 years ago

Thanks Dan! You have done a lot of important work!

Zen Carion

I am appalled by the lack of professionalism at this establishment. I called today to review my assessment with Steve and he behaved like an untreated addict with no anger management skills. He called me a liar as he spoke over me, constantly interrupted and belittled me as a member of a 12 step program. There is no way I could ever believe this is a good service for continued sobriety and serenity.Sheryl at the front counter was not particularly helpful either and certainly not a model for recovery. My opinion, do not help fund this business as the money will only go towards half true paperwork and miserable treatment.I cannot believe Steve is a certified anger management counselor! Definitely look closely. He is not qualified in any way.Not even a one star review if I could help it.

FACTS: When the client called for an assessment TFL was accommodating and got her in for her appointment within days. The first sign of trouble was when the first words out of her mouth were I just need an assessment. I don t need any treatment or anything . This shows us immediately that the client has already reached a conclusion of what the outcome should be. The outcome was not what she wanted and she was recommended to complete a relatively minimal amount of services. Her 1st phone call was the day before in which I informed her of our recommendation for her and gave her a brief explanation of the reasons. In that explanation I included the difference between professional help and self-help such as AA and other 12-step groups. She proceeded to debate with me for the next 5 or so minutes that I disagree. AA is NOT self-help . This is why she accuses me of belittling her as a member of the 12-step program. She then asked if she could pick up her assessment summary and made an arrangement to do so the next day. While doing so she began arguing with a colleague that was at the reception window who had nothing to do with the assessment. After leaving with the document she called me on the phone to complain about inaccuracies in the document. I happened to have the original assessment in front of me and asked her to tell me what inaccuracies she was referring to. She named 3-drugs and claimed to not have used them. I pointed out that she did report using those drugs in her initial interview and gave her specific info. that she stated at her assessment. She never responded or explained but instead wanted to move on to her next complaint about the document. I stopped her (this is what she referred to when she reports that I talked over her ) and informed her that her first complaint was invalid and unsubstantiated and that I didn t have any more time to be on the phone with her. She then focused on that I cut her off and talked over her. Once I identified that this person simply did not like the recommendations she received and was not going to accept my explanation for them no matter what, I suggested she go to another provider and ended the call. SUMMARY: You had a preconceived idea about what you thought should happen as a result of your assessment. That s not what happened and instead you were recommended to complete some services (much less than what another provider had already recommended for you). You didn t like and disagreed with the recommendations and tried to threaten me with this review for making them (that did not intimidate me and I stuck to what I thought was right for you based on the information you provided). You have joined the minuscule ranks of a very small percentage of people who were dissatisfied with TFL or a staff person (considering that we see 200 to 300 clients per year). That s about 1.3 percent. I d say not bad for the type of work we do. Finally, having a disagreement on the phone with a client doesn t disqualify someone from being a counselor. It is an unrealistic expectation to think that because someone is a counselor they should never have a disagreement with anyone and if they do, they are unprofessional . Ironically, you give a clue about your need for treatment in your statement about TFL not being a good service for continued sobriety and serenity indicating that these two things are synonymous and that others are somehow responsible for your serenity . In life there will be disagreement and conflict. You are likely required to stay sober whether or not situations and circumstances go your way and bring about serenity or not. Good luck to you in the future.

Joan Lopez

3 years ago

This place is pathetic. A sorry excuse for a treatment center. The counselor needs anger management and needs to go to charm school.

Response from the owner3 years ago

I don t usually feel the need to respond to these bogus reviews but I feel compelled to finally respond directly to this garbage.... This a fictitious review. The tag-team of Jim, Joan, and Teresa Lopez have never been clients at our agency. They are simply friends or relatives of a disgruntled client (who we believe we have identified) piling on the negative reviews at their request. I think most people reading this are smart enough to see through their game. Funny how me being a recovering heroin (and cocaine) addict for 34 years is viewed as a negative thing by you. Most clients view my 31 years of expertise (not 1 blemish against my license in that time) as a counselor, and 34 years of personal recovery as a positive resource that allows me to provide services in a deeper, more meaningful, and quality way. Hmmmmm? The following is a list of the type of client that has a problem with me and finds me to be unprofessional ... 1. Clients that have no intention of making any changes required to prevent future arrest, etc. 2. Clients that can t/ won t stop using drugs/ alcohol while in treatment. 3. Clients that try to defraud urine tests by bringing someone else s or fake pee with them to TFL. 4. Clients that don t read the (very clear), basic rules and requirements they re signing. 5. Clients that do read but still consistently don t follow the (again, very clear) basic rules/ requirements they sign and agree to. 6. Clients that are constantly or significantly disruptive and disrespectful to our program, staff, or others enrolled in our program. Yes, if any of these describes you, please keep scrolling and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE as these things will never be condoned/ allowed by me or any staff member at TFL. PS Or any other program that I m aware of!

Jim Lopez

This place is great if you want to save money but terrible if actually need help. The counselor is a"former" heroin addict and miserable human being, he cares not about helping people and focuses on criticizing clients in group sessions.

Teresa Lopez

Rude and unprofessional.

Danny Dabs

4 years ago

Response from the owner4 years ago

This person was never a client at Tools For Life. PLEASE NOTE: When reading reviews, please understand that the nature of our business makes it more likely that we will receive negative reviews and less likely we ll receive positive ones. 97% of clients are court mandated and do not want to be at our agency. When clients don t comply with basic treatment requirements and fail, they want to blame someone and lash out. Many have found negative reviews as a way of doing this. TFL treats upward of 300 clients per year. With that considered, it s obvious that MOST of our clients have a good experience at TFL.

Alberto Rueda

A very well established place. Steven Fiorito has been one of the best counselors I have ever come across and I have come across many counselors over the past 11 years. Steven is very knowledgeable and if you give the program a chance, it will set you up in the right direction towards recovery. I very highly recommend Tools For Life!

Thank you Alberto! You are a good example of the kind of experience people typically have at TFL if they do what is required.

Isela Murillo

This place is very bad and unprofessional.

This person is not and has never been in our program. It is likely a friend of the last person who gave us a bad review in an attempt to pile on . PLEASE NOTE: When reading reviews, please understand that the nature of our business makes it more likely that we will receive negative reviews and less likely we ll receive positive ones. 97% of clients are court mandated and do not want to be at our agency. When clients don t comply with basic treatment requirements and fail, they want to blame someone and lash out. Many have found negative reviews as a way of doing this. TFL treats upward of 300 clients per year. With that considered, it s obvious that MOST of our clients have a good experience at TFL.

Overall Experience

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Last 6 months
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