Way Back Inn Inc - Maywood House 1

Long-Term Residential Care in a Home-Like Setting

Way Back Inn Maywood is a nonprofit program in Maywood, Illinois, offering extended residential care for adult men recovering from substance use and gambling disorders. Stays typically range from about 90 days to one year, giving men time to stabilize, build new habits, and prepare for life after treatment. Care is provided in neighborhood homes rather than an institutional campus, creating a more familiar, low-intensity setting for early recovery.

Specialized Support for Substance Use and Gambling

The program treats substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, with a particular focus on both substance use and gambling disorder. Way Back Inn is one of the few programs in Illinois accredited to provide long-term residential treatment for gambling use disorder, along with outpatient options. The clinical team uses evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, Matrix Model groups, trauma-related counseling, and 12-step facilitation.

Structure, Life Skills, and Community Living

Residential care is highly structured, with daily therapy groups, house meetings, work or job search time, meals, and recreation. Clients share responsibilities like cooking and chores, helping them rebuild daily routines and practical skills such as budgeting, housekeeping, and work-life balance. Shared bedrooms and common living spaces and family-style meals create a predictable environment. Beyond the men’s residential program, the organization offers intensive outpatient (IOP) and standard outpatient services, available in person and via telehealth.

Inclusive Care, Family Support, and Access to Resources

The program serves diverse groups, including veterans, active-duty military and their families, older adults, justice-involved clients, and people living with HIV, chronic pain, or trauma. Weekly family psychoeducation groups help loved ones understand addiction and improve communication. Case management, assistance with social services, housing support, social-skills development, and suicide prevention services all aim to strengthen safety and stability beyond discharge. Services are offered in English, with additional language support in Spanish and Polish, and a sliding fee scale helps reduce financial barriers.

Client Reviews

Google reviewers describe strong positive outcomes at Way Back Inn. A smaller group raises concerns about rules, billing, and how some situations have been handled.

• Treatment Quality & Outcomes (75% positive): Many clients credit Way Back Inn with improving their lives and supporting long-term sobriety. A few reviewers felt the program structure and follow-through did not lead to meaningful recovery.
• Staff & Care Experience: Several reviewers describe caring, knowledgeable staff who help them build a strong foundation in early recovery. Others report difficulties with certain staff or techs. "The staff is so supportive and knowledgeable."
• Support & Community: Clients often highlight strong peer support, with friendships and accountability that last years. A few note that the overall culture did not always feel consistently supportive. "The friends I made and still have."
• Access & Process: Some people mention confusing or rigid rules around meetings, transportation, and address updates.