Massachusetts has similar rates of drug and alcohol addiction to the rest of the nation. Of course, there are a few exceptions. For example, binge drinking rates among young adults are higher than the national average. Most likely due to the culture of binge drinking among college students and campus residents. However, there are many Massachusetts addiction treatment options people can access to get the help they need.
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Statistics
Regarding numbers, substance abuse statistics in Massachusetts indicate that adults ages 26 to 40 are among the largest population struggling with addiction. In 2015, Massachusetts ranked sixth in the United States for the number of overdose deaths. Even the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) reported that close to 100,000 people were administered to an addiction center in 2017.
52.8%
of total admissions in 2017 identified heroin as their primary drug of use.
25%
of residents reported losing a loved one due to an opioid overdose.
17.7%
of underage residents reported past-month binge drinking.
83%
of overdose deaths in 2017 showed Fentanyl in the toxicity report.
Addiction Services in Massachusetts
Like other states, Massachusetts is working tirelessly to turn the tide on the drug addiction problem. By introducing a set of legislations to help control prescription patterns, alongside opening the door to various community resources, Massachusetts hopes to help those that need help.
Legislation
As of right now, Massachusetts has various legislative initiatives to launch support programs to assist those in need. Some of those programs include:
- The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) tracks the dispensing of controlled prescription medications and control doctor shopping.
- The Act Relative to Substance Abuse, Treatment, Education, and Prevention to install a seven-day limit on new opioid prescriptions.
- Placing prescription drop box locations and kiosks throughout the Commonwealth for residents to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications.
- The Massachusetts Opioid Abuse Prevention Coalition (MOAPC) to fund local community-based preventative programs and educational services to reduce opioid abuse.
- The Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who report an overdose from drug-related charges.
Drug Courts and Mandated Programs
Massachusetts is one of the states where someone can have another person involuntarily committed when they’re concerned about their drug and alcohol use. If a drug court rules to the person requesting the program, the addict can be redirected to five locations for civil commitment. These programs provide a 30-90 residential program that meets the standards for receiving addiction recovery services.
They also operate adult and juvenile drug courts designed to help individuals struggling with addiction. When someone is arrested for nonviolent drug offenses, they have the possibility of receiving treatment instead of facing prison or jail time.
Community Resources
The Massachusetts BSAS provides oversight and licensing to design substance abuse and addiction treatment services for those in the state. Both mental health and addiction services are offered through community-based resources. They offer various state-funded programs, as well as assistance for private treatment centers.
Tips for Choosing the Right Rehab Program in Massachusetts
Finding the right rehab program in Massachusetts is about doing your due diligence. Unfortunately, some addiction treatment centers only offer cookie-cutter solutions that don’t address the root of the addiction. Below are some things to look for and consider when choosing a rehab facility.
Accreditations
First of all, make sure the rehab center in Massachusetts you’re looking at has all the proper accreditations. The same goes for therapists and staff. They must also have their licenses, certifications, and other related credentials. As far as accreditations, you want to look for centers with:
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARD)
- The Joint Commission Accreditation
- DMH Accreditation
- BSAS Accreditation
- LegitScript Certification
Evidence-based Approaches
While alternative therapies like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and more can benefit the healing process, they cannot treat addiction alone. Look for treatments using evidence-based approaches that focus on behavioral therapy, medication treatment, and other treatment methods. Choosing evidence-based treatment also helps ensure your insurance policy will cover at least some of the treatment.
Payment Options
Some addiction treatment options in Massachusetts are publically-funded, state-funded, or operated by not-for-profit corporations. However, many treatment centers also accept private, state, and federal insurance. Furthermore, you can always ask about their payment options as some centers may offer payment arrangements, rehab scholarships, and more. A reliable addiction treatment center will help you find a way to fund your treatment. The idea is to make help accessible and look past the money.
Length
Stay clear from any treatment center that promises a cure for addiction over a weekend or a week. Overall, drug addiction recovery is often a long-term process that incorporates different types of therapy.
Length of treatment can be anywhere from 30 days for short-term recovery programs, 90-days for longer treatments, and also over 180 days for long-term treatment programs. A high-quality treatment center will not force you to fit into a specific timeline. Instead, they’ll work with you to help you find the best route. This includes helping you choose between an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment center.
Massachusetts Treatment Options to Consider
In reality, there isn’t a single path to addiction recovery. A comprehensive treatment plan incorporates various therapies and approaches that help someone understand their addiction and also address any co-occurring disorders.
Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs
Most drug and alcohol addiction recovery journeys start with detox. Because many of these substances cause physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, it’s paramount to have medical assistance and support to do so with comfort. Choosing to detox at a treatment facility also prevents relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Those who stop alcohol or opioids may need a medication-assisted program to start their rehab journey. Various FDA-approved medications help reduce cravings and lessen the dependence on these highly addictive drugs. However, keep in mind that MAT alone isn’t enough to treat addiction. It needs to be paired with supportive services and therapy to help the recovery process.
Personalized Behavioral Therapy
Substance abuse treatment incorporates individual therapy and group therapy sessions throughout the treatment. Both use a combination of various behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Also, sometimes treatments include motivational interviewing (MI), contingency management (CM), and other behavioral therapy forms that address addiction’s many variables.
Dual Diagnosis Programs
Finally, most people with a substance abuse problem also have a co-occurring mental health condition. Anxiety, depression, psychosis, and personality disorders all co-occur with substance abuse. Dual diagnosis programs treat these conditions simultaneously to promote a better and prolonged recovery.
Should I Travel Outside of Massachusetts for Addiction Treatment?
There’s no doubt that Massachusetts offers plenty of resources for addicts and their families looking for help. However, sometimes a change of scenery is necessary. For anyone who’s currently living in a toxic environment prone to abuse, substance misuse, and other triggers, going away for treatment may help. Research shows that a change of scenery can provide a clean slate for people. It also means individuals can seek treatment in an environment that promotes recovery. Besides, residential addiction treatment programs are trigger-free, drug-free, and help people build a community of sober friends and companions that will become critical in their recovery.
In our Boynton Beach drug rehab center, we receive people from every city in Massachusetts and across the country. We often receive individuals seeking addiction treatment from cities like Boston, Cambridge, and also Plymouth.
Read more: Is a Change of Environment the Key to a Sober Life?
Finding Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that there’s help available. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we also receive patients from all over Massachusetts all the time. Indeed, we work with your health insurance provider to help find out what they will cover. Our addiction specialists will work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the core of your addiction. So, if you need help finding addiction treatment, contact us today to start the process.
