SafeSpot: Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Hotline

Time is of the essence when an overdose occurs. In many cases, an overdose is reported to medical services too late, resulting in long-term health effects or even death. Sometimes, help isn’t sought at all, such as when people are afraid of getting in legal trouble. Many times it’s because the person experiencing the overdose is alone and can’t reach out for help.

The Massachusetts overdose hotline SafeSpot (1-800-972-0590) is a free hotline created to help reduce the number of overdoses in Massachusetts. In 2022, opioid-related overdose deaths reached a record high in Massachusetts. Although the number did fall by 10% in 2023, there were still 2,125 opioid-related deaths in the state, which is more than in many other states. SafeSpot’s efforts no doubt played a role in this decline, notifying first responders of where an overdose was happening in real-time and providing other lifesaving services.

Who The Massachusetts Overdose Hotline Is For

SafeSpot was created as an overdose prevention method for anyone who uses drugs. All drug use has become riskier in recent years, due to the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl and similar drugs being cut into other drugs, including fake prescription pills. Even a small amount of fentanyl can lead to a fatal overdose.

The hotline is designed for people using drugs who wouldn’t otherwise call for help during an overdose due to fear of possible legal repercussions. It’s also for people engaging in substance use alone, who may be unable to call for help if an overdose occurs.

Services Offered By SafeSpot

SafeSpot provides two main services: virtual “spotting” for people using drugs and connection with emergency services when needed.

Drug Use Monitoring

When someone calls SafeSpot, they’re connected to a trained operator who collects basic information that can help keep the caller safe during drug use, including helping first responders provide effective care in case of an emergency.

Requested information includes:

• the exact location of the caller
• the drug(s) the person intends to use
• the route of administration

This information also helps inform the operator how long the call should last. Information that would identify the caller, such as their name, race, ethnicity, or gender, is not collected. The address of the caller is not stored in any database.

Once this information is collected, the caller engages in substance use and stays in verbal communication with the operator. Once the operator and the caller decide there is no danger, the caller hangs up. Callers can engage in substance use multiple times during the call.

Overdose Prevention Through Emergency Response

If a caller becomes unresponsive, the operator immediately informs emergency services and stays on the line until they arrive. First responders are informed of where the caller is located, what drugs were used, and how they were used. This helps paramedics arrive at the scene of overdoses better prepared and able to save lives.

The Importance Of The Overdose Prevention Hotline

The Massachusetts overdose prevention hotline came into existence amidst the opioid epidemic, including the growing number of overdoses due to fentanyl. Massachusetts was, and continues to be, one of the hardest-hit states. People taking prescription drugs bought online or on the streets, cocaine, meth, heroin, and other drugs are at risk, as fentanyl is commonly cut into other drugs today.

According to a local news source, state data collected in 2023 found that 90% of overdose deaths occurred while drug use was unmonitored, and 43% happened when the person using drugs was alone. SafeSpot serves as a solution, offering people free, confidential monitoring and emergency services connection.

The History Of SafeSpot

SafeSpot started as the “Never Use Alone” Massachusetts hotline in 2020. Noticing the disturbing trend in overdoses, a group of volunteers decided to provide a free and confidential service for people engaging in substance use, whether alone or with others. After being awarded two grants in 2022 and 2023, they changed their name to the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Hotline, then simply SafeSpot. The hotline has helped prevent many overdoses, and not just opioid-related deaths.

Addiction Treatment Prevents Overdoses

The best way to prevent an overdose is to seek addiction treatment. Various programs and services are available to help anyone with drug or alcohol addiction, no matter the severity, achieve recovery.

Medical Detox

The first step in the recovery journey for many is detox. When a person who has become dependent on drugs or alcohol stops using the substance, uncomfortable and even dangerous or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms occur. People who have used substances for a long time, or specific substances, such as alcohol, face an increased risk of difficult withdrawal.

Being monitored by medical professionals during the withdrawal process can help ensure the person’s safety and success, providing proper hydration, medications as needed, and other care and support, including introductions to therapy and counseling.

Residential Or Outpatient Treatment

Once stabilized, the next step in treatment can be taken, which is often a residential program for people with moderate to severe addictions. This part of the recovery process involves staying in a treatment facility for approximately 30 days to six months, engaging in daily therapy, counseling, group activities, mindfulness practices, and other treatment approaches. Clients live on site in a recovery-supportive environment and learn about addiction, coping skills, relapse prevention, and more.

Outpatient treatment is usually the next step but may also serve as the start of the recovery process for people with low-severity substance use disorders. There are a variety of outpatient options to meet a variety of needs. These programs may feature therapy, counseling, and group activities, similar to live-in treatment, but clients don’t live on site.

Ongoing Support

Though someone may complete formal treatment, the recovery journey continues. Many people frequently or periodically attend 12-step meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or other peer support group meetings to support their recovery. People may also choose to work with a mentor, participate in an alumni program, and engage with other recovery-focused support.

Find Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts

If you or a loved one have recently suffered an overdose, reach out to Bedrock Recovery Center to learn more about your addiction recovery options. Our substance abuse specialists are available 24/7 to help you find the best treatment for you.