Opioids are the biggest culprit in the area with 88% of drug overdose deaths involving opioids in 2018. That includes heroin and prescription drugs like Percocet or OxyContin. But other drugs that cause problems in the area include:
- Alcohol, which made up 31% of MA treatment admissions in 2014
- Stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine
To combat the drug and alcohol problem in MA, there’s a rich network of treatments available to people who live with addiction.
Available programs include:
Local patients can benefit from keeping treatment close to home in MA, while out-of-state patients may appreciate the New England scenery for a change of pace during recovery.
Massachusetts Alcohol and Drug Addiction Statistics
Massachusetts is no stranger to the substance abuse epidemic that’s rocking the nation. In 2018, MA was one of the worst-affected states in the nation according to a study of age-adjusted overdose death rates.
Massachusetts Drug Statistics
In 2018, 2,241 people died from drug overdoses in MA. That year, state police officers reversed opioid overdoses with Narcan 90 times, an increase from 77 the previous year.
In 2018, the South Middlesex Opportunity Council homeless shelter on Queen Street was the site with the most reported overdoses. There were 15 overdoses at the homeless shelter that year.
Between 2000 and 2017, nearly 16,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses alone in MA. Nearly 2,000 of them were in Worcester County. That includes deaths from heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids.
Massachusetts Treatment Statistics
In 2017, there were over 80,000 people who entered treatment for drug and alcohol rehab or detox.
People entering treatment reported the following:
- 77% were Caucasian
- 67% were male
- 47% reported intravenous drug use within the last year
- 46% had received mental health treatment in the past
- 30% reported being homeless
- The largest represented age group was 31 to 40 at 30%
These were the primary drugs reported by people entering treatment that year:
- 53% used heroin
- 33% used alcohol
- 4% used crack or cocaine
- 4.6% used opioids other than heroin
- 3.5% used cannabis
- 1.5% used sedative-hypnotics (sleeping medications like Ambien)
- 0.5% used prescription stimulants (medications like Adderall)
Fentanyl is involved in many opioid-related drug deaths in MA, but it’s not reported as a primary drug in treatment because most people don’t seek it out. Instead, fentanyl may be found as an adulterant in heroin or other opioids.
Massachusetts Alcohol Detox and Drug Rehab Questions
It’s normal to have a lot of questions on your mind about rehab before you make the commitment to get treatment. Answering those questions can give you peace of mind and help you know what to expect.
These are some of the most commonly-asked questions about detox and rehab in MA:
Where should I go to receive the best alcohol and drug detox in Massachusetts?
It’s hard to call any detox program the “best” because every person has different needs. Still, Bedrock Recovery Center offers a patient-focused experience that’s tailored to the individual patient, making it a good choice for patients seeking residential or detox treatment.
How long is inpatient detox in Massachusetts?
The length of inpatient detox programs can vary depending on the primary drug that you’re stopping. For instance, alcohol detox may last 3 to 5 days, while meth detox can last 3 weeks or longer. Your treatment center will help you choose a detox program that’s the right length for you.
What should I look for in a detox rehab facility?
You should look for a detox rehab facility that uses evidence-based treatment. That means they use treatment strategies and interventions that have been scientifically proven to work for addiction. Some examples of evidence-based addiction treatment include:
Is addiction treatment necessary for recovery?
Addiction treatment is necessary for long-term recovery. Without treatment or detox, the rate of relapse is 90% in the first year. With treatment, that percentage goes down to the 40% to 60% range. That’s a potential relapse risk reduction of up to 50%!
Relapse is a part of living with addiction for many people, but you can protect your recovery and improve your odds by investing time into treatment.
Where to Find Massachusetts Addiction Treatment
Finding a treatment center in Massachusetts can be easy, but finding the right one that can help is where it becomes difficult. This is a very important decision that you need to make and it is critical that you do your due diligence when it comes to choosing the right rehab.
Here is some criteria you should consider when making a decision:
- Do they have the appropriate licensing and accreditations?
- Can the rehab tailor a treatment plan based on your history?
- Do they offer evidence-based treatments?
- Do they offer a program for continuum of care?
- Do they offer a medical detox program if you require to detox from a substance?
At Bedrock Recovery Center, we meet all of these requirements and more. If you are looking for treatment in Massachusetts, then our facility in Canton, MA is the place for you with our new state-of-the-art facility.
How to Choose a Drug Rehab Center
When you’re searching for a drug rehab center, it’s important to consider the quality of care that you’re getting and choose wisely. After all, this is the foundation for the rest of your recovery!
Consider these factors when choosing a drug rehab in MA:
Accreditation
Look at whether a potential treatment center is accredited. Accreditation simply means that a third-party organization holds this treatment center to a certain standard of care.
Some common accreditations for rehabs include:
- The Joint Commission
- Legitscript
- Shatterproof
Evidence-Based Treatment
Pick a rehab center that offers evidence-based treatment, which has scientific method backing it. It includes treatment methods that have been thoroughly tested and proven effective.
If a treatment center uses holistic treatment, it should be alongside evidence-based treatment methods.
Some examples of evidence-based addiction treatment include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Contingency management
- Community reinforcement approach
- Motivational enhancement
- The Matrix Model
- 12-Step facilitation therapy
- Family behavior therapy
Customized Rehab Programs
Choose a rehab center that customizes treatment plans for each individual. No two people have the same history, and that means there’s no such thing as a rehab program that works for everyone as-is.
Instead, your treatment center of choice should spend time reviewing your history and creating a treatment plan that takes all of your unique needs into account.
Medically-Supervised Detox
Detox is the first part of the recovery process and it’s the part where you’re the most vulnerable to relapse. You should choose a rehab center that includes a medical detox program before residential inpatient treatment.
Detoxing can be physically and emotionally difficult. A medical detox program supports you through it with symptom management and as-needed care, including medications and IV hydration.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
It’s common for addiction to occur alongside other mental health disorders, like:
- Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder
- Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
That’s only a few of the many diagnoses that many people have alongside substance use disorder (SUD). Look for a treatment center that includes screening and treatment for dual diagnoses. You can’t recover from addiction without addressing all the root causes and contributing factors.
Credentialed Treatment Professionals
Every treatment center that you consider should have credentialed and licensed treatment providers. It’s important that the therapists, physicians, counselors and social workers that you see on campus are experienced in substance use disorders and licensed by a third party.
Look for credentials such as:
- American Academy of Health Care Providers in Addictive Disorders (AAHCP) certification
- National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP) certification
- State licensing
Continuum of Care
Seek out a treatment center that puts the continuum of care first. The continuum of care spans every part of your recovery, not just the detox and treatment experiences. It includes a plan to monitor your progress across all parts of your life and involves integrated care that supports recovery beyond graduating from treatment.
Family Programs
Family has a big impact on the way your recovery goes. If you live with family or have a close relationship with them, consider choosing a treatment center that includes family programs.
It can make a big difference in recovery when your family is involved from the beginning and learns how to support you at home. At the same time, addiction is hard on your family members, and family programs can help you learn to see the situation from their perspective.
Selection of Therapies and Treatments
Choose a treatment center that offers a wide variety of therapies and treatments. Your case is unique and you might benefit best from a multifaceted treatment plan. For instance, it’s common to go to counseling, attend Motivational Enhancement sessions, have 12 Steps meetings in the evenings, and get medication-assisted treatment on top of it all.
To get the full benefit of every evidence-based treatment that’s available to you, you have to choose a treatment center that offers a full range of therapies.
Types of Rehab Programs in Massachusetts
There are 5 types of rehab programs that you’ll encounter in Massachusetts. At the very least, your treatment plan should include three of them (detox, residential inpatient, and aftercare). For some patients, medication-assisted treatment and sober living are integral steps to recovery.
Detox Program
Detox programs are the first part of the recovery journey. It’s common for patients to relapse during withdrawal without the help of detox. A detox program can keep you comfortable and safe, and increase the odds that you’ll make it through to the next phase of recovery.
Benefits of detox inlcude:
- Comfort care
- Hydration support, including IV hydration
- Medications
- Nutritional support
- Round-the-clock monitoring
- Symptom management
Depending on your stability in this phase, you may receive the beginnings of addiction education and therapy to prepare you for residential inpatient.
Residential Inpatient Program
The residential inpatient program is where you’ll do most of the foundational work to support your recovery.
That includes learning to live without substances and figuring out an acute and long-term treatment plan, which may include:
- Behavioral treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or contingency management
- Counseling, which can be group or individual
- Lifestyle changes, including routine building, nutritional support, and establishing an exercise routine
- Medication-assisted treatment, which uses medications such as naltrexone or methadone to limit withdrawals and cravings during long-term recovery
The length of your residential program depends on:
- Your mental health history
- Your history of drug use and relapse
- Your physical health
- The type of drug that you’re discontinuing
In general, the National Institute on Drug Abuse says that 90 days is the shortest effective program length. You should attend residential inpatient for as long as you can. The longer you stay, the stronger the start of your recovery can be.
Medication-Assisted Program
You can be part of a medication-assisted treatment program either as part of your residential inpatient experience or as an outpatient. Medication is a common part of early treatment for alcohol or opioid addiction that often continues into long-term care (called aftercare).
Many people report feeling more stable and having fewer cravings while participating in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT reduces the risk of relapse and helps people return to everyday life more easily.
Some examples of drugs used in MAT include:
- Acamprosate, which blocks alcohol withdrawal and cravings
- Buprenorphine, which blocks opioid withdrawal
- Disulfiram, which causes an unpleasant reaction when you drink alcohol, acting as a deterrent (the reaction can include flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain)
- Naltrexone, which blocks opioid and alcohol effects, decreasing cravings
MAT works best when it’s combined with behavioral treatment, like cognitive-behavioral therapy or 12 Steps therapy. It can be part of your aftercare plan too. Some people continue to use MAT for months or years after leaving inpatient treatment, or even indefinitely.
Massachusetts Sober Living
Sober living programs can provide a safe transitional stage for people who are ready to leave inpatient treatment, but not yet ready to live independently.
These programs offer a mix of independence and structure so you can begin to test your skills without the pressure of balancing real-world responsibilities like work, paying bills and managing your social life.
Most sober living programs take the form of a sober home, or a live-in community where the primary condition is that you have to be sober and in active recovery to stay there.
You can typically stay in sober living indefinitely as long as you pay tuition and meet the rules, including any rules about seeking employment or going to 12 Step meetings.
The motivation to follow the house rules and stay sober can be strong, since breaking the rules is often grounds for leaving the program, especially if you break a rule about having drugs on campus.
Aftercare Programs in Massachusetts
You should have an aftercare plan in place before you leave your inpatient residential program, whether it’s a structured program or a set of guidelines you’ll follow to maintain recovery.
Your aftercare plan can include:
- Attending counseling or therapy
- Attending addiction support groups
- Continuing outpatient treatment
- Lifestyle changes such as nutritional changes, moving your body daily, and setting a routine
- Medication-assisted treatment
You should also have a set response plan for what happens in the event of a relapse. This can include having a treatment program pre-chosen so you don’t have to make choices in the moment. You may never need that plan, and the goal is that you won’t. But it’s better to have it in place and not need it.
How to Use Your Insurance to Pay for Addiction Treatment
You can use your insurance to pay for addiction treatment in most instances. The exact process varies depending on the insurance company and your plan.
The most common insurance companies that cover addiction treatment in Massachusetts include:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Maine
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Connecticut
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield New Hampshire
- Cigna
- Humana
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
If your insurer is on this list, then your plan may cover addiction treatment. To get specifics, call the Member Services phone number listed on your insurance member ID card. The representatives will be able to give you details about addiction treatment coverage, including whether pre-authorization is required and which treatment provider is in your network.
Cities In Massachusetts
- Abington
- Acton
- Agawam
- Amesbury
- Arlington
- Attleboro
- Barnstable
- Belmont
- Beverly
- Boston
- Braintree
- Bridgewater
- Brockton
- Brookline
- Burlington
- Cambridge
- Canton
- Chelsea
- Chicopee
- Danvers
- Dedham
- Easthampton
- Everett
- Fall River
- Fitchburg
- Franklin
- Gardner
- Gloucester
- Haverhill
- Holyoke
- Leominster
- Lexington
- Lowell
- Lunenburg
- Lynn
- Marblehead
- Marlborough
- Malden
- Medford
- Melrose
- Methuen
- Milford
- Milton
- New Bedford
- Needham
- Newburyport
- Newton
- Northampton
- Norwood
- Peabody
- Pittsfield
- Plymouth
- Quincy
- Reading
- Revere
- Salem
- Saugus
- Somerset
- Somerville
- Southbridge
- Springfield
- Stoneham
- Sudbury
- Taunton
- Townsend
- Wakefield
- Waltham
- Watertown
- Wellesley
- Westfield
- Weymouth
- Wilmington
- Winchester
- Winthrop
- Woburn
- Worcester
Most Popular Questions in Massachusetts
If you still have questions, we have the answers. These are some of the most-asked questions about drug and alcohol rehab in MA:
Does addiction treatment work?
Addiction treatment works. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that a 90-day treatment stay can decrease the likelihood of relapse by up to 50%.
Does medication-assisted treatment work?
Medication-assisted treatment works. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, MAT reduces criminal behavior, increases the likelihood of holding down a job, and increases social functioning. It also reduces relapse and increases long-term wellbeing.
What is evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction?
As of 2020, the American Psychological Association recognizes these treatments for opioid addiction:
- Medication-assisted treatment using methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone
- Contingency management therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Structured family therapy
What is evidence-based treatment for alcohol addiction?
As of 2020, the National Institute on Drug Abuse recognizes these treatments for alcohol addiction:
- Medication-assisted treatment using acamprosate, disulfiram, naltrexone, or topiramate (off-label)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Contingency management
- Community reinforcement
- Motivational enhancement
- 12 Step therapy
- Family behavior therapy
What is evidence-based treatment for stimulant addiction?
As of 2020, these are the treatments that the National Institute on Drug Abuse recognizes as effective for stimulant addiction:
- The Matrix Model
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Contingency management
- Community reinforcement
- 12 Step therapy
Why Choose Bedrock Recovery Center?
Bedrock Recovery Center offers a person-first treatment approach that takes into account your whole history and needs. We don’t do cookie-cutter treatment plans because we know that patients respond best to tailored treatment.
Our approach is inclusive, trauma-informed and gender-informed to treat your addiction at the source along with any co-occurring disorders.
At Bedrock, you can recover in the comfort of our newly-renovated cozy campus in Canton, MA, including amenities that range from laundry to an onsite salon to 5-star nutrition so you can meet all your self-care needs right here.
