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Top Massachusetts Rehabs for Drug & Alcohol Addiction
The US saw over 67,000 overdose deaths in 2018. Like many states throughout the country, Massachusetts has been hit hard by a drug addiction epidemic. The widespread disease has taken a toll on its communities, negatively impacting the economic, social, and physical well-being of people in almost every city or town in the state. Even though the toll of the epidemic on its population may be difficult to determine, it’s crucial to understand so that local and state officials can provide the resources needed to help people get on the road to recovery. If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol or drugs in Massachusetts, there are treatment options available that can help you in every step to sobriety.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a most common drugs involved in substance use disorder include the following:
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Fentanyl
• Anabolic steroids
• Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline, Mushrooms)
• Opioids/Heroin
• Inhalants
• MDSA (Ecstasy, Molly)
• Methamphetamine
• Nicotine
• GHB
Even though it is illegal to buy, sell and use many of these drugs, some of them can be legally purchased in some states or are legally obtained by prescription. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medical providers wrote an average of 35.3 prescriptions per 100 persons in Massachusetts during 2018. As has been seen in states like Massachusetts, addiction can drive many people from harmlessly using prescription medications to treat acute or chronic pain to using illicit street drugs when prescriptions run out, money is short, or doctors refuse to provide any more medication. For some prescription opioid addicts, heroin is a cheap and accessible alternative.
People with drug and alcohol addiction can suffer serious short-term and long-term side effects. Because the brain structure is altered with continued use, you may experience increased levels of anxiety or confusion, memory loss, or problems concentrating and learning new tasks. You may exhibit paranoid behavior, have hallucinations, or develop irrational or violent tendencies. People with drug and alcohol addiction tend to have trouble sleeping and have decreased appetites. Some drugs can change your appearance by causing tooth loss, sunken faces, scabby skin, and damage caused by falling or other accidents. With increased drug use and time, you are at greater risk for contracting infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis, and for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Drug Use in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has seen the number of people who have access to drugs and are becoming addicted steadily climb over the last four to five years. Studies show that the communities hardest hit in the state by the drug epidemic are Lowell, Roxbury, Lawrence, Fall River, Lynn and Springfield. Data also reveal that people of all ethnic groups and racial backgrounds are susceptible. Young people between the ages of 25 and 34 represent the majority of opioid-related deaths in the state. Even though gender is not a deciding factor, data show that men are more likely to die from an illegal opioid overdose while women are more likely to use prescription opioids.
Massachusetts has also seen a large increase in opioid-related deaths. Between 2013 and 2014, two-thirds of the state’s cities and towns reported opioid-related deaths. In 2014, deaths in the state from overdose were twice the national average. In 2015, the state’s opioid-related death rate rose to four times higher than it was in 2000.
Although deaths and overdoses across the state can be attributed to alcohol, marijuana, and other substances, deaths and overdoses from fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioids far outnumber these cases. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more powerful. It can be obtained legally from a prescription, but it can also be bought illegally. Fentanyl use has skyrocketed in Massachusetts, showing up in over 60 percent of the blood tests in overdose deaths.
Getting Alcohol and Drug Treatment in Massachusetts
Your drug and alcohol addiction may be keeping you from living the life you want. But there may be many reasons keeping you from seeking help for your addiction. You may be afraid of what it will entail, worried about the time away from family or a job, or skeptical that it will change anything. However, with so many treatment options available, you can find the right facility for you close to home.
Green Mountain Treatment Center is a rehabilitation facility located on 72 acres of lush grounds with a view of the majestic White Mountains in New Hampshire. It provides a positive and supportive environment in which to start your recovery.
What to Look for in an Addiction Treatment Facility
An addiction treatment center is intended to provide the tools and resources you need to get and stay sober. It’s designed to support your short-term and long-term goals, whatever they may be. Each facility may be unique in its approach to your recovery so it’s important to understand what your needs are and how you want to address them.
Whether you’re new to rehabilitation or have been in a treatment program before, it’s crucial to find a facility with an understanding, empathetic, and highly-trained staff. The licensed clinicians, addiction specialists, doctors, and counselors are responsible for your treatment plan. They should be able to assess your individual situation and tailor your treatment options accordingly. Our staff at Green Mountain Treatment Center will create an individualized treatment plan that takes into account your special needs and incorporates the treatment modalities that are right for you.
If you’ve tried to quit drugs and alcohol on your own, you know what a struggle it can be. You may want to choose a facility like Green Mountain Treatment Center that offers a medically-monitored detoxification program. During the detoxification, drugs may be administered to help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms from opioids, alcohol, or nicotine. These programs are designed to safely wean you off of drugs and alcohol while preparing you for the next step in your rehabilitation.
If you choose to enroll in a residential treatment program, you will be required to follow all of the rules of the facility. Facility rules vary, so it pays to familiarize yourself with the center before choosing one. The most common rules are participating in therapy sessions, staying sober, adhering to house curfews, and being an active and helpful member of the facility. The Green Mountain Treatment Center is a residential facility that provides transportation to doctor appointments, court appearances, or recreational outings.
The facility’s location and accessibility may be an important determinant. Many residential treatment facilities are situated in peaceful and quiet settings away from the distractions of large urban areas. Green Mountain Treatment Center is in a secluded and relaxing location so you can focus on your mental and physical well-being.
Men and women use drugs and alcohol for different reasons. Many women are dealing with unresolved trauma from domestic or childhood abuse. They may also be stuck in a codependent relationship or have a partner that enables their destructive behavior. Many men may be dealing with similar issues but may feel unsure about asking for help. Many men also struggle to recognize and show emotions with friends and family. Regardless of your gender, you need a facility that allows you the freedom and comfort to work on what is driving you to abuse drugs and alcohol in a safe and secure environment. Green Mountain Treatment Center has separate gender treatment programs to help you deal with your gender-specific issues.
What Are My Options Other Than Inpatient Treatment?
Many people don’t have the freedom to leave their homes, families, or children for an extended period of time. Some people are further along in their recovery and need a less-intensive treatment plan. Some people need help transitioning back to their normal lives. If you are one of these people, your needs may be best met by an outpatient treatment program. An outpatient treatment program provides a level of care that builds on the treatment provided in your residential treatment. It continues to teach coping skills for real life and show you ways to avoid relapse. It gives you the flexibility you need to continue to take care of your family, stay in school, or keep a job.
Green Mountain Treatment Center can help you find a sober living facility. These types of facilities support your sobriety by giving you the opportunity to live in a drug-free and alcohol-free environment with like-minded individuals.
Once you’ve completed your treatment, Green Mountain Treatment Center provides aftercare services. These services can include continued mentoring, access to group meetings, and phone support.
How Is Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treated?
Treatment for your addiction, whether it be for prescription drugs, illicit substances, or alcohol, can be approached using similar methods. There are many evidence-based treatment modes, that can be used either alone or in combination, that can effectively get you closer to recovery and complete abstinence.
Changing your old behaviors and understanding your motivations are key components of your treatment. Some addicts experience co-occurring mental disorders that can be the underlying reasons behind their substance use. Many addiction facilities use individual cognitive-behavioral therapy as a means to get you to stay away from negative thoughts and emotions so you can deal with stressful situations and people in a different way. Addiction facilities also use group therapy as a way to provide peer support, teach coping mechanisms, and teach new ways to communicate.
Because substance abuse results in physiological changes to your brain, many treatments can include appropriate medications to help stave off cravings. At Green Mountain Treatment Center, the 12-step program is incorporated into your treatment in addition to these traditional treatment modalities. Green Mountain Treatment Center also offers mindfulness training through yoga and meditation, nutritious meals, and exercise at our on-site gym as part of a holistic approach to your treatment.
If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction in Massachusetts, reach out for help today. There are many dedicated medical professionals that want to get you on your road to sobriety.
