Finding Drug Treatment in Massachusetts

Before we talk about finding drug treatment in Massachusetts, let’s discuss what drug treatment in Massachusetts does so you can decide whether it’s something you need.

In a nutshell, drug treatment in Massachusetts can help you stop drinking or using drugs in a safe and comfortable way when you find that you can no longer go a day with drinking alcohol or taking another drug – whether it’s benzos, painkillers, or amphetamines.

Finding drug treatment in Massachusetts: A Note about Withdrawal Syndrome

What we mean about being safe and comfortable is this: Every drug, including alcohol has its accompanying withdrawal syndrome, which is a set of symptoms that occur once you stop drinking or using. This happens as a result of something called physical dependence, a medical condition, which requires specialized medical treatment. Therefore, it’s almost always necessary to attend medical detox, which is found in drug treatment in Massachusetts; you can’t simply stop drinking or using certain drugs cold turkey; the withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they may even be life-threatening.

Finding drug treatment in Massachusetts: Phases of Treatment

There are several stages to drug treatment in Massachusetts that start with being more intensive and structured and become less structured as you move on to the next level.

Finding drug treatment in Massachusetts: Phase One

Detox

Medical detox is the first level of drug treatment in Massachusetts and is the most intensive. You will first be assessed to see what drugs are currently in your system as well as what you have been using and for how long. This is necessary in order to develop a treatment plan that is individualized for you. Drug treatment programs in Massachusetts are staffed with medical professionals who will treat you with specific medications in order to make your detox both a safe and comfortable process.

Finding drug treatment in Massachusetts: Phase Two

Inpatient Rehab

The inpatient rehab stage of drug treatment in Massachusetts consists of group and individual therapy as well as group meetings, or “groups” for short. Groups are a forum for learning about substance abuse and addiction. The therapy sessions support you in healing psychological pain that contributed to your substance abuse. All of this is important in learning your patterns of use so that, when you complete rehab, you can be successful at recovery and leading a sober lifestyle.

Finding drug treatment in Massachusetts: Phase Three

Intensive Outpatient Program

IOP, for short, consists of group meetings during the day or evening that are held at a separate facility or campus from where you live. At this stage, you will no longer be living in a residential rehab facility; you may either move back home or move into a halfway house or sober living community. It is best to consider a halfway house or some kind of sober living community situation (sober house) before moving back home because this environment will support you in the recovery process.

Moving home too soon can undermine your recovery because you will be back in the same environment in which you were drinking and/or drugging. Also in IOP, you will have individual and group therapy, like in rehab. At this stage, you will work with your therapist to develop an aftercare plan that consists of finding support group meetings in your area, following up with a private therapist and anything else specific to your situation. This is a helpful tool in supporting your success at recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction issues and is looking for assistance in finding drug treatment in Massachusetts, call us toll-free at 1-800-951-9135 to speak directly with an Addiction Specialist. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and share with you our resources. Help is available and you are not around.