Community Healthcare - Substance Abuse

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

A person who has alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) builds up a physical tolerance to alcohol. If they try to stop drinking, they experience withdrawal symptoms. Treatment is available for this condition, through alcohol rehab in Massachusetts. Treatment options include AA, detox, counseling, medication, residential programs, and outpatient treatment. Social and family support systems are crucial during and after treatment of any kind.

Addiction is a highly complex problem, and drug rehab in Massachusetts is often necessary to address it. These programs treat physical, mental, and relational issues that are involved. Treatment empowers individuals to manage these issues without the use of drugs.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

In Massachusetts, substance abuse treatment programs can help to address addiction and, if relevant, any co-occurring mental health conditions. Programs include outpatient, inpatient, dual-diagnosis, and partial hospitalization. You’ll receive therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy, and sometimes complementary therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness-based therapy. By attending skills training and recovery groups you’ll build a strong foundation for your recovery and strengthen your support network, increasing your chances of long-term recovery success.

Outpatient programs are designed for clients who are medically stable and not at an elevated risk of relapse, including those who have already completed inpatient care. Outpatient programs typically advance clients’ established treatment plans, offering continuing addiction counseling and recovery education. Clients who enter outpatient care immediately following detox may also receive medical and mental health assessments and personalized treatment plans. Most outpatient rehabs provide multiple levels of care to align with clients’ unique needs.

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.