Massachusetts is a state with a rich history. Famously the landing place of the Mayflower and where the first pilgrims settled down, it’s the starting point for most of American history. Sadly, Massachusetts is one of the states that has been hit the hardest by the wave of drug and alcohol use disorder throughout the nation.
Resources are available if you need an intensive outpatient program in Waltham, MA, or a support group in Newton. There are many inpatient and outpatient rehab resources in Massachusetts so that you or your loved one can get the help they need. Most people will be better served by outpatient rehab in the early stages of drug or alcohol dependency.
What Is an Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient rehab is an effective and accessible treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. This type of care allows individuals to receive professional help in a structured, supportive environment while allowing them to continue living at home and attending work or school. Outpatient rehab programs vary in intensity and duration. Still, they typically involve individual and group therapy sessions, educational classes, support groups, and other activities designed to help individuals develop coping skills and strategies for overcoming their addiction.
Why Is There a Need for Outpatient Rehab Resources in Massachusetts?
One just has to look at the complex data to see that drug and alcohol addiction has increased in America over the past 20 years. The opioid epidemic has touched all areas of the country, even the peaceful towns and cities of Massachusetts. Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts rose from 375 in 2000 to over 2,300 in 2022.1 From 2017 to 2019, the annual average prevalence of alcohol use disorder among young adults in Massachusetts was 13.9%, higher than the national average of 9.8%.2
Outpatient rehab could make a massive difference in the lives of Massachusetts residents. Increased availability of convenient, readily-available treatment options can make it more appealing to get help and stay in recovery. This is especially true for young adults who may need more resources for expensive and time-consuming inpatient treatment programs.
How Does Outpatient Rehab Work?
Like any other good rehab program, outpatient rehab typically begins with an intake assessment by a qualified medical professional or addiction specialist. During this process, the individual’s history of substance use will be assessed to create a personalized plan of care that addresses the patient’s specific needs. Following the assessment, outpatient rehab may include individual counseling sessions with a therapist or counselor. These sessions can focus on topics such as:
- Exploring triggers for using substances
- Developing healthy coping skills
- Creating life skills such as communication and problem-solving abilities,
- Building self-esteem
- Managing stress and anxiety levels
- Learning how to recognize signs of relapse before it occurs
Outpatient rehab can also include access to peer support groups where individuals struggling with similar issues can connect through shared experiences. These peers provide invaluable advice on coping with difficult situations without returning to drug or alcohol use. 12-step programs are a popular example of this, with Alcoholics Anonymous being the most widespread.
While outpatient rehab is not always appropriate for everyone suffering from substance use disorders, for many individuals, it provides an effective means of achieving sobriety while still allowing them to maintain normal daily activities. Although there is no “one size fits all” approach to treating substance use disorders, outpatient programs offer hope for many people seeking recovery.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment Resources in MA from Evoke Waltham
Substance use treatment is available in Massachusetts no matter where you are on the path to recovery. You don’t have to struggle alone, as thousands of people dealing with the same experience are willing to support you throughout your journey. To learn more about outpatient rehab resources in Massachusetts from Evoke Waltham, contact us at 866.276.1920.
Footnotes
1. Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Data Brief: Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths among Massachusetts Residents
2. SAMHSA.gov – Behavioral Health Barometer: Massachusetts, Volume 6
