Massachusetts Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs
Massachusetts is eclectic—it’s not only rich with colonial history but brimming with diversified culture, too. America’s sixth-state is also home to some of the best rehab centers on the East Coast. If you live in New England, or simply need a change of pace and location, Massachusetts is a fine choice. From Boston to Springfield, you’re sure to find a facility that suits your needs.
How Do You Define Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction carries with it unavoidable changes to the body. You will most likely develop a physical need for dopamine, the chemical responsible to the euphoric feelings you get when as your brain no longer produces it naturally since it is getting massive doses of it from an auxiliary source. In turn, your body craves for more of that particular foreign substance, effectively damaging your body.
To overcome addiction, you’ll need proper care. Physical rehabilitation and psychological services are the largest segments of your recovery. You cannot simply quit your habit without experiencing serious consequences, both in body and mind.
Massachusetts Rehab Programs
The best rehab centers in Massachusetts are located in Hampshire and Norfolk counties and, of course, Boston. These locations contain top-notch facilities that have excellent, highly-trained medical care staff.
Types of Rehab Programs Are Available
There are effectively two types of rehabilitation. Residential rehabs require people to live in a facility for the duration of their recovery. Outpatient facilities, on the other hand, only require patients to attend treatment sessions for specified periods of time.
Choosing between the two depends largely on which one best suits your needs after a quick self-assessment. Here are the differences between the two.
Singular vs Group
Residential facilities are your best bet if you need individualized care and a regimen to follow. You recovery is tailored to your needs every step of the way. Outpatient programs offer more freedom and oftentimes use a group therapy approach. They are more discretionary choices, and are great alternatives for those who do not need intensive care and need something that will work around their schedule.
Structured
Residential rehabs are adhere to more rigid protocols when it comes to care but possess excellent rehab structure that helps you focus and maintain your resolve. This will help you fend off any negative influences or stimuli that will potentially lead you to a relapse.
Consequently, you will will be secluded from friends and family. Despite inevitable isolation, you will ultimately be in good hands; you’ll receive medical supervision by highly-trained medical professionals who will address all your needs.
Outpatient facilities also possess structure, though you also get the added benefit of returning to your home. Bear in mind that you will need to exercise especially good judgement, as your independence will be tested by your ability to stave off your triggers and temptations. On the flipside, you will have your loved ones for emotional support, if needed.
Necessary Detox
Because of the poisonous nature of alcohol use, detoxification is necessary to promote full-fledged recovery. This process is not devoid of certain risks, so it includes proper monitoring and round-the-clock care. Residential programs are best for heavy users.
For less serious addiction, outpatient rehab programs are better options. They require regular visits to a hospital or facility near you for systematic evaluations while detoxing. Best of all, you will gain knowledge concerning drug abuse as well as much-needed counseling.
A Holistic Approach
When it comes to addiction, it is a two-front battle. You must cleanse your body, but your must also maintain your mental health during your quest for sobriety. Residential rehabs specialize in comprehensive physical and mental health for this very reason.
Outpatient facilities do this in a similar fashion, however they focus more on scheduled meetings rather than 24/7 care.
Alcohol Rehab Centers
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism’s (NIAA) most recent study determined that there are about 17 million adults who possess alcohol use disorder (AUD). Furthermore, 1 in 10 children in the United States live in homes with at least one parent who has a drinking problem.
The 2014 Behavioral Health Barometer report by SAMHSA states that, “In Massachusetts, about 152,000 people aged 12–20 (20.0% of all people in this age group) per year in 2009–2013* reported binge alcohol use within the month prior to being surveyed.”
Each alcohol rehab center treat addiction in their own ways. However, detoxification is a crucial first step treating this disorder. Purification is the largest portion of the pie, and it will jumpstart your journey to recovery.
Again, if you decide to take the path of residential rehabilitation, you are required to remain at a facility for your full recovery. Outpatient rehabilitation requires weekly attendance, though you are free to return home after each session. This allows you to work, spend time with family and live your life normally.
In some cases, you may also need to take medication that will reduce any potential cravings. They will also help you deal with any resulting withdrawal symptoms as they arise. If your addiction is more severe, you may need to take meds that induce certain conditions to manage your alcoholic tendencies, such as meds that will cause nausea if you ingest alcohol.
Mental Health Services
As stated earlier, mental health plays a big role when it comes to substance abuse, which is why dual diagnosis is crucial during recovery. Dual diagnosis is where an individual has a co-occurring disorder that manifest. Examples of co-occurring disorders, like gambling or sexual addiction, can complicate recovery. Consequently, trying to determine whether the substance abuse or mental disorder is more prevalent can prove difficult. With dual diagnosis programs, you will be evaluated for both disorders. This gives you the best shot of conquering your addictions and effectively take back control of your life.
Reasons to Seek Professional Help
Trying to overcome your addiction alone is a dangerous feat. Without medical guidance in a controlled, supportive, professional environment, you risk relapse and causing more damage to your body. Trying to quit “cold turkey” (the act of ceasing all substance intake) is hazardous and will certainly cause your body go through painful withdrawals. With the help of a rehabilitation center, you will take the necessary steps toward sober living without putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
Sure, you will experience roadblocks along the way, but think about quickly you can master those challenges when you accept a lending hand. You don’t have to go it alone. Take back control of your life.
