Over 40 million Americans have a substance abuse disorder, including teenagers. During the past two decades, the United States has narrowed in on over one million deaths related to drug overdoses.
Hopkinton MA has renowned drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers designed with flexibility in mind. It isn’t reasonable or affordable for many to attend an inpatient rehab center. While it may be necessary for acute medical concerns or detoxing, what happens afterward?
Luckily, we have put together a complete guide on how to get started with other flexible treatment plans and why they are effective, so keep reading for more information!
Hopkinton MA Addiction Statistics
In Massachusetts, drug overdoses average nearly 2,000 annually. Almost 90% of overdoses involved opioids, although Massachusetts prescribes far fewer opioid prescriptions than the rest of the nation.
In Hopkinton, these numbers are not nearly as high as in major cities, such as Boston. Based on data from 2020, Boston had 311 opioid-related deaths. During the same year, Hopkinton had two opioid-related deaths.
What Is a Drug Addiction?
A drug addiction falls under the classification of substance use disorder. It entails an inability to stop using a drug or substance and can result in withdrawal effects if someone tries to stop. Some examples of common drug addictions include:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogenics
- Amphetamines
- Marijuana
Opioids are one of the largest classifications of drugs and addiction. They can fall under legal and illegal use, and many individuals start misusing prescription drugs without even recognizing the signs. Some examples of abused opioid use include:
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Methadone
Many of these drugs are initially prescribed for pain management, but they have several addictive qualities. Short-term effects of opioid and drug use are:
- Appetite changes
- Insomnia
- Tachycardia
- Slurred speech
- Cognitive changes
- Impaired coordination
For that reason, many physicians advise against operating machinery or vehicles until we know how we will respond. Long-term drug use can lead to:
- Inability to stop taking it
- Work or relationship issues
- Appearance changes
- Mood changes
- Physical dependence
Unfortunately, long-term use also leads to dependency, requiring us to need more of the drug to feel the effects. Once this happens, we put ourselves at risk for various withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Let’s take a look at heroin, which is a commonly abused drug. As pain receptors become altered with continued opioid use, we become more physically dependent on the drug for a ‘euphoric’ feeling. Once we stop taking it, several withdrawal effects ensue:
- Intense cravings
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Tachycardia
- Muscle aches
The best way to manage symptoms and avoid relapse is through a drug addiction center. If we don’t seek help, we risk long-term health impairments or overdosing. Drug addiction treatment centers help address physical, mental, and emotional challenges associated with abuse.
It can involve individual, group, or family therapy. The benefit of rehabilitation, such as a partial hospitalization program, is that it uses research-based evidence, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help stop negative thought patterns and live healthier lives.
What Is an Alcohol Addiction?
Another type of substance abuse disorder is alcohol abuse. As the name suggests, it means an inability to regulate or stop drinking.
Like a drug addiction, it can lead to physical dependence. Signs of alcohol abuse include:
- Constantly thinking about alcohol
- Inability to control consumption
- Work or relationship problems
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Requiring more alcohol
- Withdrawal effects
An alcohol use disorder diagnosis must meet specific criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). In the past year, a person must have a few qualifying characteristics, such as:
- Large tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Unsuccessful attempts at stopping drinking
- Persistence
- Spending a lot of time drinking
Everyone’s behaviors and intentions with drinking are different, making diagnosing alcohol use disorder difficult. The most important thing we can do for loved ones is to watch changes in behavior and hold honest conversations.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are dangerous and life-threatening. Common withdrawal effects include:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tachycardia
- Sweating
Symptoms can progress to delirium tremens, which is a medical emergency. Delirium tremens occur when the central nervous system becomes overexcited after alcohol (which is a central nervous system depressant) is suddenly removed.
It can result in seizures, high blood pressure, and hallucinations. The best way to manage these symptoms is through an inpatient addiction treatment center where medical professionals can monitor withdrawals, followed by continued treatment at rehabilitation facilities.
Seeking out help through an alcohol-based rehabilitation program helps us develop positive habits, thinking patterns, and rebuild meaningful relationships.
PHP in MA vs. IOP in MA
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) in MA is ideal for residents who don’t qualify for traditional inpatient rehabilitation facilities. It combines intensive therapy but allows residents to return home at night. What can we expect in a qualified PHP in MA?
- Six hours of treatment daily
- Five days of participation
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
A PHP is ideal for the beginning stages of addiction treatment. It provides a structured and individualized treatment plan that helps us stop abusing substances, detox, and begin the path to long-term success.
Intensive outpatient (IOP) therapy in MA is a step down from PHP. It is ideal for patients who have completed an inpatient or PHP treatment or individuals who do not need intensive inpatient therapy or detoxing.
IOP is helpful because it requires up to five hours of therapy daily for three to five days. Some of the other benefits of IOP in MA are:
- Longer duration compared to outpatient facilities
- Better flexibility
- Real-world practice
- Peer support
- Lower costs
- Implementing family therapy
IOP is ideal for patients who want flexible work, family, and therapy balance. If a person is not at risk for withdrawals and detoxing, it is an excellent choice for helping to apply real-world techniques and therapeutic tools.
Finding Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Even smaller cities like Hopkinton MA can fall victim to opioid-related deaths and substance abuse disorders. Rather than waiting for tragedy to strike, there are local and effective treatment options that can help many people struggling with addictions.
PHP and IOP treatments offer the flexibility of returning home in the evening while still receiving the benefits of intensive (and effective) treatments.
Don’t wait any longer to get started. Contact us today for more information on getting help.
WHO WE ARE
Northstar Recovery Center in Southborough, MA is made up of a team of experienced, dedicated, and compassionate addiction treatment professionals. We want to see our community heal from the effects of the opioid epidemic, alcohol addiction, and other substance use disorders.
Day Treatment Program in MA
The Day Treatment in Massachusetts, also referred to as PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) or IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), is the highest level of care offered at Northstar Recovery Center. This addiction treatment option encompasses comprehensive clinical care and behavioral therapies. In the initial stages of recovery from addiction, it's crucial to have robust support to navigate both physical and emotional challenges. Our dedicated team at Northstar Recovery Center, located in Southborough, MA, and West Springfield, MA, is committed to assisting you in establishing a solid foundation for a lifelong recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Clients typically visit our addiction treatment center in Massachusetts each weekday for several hours, engaging in counseling sessions and other necessary interventions. This approach ensures a balanced and effective recovery process, tailored to individual needs within the framework of Day Treatment.
Individual, Group, and Family Counseling in Massachusetts
Addiction thrives in isolation, which is why group counseling sessions are a foundational part of our addiction treatment plans. In group sessions, you’ll gain perspective on your struggles with substance abuse and can connect with others who understand your experiences. Family counseling can help your loved ones understand the disease of addiction, navigate conflict and build healthier relationships. In individual counseling sessions, you’ll be able to work through personal issues like past trauma with the help of an experienced therapist.
Contact Northstar Recovery Center
Let us guide you on your journey to recovery from addiction. Connect with our team today.