Addiction to drugs and alcohol can derail your whole life. It changes how you see yourself and alters your relationships with friends, family, and those you love the most. If you’re struggling with substance use disorder in Massachusetts, the odds are that no aspect of your life hasn’t been (or won’t eventually be) touched by it. Still, it can be hard to determine when it’s time to seek addiction treatment in Massachusetts and even harder to take the first step toward actually doing it. It might feel scary or even shameful, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re in Massachusetts and struggling with addiction, there are resources and options for substance use disorder treatment near Boston, MA right now that can help you.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder Treatment near Boston, MA
The idea of seeking out substance use treatment can be frightening, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Addiction is a routine. Any routine can be hard to break away from, especially when dependency on any substance is involved. It’s life-changing in every sense. While it can feel impossible to give that up and step into the unknown, it’s completely doable and within your reach.
Still, it might be easier to remove some of the mystery and figure out what you can expect when entering substance use disorder treatment. Every addict deserves an individual plan, and what works for one person may not be successful for someone else. Below, you’ll find a brief look at different treatment options and who they’re best suited for.
Partial Hospitalization Program near Boston, Massachusetts
The partial hospitalization program (PHP) is more intense than an outpatient program. Some people need (or want) something more strictly structured to keep them in line with their recovery efforts. If that’s the case, PHP may be the right choice. If you enter Northstar Recovery’s PHP, for example, you may spend up to six hours daily in various therapy and interventions.
Some people may gain more than others from a PHP. Those who benefit from medical supervision but don’t necessarily need it 24/7 and who require more intervention than a more loosely-structured outpatient program can provide are ideal candidates for PHP. If you’re not having severe withdrawal symptoms and do need to continue with your life outside treatment, whether that’s going to work, attending school, or simply seeing to other responsibilities, but still need to commit a lot of time to addiction treatment in MA to stick to it, consider a partial hospitalization program. You’ll have daily access to treatment for several hours a day every weekday, including individual and group therapy sessions.
Intensive Outpatient Program
IOP, or intensive outpatient program, is a type of treatment that is not quite at the level of commitment of PHP but requires more time and participation than typical outpatient treatment. You’ll be able to continue with your regular life, but still spend several hours a week working through therapy and other interventions. Group therapy is beneficial in IOPs in MA.
Anyone entering into an IOP in Massachusetts must ensure that they have a safe, supportive home environment for it to be most effective. If you’re only in treatment 3−5 days a week for a few hours, you’ll need to be going home to a place (and people) that won’t hinder your recovery. If that isn’t the case for you, an IOP might not be the right answer. However, it can and has helped many addicts who need a little more than outpatient and a bit less than partial hospitalization.
How to Determine When to Seek Addiction Treatment near Boston, MA
Now that you know about a couple of types of substance use disorder treatment near Boston, MA, (both can be found at Northstar Recovery Center) is it time for you to seek treatment? If you’re having doubts, ask yourself a few questions. If any of the answers are yes, you could benefit from treatment.
- Has using become your main priority? If using your substance of choice occupies most of your thoughts, is the first thing you think of when you wake up, or has started to take the place of important activities, responsibilities, and relationships, it’s time to get help.
- Is your health affected? This could be mental or physical health. If your substance use negatively impacts your body or mind, seek treatment options now.
- Do you need increased amounts? If you’re building a tolerance to a substance and need more of it to feel some effect, take a step back and get help for your substance use.
- Do you have cravings? If you have started to develop cravings or have a strong desire to use a substance, you’re developing (or already have) a physical dependency on that substance. Don’t wait any longer before enrolling in treatment.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with addiction and substance use, don’t let your situation or dependency worsen before seeking help. There are options for substance use disorder treatment near Boston, MA, that can help you now. Seize the opportunity and take back your life.