Massachusetts has seen a rise in drug use in the past year. From overstimulating drugs such as cocaine to depressant opioids such as fentanyl and heroin, substance abuse is more prevalent than ever in the state. If you or a loved one needs assistance for a substance use disorder, many Massachusetts drug rehab centers can help you find recovery.
You may have already started to do research on rehabilitation centers, and have found there are many rehabs in the state. On top of that, there are several types of treatment programs for addiction. This can make the research and selection process overwhelming. But fortunately, you’re not in the search alone. Below we’ll discuss how to choose the right rehab center in Massachusetts.
What to Look for in a Rehab Center?
There are many factors to consider when deciding which rehab center you want to select. Everybody has a different story and background that’s got them to the point of needing treatment.
Factors to consider when deciding on a rehab center are:
- the severity of the patient’s history with substances
- the patient’s current lifestyle (housing, financial status, marital situation)
- if the rehab center specializes in a specific type of substance abuse (Massachusetts currently has an opioid problem, so a rehab center for opioid addiction may be best)
- if the rehab facility has trauma-informed care
- if the center works with a certain demographic, such as age, gender, orientation, or military status
- the location of the treatment center
- if the facility offers dual diagnosis treatment (treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders)
- what others have to say about the center (finding reviews and testimonials)
- the type of treatment the rehab center offers (inpatient, outpatient, detoxification)
- if the center follows the principles of effective treatment
Let’s explore a couple of these factors more in-depth.
What Types of Treatment Programs Are There?
There are different treatment programs that a rehabilitation center will offer. Each program has big and small differences.
The main goal of each treatment is to assist an individual who has a substance use disorder to attain physical sobriety, learn how to manage life’s stressors in healthy ways, and then lead a prosperous drug-free life.
The different types of treatment programs are:
- Detoxification: For patients in an active addiction or who have just begun physically withdrawing. Patients will stay on-site for three to seven days, receiving medical care and monitoring to safely rid the body of toxins. They’ll also be exposed to ongoing treatment practices.
- Inpatient: Patients will live on-site for about one to six months, attending group meetings and individual therapy sessions. If needed, they’ll receive medical care for long-form withdrawal symptoms and build relationships with fellow sober peers. Patients fully immerse themselves in recovery while not having to deal with everyday life stressors.
- Outpatient: These are either attended by those with a shorter history of substance abuse or people who have just completed an inpatient program. Patients don’t live on-site but attend group and individual sessions several times a week. Some outpatient programs, such as partial hospitalization programs, offer medical care.
Some rehab centers offer all three of these programs, while others only specialize in one. Depending on your history and progress in recovery, it may be better to attend a facility that has all three options so you can easily move through each level of care.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is designed for individuals who experienced traumatic events that have stayed with them far beyond when the event occurred. Some have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by flashbacks and dreams about a particularly stressful event or series of events.
Trauma-informed care may be best for:
- Veterans
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community or POC who have experienced discrimination
- Anyone who has experienced sexual, physical, and verbal abuse
This type of care will approach the person’s past with care, understanding, and solutions for how to best manage the side effects and symptoms of PTSD.
Conclusion
By considering the aforementioned factors in your search for a rehab center, you should be able to find the most appropriate rehabilitation center in Massachusetts for you or a loved one.
Start exploring online and reach out to local treatment providers, counselors, and doctors for advice on choosing the best program.