Recovery Resources on the South Shore, MA: Where to Turn
Quick answer: On the South Shore, start with the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline (800-327-5050) to find treatment. Families can join Learn to Cope meetings, Plymouth County Outreach offers support after an overdose, and recovery community centers like Plymouth Recovery Center welcome anyone in recovery. AA, NA and SMART Recovery meetings run throughout the region. In […]
How to Support Someone in Rehab: 9 Ways Families Can Help
Quick answer: Support a loved one in outpatient treatment by joining family therapy, helping with practical needs like rides and childcare, making home recovery-friendly, noticing and rewarding progress, setting clear boundaries, and respecting their privacy. Keep naloxone at home if opioids are involved, expect setbacks without giving up, and get support for yourself through groups […]
Massachusetts Good Samaritan Law, Naloxone & Overdose Safety
If someone may be overdosing, call 911 now and give naloxone if you have it. Massachusetts law protects you from drug possession charges when you call for help. Quick answer: In Massachusetts, you can get naloxone (Narcan) at a pharmacy without your own prescription, and the state’s Good Samaritan law protects both the caller and […]
How to Choose an Outpatient Rehab in Massachusetts
Quick answer: Before enrolling in an outpatient rehab in Massachusetts, ask whether it’s licensed by the Department of Public Health, who provides clinical care, whether it treats mental health and offers medication, what the schedule looks like, whether it’s in-network with your insurance, and how aftercare works. Be wary of programs offering free housing, travel […]
Communication Activities for Family Therapy
Studies indicate that family therapy is a highly effective part of outpatient treatment for those struggling with addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders. For some clients, there are family traits or environments that have contributed to an addiction while for others having family there as a support mechanism helps them complete their programs and sustain […]
Section 35 Massachusetts: What Families Should Know
Quick answer: Section 35 lets a spouse, blood relative, guardian, physician, police officer or court official ask a Massachusetts court to commit someone to involuntary substance use treatment. A judge must find a substance use disorder and a likelihood of serious harm. Commitment can last up to 90 days but is usually much shorter, and […]
Does Insurance Cover Outpatient Rehab in Massachusetts?
Quick answer: Usually, yes. Federal law requires most health plans to cover addiction treatment on terms comparable to medical care, including outpatient programs like day treatment and Partial Day Treatment Program. Your cost depends on your plan and whether the program is in-network. East Coast Recovery is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Point32Health (Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts […]
How to Help Someone With Addiction Recovery
If you have someone in your life struggling with addiction, it’s only natural to want to aid their recovery process. But supporting a loved one who is struggling with addiction or early in sobriety requires a deep understanding of how to help someone with addiction recovery without overstepping or trying to force that recovery. […]
Can You Work While in Outpatient Rehab? Options in MA
Quick answer: Yes, many people keep working during outpatient rehab. Intensive outpatient programs are often scheduled around work, while day treatment usually requires time off. In Massachusetts, the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program can provide up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave a year, including a reduced schedule, and substance use treatment may […]
Suboxone vs. Methadone vs. Vivitrol: Comparing MAT Options
Quick answer: Suboxone (buprenorphine) and methadone both reduce cravings and withdrawal and are linked to large reductions in overdose deaths. Methadone is dispensed daily at licensed clinics; buprenorphine can be prescribed in an office. Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone) is a monthly shot that blocks opioids but requires being fully off opioids first. The best choice depends […]