Haverhill Treatment Centers

Nobody really makes a decision to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Instead, it is a chronic mental illness that has to be addressed as such. This also means that the illness is manageable with proper treatment, and that relapse is common, just as it is with asthma or diabetes. What matters, however, is that addicted people get the right treatment, which is something that public health officials in Haverhill, MA are working hard towards achieving.

Statistics on Substance Abuse in Haverhill, MA

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported that 798 people in Harverhill were admitted to treatment programs sponsored by the DPH in 2013. Out of those, 281 were intravenous drug users. Meanwhile, 124 people were admitted to and eventually discharged from hospital.

If you require treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction in Haverhill, MA, there are number of options available to you. These include:

• Serenity at Summit
• Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.

Getting Help with a Drug or Alcohol Problem in Haverhill, MA

One of the key elements of having an addiction is denial. This means that it is very rare for people with a substance abuse problem to seek out the help that they need. Rather, they usually have to go through some sort of intervention first, and this is often organized by loved ones, colleagues, or medical professionals. Alternatively, they may be ordered by a court to undergo rehab treatment.

How they finally ended up getting treatment, however, doesn't really matter so long as they get the treatment that they need. This must start with a period of detox, which is characterized by strong withdrawal symptoms. While, in most cases, these symptoms are not dangerous, they are very uncomfortable and often tempt patients to return to their substance of choice. By then, their body is already somewhat clean and if they return to their previous dosage, they could suffer an overdose. Hence, it is vital that the detox process is properly medically supervised.

It is after detox that patients will undergo rehab treatment. Generally, it is recommended that rehab is offered on an inpatient, residential basis. However, this is not always possible, which is why different levels of outpatient care also exist. During rehab, clients take part in individual and group therapy, where they come to terms with their life choices and the impact of their addiction, as well as how to make different choices. It is also recommended that family therapy be provided, which will enable patients to rebuild their family ties and create a support network for them once they return to the real world.

After rehab, an aftercare program must be put in place. What this entails will depend entirely on the individual patient. It can include anything from moving into a sober living facility, to being put in touch with a mentor to contact in times of crises. Because addiction is a chronic illness, relapse is quite common. In fact, it is usually seen as a normal part of overall recovery. Aftercare will ensure that an impending relapse is picked up, and that help and support are available to ensure that patients don't return to a life controlled by addiction.