Springfield Treatment Centers

Springfield, Massachusetts, is home to around 152,082 people. It is found in Hampden County, and it is located around 42 miles from Worcester and 24 miles from Hartford. Unlike many other places, it did not experience a huge population boom in the 1990s, having a growth rate of only around 2% per year. Despite the slow population growth, the city has a significant drug and alcohol problem, reflected in the fact that its violence and property crime levels are higher than the state average. Various pieces of research have shown a positive correlation between these types of crimes and substance abuse.

Statistics on Substance Abuse in Springfield, MA

A number of studies have been conducted to determine the levels of drug and alcohol dependency and addiction in the city. They noted that:

• 14.6% of young people between 12 and 17 years of age currently consume alcohol. While an alarming statistic, it actually represents a decrease from 15.9% in 2007. This means that the prevention and intervention efforts that the city has put in place are starting to have an effect.
• 8.8% of young people aged between 12 and 17 binge drink. This also indicates a reduction from the last count in 2007, when it stood at 9.7%.
• 2% of young people aged between 12 and 17 are heavy drinkers.

Substance abuse among young people is of significant concern to Springfield public health officials. One particular issue that they are looking into is the rates of prescription drug abuse. What they found was that, among non-medical users of prescription drugs for those who are aged 12 or over:

• 55.9% were able to obtain their drugs from relatives or friends for free.
• 8.9% purchased the drugs from friends or relatives.
• 5.4% took them without asking from friends or relatives.
• 18% stated that they were able to obtain the drugs through a prescription from a single doctor.
• 4.3% stated that they purchased their prescription drugs from strangers such as street dealers.
• 0.4% purchased their prescription drugs online.

Strategies and Initiatives in Springfield, MA

Unfortunately, these figures have remained virtually stagnant for the past 10 years. This means that more needs to be done in Springfield in order to fight prescription opiate addiction, and to stave off the inevitable heroin epidemic that usually follows it. Every so often, the city offers drug giveback options in various stores, which have had some success but not enough.

Another significant development is that, in 2016, the first drug court opened in Springfield. Through this court, people who are arrested on drug or alcohol charges, such as driving under the influence, are given the opportunity to seek treatment through detox and rehab facilities. If they graduate from these programs, meaning they get treatment and pass random drug tests, their criminal cases are dismissed. Generally speaking, the court-ordered treatment is through outpatient rehab facilities.

Springfield is also home to inpatient or residential facilities. For those who have serious levels of addiction, or who have relapsed several times, these facilities offer more dedicated and intensive services.