Massachusetts

Like all other states in the nation, Massachusetts struggles with very high rates of substance abuse and dependence to alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription drugs. Residents in the state who are not yet involved in substance abuse can benefit from education and prevention methods so that they dont fall prey to substance abuse. Prevention starts at home for youth in Massachusetts, whose parents must be vigilant of any warning signs of substance abuse and also ensure they children know the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. For individuals who are already abusing drugs and alcohol and are looking for a way out of this self destructive lifestyle, there are many treatment solutions available in the state and nationwide to help them.

Massachusetts is ranked in the top ten states in the nation for past-month illicit drug use among young adults in the state, particularly marijuana. Youth also show very high rates of illicit drug abuse and dependence when compared to their national counterparts, and both youth and young adults are at particular risk in Massachusetts of illicit drug dependence. Alcohol and heroin are the primary drugs involved in much of this abuse and dependence in the state, and are the most common drugs of abuse among treatment admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities. Cocaine also shows very high rates of abuse in the state, and 29% of treatment admissions wind up in rehabs in Massachusetts needing help.

Rates of abuse of prescription drugs, particularly prescription pain killers and benzodiazepines are a very serious concern in Massachusetts. Admission rates for benzodiazepines alone have increased over 80% in recent years. Pain killers are widely abused, and a survey of parents in the state revealed that nearly half of parents surveyed abused pain killers non-medically, and 14% also provided their child with pain killers for which they didn't have a prescription. Law enforcement agencies report that prescription drug abuse in Massachusetts has triggered an exceptionally high crime rate directly related to the diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals. Currently, more residents die of fatal prescription drug overdoses in the state than those who die in car accidents.

These indicators and statistics point to the need, now more than ever, to educate, prevent and treat this problem in every nook and cranny of the state. Because it reaches so many different levels of society in state, no one is immune. Substance abuse and dependence doesn't discriminate against age, color, ethnicity or line of work. Some individuals can keep their habit hidden, and some remain in complete denial. If necessary, friends and loved ones may need to intervene to get them help before they are another casualty like other Massachusetts residents who lose their fight with substance abuse each year. There are many drug rehab programs in the state, particularly long-term inpatient and residential facilities that have proven that substance abuse can be overcome. It is just a matter of taking the time and putting in the effort to become abstinent and applying oneself to the rehabilitation process so that you can stay that way.