How Do I Get Rid of My Drug or Alcohol Addiction in MA?

Realizing that you have a drug or alcohol addiction in Massachusetts is the first step toward sobriety. Choosing to seek out help is the second and often the hardest. However, securing alcohol and drug addiction treatment in Massachusetts is possible—you deserve to move forward with a healthy, sober life. 

Identifying the Problem

Many people struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction in Massachusetts for months, years, or even decades before realizing or admitting that they have a problem. If any of the following apply to you, you probably know you need help.

• You’ve tried and failed to get sober more than once. 
• You’ve destroyed relationships, jobs, or opportunities because of your substance use. 
• You’ve spent money you needed for other things on drugs or alcohol. 
• You’ve gotten in trouble, hurt yourself, or hurt others while under the influence. 
• You’ve lost interest in things you used to love because you’d rather be using or drinking.
• You’ve begun lying or hiding things to prevent others from knowing about your drug or alcohol use. 
• You’ve blacked out or don’t remember doing things while you were using. 
• You need more of the drug or alcohol to have the same effect. 
• You plan your days around making sure you’ll be able to consume or use. 
• You can’t stop thinking about drugs or alcohol. 

Don’t make the mistake of sweeping these signs and symptoms under the rug. They’ll only get worse with time. It’s okay—and almost always necessary—to ask for help getting sober. You’ll be glad you did. 

Don’t Wait for Rock Bottom

Books, movies, and the media often portray people with substance use disorders as having to hit “rock bottom” before they’re ready to get sober. This is a dangerous myth! Waiting to hit rock bottom can mean more detrimental effects on your life, other people’s lives, and even the possibility of death instead of recovery. As soon as you know you have an addiction, it’s time to seek help. 

Reaching out to begin your sobriety journey doesn’t just help you, either. Family members and loved ones of those struggling with addiction are at risk for health problems, grief, and mental health struggles. Getting help early ensures they go through less pain and suffering. 

Open Up an Honest Conversation

It can feel unimaginable to admit your addiction to your family members or loved ones and ask for help. You might feel embarrassed, ashamed, or that you’ll be shut out. But the good news is this: If you have an addiction, the people in your life probably already know about it. You asking for help will be a relief and they will most likely do whatever they can to help you get treatment. 

Go to them when you aren’t drunk or high and have the conversation in a safe place. Try to engage in a conversation acknowledging your responsibility and desire to change for everyone’s benefit. Listen to your loved one’s feelings and suggestions for treatment options. 

Be Open to Various Types of Addiction Treatment in MA

Addiction treatment in Massachusetts comes in several forms. Depending on the type of substance use disorder you’re struggling with and how severe it is, you might need to enter into a detox program, residential treatment facility, or undergo behavioral therapy or counseling. There are even programs that cater to entire families, teenagers, pregnant or postpartum women, and homeless people struggling with addiction. No matter who you are, what substance use disorder you have, or what your lifestyle looks like, there is help available. 

Ask your friends or family members if they can help you find an initial treatment where you can detox safely under the care of medical professionals. In these programs, doctors and counselors will make sure that you withdraw from drugs or alcohol in a safe and secure environment. Then, they will be able to refer you to other programs or facilities where you can continue your journey toward sobriety with the most resources for success. 

Continue Healing Every Day

Addiction isn’t over once you’ve detoxed or completed a program. It’s important to know that there are always situations in life that will make it challenging to stay sober, whether it’s change, uncertainty, triggering situations, or difficult relationships. It’s your responsibility to continue working on your coping skills, healthy habits, and positive relationships and that you seek out influences for good in your life. 

Final Thoughts

You can get sober and heal from your drug or alcohol addiction. The journey won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. You only have to take it one day at a time, knowing that the help is out there and the power is inside of you. Meta in Haverhill, MA, and Reading, MA, provides PHP and IOP levels of care for drug and alcohol substance use disorder. Contact us today to start your journey into recovery. Real recovery for real people. 

[author] [author_image timthumb='on']/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img-ed-480x572.jpg[/author_image]  [author_info]Reviewed by Ed Lepage, Executive Director

Ed Lepage completed the drug and alcohol certificate program at the University of Massachusetts Boston and has been working in the substance abuse dependency field for the past seven years. He has also worked extensively in peer recovery-based programs offering “real-world experience” to those that suffer from substance use dependency. Full Bio [/author_info] [/author]