Massachusetts is one of the top 10 states with the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths, and sees more drug rehab admissions for heroin than any other substance — including alcohol. Drug rehab centers can help Massachusetts residents safely and comfortably overcome addiction to heroin, alcohol, and all other substances using programs such as medical detox and inpatient rehab. Those who suffer from addiction and who live in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and other cities in this populous New England state can achieve improved physical and mental health by seeking help at drug and alcohol rehab.
Here’s a closer look at the scope of drug and alcohol abuse in Massachusetts, and what you can do to get help today if you or a loved one is suffering from addiction.
Drug Abuse Statistics for Massachusetts
- Heroin is the primary drug of abuse for more than 53% of admissions to Massachusetts drug rehab centers.
- Alcohol is the primary drug of abuse for nearly 32% of admissions to Massachusetts rehab centers.
- Opioid overdose deaths in MA were more than 4 times higher in 2015 than in 2000.
- In 2016 there were 29.7 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 people in Massachusetts, which surpasses the national rate of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
- The number of deaths in Massachusetts caused by synthetic opioids like fentanyl increased by more than 183% from 2012 to 2016.
- The number of drug overdose deaths in MA increased by 28.4% from 2015 to 2016.
- Heroin, alcohol, and cocaine are the top 3 substances abused in Massachusetts.
- In 2015, Massachusetts doctors wrote roughly 4.07 million prescriptions, which equates to nearly 60 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people.
- Drug abuse in Massachusetts is most common among people between the ages of 31 and 40 — a group that makes up nearly 26% of treatment admissions to drug rehab.
- Heroin is used by over 62% of Boston residents who seek drug rehab treatment.
- More than 41% of Massachusetts residents who seek treatment for heroin addiction received prior treatment for mental health disorders.
- Roughly 48.5% of Massachusetts residents who seek heroin treatment choose inpatient residential rehab programs.
- Only 7.5% of people in Massachusetts diagnosed with alcohol use disorder receive treatment at alcohol rehab.
- Only 13.6% of people in Massachusetts diagnosed with illicit drug use disorders receive drug rehab treatment.
Resources for Drug Abuse in Massachusetts
Addiction often goes hand in hand with feelings of loneliness, fear, and isolation — all of which can make it difficult for those who suffer from this complex brain disorder to seek help as needed. Fortunately, many addiction treatment centers are staffed with caring, understanding healthcare professionals and counselors willing to answer your questions and guide you safely through treatment so you can become healthier, happier, and more functional.
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