Massachusetts Drug Statistics and Resources

RIZE Massachusetts

This center is a non-profit public-private organization that provides community resources in combating opioid overdoses. The organization offers education programs, lobbies for new policies on drug reform, and invests in local care services.

Speaking of Hope

This initiative focuses on youth recovery and offers a hotline, directory of resources, peer support, and school-based assistance programs. The program operates throughout Massachusetts and offers residential care, including showers, laundry, kitchens, and Wi-Fi access, to at-risk youth.

Community Health Training Coalition

This institute coordinates many local and community organizations that are combating substance use disorder. The coalition offers training, education and awareness programs, and advocacy. Its directory provides a comprehensive list of groups throughout the state.

SAFE

This organization provides courses and workshops for youths to develop healthy life skills, build resilience against substance abuse, and train to prevent opioid overdose. Specialized programs are available for the LGBTQ+ community.

Massachusetts Coalition for Addiction Services

This group is an umbrella for several advocacy organizations to expand access to substance use treatment and reduce stigmas.

North Redding–Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition

This city-based group offers support, education and awareness programs, and advocacy for young people impacted by substance use disorder.

Regional Community Behavioral Health Centers

These centers provide individualized services to address mental and behavioral health disorders, including substance abuse. Centers are open for in-person, virtual, and mobile visits, and all services are covered by public MassHealth plans.

Harm Reduction Program

This government program provides drug test strips, naloxone, and syringe exchange services at no cost to clients ages 18 and older. The center also provides training to manage their naloxone intake and to prevent overdoses. The program coordinates government dispensaries with local community chapters.

Tapestry

This center is based in Western Massachusetts, and provides NarcaNarcan, Narcan nasal sprays, drug testing, personal health hygiene materials, and education supplies. Services are free and confidential.

Cambridge Health Alliance

This group, based in Cambridge, provides information on naloxone, training on overdose prevention and harm reduction, and public outreach with community partners.

Berkshire Harm Reduction

This center, part of the Berkshire Health Systems, provides free Narcan in three distribution sites within the Central and Northern Berkshire regions. A mobile unit is also available. On-site drug testing and hepatitis/SDI services are also available.

MA Helpline

This government hotline enables clients to seek anonymous assistance regarding alcohol and substance use disorder, including information about harm reduction programs and rehab centers. The hotline is available for youths, adults, and family members impacted by chemical dependency.

Families In Recovery SupporT (FIRST) Steps

This government program provides home health services for parents with substance use disorder and their minor children. The program provides addiction recovery services and referrals to treatment centers, childcare, and counseling for long-term recovery.

VA - Substance Use Disorder Program

The VA offers medical care for substance use disorder to veterans and their families. Various veterans’ memorial hospitals and clinics are available throughout Massachusetts and provide levels of care that may include inpatient and outpatient programs.

Young Adult Resource Guide

The state government provides a database, directory, and additional state and national resources for young adults impacted by substance use disorder.

MassHealth (Medicaid) and CHIP

Springfield Technical Community College

Springfield Technical Community College provides a FAQ of resources available on campus, the college’s policies regarding substance use, and housing/basic needs services.

Tufts University

Tufts University has a directory of campus, community, family, and peer support programs for students impacted by substance use disorder.

University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

UM Dartmouth lists the campus policy regarding alcohol and substance use, counseling and referral services available on campus, and contact numbers for community treatment programs.

University of Massachusetts, Lowell

UM Lowell provides links to outside treatment programs and state resources.

University of Massachusetts, Boston

UM Boston hosts in-person and virtual recovery meetings for students and links to state and local resources, including hotlines and local peer support programs.

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

UM Amherst offers short-term counseling for students and referrals to outside resources. The university is in-network with Collegiate Recovery Programs and Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS).

Speaking of Hope

This organization focuses on mental health treatment programs for young adults through peer support and holistic approaches, such as arts therapy. Resources are available for specialized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition

This advocacy group promotes the health and wellbeing of trans individuals. Clients receive education and health resources, strategies to reduce stigmas, and opportunities to participate in community events and outreach programs.

Cape & Islands Gay and Straight Youth Alliance

This grassroots organization offers peer support programs and informal mentorships for LGBTQ+ youth. The group provides a safe space for group counseling and stigma reduction approaches.

OutNow

This LGBTQ+ youth-centered group provides harm reduction classes, leadership training, and safe spaces for peer support. Community workshops and education outreach programs are also available.

Executive Office of Veterans Services

This state agency outlines benefits and services available to veterans and their families. Clients can access links to treatment programs, social services, and veterans advocates.

Veterans Homes

Two residential facilities at Holyoake and Chelsea are available for military veterans and their spouses. Clients receive physical and occupational therapy, mental and cognitive improvement services, amenities and recreation, social services, and laboratory access. Costs are assessed on a sliding scale.

Veterans Collaborate

Based in Worcester County, this organization provides resources for the health and wellbeing of veterans. Services include links to AA meetings, a suicide hotline, housing and food security programs, family assistance, and legal advocacy.

VA Boston Healthcare System

This network of VA hospitals and clinics offer clients specialized treatment for substance use disorder, alcohol consumption, and co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders. Services and hours vary depending on location.

Native American Team Project

This collaborative effort between the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and Native American communities emphasizes life skills development for youths and advocacy for clients impacted by substance use disorder.

Indian Affairs

This state agency coordinates state and federal resources with local American Indian groups. The center promotes and supports Native American awareness and education programs, reduces stigmas, and enhances healthcare resources and access.

Good Samaritan Law

G.L. c. 112, section 12V limits the civil liability for individuals who experience an opioid overdose and any person who, in good faith, seeks aid for that individual.

Needle Exchange Program

Section 215 details the requirements for syringe and hypodermic needle exchange programs to limit infection rates for HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne illnesses.

Social Host Law

M.G.L. c. 138, s. 34 mandates that adults who furnish alcohol to minors are liable for damages caused by minors under the influence, and may be subjected up to $2,000 in fines and imprisonment for one year. Retailers who knowingly sell alcohol to minors are also liable.

Sober Living Laws

Section 18A outlines the requirements and levels of care for sober living establishments. Facilities that wish to be licensed must abide by these standards.

Naloxone Standing Order

M.G.L. c. 94C, § 19B authorizes physicians to make naloxone available to individuals at-risk from an opioid overdose. Individuals who administer naloxone to incapacitated persons in good faith are also immune from civil and criminal prosecution.