Drug Rehabs in Boston, MA

Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Boston, Massachusetts

One of America’s most important (and oldest) ports, Boston, Massachusetts is a leading point of entry for a number of legal and illegal drugs to enter the United States. In particular, Boston experiences the devastating effects of the Opioid Epidemic that is currently plaguing over 2 million Americans. The city also see high rates Cocaine use and alcoholism. In Boston, addiction does not just plague one group, but all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and other sub-groups.

Fortunately, the Boston area is home to many rehab and treatment facilities that provide various services to help free those suffering from abuse and addiction.

Teenage Substance Abuse In Boston

The number of high school students using drugs in Boston has increased in recent years. According to Boston Public Health Commission’s data, 42% of high school students have reported using Marijuana in their lifetime. High school students also reported using Cocaine (3.5%), Ecstasy (4.6%) and Heroin (2.8%) at lower rates.

Alcohol Abuse In Boston

Rates of alcohol abuse are increasing every year in Boston. Although Boston residents of all ages abuse alcohol, college students are often more susceptible to alcohol abuse as they are exposed to drinking culture on campus. This is a major problem in Boston, which is home to 152,000 college students studying at the 35 colleges, universities, and community colleges in the city. One source points out the effects of alcohol on college students, noting 25% of college students admitted to poor academic performance due to alcohol consumption. Students in fraternities or sororities have a doubled percentage of risk, and hazing activities increase their vulnerability.

Boston’s Opioid Crisis: “Methadone Mile”

Boston’s struggle with Opioid abuse has increased in recent years—most notably in an area known as “Methadone Mile.” Roughly a block in size, Methadone Mile is a community plagued by “a humanitarian crisis” and comprised of homeless people living in tents; a place of illicit drug use, violence, and desperate poverty. One local news source says that while it has always been bad, it has now “spiral[ed] out of control the past 5 years” as more than 300 people are living out on the streets.

Between 2016 and 2021, the city reported 12,000 homicides in Methadone Mile and though Boston has a population of 700,000 residents, officials have collected more than 5 million needles in roughly a year. That number is equivalent to more than 7 needles per person.

Many individuals using Heroin, Fentanyl or other Opioids are transitioning from prescription drugs (such as Morphine, Oxycodone, or Methadone ), which are often more expensive and harder to find. Heroin—at a meager $10 a bag—has produces similar effects and is easier to obtain.

Sadly, individuals using substances like Heroin are unknowingly exposed to Fentanyl and Carfentanil. Drug dealers mix Fentanyl (a cheaper chemical) with Heroin to keep their costs down. As Fentanyl is highly addictive and up to 100 times more potent than Morphine, many users may become addicted if they don’t accidentally overdose. Carfentanil is even more deadly and addictive than Fentanyl and has recently been confiscated in batches of Heroin by local law enforcement.

Break free from addiction.

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Ready To Get Help?

Seeking treatment for an addiction may seem daunting. There are many factors contributing to drug and alcohol abuse disorders, which often need medical assistance. Co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety can create distress and cause people to self-medicate in unhealthy ways. Individuals with co-occurring disorders often need medication to get them into a place of wellbeing.

Individuals who have lived many years abusing substances or individuals who have a deep dependency on a substance can benefit from rehabilitation. Detox with a compassionate medical professional helps reduce extremely painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms with supervision. For more information, contact a treatment provider today.