Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics in Chicopee, Massachusetts
Here are some recent statistics regarding substance abuse in Chicopee and Hampden County:2,3
In 2021, 11.9% of Hampden County’s opioid deaths occurred in Chicopee.
Levels of Substance Abuse Care
Several levels of care are available for addiction treatment, based on types of needs.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
Detox occurs under medical supervision at a hospital, residential, or outpatient facility. It is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system. Once detox is complete, you can transition to the next step of treatment.
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Inpatient or residential treatment involves staying at the rehab facility to receive 24/7 supervised care. Treatment interventions in this setting typically include individual and group therapy, recreational therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
Massachusetts residents who participate in a PHP live at home while receiving treatment services at a hospital. Treatment often includes many of the same methods as inpatient care, but you return home during non-treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs allow Massachusetts residents to attend counseling sessions several days a week while spending the rest of their time at home, at work, or fulfilling other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient care is the least intensive treatment option. It involves one to two hours of treatment per week. Highly motivated people with a strong support system are good candidates for this level of treatment.
Relapse Prevention
Also called aftercare, relapse prevention is for Massachusetts residents who have completed a rehab program. It includes ongoing support such as 12-step groups, SMART recovery, and therapy.
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Chicopee, Massachusetts
Private Insurance
Every insurance provider is required by law to cover substance abuse and mental health treatment services to some extent. Contact your provider to learn about the specific coverage they offer, which varies by company.
Massachusetts Medicaid
In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are rolled into one program, called MassHealth. MassHealth members may be able to cover the cost of rehabilitation treatment services through this government-funded program. Massachusetts residents must apply for benefits, and the treatment provider must accept MassHealth as a method of payment.
Massachusetts Medicare
Massachusetts Medicare is a program funded by the government to provide coverage for Massachusetts residents who are 65 or older, have been on Social Security Disability Insurance for two years, or have end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Medicare covers the cost of addiction treatment services; however, some rehab facilities don’t accept Medicare methods of payment, so always check before enrolling in treatment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehab programs charge fees based on income, so you only pay what you can reasonably afford. To qualify for sliding scale rehab in Massachusetts, you may have to provide proof of income.
TRICARE in Massachusetts
Massachusetts TRICARE (North region) is a program funded by the government to provide health insurance coverage for military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE covers addiction treatment services for these individuals.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Indian Health Services drug rehabs offer addiction treatment free of charge for Indigenous people and Alaskan Natives. This coverage is provided even if other insurance is available.
Getting to and Around Chicopee, Massachusetts
Chicopee is a small city located along the Connecticut River and is considered part of the Springfield Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It’s also home to the Westover Air Reserve Base, which was built in 1940 and is known for having one of the largest airways on the East Coast.
Whether you’re getting addiction help at an alcohol or drug rehab in Chicopee or visiting someone getting their health straightened out at an inpatient treatment center there, it’s important to know what’s around. Here are a few travel tips for getting to and getting around Chicopee, Massachusetts:
- The closest major airport to Chicopee is the Bradley International Airport, with a distance of only 15 miles. You can also get to Chicopee by bus or train if you live within the state.
- Chicopee is serviced by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The department provides both public buses and a metro light rail in the area.
- Since Chicopee is located within the Springfield Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area, you won’t have any issue finding a hotel to suit your budget or needs. Air BnBs are also widely available throughout the area if that’s your preference.
- Chicopee isn’t a very walkable city, which means you’ll need to arrange for transportation depending on where you’re staying and what you plan to do while there. Fortunately, rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are available throughout the day and night, as are traditional taxi services and rental car services.
- There is plenty to do in Chicopee. While there, be sure to visit the Chicopee Memorial State Park (weather permitting), the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, the Eastern States Exposition, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.
Massachusetts Alcohol and Drug Laws
Policy makers in Massachusetts have enacted the following laws related to alcohol and drug use and possession:1,2,3,4,5
9-1-1 Good Samaritan Law: Passed in Massachusetts in 2012, this law states that anyone who calls 9-1-1 for an overdose emergency will not be charged with possession of a controlled substance. The policy was created to encourage people to get emergency help during overdose situations.
Naloxone Standing Order: The Massachusetts Act for Prevention and Access to Appropriate Care and Treatment of Addiction allows pharmacies to dispense Naloxone, without a prescription, to anyone at risk of opioid overdose and to others who are in a position to assist those at risk.
Marijuana Decriminalization: As of 2016, recreational use of marijuana is legal in Massachusetts for adults 21 years and older. Adults can have up to one ounce on their person and 10 ounces in their home, but any amount over one ounce must be kept locked up, and marijuana cannot be used in public or on federal property. Residents of Massachusetts can also grow up to six cannabis plants for single-adult households or 12 plants for larger households.
Zero Tolerance Law: In Massachusetts, the legal BAC for drivers under 21 years of age is 0.02% instead of 0.08%. Violation of this law can result in up to three years of license suspension, 2.5 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, and a suspended license.
Drug Classes: To establish criminal penalties for violation of drug law, Massachusetts has established five classes of controlled substances. Class A includes opioids. Class B includes cocaine. Class C includes some narcotics. Class D includes marijuana. Class E includes narcotics that contain additional substances.
Resources
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022, June). Number of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths By City/Town, 2015-2021.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022, June). Number of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths By County, 2015-2021.
- Hampden County Addiction Task Force. (2022, August). Current Overdose and Drug Use Trends.