Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Methuen, MA
Methuen is located in Essex County, in the northeast region of Massachusetts. The following statistics show the extent and impact of substance abuse in Methuen, Essex County, and the northeast region:2,3,4
Less than 1% of the residents 12 years and older reported heroin use in the past year between 2016 and 2018.
About 2% of the residents 12 years and older reported cocaine use in the past year between 2016 and 2018.
Nearly 59% of the residents 12 years and older reported alcohol use in the past month between 2016 and 2018.
Almost 28% of the residents 12 years and older reported binge alcohol use in the past month between 2016 and 2018.
- Less than 1% of the residents 12 years and older reported methamphetamine use in the past year between 2016 and 2018.
- About 3% of the residents 12 years and older reported pain reliever misuse in the past year between 2016 and 2018.
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 Methuen, 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.
Traveling to and Within Methuen, MA
You may find the following travel tips useful if you’re planning a trip to Methuen for rehab or to visit a loved one receiving treatment there:
- Methuen, MA, is accessible through the following highways: I-93, I-495, and Route 213.
- The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers rail service to and from Methuen on the Haverhill/Reading line from the South Lawrence station.
- Logan International Airport and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport provide flights to and from Methuen.
- The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) offers public transport in Methuen, Haverhill, Lawrence, and the northeast region with free rides since March 1, 2022.
- Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available in Methuen for convenient and fast transport in the region.
- Fun attractions in Methuen include the Methuen Museum of History, Jay Gees Ice Cream & Fun Center, Methuen Memorial Music Hall, and Nevins Memorial Library.,
- There are plenty of hotels to choose from for your stay in Methuen, MA, including budget-friendly options like La Quinta Inn & Suites, Days Hotel by Wyndham, and Passport Inn Methuen.
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. (2020, February). Number of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths, All Intents by City/Town 2014-2018.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022, December). MA Opioid-Related EMS Incidents 2013-Q3 2022.
- Massachusetts Department of Health. (2021, November). Number of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths, All Intents by City/Town 2015-2020.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). 2016 -2018 NSDUH Substate Region Estimates – Tables.