Substance Abuse Statistics in Taunton, Massachusetts
Taunton and the surrounding Bristol County have been impacted by the consequences of substance abuse. Here are some relevant statistics on drug and alcohol misuse in Taunton and Bristol County:2,3,4
In 2021, 18% of adults reported excessive drinking in Bristol County.
In 2021, 30% of motor vehicle deaths were due to alcohol-impaired driving in Bristol County.
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 Taunton, 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 Taunton, Massachusetts
Taking the first step toward recovery and an addiction-free life can be challenging. You may wonder “where can I find licensed drug rehabs near me?” You may think “are there accredited alcohol rehabs near me?” These are just some of the questions that you may face when you decide to search for the best Taunton drug or alcohol rehabs. Whether you need an inpatient or outpatient program, or you are seeking detox, Taunton has many options available.
If you are considering traveling to Taunton for rehab, here is some information to help you navigate the city:
- You can reach Taunton by flying into the Boston Logan International Airport.
- Since Taunton is located close to cities like Boston, New Bedford, and Providence, plenty of hotels and motels can accommodate your needs.
- Taunton is not very walkable, so you will need your own transportation to get around the city.
- You can enjoy plenty of parks like Hopewell Park, The Gertrude M Boyden Wildlife Refuge, and the Massasoit State Park.
- You can enjoy a bit of history by visiting the Taunton Antique Center and Old Colony History Museum.
- Family fun venues include the Camp Riverside Ice Skating Rink and Forrest’s Family Fun Center.
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). Number of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths, All Intents by County, MA Residents: 2010-2021.
- Massachusetts Department Public Health. (2022). MA Opioid-Related EMS Incidents 2013-2021.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2021). Methamphetamine Use Commission Overview of Methamphetamine and Stimulant Use in Massachusetts.
- University of Wisconsin Population Health Institution. (2022). County Health Rankings and Roadmaps: Massachusetts-Bristol.