Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Medford, MA
Substance use data collected by the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health highlights the following alcohol- and drug-misuse statistics in Medford and Middlesex County:
In 2020, the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services received more than 5,000 methamphetamine use-related helpline calls from Middlesex County residents.
230 emergency medical service incidents in Middlesex County involved opioid use during 2020 and 2021.
From 2015 to 2021, 95 Medford residents lost their lives to an opioid overdose.
Nearly 17% of Medford residents reported engaging in binge drinking in 2020.
From 2015 to 2020, Middlesex County saw a 52% increase in alcohol-induced deaths.
From 2010 to 2020, Middlesex County recorded a 229% increase in opioid-related deaths.
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Medford, Massachusetts
Private Insurance
Every insurance provider is required by law to cover substance misuse 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.
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. CDC Wonder Online Database. (2021). Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results, Deaths occurring through 2020.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, Place Data 2022 Release.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022, June). Number of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths, All Intents by City/Town 2015-2021.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022, June). MA Opioid-Related EMS Incidents 2013-2021.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2021, December 8). Methamphetamine Use Commission Overview of Methamphetamine and Stimulant Use in Massachusetts DPH/BSAS.
