Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Waltham, MA
It’s no secret that opioid-related addiction and deaths are on the rise in Middlesex County. Here’s a quick look at some of the most recent statistics regarding that rise:2
In 2010, Middlesex County experienced a total of 91 opioid-related deaths. A value that jumped to 130 for the year of 2011.
Despite fluctuating numbers over the next few years, by 2016, Middlesex County had a total of 406 opioid-related deaths.
Between 2016 and 2021, the number of opioid-related deaths decreased but never dipped below 300 in a year.
Between 2010 and 2021, Middlesex County had a total of 3,140 opioid-related deaths, making it the highest-ranking county for opioid fatalities among 13 other neighboring counties.
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 Waltham, 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, who have been on Social Security Disability Insurance for two years, or who 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 Waltham, Massachusetts
If you’re planning to travel to attend a drug and alcohol rehab in Waltham or are planning to visit someone already getting help through an inpatient program in the city, you’ll want to have an idea of what the city is like and how to get around.
Here are a few things you should know about getting to, from, and around Waltham as well as fun things to do while there:
- The nearest major airport to Waltham is the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), 14 miles from the city. The second nearest airport is the Worcester Regional Airport, which is 43 miles away, and the third nearest is the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is 50 miles away.
- Waltham is served by the MBTA commuter rail lines and bus routes in terms of public transportation. There are approximately eight bus routes, and you can find a direct rail line to and from Boston and elsewhere.
- Rideshares, including Lyft, Uber, Didi, and Ola, are widely available throughout the city, as are regular taxis, private car services, and rental car services.
- There’s an abundance of hotels to suit all budget types, from luxury to cheap. There are also plenty of Airbnbs.
- Waltham is considered a “walker’s paradise,” with a walkability score of 95 out of 100. However, you may need to arrange transportation if you’re planning activities across town from where you’re staying.
- Downtown Waltham is an excellent place to pass the time as it’s full of restaurants, unique shops, and varied entertainment. It’s also a beacon for museum lovers.
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, All Intents By City/Town: 2015-2021.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022, June). Number of Opioid-Related Deaths, All Intents, By County, MA Residents: 2010-2022.
