FAQs

First, take a breath. The most important thing is to remember you are not alone. While you can’t fix their problem, you can support yourself so you can be a steady presence for them. Finding a family support system first allows you to be stronger and more present. Local Peer Recovery Centers and groups like Learn 2 Cope and Al-Anon/Nar-Anon, offer vital resources. LINKS?

Pay attention to sudden shifts in behavior. Common warning signs include neglecting personal hygiene, a dramatic change in eating or sleeping habits, pulling away from family and friends, unexplained mood swings, or a sudden loss of interest in favorite hobbies or school/work responsibilities.

Addiction is a complex disease.  It is not a moral failing or a sign of bad parenting/friendship. This is a time to focus on compassion, not fault. Blame is counterproductive and doesn’t help anyone move forward. You are not at fault.

Choose empathy over judgment. Focus on non-judgmental communication by stating your feelings (“I feel”) rather than making accusations (“You always”). Resources are available that offer communication tips and language to guide you.’’

Taking care of your own emotional and physical health is essential—you are also grieving and need support. You cannot effectively help them if you are burned out. It is crucial to find a support system for yourself first, such as local Peer Recovery Centers, Learn 2 Cope, or Al-Anon/Al-Anon.

Detox (or Acute Treatment Service) is when a person completely stops using a substance to allow their body to naturally clear toxins. It can be both physically and emotionally challenging. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, including tremors, nausea, anxiety, and potentially seizures. Supervised medical detox is necessary to manage these symptoms and keep the person as safe and comfortable as possible. Do not encourage your loved one to detox at home.

These are different stages and types of support on the path to healing.

Detox: This is the first step: safely stopping substance use under medical supervision, also known as “ATS” (Acute Treatment Services) to manage painful or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

CSS (Clinical Stabilization Services) is the next level of care in Massachusetts.  It may include in-patient or outpatient treatment.

Rehab (Residential Treatment or “In-Patient”): This is a full-time, structured program where your loved one lives at the facility for an intensive period (like 30, 60, or 90 days) to focus on therapy and addressing the root causes of addiction. 

Out-Patient Treatment: This means they live at home but go to the center regularly (weekly or daily) for therapy, groups, or medication (like MOUD), balancing treatment with daily life.

Recovery: This is the long-term, ongoing journey of a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. It’s a continuous process of growth and support, often with the help of Peer Recovery Centers—safe community spaces run by people with lived experience.

No. MOUD uses safe medications like buprenorphine and methadone to stabilize the brain, manage cravings, and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Research shows that MOUD, combined with behavioral therapy, is the gold standard treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and significantly reduces the risk of death by 50%.

If someone is unresponsive, breathing very slowly or shallowly, or has blue or gray lips/fingertips, they may be overdosing. Call 911 immediately. Then, administer Naloxone (Narcan) if you have it.

If you suspect an overdose, look for three key signs: pinpoint pupils, slowed or stopped breathing, and unconsciousness/unresponsiveness. Call 911 immediately. Say “someone isn’t responsive”. Then, administer Naloxone (Narcan) if you have it. You cannot harm someone by administering naloxone, and it is a safe nasal spray.

Yes. The illicit street drug supply is unpredictable and highly dangerous. This is because illegally made fentanyl—which is 50 times more potent than heroin—is often mixed into other substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills without the user knowing. This contamination is the primary cause of the increase in overdose deaths. Assume overdose risk regardless of the drug being used.

Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, is a fast-acting, safe medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save a life. It is very easy to use and is available as a simple nasal spray. Carrying it means you have the ability to save someone—a child, a friend, a parent—until emergency medical help arrives.  You can not harm someone by administering naloxone, and you can save their life.  

Local organizations like Berkshire Harm Reduction (BHR) provide Naloxone kits at no cost. There are also over 130 Naloxone distribution boxes placed throughout the county for easy access.

This is the idea behind “Harm Reduction,” a philosophy that focuses on reducing negative consequences associated with substance use. Encourage them to Never Use Alone. If they are alone, they should call a service like SafeSpot at 800-972-0590, which ensures someone is on the line to call for help immediately if an overdose occurs.

In Central County, survey data shows that a significant percentage of teens think it would be easy to obtain alcohol (41%), marijuana (36%), and cigarettes (27%). A smaller percentage (6%) reported trying nicotine pouches like Zyn, on!, or Velo.

Any major, unexplained change in behavior is a sign that a young person may be struggling and needs help. Watch for dramatic drops in school grades, unexplained mood swings, losing interest in sports or other hobbies, or pulling away from the family to spend time with new friends. These changes are not always about substance use, but they are signs of struggle.

Start conversations early and keep the lines of communication open. The goal is connection, not confrontation. You can use current events or media to create a natural starting point. Modeling safer consumption of alcohol around minors is also important.