Substance Abuse Stats in Lowell, Massachusetts
Lowell is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It has a population of around 111,000 people. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 9 percent of people over the age of 12 met the classifications for dependence on illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
Shockingly, only 2/3 of all illicit drug users in the state received treatment for their problem, while a mere 1/4 of alcohol-dependent individuals received treatment. More than 62 percent of the surveyed population reported drinking in the month prior, while 24 percent reported binge drinking.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
A critical first step to receiving substance abuse treatment in Lowell is choosing what type of care is right for you. In order to make this decision, you need to understand your options. Two main choices are inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment.
Inpatient rehab facilities in Lowell are live-in institutions in which patients are completely immersed in recovery. From the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep, they will be doing things that support their recovery. People in outpatient care receive treatment every week for a certain number of hours, but they can still work, go to school, and live at home.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
There is no set amount of time that you must attend rehab for in Lowell, but you will likely need to choose a length of stay before you begin treatment. Common program lengths are 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days. Many people choose to stay far longer, however, because they need more treatment.
The goal of inpatient care is to get patients to a point where they can begin to return to their lives without relapsing. It takes each patient a different amount of time and work to get here. Choosing a longer program is better, because it gives you the best chance of making a full recovery.
What to Expect at Rehab
Every rehab center in Lowell operates slightly differently, but they are all focused on providing their patients with excellent substance abuse treatment. Patients receive formal treatment like therapy, medication, and group meetings every day. They also learn to develop healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and nourishing themselves through activities such as yoga, art, and meditation.
The best rehab centers in Lowell are the ones that tailor treatment to fit a patient’s specific needs. Every addiction is different because every individual is different. At rehab, you will be taken care of and given what you need to have a full recovery.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Detox is different from treatment. At detox, patients who still have drugs or alcohol in their system when they enter treatment can safely go through the process of removing these substances from their bodies. Oftentimes, this involves withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal can be dangerous and very uncomfortable. The discomfort drives many users to relapse, even if they are trying to quit. At detox, a professional team will keep you safe and as comfortable as possible while you go through withdrawal.
How Long is Detox?
Detox ends when a patient is stable enough to begin treatment. When a patient’s condition improves and they no longer need medical monitoring, they can move on to treatment. This process typically takes between 3 and 10 days.
Factors that can affect how long a person’s withdrawal lasts include what substance(s) were abused, how much, and for how long. Additionally, the age, weight, gender, and health of an individual can contribute to shorter or longer withdrawal times.