Drug Use in Amherst
As in many college towns, drug and alcohol abuse is a persistent issue among Amherst residents. A Boston University report showed that binge drinking is common in Massachusetts even among underage drinkers.
21.6%
Decline in overdose deaths (2020–2023)
2,125
Overdose deaths (2023)
On a positive note, studies show that overdose deaths in Hampshire County declined by 21.6% from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, there were 2,125 overdose deaths confirmed throughout the county, which equals a little more than 30 per 100,000 residents.
Cost of Treatment in Amherst
The average cost for addiction care will vary depending on the type and length of each particular program. By thoroughly researching benefits, state funded resources and private payment plans, you’ll be more equipped to make sound and informed decisions about your personal sobriety journey.
$1,703
Average outpatient program (Massachusetts)
$56,725
Average inpatient program
At Boca Recovery Center, we’re dedicated to making your care as affordable as possible. Our admissions counselors can walk you through your insurance coverage and help you understand more about what you can afford. Programs like MassHealth and Medicaid provide coverage for low-income residents. We also offer financial assistance plans and even scholarships to ensure that cost is never a barrier to care.
In the state of Massachusetts, the average cost per person for an outpatient rehab program is around $1,703. Most inpatient programs are higher, at around $56,725 per resident, as they include intensive, around-the-clock treatment and supervision along with on-site amenities.
Treatment Resources in Amherst
Community programs and local nonprofits around Amherst may offer low or no cost services. These can help supplement your care and provide additional resources for your long-term recovery.
DART
A short distance from Amherst in Northampton, Drug Addiction Recovery Teams or DART offers free community based addiction help aimed at harm reduction and preventing opioid and other substance misuse, with a focus on family support and referral to treatment resources.
Amherst College
Amherst College is another example of a free local resource for addiction support. They provide confidential assistance through education and counseling for students who may be worried about their own or a friend’s addiction issues. They offer an anonymous area where you can talk about substance use concerns and share ideas for improving the college experience for others in recovery.
Amherst Public Health Department
The Amherst Public Health Department is committed to aiding community members experiencing substance use challenges by supplying targeted information and resources.
Their primary emphasis is on opioids due to the urgency of the opioid crisis and the availability of opioid settlement funds to the Town of Amherst. Settlement funds will be allocated toward opioid use disorder treatment efforts. Some of the areas they’re focusing on include improving connections to care, expanding prevention education and supporting babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Get Help in Amherst Today
College students and community members alike struggle with academic and societal pressures, which may lead them to seek stress relief through drug and alcohol misuse.
You are not alone. Help is accessible in Amherst, and there is always hope for recovery. If you have concerns about the cost of drug and alcohol treatment in your area, affordable options are available. There are ample community resources for those with financial challenges in Amherst and the surrounding areas that make rehabilitation possible for all income levels.
Facilities like Boca Recovery Center in nearby Springfield are available to assist you in every aspect of the recovery process. At this center, we provide a range of care options including residential, outpatient, and medication-assisted treatment. Call us today to learn more and take the first step in your recovery journey.
