Family Resources

What is addiction?

Addiction is a disease of the brain. Addictive substances change how the receptors in our brain receive information, make decisions, and respond to our emotions. It can especially impact how our brains understand and transmit pleasure, making it harder to feel motivated to participate in activities like work and school, or maintain relationships with our friends and families. Treating addiction goes beyond stopping the substance and requires professional treatment in order to repair the changes in the brain.

Where to start?

Helping a family member who is in active addiction can be challenging. Support is available for you to make this process easier, from family support groups to getting assistance with mandating treatment. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed at any point in this process, stop and call us at 781-838-2203 or 781-873-9504

If you require immediate assistance, call the 24/7 crisis line

National Crisis Line - 988

Cambridge Health Alliance Crisis Team - 833-222-2030 for Malden, Medford, Everett, Somerville, and Cambridge

Eliot Crisis Team - 800-988-1111 for Lynn, Lynnfield, Melrose, Nahant, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Swampscott, and Wakefield

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger always call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. 

Family Support Groups

Bridge to Hope - A free, peer-led support group for families dealing with addiction and recovery that meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at The Bridge Recovery Center at 239 Commercial Street in Malden from 6:30-8:00 PM. 

Learn 2 Cope - A peer-led support network that offers education, resources, and hope for family members and friends who have loved ones affected by substance use disorder. Click the link to find a support group near you. 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Free support groups that primarily focus on families helping other families who live with mental health challenges. Click the link to find a support group near you. 

Mandating Treatment

SECTION 35

Section 35 is a Massachusetts law that allows a qualified person to request a court order requiring someone to be civilly committed and treated involuntarily for an alcohol or substance use disorder. This is often a complicated process and should be the last option for treatment. If you are considering a Section 35 for a loved one, call us at 781-838-2203 or 781-873-9504 for assistance.

CHILD REQUIRING ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE (CRA)

A CRA case is one where parents, guardians, or school officials ask the court to help supervise a child between the ages of 6 and 18. If after a preliminary hearing, the Court decides the child requires assistance, the case will be scheduled for future court hearings. For more information on how to file a CRA, you can visit Mass.gov or seek additional information through other local resources such as your child’s school or the Family Resource Center in Everett.