Massachusetts continues to focus on what has been identified as a drug crisis effecting all of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Innovative programs are beginning to pop up in response.
The House of Correction in Middleton has opened a 42 bed, 28 day substance use disorder treatment facility that includes detoxification services. Anyone arrested under the influence and held over for trial is eligible for the program. Treatment services are in partnership with the substance use disorder clinicians from Lahey Health Behavioral Services.
A representative from Lahey Health Behavioral Services reports that in the first week 17 beds were occupied and by the second week 36 beds were occupied. The jail services help to meet an unmet need in the community for addiction treatment services.
Although the program is called a “detox” it is much more than that. Detoxification from substances usually takes 3-5 days but that only removes the chemicals from the bloodstream. Following detox the addict enters what has been termed the “post acute withdrawal” period which may be the most challenging time of recovery. Symptoms of the Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) prominent during this period are:
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Variable energy
• Low enthusiasm
• Variable concentration
• Disturbed sleep
All of this discomfort combines to make it very difficult for anyone to maintain recovery during this early stage. This is why we commonly see addicts pass through an emergency room, get chemically detoxified within 2-6 hours and then leave to get high again almost immediately. The 28 day program at Middleton provides the structure to assist an addict through that crucial first month of recovery and greatly enhances the chances that recovery will be maintained. Inmates are offered as many as five group counseling sessions each day as well as the opportunity to meet with individual counselors and case managers to coordinate follow-up care.
Clinicians from Lahey Health Behavioral Services services/meet with each detox inmate during the 28 days to facilitate their connection with the next level of services, once they are discharged. This innovative partnership of legal, corrections and treatment professionals is unprecedented and is a much needed addition to the programs already available.
