The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. was formed in the memory of Alyssa E. Dunn who lost her life to drug addiction on May 21, 2013, at the age of 20 years old. The mission of the A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. is to change the many stigmas associated with drug use and addiction. In Massachusetts, like many other states, the use of opiates has reached epidemic proportions. As a community we need to become educated about addiction and its consequences. We need to recognize that addiction is not a disease of choice. Addiction is a chronic brain disease and we need to treat it as such.  The foundation was formed by one woman, a mother, with the goal of making a difference in memory of her daughter Alyssa.  For more information about the Foundation, please visit their website:  http://aedfoundationinc.org/

Learn to Cope Support Group, Heywood Hospital Board Room, Gardner, MA

Learn to Cope is a support network for families dealing with addiction and recovery.

Learn to Cope offers compassionate, experienced facilitators who have been there, support, resources, educational materials and guest speakers who are in long-term recovery or professionals in the field. Most of all, LTC offers hope for recovery.  These meetings are confidential and open to all who have a loved one struggling with addiction.  For more information, contact the Learn to Cope office at (508) 738-5148 or visit the meetings tab at www.learn2cope.org.

DrugRehab.com offers comprehensive information for families seeking recovery for their loved one.  

At DrugRehab.com, their mission is to equip patients and families with the best information, resources, and tools to overcome addiction and lead a lifelong recovery.  

On The Wagon - The Hub for Expert Substance Abuse Information - If you’re not very familiar with drug use and abuse, you should start by understanding the different classes of drugs. Drug abuse often starts as recreational drug use. Sometimes, individuals are predisposed to becoming addicted. Other times, the very nature of the drug itself makes the person physically dependent on it.

North Central MA Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings - Narcotics Anonymous offers recovery to addicts around the world. They focus on the disease of addiction rather than any particular drug.  Their message is broad enough to attract addicts from any social class or nationality. When new members come to meetings, their sole interest is in their desire for freedom from active addiction and how they can be of help.  For a list of local meetings visit the following website:  http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/

North Central MA Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings - Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.  For a list of local meetings visit the following website and click on your community:  http://www.aaworcester.org/meetinglookup.htm

Massachusetts Al-Anon/Alateen:  If you are bothered by someone's drinking, Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups may be able to help. We are a fellowship of men, women, and children who share our experience, strength and hope in order to solve our common problems. Al-Anon's program of recovery is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).  Is Al-Anon/Alateen right for you?  The primary purpose of Al-Anon/Alateen is to help families and friends of alcoholics. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and is for young people affected by another's drinking. Members of Al-Anon/Alateen learn to live happily whether the alcoholic continues to drink or not. We learn that alcoholism is a disease and that we are not alone. By putting the focus on ourselves, we begin to reclaim our lives.  

To find a meeting in Massachusetts click here:  http://www.ma-al-anon-alateen.org/  Visit the National Site for more information about Al-Anon/Alateen:  http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/home

The Heywood Hospital SBIRT Program office serves the greater Gardner area. The office is conveniently located in the Emergency Department with the goal of being accessible to all who seek services. Each individual is treated respectfully and confidentiality is assured at all times. Family members with questions about substance abuse are encouraged to seek information. Assistance is also offered on a drop-in basis. For patients who are interested in changing their alcohol and/or drug use, options for change are offered with the goal of matching each patient with the type of services they desire – inpatient detoxification, rehabilitation, outpatient programs, AA or NA meetings, etc. Assistance is provided with coordination of services and we encourage patients to stay in contact with us. Situations change over time, and when you are ready for help, the help is available. Plans are underway for a support group for former patients.  For more information visit:  https://www.heywood.org/services/clinical-departments/SBIRT.html

Pathway House, Gardner, MA, established in 1972, is a residential treatment program that provides treatment and recovery from substance abuse for males aged 21 years and older.   We are located in Gardner, MA, which is in northern Worcester County.   Gardner is a small city where Pathway is respected and greeted with a friendly atmosphere and strong peer group support.  Pathway is a six-month, highly structured program where all residents are required to gain full-time employment and contribute to the cost of their care on a sliding scale fee.  Pathway provides a caring environment with education and information based on the recovery model modality to include:  A.W.O.L 12-Step group, one-on-one counseling, didactic group, individualized treatment goals, daily living skills training, interpersonal relationships training, Family Day program, as well as participation in outside AA/NA meetings.   Pathway goals are to provide a comprehensive treatment program to attain recovery. For more information visit:  http://www.gaamha.com/pathway-house.php

The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) is a statewide service, research, policy and program development agency. IHR designs its services based on an understanding of the impact of trauma. IHR’s mission is to develop a comprehensive continuum of care for individuals, youth, and families affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, mental health problems, violence/trauma and HIV/AIDS. For help with substance use or mental health issues, call us at 617-661-3991. IHR offers outpatient treatment services for adults, youth, and families struggling with substance use or mental health issues.  They provide treatment in your home, community, or in our Boston, Cambridge or Lowell offices.  They serve most towns in greater Boston and all of Northeast Massachusetts.  For more information please visit:  http://www.healthrecovery.org/

Adcare Hospital Outpatient Substance Abuse Services - Adcare Hospital's Outpatient Services provides you with effective treatment for substance abuse.  Outpatient services are available in individual, family, and group settings.  The many services offered include:  Comprehensive assessment and evaluation, Day and Evening Intensive programs, Individual and Family Counseling, Early Recovery Group, Day Treatment (Worcester Only), and Outpatient Detoxification (Worcester Only).  Visit www.adcare.com for more information.  

Habit OPCO provides comprehensive medication-assisted treatment and counseling services to individuals addicted to opiates. Habit OPCO is a substance abuse treatmetn organization that provides outpatient services to communities in need, in a manner which respects an individual's worth and recognizes their desire to improve the quality of their lives.  We currently operate 20 sited programs and two mobile van units. Our suboxone treatment and methadone maintenance treatment programs in Massachusetts are located in a variety of cities and towns including Fitchburg, MA.  Visit our website for more information:  http://www.habitopco.com/en/location/suboxone-and-methadone-clinic-fitchburg-ma/

Community Healthlink, Inc. has established Highland Grace House as a 90-day program specifically for girls who seek long-term recovery from their addiction to drugs and/or alcohol.  Highland Grace House is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed for 15 girls.  Girls must be between 13 and 17 years of age, the placement is voluntary, family involvement is mandatory, and the use of addictive medications is prohibited.  For more information visit:  http://communityhealthlink.org/htlmpages/yfs-GH.html or see the brochure link below.  

Community Healthlink Substance Abuse Programs offers a wide array of acute inpatient substance abuse services.  Visit their website for a comphrehensive list of services:  http://www.communityhealthlink.org/chl/index.php/substance-abuse-treatment-and-recovery-programs/inpatient-substance-abuse-treatment

WEBSTER PLACE RECOVERY CENTER is located in Franklin, New Hampshire, just 88 miles north Boston. This wonderful facility is comfortable, serene, and dignified. We welcome women and men, 18 and up, to achieve sobriety, and stay sober with us. Our buildings are located at the rural country homestead of statesman, Daniel Webster. In 2008, our home received an extensive two million dollar makeover. Our campus is peaceful and relaxing. At Webster Place, we are GROWING INTO RECOVERY!  Visit their website for more information:  http://www.estreatment.org/webster-place/programs/

Addiction Center is your comprehensive addiction information hub. We are the definitive guide to the dangers of abusing alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs and more. We review top treatment centers to help you find the one that gives you or your loved one the best chance at a successful recovery.  For more information, please visit their website:  https://www.addictioncenter.com/

Project Peer Connection - Project Peer Connection, an innovative mentoring program for releasing offenders with a history of substance use in Worcester County, Massachusetts was recently featured in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, a national award-winning publication of Wiley Periodicals.  For more information visit:  http://www.spectrumhealthsystems.org/2011/project-peer-connection-making-a-difference-in-central-mass

Massachusetts Drunk Driving Law - Melanie's Law passed on October 28, 2005. Its purpose is to enhance the penalties and administrative sanctions for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) offenders in Massachusetts. Melanie's Law required the creation of a state run ignition interlock program by January 1, 2006. The RMV researched appropriate approaches and equipment, recruited vendors, established standards for operation drafted memorandums of agreement with approved vendors, and trained existing RMV staff to oversee the new program. Multiple OUI offenders are now required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle upon issuance of a hardship license or at full license reinstatement.  Click the link below to learn more about driving under the influence penalities here in Massachusetts:  

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/programs/ghsb/oui/060909-oui-brochure.pdf

The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the social, financial and emotional costs of a gambling disorder.  Founded in 1983, the Council has been instrumental in bringing the issue of gambling disorder to the attention of the public and policymakers, offering resources to people experiencing problems with gambling, their loved ones, and concerned members of the community.  Visit our website for more information visit http://www.masscompulsivegambling.org/ or call our 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-426-1234