Substance Use & Addiction

The Outpatient Addictions Service (OAS) helps patients 18 and older.  We are experienced in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.  Our staff includes psychiatrists, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a psychologist, licensed clinical social workers and a recovery coach.  We offer both telehealth and in-person treatment and provide services at both CHA Cambridhe Hospital and 195 Canal Street in Malden.

Intake: If you are new to CHA, or an existing patient, please start by calling our office at 617-591-6051. You can also enter treatment via one of the two Behavioral Health Urgent Care sites at Cambridge Health Alliance.

Services

Outpatient Groups

• Online weekly groups offered at various times to meet the needs of people at various stages of change
• An in-person group in Malden called Exploring Change and Recovery
• Topics draw from evidence-based practices and include: relapse prevention, recovery support, emotion management, mindfulness, health and wellness and living with co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
• Specialty groups vary and may include Mindful Recovery, Women’s Recovery, DBT

Individual Treatment

• Individual therapy is trauma informed and draws upon multiple evidence-based practices including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention, Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction.
• Case Management to help find community services and support.
• Peer Recovery Coach services

Psychopharmacology

• Focuses on treating those individuals with both psychiatric and substance use disorders.
• Includes medications for substance use disorders, like Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Naltrexone, and medications for psychiatric conditions.
• A collaboration between you and a psychopharm provider to find effective and safe options for your substance recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Program - NO LONGER AVAILABLE

• If you are in need of an IOP, or any other treatment not listed here, please contact the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 or text “HOPE” to 800327. Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline

Overcoming addiction requires support from many people in many places. Please review this list of community resources as you begin or continue your journey to recovery.

Peer Support

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Meetings for those with addiction looking for peer support. Search online for a meeting http://www.aaboston.org or call 617-426-9444
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Meetings for those with addiction looking for peer support. Search online for a meeting http://www.nerna.org/ or call 866-624-3578
• Smart Recovery: Anonymous peer support for people with addictions and their families/friends. Groups throughout New England and online support: www.smartrecovery.org or call 866-951-5357

Family Support

• Al-ateen and Al-anon: help for teenagers and family members of people with alcohol use disorders. Search online for a meeting at http://www.ma-al-anon-alateen.org or call 508-366-0556
• Nar-anon: A 12 Step Program for friends and family of people with drug use disorders (or a problem with drugs). https://www.nar-anon.org
• Learn to Cope: Peer-led support network for family members of people with opioid and other drug addiction. Offers groups throughout MA, online support and training on overdose prevention. Search online for a meeting at www.learn2cope.org or call 508-801-3247

Addictions Advocacy Organizations

• Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR): MOAR works to organize recovering individuals, families and friends into a collective voice to educate the public about the value of recovery from alcohol and other addictions. More at: http://www.moar-recovery.org

This web page provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided here, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.