Our interventionists help Massachusetts families move a loved one from active drug use into treatment, with a plan built around safety from the first call.
A drug intervention is a structured meeting, prepared with a professional interventionist, in which the people closest to someone who is using ask them to accept treatment that day. We travel to families throughout Massachusetts, from Worcester, Springfield and Cape Cod to smaller towns, and planning starts right away, because with today's drug supply waiting carries real risk.
Court-ordered addiction treatment. In limited cases, under Section 35 (M.G.L. c. 123, s. 35).
Overdose Good Samaritan law. Yes (M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 34A).
Naloxone. Families can get naloxone from pharmacies and stores, or find local programs through the state's Naloxone Program Locator (source).
State agency. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS).
State treatment line. Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: (800) 327-5050 or helplinema.org.
Emergency. Call 911 if a loved one is in immediate danger. Call or text 988 for an emotional crisis.
Massachusetts recorded 1,590 drug overdose deaths in 2024, an age-adjusted rate of 21.8 per 100,000, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (source). Before anything else, keep your loved one alive.
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. If they are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Massachusetts has a Good Samaritan overdose law (M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 34A) that offers some legal protection to people who call for help during an overdose. Its protections have conditions, but calling 911 is always the right move.
Naloxone (Narcan) reverses an opioid overdose, not stimulants. See our fentanyl family guide.
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 34A) lets any person acting in good faith obtain, carry and give naloxone to someone showing signs of an opioid overdose (source).
Each one shapes the medical side of detox differently.
In limited cases. Section 35 sets out a court process that can order treatment when strict legal conditions are met. It is a backstop, not a shortcut: a planned intervention is usually the faster and more lasting route, and a Massachusetts attorney can confirm how the law applies to your family.
The court route here is Section 35 (M.G.L. c. 123, s. 35). A spouse, blood relative, guardian, police officer, physician or court official may petition a court. If the judge finds a substance use disorder with likelihood of serious harm, commitment lasts up to 90 days. Laws change, so confirm the current rules with a Massachusetts attorney before you rely on them.
Mass.gov's statewide helpline resources list family supports including Learn to Cope, a peer-led network for families of people with addiction, and Allies in Recovery, an online learning program for families (source).
See the full steps, how fast someone leaves for treatment and our cost guide.
The state agency that oversees substance use treatment is Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). For treatment searches, Massachusetts offers Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: (800) 327-5050 or helplinema.org.
Mass.gov's statewide helpline resources list family supports including Learn to Cope, a peer-led network for families of people with addiction, and Allies in Recovery, an online learning program for families.
Yes. Massachusetts has a Good Samaritan overdose law (M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 34A) that offers some legal protection to people who call for help. Its protections have conditions, but calling 911 is always the right move.
We begin planning right away by phone or video, and travel to families throughout Massachusetts, including Worcester, Springfield and Cape Cod. Call (850) 563-9776 to talk through realistic timing.
One confidential conversation with a professional interventionist. No pressure, no obligation. We'll help you find the right next step for your family.
