Section One: Support Group Services and Information
This section includes information on All Recovery, Family, Alcohol and Narcotics Support Group services and information including AA and NA.
Section Two: Program and Service Information
This section includes information on Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment.
Section Three: Resource Guide
This section includes the Mental Health and Resilience Resource Guide which was created in December 2020 for the Mental Health and Resilience Conference at Berkshire Community College. There is a specific section devoted to Addiction related resources. To access the Resource Guide click here.
Section One: Support Group Information
All Recovery Support Groups: Substance Use and/or Alcohol
Living in Recovery – Pittsfield
Living in Recovery is a community recovery center whose mission is to provide a safe, peaceful and non-judgmental space to aid the entire Berkshire County recovery community. Living in Recovery provides a variety of non-clinical, peer-led support, educational and social options. Living in Recovery supports all pathways and stages of recovery. All are welcome and members are supported wherever they are in their recovery journey, and however they got there. Everyone learns from each other’s experience. Living in Recovery is currently open each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am – 2pm with All Recovery Meetings from 10:30 to 11:30 and from noon to 1pm. For more information, please call Living in Recovery at (413) 270-3681, or email us at: smanzella@servicenet.org.
Beacon Recovery Community Center – North Adams
The Beacon Recovery Community Center (BRCC) provides peer support to those seeking recovery from addiction. BRCC is a peer led effort that provides support groups, connections to networks that can assist anyone seeking recovery, and opportunities to socialize with others. The community center is free and open to all. BRCC is a program of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC)
For the link to Beacon Recovery Community Center website click here
Family Support Groups: Substance Use
Learn to Cope
Learn to Cope is a non-profit peer-led support network for families dealing with addiction and recovery. Learn to Cope offers education, resources, peer support and hope for parents and family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates or other drugs. The organization has grown to include over 10,000 members, and has become a nationally recognized model for peer support and prevention programming. For link to the website click here
Virtual Meeting Update: In response to the Covid-19 outbreak Learn to Cope is offering virtual online support group meetings for anyone who has a loved one with substance use disorder or in recovery. For more information on a virtual meeting please contact a member of our staff or click on the Stay Connected button and answer a few questions. A member of our team will follow-up with you.
Contact Information Berkshire County: Peter Babineau 508-245-8005 • Covers the Chapters of Greenfield, Holyoke and Pittsfield
Narcotics Anonymous Support Groups:
Berkshire County Narcotics Anonymous: Our Message is Hope! The Narcotics Anonymous Message is that any Addict can lose the desire to use and find a new way to live.
Berkshire County NA website and meetings schedule click here.
Berkshire County Phone Line (413) 443-4377; Email address Berkshirecountyna@Gmail.com .
Virtual Meetings in the United States and Worldwide: for information and the link click here.
What is Narcotics Anonymous?
According to its website, “Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a multi-lingual and multicultural membership. NA was founded in 1953, and our membership growth was minimal during our initial twenty years as an organization. Since the publication of our Basic Text in 1983, the number of members and meetings has increased dramatically. Today, NA members hold nearly 67,000 meetings weekly in 139 countries. We offer recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Our name, Narcotics Anonymous, is not meant to imply a focus on any particular drug; NA’s approach makes no distinction between drugs including alcohol. Membership is free, and we have no affiliation with any organizations outside of NA including governments, religions, law enforcement groups, or medical and psychiatric associations. Through all of our service efforts and our cooperation with others seeking to help addicts, we strive to reach a day when every addict in the world has an opportunity to experience our message of recovery in his or her own language and culture.” For the link to what is Narcotics Anonymous: click here.
What happens at an NA Meeting?
The Berkshire County NA website references “An Introduction to NA Meetings” (excerpts from IP #29) which states: “If you’re new to NA or planning to go to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting for the first time, it might be nice to know a little bit about what happens in our meetings. The information here is meant to give you an understanding of what we do when we come together to share recovery. The words we use and the way we act might be unfamiliar to you at first, but hopefully this information can help you get the most out of your first NA meeting or help you feel more comfortable as you keep coming back. Showing up early, staying late, and asking lots of questions before and after meetings will help you get the most out of every meeting you attend…. People have all sorts of reasons for attending NA meetings, but the purpose of each meeting is to give NA members a place to share recovery with other addicts. If you are not an addict, look for an open meeting, which welcomes non-addicts….” For the link to “An Introduction to NA Meetings” click here
See also the introductory guide “Welcome to Narcotic Anonymous”, for the link click here
United States and Worldwide Narcotics Anonymous: for information and the link click here
Alcoholics Anonymous Support Groups
Meeting Locations and Information:
Alcoholics Anonymous Website click here
Berkshire AA Intergroup click here
Berkshire Health Services click here
Great Barrington Area click here
North Adams Area click here
Family Support Groups Alcohol: Al-Anon and Alateen
Al-Anon and Alateen website click here
Massachusetts Al-Anon and Alateen click here
Berkshire Al-Anon and Alateen click here
What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
According to its website: Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem. Since the book Alcoholics Anonymous first appeared in 1939, this basic text has helped millions of men and women recover from alcoholism.
A.A.’s Twelve Steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole. For the link to the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous click here.
A.A.’s Twelve Traditions apply to the life of the Fellowship itself. They outline the means by which A.A. maintains its unity and relates itself to the world about it, the way it lives and grows. For the link to the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (short from) click here. Tradition number three states “The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking”.
What are Al-Anon and Alateen?
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help.
The Al-Anon and Alateen program of recovery is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Al-Anon and Alateen are not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Al-Anon Meetings are free, anonymous and confidential.
Section Two: Program and Service Information
This section includes information on Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment.
Substance Use
Prevention:
Berkshire Overdose Addiction Prevention Collaborative (BOAPC):
BOAPC implements local policy, practice, systems, and/or environmental changes to prevent the misuse and abuse of opioids and to prevent and reduce unintentional deaths and non-fatal hospital events associated with opioid poisonings throughout the 32 municipalities in Berkshire County. For link to BOAPC click here
Harm Reduction:
Berkshire Harm Reduction:
Pittsfield and North Adams: Berkshire Harm Reduction provides numerous services including a Syringe/Needle Exchange Program, Sharps Disposal Program, HIV Testing and Support, TB Clinic, STD Clinic and Hepatitis Testing, Prevention and Treatment Services.
Berkshire Harm Reduction also provides Overdose Prevention Education and Narcan Distribution. For link to Berkshire Harm Reduction click here
Pittsfield Address: 510 North Street, Suite 6-B2, Phone: (413) 447-2654
North Adams Address: 6 West Main Street, Ground Floor, Phone: (413) 398-5603
Both Locations Open: Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm
For link to Berkshire Harm Reduction click here
Background Information: As of November 2020, the Tapestry Exchange site in North Adams is operated by Healthy Steps (now Berkshire Harm Reduction). To read 1Berkshire article dated 10-19-20 click here
National Institute for Drug Abuse
The National Institute for Drug Abuse website lists all effects of all substances, clinical trial information and has links to other pertinent websites. For the link to the website click here
Update: NIH study tests a comprehensive model intervention to reduce opioid overdose deaths in hard-hit communities
COVID-19 brings challenges, learning opportunities. For link to NIH click here
Treatment Programs and Services: Alcohol and/or Substance Use
About Treatment and Recovery: Opioid addiction is a chronic disease, like heart disease or diabetes. A chronic disease is a medical condition for life. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed. A person with addiction can regain a healthy, productive life. Most people cannot just walk away from addiction. They need help to change addictive behavior into nonaddictive, healthful patterns. They can get this help with treatment—with the care of doctors and substance abuse treatment providers. Treatment helps people stop using the problem drug. It helps them get through withdrawal and cope with cravings. Treatment also helps them move away from other harmful behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or abusing other drugs. Just as important, treatment helps people address life issues they might have that are tied to the addiction, such as feelings of low self-worth, a bad situation at work or home, or spending time with people who use drugs. In short, treatment helps people move into healthy, addiction-free lifestyles—into a way of living referred to as recovery.
The Brien Center: Outpatient and Residential
From the Brien Center website: “We believe that addiction is a treatable, chronic disease that can be successfully managed, much like diabetes or asthma. We understand that for many, addiction will be a life-long challenge. All of our clients are at very different points in their journey toward recovery when they come to us for help. This may be their first attempt at recovery or their tenth. So, we meet them where they are with a comprehensive program, highly-trained clinicians, and an individualized approach to care. Our clients maintain a strong voice about treatment decisions, and we support them every step of the way.
We offer an integrated model of care, with individualized, evidence-based programming that is client-directed, person-centered and strength-based. We provide a fully integrated continuum of care with treatment that may include:
- Successful transition from a detox center or hospital-based detox
- 24-hour Residential program (Sober Supportive Housing programs)
- Intensive Outpatient Services (Day Treatment/SOAP)
- Outpatient services for individuals, groups, and families
- Full reintegration into one’s community”
Outpatient programs and services include:
- Assessment of substance use disorders
- Evaluation and treatment of co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use)
- Individual and family counseling
- Specialized addiction groups are open to individuals currently working with a Brien Center therapist.
For the link to The Brien Center’s Addiction Services click here
Residential Services for Recovery
- Keenan House for Men and Keenan House for Women: Recovery homes in Pittsfield for individuals in early recovery from alcohol and substance use. Keenan House for Women can also accommodate pregnant and postpartum women with their infants.
- Update: The Keenan House for Men and Women in North Adams is now open.
- Supportive Housing: A safe, affordable, and sober environment designed to reduce the chances of relapse and to promote adaptive living skills. (Minimum 90 days recovery)
- Safe Harbor: A housing and reunification program for families impacted by substance use.
For the link to The Brien Center’s Addiction Services click here
Alternative Living Center
The Alternative Living Centers provide a safe, structured, drug and alcohol-free environment for individuals seeking a clean and sober way of life. These houses were designed by people in recovery for people seeking recovery. It is ALC’s mission to support people in all phases of their recovery. Our services include Masters level LADC ( (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I), CADC (Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor), Residential Coordinator & Case Management.
We have six buildings in total: five for housing and one for outpatient treatment. As part of the Massachusetts Association for Sober Housing (MASH), we strive to exceed expectations when it comes to structured support. Licensed therapists are on staff to provide outpatient treatment.
Call 413-499-6300 now to speak to a representative of our alternative living center in Pittsfield, MA. For the link to Alternative Living Center website click here
ServiceNet
From the ServiceNet website: “How we help: If you worry that you are drinking more than you intend, or are concerned that your drug use is interfering with your job or relationships, we can help. If you are afraid that someone you love is headed down a dangerous path related to drugs or alcohol, we have services for families as well.” For link to ServiceNet website click here
Addiction Services include:
- Living in Recovery (Pittsfield): All Recovery Support Groups and Servies
- Recovery Houses and Supportive Housing (Western Mass)
- Counseling and Psychiatry
About the Living in Recovery Community Center
Living in Recovery provides a variety of non-clinical, peer-led support, educational and social options. Emphasis is on making the recovery experience interesting, fun, and sustainable. Living in Recovery supports all pathways and stages of recovery. Proud of their strength and resilience, many of the members “put a face on recovery” by sharing their experience publicly—helping to reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
Services: Family members, loved ones, and allies of those who have been, or who are currently addicted, are encouraged to become members and to participate in creating a community of hope. Community members share their time and talent to increase the quantity and quality of social activities, community events, training, and workshops offered to the recovery community.
All are Welcome: Members are supported wherever they are in their recovery journey, and however they got there. Everyone learns from each other’s experience. For more information, please call Living in Recovery at (413) 270-3681, or email us at: smanzella@servicenet.org.
Spectrum
Spectrum’s outpatient counseling program serves adults and adolescents with substance abuse and/or mental health issues at various stages of recovery. Upon admission, a comprehensive intake evaluation is completed and used to develop an individualized treatment plan for each client. Based upon this plan, services are provided to address individual needs and teach clients the skills needed for recovery. Spectrum also works with family members, educating them about addiction and supporting their involvement in the recovery process, as appropriate. For the link to Spectrum’s website click here
In addition, Spectrum’s outpatient treatment centers provide a range of mental health services, including clinical assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and medication management.
Medication Assisted Treatment is treatment for addiction that includes the use of medication along with counseling and other support. Treatment that includes medication is often the best choice for opioid addiction. For information click here
Spectrum has three Berkshire County locations: Pittsfield, Great Barrington and North Adams.
Alcohol Use
Harm Reduction Alcohol
Alcohol Screening: click here for the link to an On Line Alcohol Screening to learn about alcohol and health, how to recognize a problem and determine what low-risk drinking is
Other
Alcohol Screening
Learn about alcohol and health, how to recognize a problem and determine what low-risk drinking is.
National Institute for Drug-Abuse
Lists all effects of all substances, clinical trial information and has links to other pertinent websites
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Become informed about substances, treatment programs, and campaigns addressing the needs of every age group.
Hospitalization: Alcohol and/or Substance Use
McGee Recovery Center
From Berkshire Health System’s website: The McGee Recovery Center of Berkshire Medical Center is a DPH licensed, 21-bed acute treatment service and accredited opioid treatment program providing medically monitored detoxification services to all persons age 18 years and older seeking help with an identified drug or alcohol problem. In addition to providing expert medical care for the safe withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs, the unit also provides a group treatment program anchored by the principles of safety, early recovery and relapse prevention.
All referrals are medically screened in the Emergency Department of Berkshire Medical Center prior to admission. If a person meets admission criteria, he or she will be admitted without discrimination regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, physical disability, ethnicity, or ability to pay.
The scope of our services includes:
• Medically necessary detoxification from alcohol or opioids, including prescription narcotics and benzodiazepines
• Evaluation and treatment for persons in pain management programs abusing additional non-prescribed opiates/opioids or other substances
• Networking and referral to appropriate transitional residential recovery or outpatient continuing care
• Family, significant others and network meeting to support recovery
The McGee Recovery Center is located on the main campus of Berkshire Medical Center providing the capability to rapidly access a full continuum of medical/surgical services, acute inpatient psychiatric, hospital based consultation services, ancillary services, or other urgent care settings if they are required.
As a continuation of treatment, Berkshire Medical Center also provides Clinical Stabilization Services for substance abuse.
For more information, contact us at (413) 445-9228.
For the link to the McGee Recovery Unit on the Berkshire Health System website click here
Jones 2 Voluntary Inpatient Care
The Jones II Unit is a 20 bed psychiatric center at Berkshire Medical Center. Jones II is a locked unit, but all admissions are voluntary. It is a brief stay, solution focused, crisis intervention unit.
The current average length of stay is seven days. During this time, each individual receives intensive evaluation for psychiatric, medical and emotional needs. Our Multidisciplinary Treatment Team, consisting of Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers and Clinical Therapists meets daily to review each case. Other specialists, such as Nutritionists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Specialty Physicians, are consulted as needed.
Family members and outpatient providers are considered an important part of our Treatment Plan. We may conduct meetings with them as a part of treatment and to assure continuity of care after discharge.
Group therapy is another important part of treatment on Jones II. Traditional group therapy, as well as many other psycho-educational groups, is held on a daily basis. Group attendance is a very important part of the therapeutic community. Patients find these sessions very informative and helpful, learning both from staff members and from one another. We are pleased to include several consumer-based wellness groups into our schedule.
The use of medication, in addition to therapy, is evaluated in a hospital setting. Education concerning the use of medication is conducted by both Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses.
Respect for each other is an essential element on Jones II. We work to provide a safe, structured environment in which each person can find the ability and strength to make the needed changes, return home and continue to heal with the support of a solid outpatient plan.
Contact Information for Jones II: (413) 447-2704
For the link to Jones II Voluntary Inpatient Care on the Berkshire Health Systems website click here
Section Three: Resource Guide
Mental Health and Resilience Conference Resource Guide: click here to see all section headings. To go directly to the section entitled “Addiction” click here. (This guide was created in December 2020 for the Mental Health and Resilience Conference at Berkshire Community College.)