The month of April is designated as National Alcohol Awareness Month.

Alcoholism, like many addictions, still faces stigma and shame for the individual who is suffering. Denial is a common among those struggling and often, the problem drinker overestimates their ability to control their drinking.

Please know that for as many people who do not understand, there are just as many who do. The biggest thing to remember if you are questioning the amount of alcohol you consume, is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is no shame in seeking help. Below are a few options.

BayPath`s Information and Referral (I&R) Department 

The I&R Department is a member of the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, Inc. (AIRS), a professional organization committed to improving access to services for all people by providing free information and referrals.

BayPath’s I&R department is a reliable source for connecting people with resources and services within your community. BayPath’s coverage area includes Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough.
To contact our Information and Referral Department:
Email: i&r@baypath.org
Phone: 508-573-7200

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the nation’s behavioral health. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. SAMHSA can confidentially connect you to treatment facilities and programs for mental and substance use disorders.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
800-662-HELP (4357)

Advocates

Advocates champions people who face developmental, mental health, or other life challenges, by partnering with individuals and families to shape creative solutions to even the greatest obstacles.

Addiction Counseling: Advocates Community Counseling provides individual and group therapy to those struggling with addiction at their Framingham, Marlborough, and Harvard locations. Advocates compassionate and skilled counselors support individuals on their journey to recovery. They accept MassHealth and most private insurance plans. Visit our Counseling & Psychiatry page to learn more.

Residential Programs: Advocates is a regional leader in residential services for adults dealing with both mental health and addiction issues, helping men and women on their path to recovery through Advocates group homes in MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. Learn more about Advocates’ Residential Services.

24-Hour Crisis Support  (800) 640-5432

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

The following , is a very basic description of what the AA program offers, it’s benefits, and how it works.

There are many who have been living a sober life who are willing to share their stories with you. As a newcomer, you just need a desire to stop drinking and to listen. There is no pressure to talk about yourself. There is no fee. It really is anonymous. And there’s coffee & donuts!

Experience, Strength and Hope
The sober individuals in attendance share their experience (what led them to drink to excess and how it was for them), their strength (what made them decide “enough is enough.”), and their hope (how they came to want to live a sober life more than they wanted a drink.)

While no two stories are the same, admitted alcoholics share a common understanding and therefore feel relief when speaking with someone else who has struggled. There are many types of groups. If you are a newcomer, you might want to try “Beginners” meetings or “Open” meetings – meaning you do not have to say “Hi, I am [name] and I am an alcoholic.”

With COVID restrictions, many groups are virtual, they are offered at all hours of the day, seven days a week. Below is a small sample. Click here for the complete list.

Open AA Veterans
Wednesday 6:00 pm
Open AA meeting started by veterans and open to all
Via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92775860112
Meeting Access Code: 92775860112

Happy Hour Meeting
Wednesday 5:30 pm
This is an open speaker / discussion meeting. Newcomers, and returnees are welcome
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2986037108
Meeting Access Code: e-mail happyhourgroup@yahoo.com for the password

Back to Basics
Tuesday Wednesday and Thursdays 5:30 pm
We are a fun group of folks who like to keep it simple and talk about the basics of getting and staying sober.
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4594794411
Zoom Passcode: 731508