Prevention Services | Town of Arlington

News

Guiding Good Choices: Parenting Communication Workshop
Free fall series for parents and caregivers of children ages 9-14.

09/26/2024 1:12 PM
Passages: Art Journaling Group
Prevention Services will be holding an Art Journaling Group for residents affected by addiction (ages 16 and up)

09/26/2024 12:11 PM

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Prevention Coalition

Opioid Abatement Funding

The state of Massachusetts has reached agreements worth millions of dollars with opioid producers and distributors such as Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Teva, Allergan, CVS, and Walgreens. The aim of these agreements is to mitigate the impact that opioid use has had on MA communities by providing funds for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts throughout the country. Massachusetts will receive approximately $525 million.

As a part of these settlements, the Town of Arlington will also receive funds over the next 17 years. This webpage will be updated as plans for the use of this opioid funding are established.

Take our survey on the needs of people who use opioids and their families.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Guiding Good Choices (GGC)
GGC offers proven techniques and effective tools to help parents of children ages 9-14:

Improve communication with their children
Develop healthy family values and clear behavioral expectations
Control and express anger constructively
Strengthen family bonds and trust
Prevent children from engaging in substance use and other risky behaviors

Guiding Good Choices consists of five workshops, held once a week for five consecutive weeks. GGC is a free, evidence-based program that is held twice a year in Fall & Spring.

*This program is funded by the Elizabeth and George L. Sanborn Foundation.

E-cigarette and Vaping Fact Sheet
AYHSC has created a fact sheet that lays out what exactly is in an e-cigarette, how it can be harmful, what these devices look like and more so that parents and youth-serving adults can be educated and prevent the trend of e-cigarette and vape use among our youth.

Addiction Recovery Management Service at MGH
The Addiction Recovery Management Service (ARMS) specializes in supporting teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 26 and their parents as they deal with their substance use and related problems.

Partnership to End Addiction
DrugFree.org serves as a drug prevention information center, and a supportive community for parents to interact and learn from each other.

Marijuana Talk-Kit
The Marijuana Talk-Kit is what you need to know to talk with your teen about marijuana.

Resources for Youth

Smokefree Teen
Smokefree Teen has tailored tools and tips to help you become—and stay—tobacco free.

SAMHSA’s Substance Use Prevention Resources for Youth and College Students
SAMHSA offers free, downloadable publications and tip sheets, as well as mobile apps for youth, teens, and young adults on topics such as substance misuse, common mental health conditions, and coping with disasters and other traumatic events.

Resources for Individuals Struggling with Substance Use

Narcan or Naloxone is a life saving emergency treatment for the use of known or suspected opioid overdose. It can save a life. The Arlington Department of Health and Human Services provides Naloxone (Narcan) doses and training free of charge.

Arlington residents may get a free naloxone kit and/or training, by contacting the Prevention Services Manager.

Naloxone kits are available to residents free of charge at the Health Department.

View the videos below for more information:

SAMHSA’s Treatment Finder
SAMHSA's treatment finder is a confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking `treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. You can filter by the type of treatment you are looking for, the age range, and other factors.
MA Community Behavioral Health Centers
The MA Community Behavioral Health Center Initiative is a state-driven effort that expands access to comprehensive behavioral health services through community-based health centers, addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges to enhance overall community well-being in Massachusetts. Find your community behavioral health center here.
MA Peer Recovery Support Centers
The Massachusetts Peer Recovery Support Centers (PRSC) are community-based sanctuaries that assist individuals recovering from substance use disorder and those affected by addiction. These centers, staffed mostly by volunteers with personal recovery experience, offer support, resources, education, social events, recreational activities, and wellness groups. Their goal is to empower individuals to build their own support networks, preventing relapse and promoting lasting recovery from addiction.
MA Syringe Service Program Locator
Use this syringe service program locator to find a syringe service program (SSP) near you. SSPs may offer additional harm reduction services beyond just syringe service.
MA Naloxone Distribution Program Locator
Use this naloxone distribution program locator to find a naloxone distribution program near you. Naloxone distribution programs may offer additional harm reduction services beyond just naloxone distribution.

Meetings

SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a science-based, self-help program designed to empower individuals with tools and strategies to overcome addiction and problematic behaviors, emphasizing self-reliance, practical skills, and a non-judgmental approach to achieving lasting recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship offering support and a proven twelve-step program to individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction, fostering a community of understanding, encouragement, and lasting sobriety. AA holds meetings throughout the US. Visit their websites to find a meeting near you.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a worldwide fellowship that provides a supportive environment and a twelve-step program for individuals seeking freedom from drug addiction, promoting personal growth, self-discovery, and long-term recovery. NA holds meetings throughout the US. Visit their websites to find a meeting near you.

Meetings

For Individuals Seeking Recovery Support:

SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a science-based, self-help program designed to empower individuals with tools and strategies to overcome addiction and problematic behaviors, emphasizing self-reliance, practical skills, and a non-judgmental approach to achieving lasting recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship offering support and a proven twelve-step program to individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction, fostering a community of understanding, encouragement, and lasting sobriety. AA holds meetings throughout the US. Visit their websites to find a meeting near you.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a worldwide fellowship that provides a supportive environment and a twelve-step program for individuals seeking freedom from drug addiction, promoting personal growth, self-discovery, and long-term recovery. NA holds meetings throughout the US. Visit their websites to find a meeting near you.

For Family and Friends Seeking Support:

Learn to Cope
Learn to Cope is a non-profit support network that offers education, resources, peer support and hope for parents and family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates or other drugs. Founded by Joanne Peterson in 2004, the organization has grown to include over 7000 members as of August 2015, and has become a nationally recognized model for peer support and prevention programming.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon is a worldwide fellowship that offers understanding, support, and guidance to the families and friends of individuals struggling with alcoholism, providing a safe space for healing, education, and personal growth in coping with the impact of addiction on their lives.