Substance Abuse Treatment Options in Portland, ME

Maine is often associated with skiing, camping, beautiful outdoor scenery and wilderness. For many people, the northern most New England state is a wonderful getaway in either summer or winter. Over the last few years, though, Maine has proven to not be removed from the reality of drug epidemics. Increased use of drugs like heroin and oxycotin have occurred in Maine just as they have in other states. There are several locations in the Portland, Maine area where people suffering from addictions to drugs or alcohol can find help in recovering.

Randall House (12 Randall Street, Portland 207- 780-8551) is one place where people suffering from addiction can find help. The demographic group served by Randall House is homeless adults with addiction and mental health issues (concurring issues). According to the website of the administrators of the house, the goal of Randall House is to maintain recovery while becoming more and more independent. Services provided at Randall House are individualized to meet the goals of each client in the 12-bed facility. Counseling is part of the program.

Another recovery option in the Portland is Mainestay (165 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, 207-842-6890). This is a small 912 bed) residential facility dealing with a specific population: homeless adolescents dealing with mental health issues or emotional issues compounded by substance abuse. Services include initial outreach and ongoing support as well as temporary residence for client�¨le age 16-23.

Located in Windham (114 Main Street) with its intake office in Portland (207 773-9931, extension 102), Crossroads for Women is another Portland-area substance abuse treatment option. This place, as the name indicates, is specifically for women. It offers both residential and outpatient rehabilitation programs. According the organization’s website, the purpose of the facility – which is over thirty year old – is to “help women identify and accept their chemical dependency, identify relapse triggers, and develop more appropriate coping skills to maintain abstinence.” Residential treatment includes counseling, family counseling, and participation in as 12-step program. Staff is available 24-hours a day and each client has an “individual’ treatment plan geared to help the client succeed. The program length is 28 days.

Outpatient programs at Crossroads for Women, Inc include both general outpatient treatment and intensive outpatient treatment. General outpatient programs are for women already in recovery who are looking for reinforcement and aftercare (care provided after a client has left a residential rehab). Services offered at Crossroads for Women on a non-intensive outpatient basis include ongoing one-on-one and group therapy for women in recovery. Intensive outpatient recovery is available for women who have not yet begun the rehab process but who don’t wish to live at Crosswoods or who are not qualified to live there. This program involves counseling and 12-step participation three days a week, three hours a session for 18 sessions at 66 Pearl Street, Suite 202 in Portland.

Another program offered by Crossroads is the Children And Mothers program which provides care for minor children while their moms attend rehab programs. Children ten years old and younger in fact may live with their moms at the residence. Trained day care staff takes care of the children. Parenting classes are part of the rehab process. This program aims to help created healthy and happy families after the mothers enter into recovery and re-integrate into society. 1-6 months is the duration of this program. Interested parties should again call the Portland In-Take office for more information.

No corner of the country provides its residents with immunity from the disease of addiction. Fortunately, even in Maine, a state with no sprawling metropolis and a small population, those suffering from drug