Finding Hope in the Face of Addiction

Addiction has a way of creeping into life slowly. At first, it may look like casual use — a drink to unwind, a pill for stress, a little something to take the edge off. Over time, what once felt harmless begins to take control. You or someone you love may feel trapped in a cycle of use, regret, and promises to change that never seem to stick.

This isn’t about weakness or lack of willpower. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition. It changes the brain and body, making it incredibly difficult to quit alone. Even when someone deeply wants to stop, physical cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and emotional triggers can pull them back into using.

At Bold Steps Massachusetts, we understand how complex addiction is — and how deeply it impacts not just individuals, but families and communities. Our North Andover treatment center provides a safe, structured space to heal. With the right support, recovery isn’t just possible — it’s sustainable.

Take Bold Steps Today. Reclaim Your Life

💬 Speak privately with an admissions counselor

Take the first step toward lasting change. Our admissions team is here to listen, guide you, and help you choose the level of care that fits your needs.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder

Substance use can take many forms: alcohol, prescription medications, illicit drugs, or even a combination of substances. While each has unique challenges, they share common patterns:

  • Escalation: Over time, tolerance builds, requiring more of the substance to feel the same effect.
  • Dependence: The body adapts to regular use, causing withdrawal symptoms when the substance is reduced or stopped.
  • Interference: Substance use begins to disrupt relationships, work, school, and emotional well-being.
  • Denial: Because many substances — like alcohol or prescription drugs — are legal or socially accepted, it’s easy to downplay the problem until it becomes overwhelming.

Substance use disorder doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does recovery. That’s why treatment must address the whole person, not just the substance being used.

Why It’s Hard to Quit Alone

Many people try to quit on their own — sometimes several times — before reaching out for help. Unfortunately, this approach is rarely safe or successful.

  • Withdrawal risks: Depending on the substance, withdrawal can range from intensely uncomfortable to life-threatening.
  • Cravings and triggers: Without structure and coping tools, even a small stressor can lead to relapse.
  • Isolation: Trying to “white-knuckle” recovery alone often leads to shame and secrecy, which fuels the cycle.

Addiction thrives in isolation. Recovery begins with connection — to safe detox services, skilled therapists, and a supportive community.

How Bold Steps Makes a Difference

At Bold Steps Massachusetts, we don’t believe in pieced-together care. Every group, session, and therapy follows a deliberate, structured curriculum built on years of experience and research.

Our approach blends evidence-based therapies — like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and trauma-focused treatment — with holistic practices like yoga, mindfulness, and sound healing. This combination helps clients address not only their substance use, but also the underlying emotional pain or trauma that often fuels it.

We extend this care to families through free weekly support groups, and to alumni through a strong post-treatment network. Healing doesn’t stop when a program ends — it grows stronger through connection.

Substance Use by the Numbers

Addiction affects millions of families across the United States — and the need for effective treatment has never been greater.

In 2022, over 48 million Americans met the criteria for a substance use disorder.

SAMHSA. “2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Releases.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022,

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health/national-releases/2022

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Save Lives. National Academies Press (US), 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587176/

Ahmad, Farida B., Jaime A. Cisewski, Lauren M. Rossen, and Patrick Sutton. Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts. National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm

The Massachusetts Opioid Epidemic: A Data Visualization of Findings from the 2016 Chapter 55 Report.” Chapter 55 Digital, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2016, chapter55.digital.mass.gov/

These numbers highlight both the scope of the problem and the urgent need for accessible, compassionate treatment. You are not alone — and with the right support, recovery is within reach.

Substances We Treat at Bold Steps

Addiction looks different for everyone, which is why Bold Steps provides tailored support for a wide range of substances. Learn more about how we treat each type of addiction:

Each page provides in-depth information about symptoms, risks, and Bold Steps’ specialized approach.

Our Programs

While every client’s journey is unique, our levels of care provide a clear, supportive path to recovery:

  • Day treatment (Full Day): Comprehensive, highly structured care for those who need intensive support.
  • Night treatment: Intensive therapy with flexibility for work, school, or family commitments.
  • Outpatient Treatment: Continued care as you transition back to daily life.
  • Detox Placement: Safe, medically supervised detox before starting your program.

Taking the First Step

Choosing to seek help is the hardest — and most courageous — step you can take. At Bold Steps, we make the process simple, confidential, and compassionate.

Most insurance plans are accepted, and our team can verify your benefits quickly and privately.

Serving Essex County and Surrounding Communities

Bold Steps Massachusetts proudly serves North Andover, Andover, Lawrence, Haverhill, and the surrounding areas of Essex County.
Our location offers easy access to local parks and green spaces like Harold Parker State Forest, providing peaceful places to reflect and heal during recovery.

Bold Steps Massachusetts

North Andover, MA

Recovery is not just about stopping substance use — it’s about building a life you no longer need to escape from.

Are You Covered for Addiction Treatment? Find Your Insurance.

Contact Us 24/7

Friendly Operators are Standing By

Inner Form

Name(Required)

Verify Your Benefits in 2 Minutes

We’ll check your coverage and explain your options in plain language—no pressure, no jargon. Most plans include part of treatment; we’ll confirm what’s in-network and your estimated out-of-pocket before you decide.

You’ll get:

  • Eligibility + deductible summary
  • Programs your plan covers
  • Next-step timeline

Estimated Time To Complete: ~2 mins

Who needs help? *

We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.

Myself

Myself

If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306

Your Journey To Recovery Starts Now

Boldsteps Behavioral Health offers same-day admission for those seeking help for substance use disorder. Our simple admissions process takes just minutes. Call today for a free, private consultation.

Estimated Time To Complete: ~2 mins

Who needs help? *

We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.

Same Day Admission

Myself

Myself

If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306

Find the Right Level of Care

Treatment should match your life—not the other way around. We’ll recommend a level that fits your symptoms, safety needs, and schedule so progress sticks at home, work, and school.

Options include:

  • Day Treatment  
  • Night Treatment  
  • Outpatient & step-downs

Estimated Time To Complete: ~2 mins

Who needs help? *

We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.

Myself

Myself

If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306

Care That Fits Your Schedule

Recovery is easier when care works with your real life. Choose daytime structure or evening groups—both with evidence-based therapy and a clear weekly plan. Switch times if your schedule changes.

Highlights:

  • Predictable weekly calendar
  • Missed-session catch-ups
  • Option to step up or down

Estimated Time To Complete: ~2 mins

Who needs help? *

We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.

Myself

Myself

If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306

Proven Care, Whole-Person Support

We combine therapies that work—CBT, DBT skills, medication management—with holistic supports like mindfulness, movement, and creative groups. You’ll build practical tools you can use the same day.

You’ll practice:

  • Craving + emotion skills
  • Relapse-prevention planning
  • Sleep, nutrition, and routines

Estimated Time To Complete: ~2 mins

Who needs help? *

We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.

Myself

Myself

If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306

Support for the People Who Love You

When it helps, we include family—on your terms. We offer education, boundary coaching, and ways to rebuild trust while keeping your privacy and safety at the center.

We cover:

  • What to say (and not say)
  • Healthy support vs. enabling
  • How to help between sessions

Estimated Time To Complete: ~2 mins

Who needs help? *

We’re here to help with your recovery. Please fill out this short form so our team can
understand your needs.

Myself

Myself

If you have any further questions about treatment, you may contact us directly at (888) 440-4306