What is Recovery

Recovery is a course of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery looks different for all! At MyPiR we accept all pathways to recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

• Difference in mood
• Anxiousness
• Inattentiveness
• Irritability
• Changes in personality and mental withdrawal from friends and family.
• Sudden mood swings
• Unexplained paranoia
• Lack of motivation
• Isolation
• Outburst of anger

What Does Recovery Look Like for Young People?

“Am I too young to be in recovery?”, that is the biggest question that comes to mind when we are talking about young people.  Starting on a recovery journey as a young person can be difficult. We are told all the time that we are “to young” to be in recovery.

Together we can stop normalizing the phrase “You are too young to be in recovery.” Society normalizes young people being in the party scene, for us this is a difficult concept to follow.

We walk along the path together, no matter what our differences may be, we grow together as a community of young people in recovery.

We show our communities that our age does not matter, our willingness to grow as a community is what matters!

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) recognizes the following 10 guiding principles of recovery:

• Recovery emerges from hope
• Recovery is person-driven
• Recovery occurs via many pathways
• Recovery is holistic
• Recovery is supported by peers and allies
• Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks
• Recovery is culturally-based and influenced
• Recovery is supported by addressing trauma
• Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility
• Recovery is based on respect

Overdose Prevention

Overdose prevention is crucial for young people. At MyPiR we provide training and awareness around overdose prevention and what we can do as a community to provide the best education possible.

What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is a helpful approach and suggestion aimed at reducing the negative consequences connected with drug and alcohol use. Harm Reduction is built on a belief and respect for the rights of people who use drugs or alcohol.

What is Narcan?

Narcan is a lifesaving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Narcan is available to anyone. Go directly to a pharmacy and request a naloxone kit. A prescription from your doctor is not needed. The Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a statewide standing order that allows retail pharmacies to dispense naloxone without a prescription. All Massachusetts retail pharmacies licensed by the Board of Pharmacy must maintain a continuous, sufficient supply of naloxone rescue kits. MassHealth also covers the cost of naloxone for members, as do many other insurers. Massachusetts has many state-funded programs that will provide you with naloxone or other harm reduction services for free. These resources are available for free at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/naloxone-distribution-program-locator. For more information on how to use Narcan visit: https://www.pcohope.org/why-narcan.