October 2023 National Prescription Drug Take Back drop off locations in the Northwestern District Read more »
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Addiction & Recovery

The Northwestern District Attorney's Office is a leader in combatting the opioid crisis as well as other substance use disorders.

District Attorney Sullivan is a co-founder and co-chairman of the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County & North Quabbin and of Hampshire HOPE (Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education).

The office supports the mission of the Northampton Recovery Center, Recover Project in Greenfield, North Quabbin Recovery Center in Athol and SOARR in Belchertown. (Northampton Recovery Center Brochure, Recover Project Brochure). These organizations provide referral resources for people dealing with substance abuse disorders.

The office works to address diversion and misuse of opioids in our community. Every year, the office coordinates National Prescription Drug Take Back Days in Hampshire and Franklin counties and the town of Athol.  The office also spearheaded the effort to place permanent Drug Take Back boxes in police stations throughout the district and continues to help maintain those boxes. Through the Take Back days and permanent drug boxes, more than 57,000 pounds of drugs have been collected since 2011, getting them out of medicine cabinets where they could potentially fall into the wrong hands.

The Drug Diversion and Treatment Program seeks to reduce drug abuse and improve public safety by offering evaluation, treatment and intensive case management to non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues charged with certain drug-related offenses. Eligible candidates receive the opportunity to participate in comprehensive substance abuse treatment services in lieu of prosecution through the traditional court process. 

Persons suffering from a substance use addiction have significant impacts on the people in their lives. An organization that supports loved ones who have family members addicted to opioids, is Learn to Cope. Learn to Cope has meetings in Holyoke and Greenfield. 

Another organization that supports impacted familes and friends is Al-Anon. Family members or friends should never feel alone in dealing with suffering from the disease of addiction. Please seek support and help. 

For more resources, you may refer to the Drug & Alcohol Treatment Resource Guide and  Hampshire County Guide to Drug & Alcohol Treatment Resources flyer.