Trusted Co-Occurring Addiction Treatment in Malden, MA

Opening first quarter of 2026

Many people who face behavioral health challenges also deal with substance use. At Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital in Malden, Massachusetts, we provide care for both at the same time. We help children, teens, adults and seniors get the support they need in one safe and caring place so they can build skills, gain confidence and move forward with their lives. 

Signs + symptoms of addiction

Addiction can affect almost every part of a person’s life, including their behavior, relationships, work and school. With the right care, they can learn to manage symptoms, lower risks and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. 

People who develop substance use disorders may show a variety of signs. Common warning signs include: 

  • Struggling to meet personal, school or work responsibilities 
  • Pulling away from family and friends 
  • Changes in appearance, energy or behavior 
  • Losing interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy 
  • Hiding how much or how often they use substances 
  • Using substances in unsafe situations, like while driving or with medication 
  • Continuing to use even after negative effects 
  • Needing substances to feel pleasure or cope with stress, sadness or disappointment 
  • Needing more of the substance to get the same effect 
  • Feeling pain, agitation or discomfort when they can’t use the substance 
  • Trying but failing to stop using substances 

If you notice any of these warning signs of addiction, it’s important to reach out to a qualified behavioral health clinician. Early care can make a real difference and help people take control of their recovery and feel empowered in their journey. 

Common causes + risk factors for addiction

There isn’t one single thing that causes addiction. But researchers have found some factors that can make it more likely, including: 

  • Having a family history of substance use and addiction 
  • Struggling with behavioral health challenges 
  • Living in a place where substances are easy to get 
  • Spending time with people who use substances 
  • Having trouble managing stress 
  • Having personality traits like impulsivity or seeking new experiences 

It’s important to know that having one or more of these factors doesn’t mean a person will develop a substance use disorder. But each factor can increase the chances that substance use could affect a person’s life. Understanding these risks can help people get support early and make choices that protect their health and well-being. 

Effects of addiction

Addiction can affect people in different ways depending on the substance and how long it has been used. Common effects may include: 

  • Struggling at school or work 
  • Failing classes, losing a job, or having trouble keeping steady work 
  • Strained or broken relationships with family and friends 
  • Damage to the brain, heart, liver, kidneys or other organs 
  • Higher risk for illnesses like HIV, hepatitis or some types of cancer 
  • Money problems 
  • Legal trouble, including arrest or jail 
  • Worsening symptoms of behavioral health concerns 
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless 
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 

Addiction can bring physical, emotional and life challenges, but getting the right care can make a big difference. When people receive support for behavioral health and co-occurring substance use, they can reduce the risk of future problems, repair relationships and regain control of their lives. 

Substance withdrawal

Stopping substance use can cause physical and emotional discomfort, but professional care can make the process safer and more manageable. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance, and may include: 

  • Strong cravings for the substance 
  • Watery eyes and runny nose 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Headaches 
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea 
  • Severe stomach cramps 
  • Muscle or bone pain 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Seizures 
  • Tics or tremors 
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Confusion 
  • Agitation or irritability 

One of the biggest benefits of getting help for behavioral health and co-occurring substance use is that your care can include support to reduce withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to stop using substances safely and with less discomfort. 

What happens if I relapse?

Recovery from addiction is a lifelong journey that can include both progress and setbacks. For some people, that journey may include a relapse. 

With the right care for behavioral health and co-occurring substance use, you can learn skills and strategies to manage stress, recognize triggers and prevent relapse. You will also learn how to respond in a healthy way if a relapse happens. 

The best response depends on your situation. It might include reaching out to a trusted friend, going to extra support meetings or getting additional care. 

Having a relapse does not mean you’ve failed. Being able to prevent a temporary setback from becoming a long-term problem shows that you are continuing to grow and make progress in your recovery. 

Learn about co-occurring addiction treatment

Living with an addiction can make it feel like you’ve lost control of your life. But the right treatment can help you take back control, build skills and start living a life free from substance use. 

We provide care for people with co-occurring substance use and behavioral health challenges. This includes support for addictions to opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines and other substances. 

Our team of experts starts with a thorough assessment to understand your needs and determine the best plan of care for you. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan to help you recover safely and confidently. 

Benefits of addiction treatment

Addiction can make daily life feel overwhelming. It can affect your relationships, work, finances and physical or behavioral health. 

The good news is that addiction is treatable. With the right professional care, you can reduce or stop the negative effects of substance use, rebuild your life and take back control. Treatment helps you learn new skills, manage challenges and stay on the path to lasting recovery. 

Co-occurring addiction treatment center therapy

Every patient receives a custom treatment plan designed for their unique needs. 

Before joining our inpatient programs for children, teens, adults or seniors, individuals complete a comprehensive assessment. Our team gathers information about medical history, social background and behavioral health, which helps create a plan that addresses all aspects of care. 

While receiving treatment, patients may benefit from a variety of services, including: 

  • Medication management 
  • Basic medical care 
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders 
  • Experiential therapies 
  • Group therapy 

For people going through substance withdrawal, we also offer on-site detox services to keep them safe and comfortable. 

To provide holistic and effective care, our team uses a wide range of therapies, including: 

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) 
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) 
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 
  • 12-Step model of recovery 
  • Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) 
  • Expressive arts therapy 
  • Psychodynamic therapy 
  • SMART Recovery 

This variety of therapies helps us address each person’s challenges and guide them toward lasting recovery and well-being. 

Why choose our co-occurring addiction treatment center

Deciding to get professional care for addiction is a big step, and it can lead to lasting positive changes. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. 

When you choose our co-occurring addiction treatment center, you can benefit from: 

  • Customized treatment plans: We start with a detailed assessment to learn about your medical, behavioral health and substance use history, the challenges you’re facing and your future goals. This helps us create a treatment plan that fits your needs and gives you the best chance for success. 
  • High-quality, evidence-based care: All of our services are grounded in research and tailored to you. This means you’ll get therapies and support that are proven to help people understand and overcome addiction. 
  • Comprehensive discharge planning: From the start of treatment, we work on a personalized aftercare plan. This plan grows as you progress and may include follow-up care, community resources and support groups to help you continue your recovery after leaving our hospital. 

If you have questions about our programs at our Malden behavioral health hospital, our team is ready to help. We can guide you in deciding whether our hospital is the right fit for you or a loved one. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital.