The Addiction Recovery Management Service (ARMS) is an outpatient, dual diagnosis clinic made up of a multidisciplinary team of clinical psychiatrists, psychologists and masters-level social workers who are trained to work with youth and their parents to provide an individualized plan for recovery.
As part of Massachusetts General Hospital with links to the medical, clinical and addiction research resources within the Center for Addiction Medicine, ARMS offers a unique level of expertise. We evaluate each patient’s history and current symptoms in order to devise the treatment plan that is the most likely to succeed. We understand that substance use and mental health issues are closely connected. Our team is trained to assess and treat comorbid mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder as well as other mental health issues.
All are welcome at ARMS, and we meet each patient where they are. We can be a valuable resource for those who are unsure they even have a problem, those still thinking about making changes, those taking the first steps towards treatment, or those enrolling in ARMS to fully pursue their recovery and overall wellness. Patients are not required to be abstinent to engage in our program.
We are an outpatient program providing comprehensive outpatient individual therapy, group therapy, and outpatient psychiatry consultation and follow-up. Our services include assistance in the following areas:
ARMS helps young people with substance-related problems to lead healthier, more empowered lives by crafting an individualized treatment plan for them. The good news is that treatment does work when addiction is approached like any other chronic disease, which requires time, flexibility and a commitment to overcome the relapses that are likely to be a part of any behavioral modification. By targeting harm reduction approaches and avoiding the guilt and shame often associated with addiction, we help patients to achieve happy, independent lives without substances.
We help our patients choose positive behaviors instead of the destructive behaviors they have favored in the past and use the latest research evidence to inform our treatment.
As chronic disease of the brain, addiction is much like diabetes. Behavior modification is at the core of treatment, and it’s a difficult process. Patients often don’t want to change, even after admitting they have a problem, and most patients undergo an average of five to seven relapses before they are able to maintain a stable recovery. Even then, lifelong vigilance is required.
Adolescents who enter treatment are more likely to achieve long-term sobriety than those who enter as adults, and the earlier they enter, the more effective treatment will be. However, adolescents need specialized treatment that is tailored to their development level.
Sobriety should not be seen as the central aim for everyone. Rather, treatment is successful when it helps young people achieve greater stability and better functioning.
Positive goals for those with substance-related problems include:
Every enrollment begins with an evaluation that is completed by an experienced clinician with expertise in substance-related problems and conditions.
This appointment usually takes two to three hours, with the majority of that time spent with a licensed social worker or psychologist. The evaluation is used to determine each patient’s level of substance use and any other contributing factors that may be present, including mood and anxiety issues, ADHD or other comorbid mental health issues. We also review any pertinent records, in order to learn childhood history and current presenting symptoms.
During the initial assessment, we provide recommendations and feedback on an appropriate treatment plan dependent on each patient’s particular circumstances and needs. These recommendations will include:
At the conclusion of this appointment, the patient will be asked to visit the laboratory at the main hospital to complete a toxicology drug screen. This toxicology screen may include a urine sample, an oral fluid swap or a blood draw and is required of all new patients. The results of the toxicology screening will not in any way impede a patient from receiving services at ARMS; it is simply a tool we utilize for all patients, new and returning.
We offer a variety of treatment options through ARMS for both teens struggling with substance use disorders and their family members. Our team of clinicians evaluates each patient’s individual history and current symptoms to create a treatment plan that is the most likely to succeed. Contact us to learn more about the treatment options below or read our Frequently Asked Questions.
We have several different outpatient treatment options at ARMS:
If a patient signs up for ongoing services at ARMS, we do require random drug testing throughout treatment. You will not be terminated from treatment based on your toxicology screen results.
We have several different outpatient groups at ARMS. Patients may be recommended to attend multiple groups per week, or a specific combination tailored to their needs. This will be determined at your evaluation.
At present we do not offer any groups for 14-18-year-olds, but we are actively working to build a group therapy program for these patients.
We also provide evidence-based coaching, support, and services to parents of young people with substance-related problems who are not yet willing to seek treatment themselves.
ARMS works with the parent-child unit to address issues that coexist with addiction, such as how to improve communication and problem-solving skills, how to set appropriate boundaries around behaviors, and also help families address issues that may be present around the stigma, shame, worry, and anger that they may feel. Although we do not provide family therapy specifically or provide treatment options for siblings, we do facilitate referrals as needed in this regard.
We are dedicated to helping our patients and their parents face challenges and struggles as they arise and ease the process of achieving long-term recovery.
We offer a variety of different services for parents of young people with substance abuse problems:
We understand that children are not always motivated to continue treatment, so we welcome you continue using our parent services even if your child is refusing care.
ARMS is committed to improving our understanding of effective treatments for youth with substance use disorders, decreasing risky behaviors associated with substance use and identifying factors that support recovery.
See the list below to learn more about the research being conducted at ARMS. Contact us at 617-643-4699 if you have any questions about research at ARMS.
Watch these short videos to learn more about ARMS services.
Learn how substance use can impact you.
Learn more about how we support parents of young people with substance use disorder.
These tips can help families struggling with youth substance use.
It is important to understand addiction for the medical condition that it is.
Over-the-counter remedies and with prescription medications are being used recreationally.
Overcoming addiction takes effort, but it is the most likely outcome for most people.
Substance use can have a great effect on the developing brains of young people.
Interview with Amy Yule, MD, on the APA's podcast, The Medical Mind.
The sites below provide helpful resources for addiction and recovery information and support.
ARMS strives to build bridges with community business and organizations that are supportive to youth in recovery. We know that youth get well in their community and that sports, work and other activities are critical to a meaningful and rewarding recovery. We have fostered connections with the following programs and organizations, which are invested in building healthy, rewarding, and meaningful lives for those affected by addiction.
ARMS is a non-profit organization and does not hold any conflicts of interest or financial partnerships with these organizations.
The ARMS clinic relies on philanthropic contributions to fund its groundbreaking work in dual diagnosis substance use disorder treatment, research, education, and training. When you give to ARMS, you will create a very real impact on our ability to expand knowledge about substance use disorder, treatment, and prevention.
There are many different ways to support the work of ARMS. Use our online form to make a donation—under “I’d like to designate this gift to a specific program or area at MGH” enter “ARMS”.
The integration of patient care and clinical research has been a hallmark of the Department of Psychiatry for more than 30 years. Today, the department has the largest clinical research program in the hospital, with studies at the forefront of neuroscience, molecular biology and genetics.
