There is hope

(508) 955-HOPE

Man in an NA Meeting

About the SSTAR Triage Center

The Triage Center at SSTAR is a new service created in response to recommendations of the Governor’s Working Group to combat the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts. The goals are to improve immediate access to opioid and other substance use disorder treatment services, to reduce unnecessary use of emergency care system, and to reduce health disparities among those with substance use disorders.

SSTAR’s Triage Center team is available seven days a week at least ten hours a day to help addicts and their loved ones navigate the treatment system. The interdisciplinary treatment team provides walk-in medical triage, addiction assessment, and linkage to inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment. The addicted person will be evaluated for safety and treatment needs, and then linked to the best treatment options for them. Family members will be offered support and education that will help them to better care for themselves and be a more effective source of support for the recovery of their loved one. Overdose prevention strategies such as public education and increased access to Naloxone will also help reduce incidence of overdose fatality in our communities. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30am – 6pm*Begginning March 28, 2020 the The Triage Center at SSTAR will no longer be open on the weekends*.

To learn more about SSTAR please visit www.sstar.org.

The Services That We Offer

The Opioid Triage Center provides walk-in triage services and referrals to various levels of treatment for individuals suffering from the disease of substance addiction. These services include assessments by trained social workers, medical assessments, and facilitated referrals to inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Additionally, we help family members of individuals with substance addiction find the help that they need in order to support their loved one.

Our team of qualified professionals include:

  • Intake Workers who direct clients through our process and assist in determining needs.
  • Social Workers who actively listen and discuss your situation in order to assess your needs and recommend a substance abuse service level that best meets your needs (i.e. inpatient vs. outpatient programs).
  • Registered Nurses/Nurse Practitioner who are available if you require medical screening prior to entering your treatment program.
  • Recovery Coaches to guide and empower you on your journey toward recovery.
Man sitting in a dark hall with look of despair

Addiction Information

Addiction is a chronic disease with similar rates of relapse and recovery as have other chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. However many people, including addicts themselves, mistakenly view addiction as a moral failure. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.

Fortunately, scientific advances have increased our understanding of how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. based on how the patient responds. It is important, too, to recognize that addiction affects the entire family as well as the community. Successful treatment for addiction usually involves the family.

Contact Information & Directions

The SSTAR Triage Center is open Monday through Friday 7:30am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 1pm.

Walk-Ins are welcomed.

Our Triage Center is conveniently located just minutes from route 195 and 24 at:

386 Stanley Street
Building 3 / Outpatient Services
Fall River, MA 02720

Get Driving Directions

You can contact us by phone at 508-955-HOPE (508-955-4673)
or email us directly.