Why are we here?
By providing multiple 12-step recovery meetings on a daily basis, The Pause helps facilitate the long- term treatment of alcoholism and addiction for both individuals newly sober, and those with long term recovery.
Massachusetts has one of the highest levels of substance abuse in the Country. According to data compiled by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and analyzed by WalletHub, Massachusetts ranks 11th in substance abuse levels.
Drug Use By State – Learn More
Cape Cod is one of the hardest hit regions in Massachusetts (Barnstable County is ranked number 3 in the state.) On the Cape there were 575 overdose deaths since 2000: 54% of all overdose related deaths are within the last 5 years (2013-2017).
Number of Opioid‐Related Overdose Deaths, All Intents by County, MA Residents: 2000‐2017 – View PDF
Lost to Addiction – Profiles of many who have lost their lives on Cape Cod to the opioid epidemic.
12-step recovery meetings are the long-term treatment component for addiction and alcoholism.
History
Around 1988, the Cape Cod Council on Alcoholism opened a small facility on Cove Road in Orleans. This meeting space came to be known as Pause A While or “The Pause”. The meetings held at The Pause quickly because very popular and were often standing room only. The various meetings moved briefly to another location before moving to a leased building at 26 Giddiah Hill Road in 2000 for 22 years.
Individuals attending meetings held at The Pause come from all areas of the Cape. In addition, vacationers from across the United States and throughout the world attend meetings while visiting the Cape. In many cases they have been returning to meetings held at The Pause for decades.
In 2011, Pause A While, Inc. was formed to ensure future access to its then location in Orleans. Pause A While, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with any 12-step program or organization. In 2023, we acquired a new building and moved into our new home which is located at 250 Underpass Rd., Brewster, MA