Who We Are

The Addiction Referral Center was established on Lincoln Street in Marlborough in 1972 as a drop-in center. It began with a group of individuals who were on a quest to remain sober from alcohol addiction. These dedicated people created a supportive environment and services that worked for them and created a safe haven for all who suffered from alcoholism.

It became the quest of the ARC to reach out and help those suffering from substance use disorder to regain their independence and work toward the goal of increased self-sufficiency.

With the help and guidance of an all-volunteer Board of Directors, the scope of the ARC has broadened and has become an outstanding nonprofit agency that provides extensive services to the community at large, as well as to addicted people and their families.

The ARC prides itself on providing help and hope to thousands of individuals who sought and continue to seek vital assistance to fight the disease of addiction and live their lives in recovery one day at a time.

Our Executive Director, Abby Lopez

Abby brings a wealth of leadership experience, holding a Master’s degree in criminal justice and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Criminology from UMass Lowell. Her background includes impactful work in reentry services and a successful tenure as a non-profit executive director.

Abby’s passion for human services and dedication to positive change align perfectly with our values.

We’re lots of people who care about the ARC.

Our board works tirelessly to improve the ARC and expand its reach to those in need. Click on the button below to ‘meet’ our board members and to access a Board of Directors application.

Meet our Board of Directors

arc stories

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I hadn’t lost it all, but it felt like rock bottom to me...

“I hadn’t lost it all, but it felt like rock bottom to me. I was hiding my drinking while still going to my job every day, working out at the gym and raising a family. It was exhausting because my compulsion to drink felt stronger than all the things in my life that my values told me were important. I thought I was depressed, maybe crazy, but an EAP counselor sent me to the ARC and I connected with people who understood and provided peer support. I became part of a community and that feeling of connection grew and has helped me remain sober these last 17 years. Since then I have volunteered my time at the ARC and helped on committees to raise awareness and funding to support the ARC mission. I tell people in crisis to call the ARC; they’ll help you figure it out.”