Boston, Massachusetts Addiction Treatment Options | Detox, Drug Rehab, FAQ

Drug addiction is a concern all over the United States, but Massachusetts has some of the highest numbers in the nation for opioid-related drug overdoses. 

As New England’s biggest city, Boston is significantly affected by the opioid epidemic. Fifty-six percent of those looking for addiction treatment in the city use heroin as their primary drug.

Fortunately, Boston has various treatment options, including five detox centers, 23 residential treatment programs, and 29 outpatient treatment facilities.

How To Find & Choose Addiction Treatment In Boston, Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the agency that oversees treatment programs is the Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) in Boston. 

To find a drug and alcohol rehab center, you or loved one have options, including:

• calling the state helpline at 800-327-5050
• the BSAS has an online search engine that can pinpoint your needs and locate an appropriate treatment option
• searching SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator
• contacting a treatment center like Ark Behavioral Health for more information

Once you get some information on where to find programs, consider what to look for in a substance abuse treatment service:

• accreditation from oversight organizations like the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
• individualized treatment plans to ensure you get the help you need
• involving family members in treatment because those in recovery need outside support 
• co-occurring mental health disorder (dual diagnosis) treatment, if applicable, because mental health conditions like depression go hand in hand with addiction 
• continuum of care, which refers to your entire recovery journey, from detox to aftercare services 

You’ll also want to know what insurance companies the treatment center works with, and make a list of your specific treatment goals and substance abuse history as well. 

Find out more about Massachusetts Drug Rehab Centers

Boston Drug And Alcohol Rehab Center Options

In or around Boston, there are a variety of recovery center options to meet your needs. The most common are residential recovery programs and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Drug and alcohol detox, medication-assisted treatment, and other programs are available as well. 

Medical Drug and Alcohol Detox Program

Detox programs are the first step in the recovery process for most people. Alcohol or drug abuse impacts how the brain functions. That is why you often hear substance use disorder referred to as a disease. 

Over time, the body builds up a dependence, so it reacts when you stop taking them. This reaction can come with unpleasant and often dangerous withdrawal symptoms. 

Going through detoxification in a controlled and short-term program allows you to get comfort care and medication that makes the transition into a drug rehab center easier. 

Inpatient/Residential Drug Rehab

Inpatient or residential treatment is a live-in program that allows you to be with others in recovery. The peer support shows you that you are not alone in your journey. It also lets you be there for others because you can relate to what they’re going through.

Inpatient treatment programs tend to last at least 28 days, but extended services could go much longer. During treatment, you can expect to take part in behavioral therapy, group therapy, and support groups. Other activities, like education and recreation, are also available. 

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Outpatient addiction treatment provides flexibility to those who can live with family or stay in a sober-living community during their rehab program. 

Outpatient services involve levels of care like intensive outpatient treatment, which is similar to what you see at a residential treatment center. Partial hospitalization provides a safe environment for therapy during the day, but at night, you go home with friends or family.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) combines medication with behavioral therapy and support groups to address opioid and alcohol abuse.

During MAT, you take medication like methadone to help manage your cravings. At the same time, you undergo behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. The combination of the two help breaks both the physical and the mental connection to opioids or alcohol.

Aftercare Support

Aftercare services start when you leave a primary treatment program. The goal is to provide you with the individualized support you need to transition back into society. 

What that entails depends on what you need. Some programs offer housing assistance or medical advice, for example. Others might work with you to find employment. Most of them involve 12-step meetings and create a relapse prevention network to support your addiction recovery. 

Using Insurance For Addiction Treatment In Boston

The most common healthcare insurance providers in Boston, such as BMC HealthNet, Fallon Community Health Plan, or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, will offer some substance use disorder coverage as part of their essential services. 

Essential services require healthcare polices to provide some payment towards treatment, but it will vary by policy. MassHealth plans, or Medicaid, may also provide coverage for addiction treatment.

To find out what your health insurance covers, call the number on the back of your insurance card, visit the provider’s website, or contact an addiction treatment center. 

Boston Drug And Alcohol Addiction Facts

Boston has an active drug and alcohol program that starts with the city’s Addiction and Recovery Services Blueprint. The city also coordinates street outreach teams that go out and help the most vulnerable communities. 

Here are some substance abuse facts from Boston:

• In 2019, the city of Boston saw 165 opioid-related overdose deaths.
• The number of opioid overdose deaths is down significantly from when it first spiked to 200 in 2016.
• In 2017, 10,657 people entered drug rehab in Boston.
• In 2017, 74 percent of those entering addiction treatment were male. 
• In 2017, more than half of those in treatment were white. 

Addiction Treatment At Ark Behavioral Health

Ark Behavioral Health has locations around Boston for those in need of treatment. We offer all levels of care and individualized treatment plans. Our goal is to empower you to find a sense of purpose and joy in your recovery. 

Although all four of the Ark Behavioral Health locations are near the Boston area, the closest is Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, just 20 minutes outside the city.

For more information on our recovery options, please connect with us today.

Boston, Massachusetts Addiction Treatment FAQ

How Do I Access Addiction Treatment In Boston?

There are multiple ways to get the help you need in the city of Boston. You can contact the Recovery Services office in Boston for assistance via phone or email. 

You can also dial 311 from any telephone and find recovery support. Another way is to directly contact a treatment center and see what you need to do. 

What Does Addiction Treatment Look Like In Boston? 

There is a broad range of treatment options in this city. They dedicate services to helping those with substance use disorder. 

Levels of care include medical detox programs, outpatient services, inpatient treatment, sober-living houses, aftercare, and more.

Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment In Boston?

In most cases, insurance will cover at least part of the cost of treatment. It will depend on the policy and the provider, but substance abuse treatment is an essential service, so you can expect to find coverage with most healthcare policies. 

Can I Go To Drug Rehab In Boston Without Insurance? 

Yes, even those who don’t have health insurance can get treatment. Massachusetts has a program for uninsured individuals in need of help. Call 311 on your phone to find out more about these services, or contact a treatment provider and ask about payment plans. 

Are There Walk-In Opioid Clinics In Boston? 

There are walk-in clinics in Boston. Many of the hospitals also have substance use disorder urgent care centers. Faster Paths to Treatment is the name of the one recommended by the BSAS.

Are There Free Or State-Funded Rehab Centers In Boston? 

There are free and state-funded rehab centers in Boston. They are publicly funded as part of the state’s promise to provide free treatment to those without health insurance. You can call 311 on your phone to find the one closest to you.

How Long Does Drug Rehab Last In Boston? 

Treatment typically lasts 28 days, but the longer you are in a rehab program, the better your chance at long-term sobriety. Most experts recommend at least 90 days.

Where Are Your Treatment Centers Located?

Ark Behavioral Health has four locations close to Boston and neighborhoods like Fenway-Kenmore. You’ll find treatment centers in Canton, Quincy, Falmouth, and Ashby, Massachusetts. Our rehab facilities are all within a two-hour drive of Boston.