Boston2025-06-13T12:41:41+00:00

Recovery Support & Addiction Treatment in Boston

Local Resources & Information to Start Your Recovery Journey

If you are in the Boston area and need help now

Help Is Available For Those Struggling With Addiction in Boston

Healing from addiction starts with a single moment of courage when you reach out for help. Boston’s dedicated recovery community embraces each person’s story with understanding and proven expertise, turning struggle into strength and isolation into connection. From your first phone call through every step of recovery, compassionate treatment professionals guide you toward renewed health and purpose, using evidence-based approaches that address both addiction and underlying needs. The path to healing exists right here in our city, and you can begin walking it today.

Types of Substance Abuse Treatment in Boston

Successful recovery depends on finding the right level of care that matches your current needs and life situation. Boston’s treatment centers understand this deeply, offering several program options that create clear pathways toward lasting health and recovery.

Day Treatment (PHP)

Provides intensive, structured treatment five days per week while allowing people to return home each evening. This program includes daily therapy, medical supervision, and comprehensive support services.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Offers concentrated treatment that typically meets three to four days per week. People maintain work and family responsibilities while receiving vital therapeutic support and addiction education.

Outpatient Program

Delivers flexible care through weekly individual or group therapy sessions. This level works well for those who have completed more intensive treatment or need ongoing support while managing daily life.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to treat substance use disorders. Medical teams carefully monitor and adjust treatment plans to support long-term recovery.

Veterans Treatment Program

Provides specialized care that addresses both addiction and military-related challenges. Treatment includes trauma-informed therapy, peer support from fellow veterans, and dual diagnosis care.

How to Choose the Right Drug Rehab In
Boston For You or Your Loved One

Navigating the many addiction treatment choices in Boston can feel overwhelming, but finding the right program dramatically increases your chances of sustained recovery. The key lies in matching your unique needs with a treatment center’s strengths, ensuring that every aspect of care aligns with your recovery goals and personal circumstances.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Comprehensive assessment and individualized planning matter deeply in addiction treatment. Look for facilities where experienced clinicians conduct thorough evaluations of substance use patterns, mental health concerns, and medical history to create personalized treatment plans that address the whole person.

Evidence-Based Treatment 

Evidence-based treatment approaches and specialized services make the difference in recovery outcomes. Strong programs combine behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and proven therapeutic methods while offering specialized care for specific substances like opioids or benzodiazepines.

Treatment Flexibility

Levels of care and treatment flexibility support sustainable recovery. Quality facilities offer various options, from intensive inpatient to partial hospitalization and outpatient programs, allowing smooth transitions as recovery progresses and life responsibilities need balancing.

Dual-Diagnosis Support

Integration of mental health and addiction treatment ensures complete care. Many people need dual diagnosis support, so choose centers where psychiatrists and social workers collaborate to treat both substance use disorders and underlying mental health conditions simultaneously.

Family Involvement

Family involvement and long-term support planning strengthen recovery foundations. The best programs incorporate family therapy, build strong aftercare plans, and connect people with community support groups and harm reduction services for continued wellness after formal treatment ends.

Continuing Recovery Care & Sober
Living Programs in Boston

The transition from formal treatment into everyday life is a critical phase in addiction recovery. Boston’s continuing care programs bridge this gap by providing structured support, ongoing healthcare monitoring, and practical guidance for navigating life’s challenges while maintaining sobriety. Whether someone needs support for opioid use disorder or other substance challenges, these programs strengthen the foundation built during initial treatment.

Boston’s sober living communities offer safe, supportive environments where residents reinforce their recovery skills while rebuilding independence. These programs work closely with addiction medicine specialists to ensure appropriate care continues, make referrals to community resources, and help residents develop strategies to prevent return to drug use. Regular check-ins, community meetings, and peer support create the accountability and connection essential for lasting recovery.

Emergency Services for Addiction in Boston

Emergency response teams across Boston stand ready around the clock to support anyone facing an addiction crisis. Medical teams provide rapid treatment for overdose and withdrawal at dedicated emergency departments, while mobile crisis units race directly to those who need them. The city’s hospitals and urgent care centers deliver immediate stabilization, combining expert addiction care with mental health support to address each crisis fully. Emergency staff maintain strong connections with local drug and alcohol rehabs in Boston, creating seamless pathways to continued care after stabilization.

Massachusetts General Hospital

  • 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114

  • (617) 724-9725

  • Open 24 hours

Tufts Medical Center

  • 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111

  • (617) 636-5000

  • Open 24 hours

Boston Medical Center

  • 1 Boston Medical Center Place Boston, MA 02118

  • (617) 638-8000

  • Open 24 hours

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

  • 330 Brookline Avenue Boston, MA 02215

  • (617) 667-7000

  • Open 24 hours

Cambridge Health Alliance

  • 1493 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02138

  • (617) 665-2300

  • Open 24 hours

Community Resources for Mental Health & Addiction

Alcoholics  Anonymous
Find an AA meeting near me

Narcotics Anonymous
Find an NA meeting near me

Narcan Classes and Overdose Prevention Training
Find Narcan training near me

Addiction Statistics in Boston

Hospital visits related to drug use increased steadily from 2017 to 2021 in Boston, with fentanyl and cocaine emerging as primary drivers of the increase.[1] Most alarming, overdose deaths involving both fentanyl and cocaine surged 191 percent between 2012 and 2022, with fentanyl present in 92 percent of all opioid overdose deaths and 81 percent of all drug overdose deaths in 2022.

These challenges impact Boston’s communities unequally. Black residents faced the steepest rise in substance-related mortality from 2017 to 2022, experiencing the highest rate of fatal overdoses compared to other groups in 2022.[2] Similarly, Latino residents encountered significantly higher rates of fatal opioid and cocaine-related overdoses than white residents. The crisis also shows a stark gender disparity – male residents faced overdose death rates more than 60 percent higher than female residents in 2022. The state continues to battle overdose rates more than double the national average, influenced by factors including the prevalence of fentanyl, regional drug trafficking patterns, and the state’s location along major Northeast distribution routes.

Addiction Statistics in Boston

Hospital visits related to drug use increased steadily from 2017 to 2021 in Boston, with fentanyl and cocaine emerging as primary drivers of the increase.[1] Most alarming, overdose deaths involving both fentanyl and cocaine surged 191 percent between 2012 and 2022, with fentanyl present in 92 percent of all opioid overdose deaths and 81 percent of all drug overdose deaths in 2022.

These challenges impact Boston’s communities unequally. Black residents faced the steepest rise in substance-related mortality from 2017 to 2022, experiencing the highest rate of fatal overdoses compared to other groups in 2022.[2] Similarly, Latino residents encountered significantly higher rates of fatal opioid and cocaine-related overdoses than white residents. The crisis also shows a stark gender disparity – male residents faced overdose death rates more than 60 percent higher than female residents in 2022. The state continues to battle overdose rates more than double the national average, influenced by factors including the prevalence of fentanyl, regional drug trafficking patterns, and the state’s location along major Northeast distribution routes.

Start Your Recovery in Boston

No matter your struggle with substances, there are effective treatment options availablefor you
and your family members – contact us today to learn more.

Sober Activities in Boston

01

Boston’s riverside park stretches three miles along the water, offering dedicated paths for walking, running, and cycling, plus free summer concerts at the Hatch Shell and numerous spots for peaceful waterfront meditation.

02

Harvard University’s tree sanctuary provides 281 acres of peaceful trails, flowering collections, and guided nature tours. The highest point offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline, and seasonal events celebrate the changing landscape.

03

Located on the Charles River, this nonprofit offers learn-to-row programs, regular group classes, and competitive team opportunities for all skill levels in a supportive, substance-free setting.

04

This natural kettlehole lake provides year-round activities, including sailing lessons, fishing spots, a level walking path around the perimeter, and peaceful benches for reflection or reading.

05

This historic art deco cinema showcases independent films, classic movies, and special events in a sophisticated setting without alcohol service, emphasizing the pure enjoyment of film arts.

How To Pay For Addiction Treatment in Boston

Boston and New England offer multiple pathways to make addiction treatment financially accessible. Due to federal parity laws, most private insurance plans cover substance use treatment, while MassHealth provides comprehensive coverage for medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and both inpatient and outpatient care. Many treatment centers also offer sliding scale fees based on income, payment plans, and financial assistance programs for those who qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Treatment in Boston

How soon can I start treatment after making the first call?

Each situation is different, but many treatment programs can begin the intake process within one or two days. Medical needs, insurance verification, and program availability all play a role in determining the exact timeline.

What should I bring with me to drug rehab in Boston?

Most programs provide a packing list that includes comfortable clothing, personal care items, and important documents like ID and insurance cards. They’ll also explain what items aren’t allowed, like outside food or certain electronics.

Will my employer know I'm at drug or alcohol rehab in Boston?

Treatment centers prioritize privacy and confidentiality. Many people use medical leave or FMLA to protect their jobs while in treatment. You control what information is shared with your workplace.

[1] Substance use and disorders report. (n.d.). https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/file/2024/06/HOB_SUD_2023_1Apr2024.pdf on February 19, 2025

[2] Vance, A., & Schuster, L. (2016). Opioid Addiction Is a National Crisis. And It’s Twice as Bad in Massachusetts. | Boston Indicators. Bostonindicators.org. https://www.bostonindicators.org/reports/report-website-pages/opioids-2018 on February 19, 2025

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