Boston Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Detox & Treatment Resources
Boston is the largest city in Massachusetts, and it’s also the state capital. With a diverse population and a plethora of economic opportunities, as well as a rich historic legacy, Boston attracts families and individuals from all walks of life. Its waterfront presence and plenty of recreational opportunities — including those related to the city’s well-known professional sports teams the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots — provide plenty of opportunity for kicking back and relaxing.
As with any large city, however, Boston struggles with a less-than-wholesome recreational culture: that of substance abuse. Illegal drugs likecocaine,heroinandfentanylmake their way through Boston on a fairly regular basis, and even legal substances like alcohol and prescription opioids are at risk for overuse in any community.
People who are dealing withaddictionmay feel pressure to stay quiet about their struggles, lest they get judged by their family members, peers or society at large. But it’s important to recognize that addiction is a disease akin to cancer or heart disease. It’s something that needs to be addressed and treated effectively in order to be dealt with, and patients who recognize their struggles can easily get treatment to overcome them.
Finding Help & Recovery in Boston, MA
Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers in Boston, Massachusetts
As you work through the reality of your addiction, or that of a loved one, you’ll want to consider the possible treatment options that are available to you. It’s important to be open and honest about the addiction that you’re dealing with. You need to talk about how long it’s been ongoing and which substances are involved. Understanding the addiction you’ve been living with means that you’ll be able to make a better informed decision when it comes to making choices about the type of treatment you’ll choose.
Boston Residential Treatment Programs
Residential treatment programs are generally the most intense of the program options you can choose from. These programs work by hosting people struggling with drug addiction within the treatment facility on an inpatient basis — this means you live at the facility full time, sleeping and eating there. Residential programs can last anywhere from a month or two to a whole year, depending on the treatment program that you choose and the severity of your addiction. In addition to providing necessary medical and counseling services, some residential programs may offer GED completion and some job training to help prepare patients for better economic opportunities once they graduate.
Boston Partial Hospitalization Programs
One step down from a full-fledged residential treatment program comes the partial hospitalization program. While these are often used for graduates of residential programs to get a little more support and guidance, they’re also a good option for those who need some flexibility in their treatment but want the support of a full-service facility. While patients work through a partial hospitalization program, they have the option to live at home instead of at the facility, returning to their own beds at night after attending treatment appointments during the day.
Boston Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient programs are the least rigorous drug and alcohol treatment programs, but they’re still incredibly necessary and effective for many patients. Sometimes, individuals only require a little guidance in the right direction to break an addiction. Others need some continued support after completing a residential and/or partial hospitalization program. Outpatient programs are ideal for both patient categories. You’ll be able to attend treatment appointments during the week, but they won’t interfere with your work or school schedules and your family commitments.
Another important factor to consider when you’re deciding between treatment options is the level of care that your health insurance plan covers. Contact your insurance company to learn more about treatment options and facilities within your network. The best option for you could be a drug rehab center in Boston, MA or an alcohol rehab in Boston.
Boston Drug & Alcohol Detox Centers
Once you’ve realized your addiction and recognized that you want help to overcome it, you’ll likely need to detox. The process of detoxification is that through which you rid your body of the substances that you’ve been using for months or even years. Detox can be unpleasant, and that’s why many professionals recommend detoxing in a facility, like at a Boston drug detox or a Boston alcohol detox program. During your time at detox, all you need to focus on is getting the addictive substances out of your body to feel better. These facilities offer medical support and symptom management, as well as a variety of emotional and spiritual support services for patients to help them through withdrawals.
Recovery Meetings Near You in Boston
Completing drug rehab in Boston, Massachusetts or an alcohol rehab in Boston, Massachusetts is a good first step, but maintaining your momentum can prove challenging once you return to your home environment. That’s where aftercare and recovery meetings come in. Programs like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery can provide continuing support and community to help you maintain sobriety over the long term.
AA Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous is a recovery meeting that’s designed to help individuals who are suffering from alcohol addiction break free from their dependence. AA uses its proprietary 12-step plan to give members the opportunity to work through their addictions and surrender them to a higher power in order to life a happier, fuller life. The only requirement for joining an AA group is a desire to stop drinking.
Harbor Church
9 Salutation St.
Boston, MA 02109
Berklee College of Music
921 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02215
Mariners House
11 North Sq.
Boston, MA 02113
NA Meetings
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings
Like its sister program, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous takes members through a 12-step program to overcome their addictions to drugs. Not only does NA employ the 12-step approach, but it combines group studies with a mentorship program where new members work with more experienced ones who have had success with the program. These people, called sponsors, can guide the newer members through the course material. Accountability and community connection are proven to help lessen the possibility of relapse.
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit St.
Boston, MA 02114
Saint Francis House Day Shelter
39 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
East Boston Social Center
68 Central Sq.
Boston, MA 02128
SMART Recovery Meetings
SMART Recovery Meetings
SMART Recovery is a unique recovery group that focuses on training individuals to use their own willpower and self-management tools to overcome addiction. It’s different from 12-step programs, particularly in the respect that it doesn’t include any spiritual overtones in any of its curriculum or messaging. SMART Recovery groups are typically well-suited for people who are struggling with addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex or anything else from which they wish to be free.
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit St.
Boston, MA 02114
Step Rox
9 Palmer St.
Boston, MA 02119
Cambridge Health Alliance
391 Broadway
Everett, MA 02149
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Meetings
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Meetings
When you have a family member who’s struggling with addiction, you may be in search of a community where you can share your thoughts and feelings about the struggle. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are groups that are designed specifically for that purpose. These groups are related to AA and NA, and they’re intended for the parents, spouses and other family members of people who are going through AA and NA.
Al-Anon
Saint Joseph’s Church
68 William Cardinal O’Connell Way
Boston, MA 02114
Nar-Anon
Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House
71 Cherry St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
Although there are plenty of Boston, Massachusetts drug rehab and Boston, Massachusetts alcohol rehab programs, many people decide to work with those that are outside of their immediate area or neighborhood. When considering your substance misuse treatment options, think about the choices in surrounding areas as well. In addition to those available in the Boston area, consider national treatment options if you envision yourself traveling to a new environment to get a fresh start with your treatment.