Expert Insights
If we want to clean up the reputation of the addiction treatment industry, it has to start with the professionals. After all, you can’t really complain about someone else’s dirty house when your own is in complete disarray. To illustrate my point, I saw an article in the local newspaper about a chain of Massachusetts treatment clinics that cheated health insurance companies out of millions of dollars. And while the clinic owner and former supervising counselor lined their own pockets with fraudulent insurance funds, they were also depriving their own clients of vital recovery services and the chance to succeed in recovery. These two scoundrels have been charged with healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, and obstruction. It’s time to clean house – the clients deserve better!
~ Peg O’Connor
What Are the Top Drug Rehabs in Massachusettes?
Every alcohol and drug rehab in Massachusettes offers its own set of unique amenities, programs, and therapies. Evidence-based treatment is available at multiple inpatient centers in Massachusettes. These facilities often provide a range of therapies, faith-based treatments, and outpatient options for recovery.
Below are the best addiction treatment centers in Massachusettes based on the following criteria:
- Offering evidence-based treatment
- Accreditation
- Certifications
- Client testimonials / reviews
Best Inpatient: AdCare Hospital – Worcester
AdCare offers a wide range of addiction treatment programs throughout New England. Their Worcester, Massachusetts location is a level 4, 114-bed drug and alcohol rehab facility that provides medical care, acute residential services, and aftercare planning.
Treatment programs include:
- Detox
- Inpatient Residential
- Veterans and First-responders
- Trauma Care
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Art Therapy
- Telehealth
- LBGTQ Support
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Joint Commission
Location and contact information:
107 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01605
(866) 493-4187
Highest Rated: Northeast Addictions Treatment Center – Boston
Northeast Addictions Treatment Center is an accredited drug rehab that provides treatment for individuals and family members in the historic Quincy neighborhood of Boston. They provide strength-based services, structured groups and meetings, and evidence-based practices as a part of their addiction treatment model.
Treatment programs include:
- Intensive Outpatient
- Outpatient
- Day Treatment
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Dual Diagnosis
- Aftercare
- Telemedicine
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Joint Commission
Location and contact information:
36 Miller Stile Road
Quincy, MA 02169
(855) 265-2159
Best Holistic Treatment: Recovery Champions – Cape Cod
Recovery Champions is a comprehensive drug & alcohol treatment program that specializes in addiction recovery and co-occurring disorders in scenic Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Their holistic services such as art therapy, animal therapy, yoga, and meditation allow for an experiential process of healing to take place mind, body, and spirit.
Treatment programs include:
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Aftercare
- Art Therapy
- Animal Therapy
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Joint Commission
Location and contact information:
279 Brick Kiln Road
Falmouth, MA 02536
(855) 221-7304
Best Dual-Diagnosis Treatment: Spring Hill Recovery Center – Ashby
Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions in Ashby, Massachusetts. Their campus is located on 70 acres of land and is surrounded by picturesque vistas, supporting relaxation and the healing power of nature during treatment and rehabilitation.
Treatment programs include:
- Detox
- Inpatient
- Intensive Outpatient
- Partial Hospitalization
- Outpatient
- Aftercare
- Sober Living
- Dual Diagnosis
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Joint Commission
Location and contact information:
250 Spring Hill Road
Ashby, MA 01431
(888) 603-2860
Best Opioid Treatment: Woburn Addiction Treatment – Woburn
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a drug and alcohol rehab in Woburn, Massachusetts. They offer a full continuum of care for addiction treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), medical detox, inpatient treatment, sober living, dual-diagnosis treatment, outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, and aftercare.
Led by a team of licensed professionals, Woburn Addiction Treatment combines evidence-based care with unparalleled support and guidance to achieve sustainable recovery. For the treatment of opioid use disorder, MAT is considered the gold standard of care and involves the use of medication and behavioral counseling services that include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, with psychoeducational groups.
Outpatient programs are available seven days a week and the inpatient program provides 24-hour clinical support. All treatment programs include a comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plan.
Woburn Addiction Treatment is LegitScript certified and accredited by the Joint Commission.
Best Luxury Rehab: Bedrock Recovery Center – Canton
Located in Canton, Massachusetts, Bedrock Recovery Center is a luxury drug and alcohol rehab providing personalized addiction treatment. Offering a full continuum of care, services at Bedrock include medically supervised detox, residential inpatient addiction treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), dual-diagnosis treatment, and aftercare.
Just a short drive from Boston, Bedrock’s state of the art treatment facility is surrounded by six acres of lush greenery. This newly renovated drug rehab offers luxury amenities that include a movie theater, fitness center, gourmet meals, yoga studio, laundry services, and private rooms with comfortable accommodations. The highly skilled treatment team offers evidence-based therapies in a tranquil setting, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems model of treatment, 12-step facilitation, and complementary treatments like mindfulness and yoga.
Bedrock Recovery Center is certified by LegitScript and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Massachusetts Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
Massachusetts saw more than 1,200 confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths between January 2021 and November 2021.2
An analysis of research by the Boston Foundation shows that opioid addiction in Massachusetts is more prevalent than twice the national average.3
Research also shows that the use of illicit narcotic fentanyl is common in Massachusetts.3
Alcohol, crack cocaine, and marijuana account for a significant number of admissions to Massachusetts drug rehabs.
How Much Does Drug Rehab in Massachusetts Cost?
The cost of drug or alcohol rehab in Massachusetts can vary depending on several factors, including:
Treatment type
Features and amenities
Length of program
Insurance coverage
Special financing or government funding
Location
Does Insurance Cover Rehab Center Costs?
Health insurance can cover or help reduce the cost of programs. Many insurance companies will cover part of the cost.
Even if your insurance plan does not pay for a stay in a facility or detox center, it may help cover some of the associated services, such as behavioral therapy. You can always contact your insurance provider to determine what is covered under your plan. Many treatment centers are often willing to provide additional assistance in helping you understand and maximize your insurance benefits.
Likewise, Medicare and Medicaid also cover the cost of substance abuse services, such as hospitalization, a residential stay, outpatient rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment, and beyond.
Are There Low-Cost Drug Rehab Centers in Massachusetts?
Don’t let the cost of help deter you from seeking the care you need. Many free or low-cost programs are available, and many addiction treatment centers offer sliding scales or payment assistance.
Those who do not have insurance may wish to look for government-funded or free facilities. These programs can be an ideal resource for Massachusetts residents with limited financial resources.
Free or state-funded programs are available on a limited basis for Massachusetts residents who qualify. Acceptance into one of these may require providing proof of residence in Massachusetts, proof of income, and medical history, as well as a commitment to complete it.
How Do You Pay for Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts?
If you do not qualify for or are unable to find a place in a free drug rehab in Massachusetts, other approaches can make getting help more affordable:
Choose a Program that Offers Payment Plans: Some facilities will work with you to make care more affordable by offering monthly payment plans. Rather than paying the entire cost upfront, you can make payments while you are in the program and even after you have completed it.
Apply for a Scholarship: Many community organizations and nonprofits offer scholarships for people in need of treatment. These scholarships may not be widely advertised, so talk to people with ties to the community and let them know you are seeking financial assistance for rehab.
Find a Sliding-Scale Program: Some facilities are willing to offer a sliding scale to those with limited financial resources. This means the cost of your treatment is based on your ability to pay.
Ask About Employee Assistance Programs: Depending on where you work, your employer may be able to help pay for rehabilitation through an employee assistance program. These are often available for employees experiencing personal hardships and may also extend to family members.
Choosing Addiction Treatment Levels of Care
Medical Detox—the first step of addiction treatment is typically entering medical detox, which includes professional withdrawal management for unpleasant or distressing symptoms.
Inpatient—Residential care allows patients to focus on their recovery without the distractions of daily life. Because patients remain at the facility for the duration of their stay, they have immediate access to various forms of care, including medical care, individual therapy, and group sessions.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)—PHPs can often fill the gap between inpatient and outpatient. These intensive programs typically require daily participation for several hours.
Standard outpatient—Standard outpatient care requires only a few hours of therapy a week, whether it be in-person group therapy sessions or telehealth meetings with a doctor or counselor.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)—An IOP usually requires nine or more hours a week of treatment, which can be broken up into meetings several days a week.
Aftercare—Once you graduate from your program, you’ll want to continue receiving support and relapse prevention services that build upon what you learned in rehab. These may include Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, SMART Recovery meetings, sober-living homes, step-down care, and ongoing counseling.
Holistic: Holistic programs may place more emphasis on nutrition, exercise, and self-care. Additional amenities may include alternative treatment methods, such as acupuncture, yoga, and opportunities for creative expression.
Christian and Faith-Based: Faith-based programs may appeal to those with a strong religious practice. These typically include a call to a higher power and incorporate spirituality and prayer.
Luxury: Luxury programs provide a relaxing environment that may feel more like a resort for those who can afford them. Luxury facilities may offer unique benefits such as private rooms, massage and other spa services, and gourmet meals. Space is typically limited to ensure comfort and privacy.
Executive: Executive facilities cater to those with high-profile, demanding careers who wish to continue working while maintaining privacy in an inpatient facility. These may offer more flexible schedules to accommodate patients’ work demands and may even allow patients to travel for work events.
Dual Diagnosis: When someone has both a mental illness and substance use disorder, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition in addition to drug or alcohol addiction, look for a program that specializes in dual-diagnosis treatment.
Types of Addiction Therapy Used in Rehab
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the most common form of therapy used in rehab facilities. It focuses on identifying patterns in the patient’s thoughts and behaviors and noticing how these patterns affect their behaviors. CBT helps patients understand that feelings and behaviors are often rooted in patterns of thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is designed to help patients build coping skills and confidence through mindfulness, helping them learn to manage negative emotions.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
MET is designed to help patients enhance their own internal motivational factors. Patients in rehab programs can often be ambivalent about their own recovery. MET can help them create a plan for positive change and improve engagement with their treatment program.
Contingency Management (CM)
Contingency management is a method of using positive reinforcement to improve treatment engagement and compliance. Strategic rewards and incentives are used to encourage patients to engage in positive behaviors, such as attending therapy sessions or taking their medications.
Group
Group therapy allows patients to develop connections and improve their communication skills in a safe environment and helps them see they are not alone.
Family
Anyone who lives with or is close to someone in addiction treatment may choose to attend family therapy sessions, including children, parents, spouses, siblings, or even friends and co-workers. Research indicates that family therapy can help people remain in rehab longer and reduce the risk of relapse.12
Should You Travel for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Massachusetts?
Traveling to accredited alcohol or drug rehab centers in Massachusetts may be a good option for those seeking quality care. If you are traveling to Massachusetts from another state for treatment, be sure to check with your desired facility to make sure they accept patients from out of state.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering traveling:
- You prefer the climate of Massachusetts or need a change of scenery
- You want to attend a particular facility or detox center
- You have family or friends who live in the area and can provide support
- Your insurance covers treatment in Massachusetts
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Massachusetts
911 Good Samaritan Law: In 2012, Massachusetts passed the 9-1-1 Good Samaritan law. It provides that anyone who calls 9-1-1 during an overdose emergency won’t be charged with possession of a controlled substance. This law was created to encourage more people to call emergency services during overdoses.
Naloxone Laws: Massachusetts state law allows for an individual to obtain naloxone (Narcan) with the intention to administer it to another person in the event of an emergency overdose. Further, anyone can administer naloxone as emergency care for an opioid-related overdose without fear of legal repercussions.
Marijuana Decriminalization: In 2016, Massachusetts legalized marijuana for recreational use by adults 21 years and older. Adults can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public and up to 10 ounces in their own residences.
Resources
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Principles of Effective Treatment.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2021). Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths, All Intents, MA Residents – Demographic Data Highlights.
- Boston Indicators. (2018). Opioid Addiction Is a National Crisis. And It’s Twice as Bad in Massachusetts.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). The Case for Screening and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders.
- Pettinati, H.M., & Dundon, W.D. (2011). Comorbid depression and alcohol dependence. Psychiatric Times, 28(6).
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2008). Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses.
- Gielen, N., Havermans, R. C., Tekelenburg, M., & Jansen, A. (2012). Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among patients with substance use disorder: it is higher than clinicians think it is. European journal of psychotraumatology, 3, 10.3402/ejpt, v3i0, 17734.
- Lawson, Nicole R. (2014). Posttraumatic stress disorder in combat veterans. Journal of the American Academy of PAs, 27(5).
- Ostacher, Michael J & Sachs, Gary S. (2006). Update on bipolar disorder and substance abuse: recent findings and treatment strategies. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(9).
- Goretti, S. (2017). The relationship between personality disorders and substance abuse disorders. European Psychiatry, 41(S473-S474).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2013.) Family Therapy Can Help. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
