| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Addiction Treatment Center of New England | 77 Warren Street Brighton, MA 02135 | (617) 254-1271x124 |
| Bay Cove Human Services Methadone Services | 66 Canal Street Boston, MA 02114 | (617) 371-3030 |
| Boston Public Health Commission Narcotic Addiction Clinic Meth Servs | 300 Frontage Road Boston, MA 02127 | (617) 534-2490 |
| CAB Boston Treatment Center | 784 Rear Massachusetts Avenue Boston, MA 02118 | (617) 247-1001 |
| Children's Hospital Pediatric Assoc Adolescent SA Program | 300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 | (617) 355-5433 |
| Community Substance Abuse Centers | 175 Crescent Avenue Chelsea, MA 02150 | (617) 889-8779 |
| Dept of Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr Drug Dependency Treatment Center/Outpt | 251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114 | (617) 248-1010 |
| Dept of Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr Drug Dependency Treatment Center/Outpt | 251 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02114 | (617) 248-1010 |
| Habit OPCO | 99 Topeka Street, Boston, MA 02118 | (617) 442-1499 |
| Health Care Resource Centers | 23 Bradston St. Boston, MA 02118 | (617) 318-6480 |
Rules and Regulations
Boston and Suffolk County adhere to strict state and federal regulations regarding methadone clinics, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.
Certification Procedures
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA
- Staff must meet educational and licensing criteria
- Regular inspections occur to ensure proper protocols are followed
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone helps individuals with opioid use disorder by:
- Preventing painful withdrawal symptoms
- Reducing opioid cravings
- Allowing patients to focus on recovery and rehabilitation
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone dosing and comprehensive treatment services including counseling and case management. The goal is to help patients achieve sobriety and successful reintegration into the community.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid and Medicare. Some also take private insurance or offer cash pricing. Uninsured patients may qualify for state-funded treatment.
Drug Use in Boston
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Massachusetts in 2020, there were an estimated 2,104 opioid-related overdose deaths, a 5% increase from 2019.
- In Suffolk County specifically, there were about 25.7 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 persons in 2021.
- The most commonly cited drugs among those seeking treatment in Boston are alcohol (39%), heroin (24%), and marijuana (13%).
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typically 28-30 days in an accredited facility
- 24/7 medical monitoring and counseling
- Group and individual psychotherapy
Outpatient Treatment
- 2-5 hours per week of services
- Provided at clinics, community health centers, therapist offices
- Individual and group counseling, medication management
Treatment Level Unreported
- An estimated 16% of people needing treatment do not specify treatment level
- Likely a mix of inpatient, outpatient, and no-treatment
Comparison of Treatment in Boston vs. New York City
| Category | Boston | New York City |
| Number of Treatment Facilities | 389 | 670 |
| Inpatient Beds Available | 2,250 | 3,800 |
| Cost of 30 Days Inpatient Treatment | $15,000 | $20,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment vary. Some view it positively as an evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction, while others see it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows methadone helps stabilize patients, reduce illicit opioid use and transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis, and improve social functioning when properly monitored.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated with required counseling, frequent urine drug testing, and controlled take-home dosing rules.
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year to ensure compliance.
- Take-Home Requirements: For the first 14 days, take-home doses are limited to 24 hours’ worth to prevent diversion or misuse. After 90 days of compliance, 1-month supplies can be allowed.
- Monitoring: Interprofessional teams of doctors, nurses, counselors, and pharmacists provide and monitor methadone treatment.
Clinicians also review Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data to coordinate care and prevent hazardous drug interactions, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Boston, methadone is a Schedule II Controlled Substance under Suffolk County and Massachusetts regulations aligned with federal Controlled Substances Acts.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947.
Studies show methadone MAT is an evidence-based, effective treatment:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive urine drug tests versus no medication
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in addiction treatment
- Retention reduces disease transmission risks and increases employment
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion with street value
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possibility of QTc interval prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose risk, especially when combined with other substances
About Boston
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Boston is located in Suffolk County in eastern Massachusetts. It borders the state of New Hampshire to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Neighboring states include:
Capital and Largest City
Boston is the capital and largest city in Massachusetts.
Land Area
Boston covers approximately 89.6 square miles of land area.
Population Statistics
Total Population
Boston has an estimated population of 675,647 as of 2020.
Demographics:
Gender
As of the 2020 census estimates:
- Male: 50.5%
- Female: 49.5%
Age Brackets
2020 census estimates for Boston population by age:
- Under 18 years: 15.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 69.3%
- 65 years and over: 15.6%
Occupations
Top occupations in Boston by share of workforce:
- Education, healthcare & social services: 34.4%
- Professional, scientific & management: 17.3%
- Retail trade: 11.2%
- Arts, entertainment & recreation: 10.7%
- Finance & insurance: 8.8%