Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
What Is Residential Treatment?
Residential treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers is a welcoming, structured environment designed to help individuals begin their path to recovery with around-the-clock, inpatient support. Located in Massachusetts, our center provides a safe, home-like space where clients can focus on healing away from the stresses of daily life. With the support of a compassionate team of medical professionals, therapists, and counselors, clients receive care that addresses both the physical effects of addiction and any emotional challenges they may face. We’re here to help clients build skills, resilience, and confidence for long-term recovery and healthier lives ahead.
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What Does Residential Treatment Involve?
The Residential Treatment Program at Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC) offers a comprehensive, immersive approach to recovery that combines structured support with a stable, substance-free environment. This program is designed for those needing an intensive level of care and around-the-clock support to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. By living on-site, clients can focus fully on their recovery journey, away from everyday triggers and stresses.
Key elements of our residential treatment include:
- Individual Therapy: Clients meet one-on-one with licensed therapists to explore the roots of their addiction and address any co-occurring mental health issues, helping to foster self-awareness and healing.
- Group Therapy: Daily group sessions allow individuals to connect with peers on similar journeys, share personal insights, and build a supportive community, which is crucial for long-term recovery.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This therapeutic approach helps clients accept challenging emotions while taking steps toward actions that align with their values, strengthening resilience and mindfulness.
- Relapse Prevention Planning: Through education and skill-building exercises, clients learn how to identify triggers, manage cravings, and establish coping strategies for life after treatment.
- Holistic Care: We integrate wellness practices like meditation, yoga, and stress management to support mental and physical health, encouraging a well-rounded approach to recovery.
Recovery is a challenging journey, but no one has to go through it alone. With the comprehensive support offered in residential treatment at GBAC, individuals can rediscover life free from addiction and lay the foundation for a healthy, sober future.
Addiction Therapies Offered In GBAC’s Residential Program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to addiction.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and building healthy coping mechanisms.
- Trauma-informed care: Addresses past traumas that may have contributed to substance use, creating a safe space for healing.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Treats co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, alongside addiction.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Uses medications like Suboxone or Vivitrol to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.
Throughout your time in our residential program, you’ll receive support from experienced mental health therapists and medical professionals. Contact us today to learn more.
Massachusetts Addiction Statistics
Miller, Jessica. “Addiction Recovery Statistics.” Addiction Help, 6 Mar. 2023, www.addictionhelp.com/recovery/statistics/.
Mann, Brian. “There Is Life after Addiction. Most People Recover.” NPR.org, 15 Jan. 2022, www.npr.org/2022/01/15/1071282194/addiction-substance-recovery-treatment.
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. “NCDAS: Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics [2020].” National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020, www.drugabusestatistics.org/
“Alcohol Abuse Statistics [2023]: National + State Data.” NCDAS, drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/#massachusetts.
Key Difference Between Residential Treatment Programs and Day Treatment Programs (Day Treatment Program)
Residential Treatment Program:
- Purpose: Provides a safe and supportive environment for people to focus on recovering from addiction.
- Duration: Usually lasts several weeks to a few months.
- Focus: Offers therapy and counseling, including individual and group sessions, to help prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.
- Role of MAT: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be used to help manage cravings and support recovery during therapy.
Day Treatment Program:
- Purpose: Offers intensive treatment during the day while allowing individuals to go home in the evenings, providing a mix of support and independence.
- Duration: Typically lasts several weeks, with daily treatment sessions.
- Focus: Includes similar therapy and counseling as residential programs but allows participants to return home each night.
- Role of MAT: MAT can also be part of Day Treatment Program to help manage cravings and support recovery while individuals continue their daily lives.
Addictions We Treat in Our Boston Residential Program
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, our residential program provides a structured, supportive environment for individuals working to overcome various substance use disorders. We specialize in treating:
- Opioids: Including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Our residential program offers a safe, medically supervised setting for detox and comprehensive care for long-term recovery.
- Methamphetamine: A stimulant with severe impacts on physical and mental health. We provide therapies focused on safe detox and emotional recovery.
- Alcohol: Our program includes targeted therapy, counseling, and relapse prevention to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety.
- Cocaine: We address psychological cravings and compulsive behaviors with individualized therapies for a balanced recovery.
- Benzodiazepines: Commonly prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders. We ensure a safe, gradual reduction in use and ongoing support through withdrawal.
- Marijuana: We assist clients in developing healthier coping mechanisms and addressing underlying issues associated with marijuana dependence.
- Polysubstance Addiction: Our integrated approach treats dependencies on multiple substances with a focus on comprehensive healing and overdose prevention.
- Prescription Medication Addiction: Special care for individuals struggling with dependence on prescribed opioids, stimulants, and sedatives, ensuring they receive tailored therapy and support.
- Heroin: Our program includes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and therapy to help individuals move past heroin addiction and build a stable foundation for recovery.
Our residential program at GBAC combines individualized therapy, medication management, and relapse prevention techniques, all designed to foster lasting recovery and empower clients with the skills needed for a healthier future.
Finding Residential Treatment Facilities Nearby
We specialize in providing comprehensive care and tailored programs for individuals with addiction. Located in Needham, Massachusetts, Greater Boston Addiction Centers offers residential treatment programs that combine a range of services designed to support those managing addiction, including therapy and other evidence-based treatments. To find out more about how we can assist you or your loved one, please contact us directly at (877) 920-6583 or visit us at our location.
- Greater Boston Addiction Centers: 322 Reservoir Street Needham, MA 02494
Who Can Benefit from a Residential Treatment Program?
The residential treatment program at Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC) is ideal for individuals who need a high level of structure and support to address their addiction. This program is particularly beneficial for those who have struggled with maintaining sobriety through outpatient care or who face significant triggers in their everyday environment. Residential treatment is also well-suited for people who need 24/7 medical and emotional support, including those with co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety.
In residential care, clients can fully focus on their recovery without the distractions and demands of daily life, making it a strong option for those seeking a safe and supportive environment to build a solid foundation for long-term sobriety.
Is Residential Treatment Covered By My Insurance Provider?
To confirm your insurance coverage for residential treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers, begin by reaching out to your insurance provider to inquire about the specifics of your plan. You can also check your coverage online or review your benefits handbook for detailed information. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, our team is here to help you navigate your insurance plan and determine which services are covered. We strive to make the process easy so you can focus on getting the care you need.
How Does the Admission Process for Residential Treatment Work?
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we strive to make the admission process for residential treatment straightforward and supportive. It starts with an initial consultation, where our experienced team assesses your mental health needs, reviews your symptoms, and discusses your treatment history. This evaluation helps us identify the most suitable level of care and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. After the assessment, our admissions team will assist with paperwork, coordinate with your insurance provider, and address any questions to ensure a smooth transition into treatment.
FAQs About Our Residnetial Treatment Program in Boston, Massachusetts
A residential treatment specialist is a trained professional who supports clients during their stay in a structured, live-in treatment program. Their role often includes:
- Monitoring safety and wellbeing 24/7
- Leading or assisting in group therapy sessions
- Helping with daily routines like meals, medication management, and activities
- Providing emotional support during difficult moments, such as cravings or homesickness
- Coordinating with therapists and medical providers to ensure a consistent treatment plan
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers in Needham, MA, residential specialists play an important role in helping clients adjust to a new environment, build healthy habits, and feel supported throughout recovery.
Yes. Many people from Wellesley, MA, and other nearby towns choose residential treatment programs in the Greater Boston area because they offer more comprehensive services than smaller local facilities. GBAC in Needham is less than 15 minutes from Wellesley, making it a convenient option for those who want world-class treatment close to home.
Residential treatment is just one step on the recovery journey. After completing a program, most people transition into lower levels of care, such as:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for continued therapy while regaining independence
- Outpatient therapy for ongoing counseling and relapse prevention
- Sober living homes for those who benefit from structured housing before returning home
- Aftercare planning that includes relapse prevention strategies, alumni groups, and support networks in the Greater Boston area
At GBAC, clients don’t just “graduate” and go home — they receive a personalized aftercare plan and are connected with resources across Massachusetts to help them maintain long-term recovery.
The terms can overlap, but there are some key differences:
- Rehab is a broad term that can describe any structured addiction treatment program, including detox, outpatient therapy, or residential care.
- Residential treatment specifically means living on-site at a treatment center, with 24-hour support, structure, and supervision.
In short: all residential programs are rehab, but not all rehab is residential.
For people in the Boston area struggling with severe addiction or repeated relapses, residential treatment at GBAC provides the safety and stability needed to begin recovery before stepping down into outpatient care.
Preparing for residential treatment can feel overwhelming, but a little planning makes the transition smoother:
- Take care of responsibilities — arrange work leave, child care, or pet care.
- Pack essentials — comfortable clothing, toiletries, prescribed medications (in original bottles), and approved reading material.
- Leave behind triggers — drugs, alcohol, or anything that could interfere with treatment are not permitted.
- Bring identification and insurance information — for intake and billing.
- Mentally prepare — remind yourself that this is an investment in your health and future.
Detoxing at home may seem convenient, but it can be unsafe and often unsuccessful. Withdrawal from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines can cause seizures, hallucinations, or even life-threatening complications if not medically managed. At GBAC in Needham, our medically supervised detox provides:
- 24/7 monitoring from trained medical staff
- Medications to reduce cravings and ease symptoms
- A safer, more comfortable transition into recovery
This level of support helps clients complete detox successfully and move forward with treatment — something that’s much harder to achieve on your own.
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance:
- Alcohol: sweating, anxiety, tremors, nausea, risk of seizures (DTs)
- Opioids/Heroin: insomnia, chills, diarrhea, muscle aches, intense cravings
- Benzodiazepines: panic, mood swings, sleep issues, seizures if unmanaged
- Stimulants: fatigue, depression, trouble concentrating
At GBAC, we tailor detox to the individual. Medical care helps reduce discomfort and prevents dangerous complications.
Yes. Many clients from Cambridge and Somerville choose our Needham facility because it provides a safe detox environment away from city triggers while still being close enough for loved ones to stay involved. Families appreciate that our location allows for both privacy and accessibility.
Detox typically lasts 3–7 days, though it depends on the substance, how long it was used, and the client’s overall health. Some individuals may need longer stabilization before moving into inpatient or outpatient care.
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Alcohol-free toiletries
- Prescription medications in original bottles
- Reading material or a journal
- Insurance card and photo ID
Our admissions team provides a full packing checklist so you know exactly what to bring and what to leave at home.
They do. Residents from Quincy, Milton, and the South Shore often come to GBAC because smaller community programs may not offer the same level of medical support. Our Needham location, just off I-95, makes it easy for families from the South Shore to access care.
Without medical oversight, withdrawal can lead to serious complications like seizures, dehydration, or dangerous heart changes. With supervision, clients have access to medications that:
- Lessen anxiety and insomnia
- Reduce cravings
- Stabilize vital signs
This makes detox safer and more comfortable, which greatly improves the chances of staying in treatment.
Yes. Many clients from Framingham, Natick, and other MetroWest towns come to GBAC because we’re centrally located and known for compassionate, individualized detox care. Families value being close enough for support while still giving their loved one space to heal.
Heal Where You’re Fully Supported, Day and Night
You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s talk about how residential care can give you the stability you need to start fresh.
What Are the Costs of Residential Treatment?
The cost of residential treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers varies based on the services provided, including therapy, medication management, and specialized care. Factors such as the type of care and session frequency influence the cost. For detailed information, contact our admissions team. We work with insurance providers and offer financial assistance to help manage expenses and ensure you get the support you need. We suggest reviewing your insurance policy or calling us at (877) 920-6583. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, our team is here to help verify your insurance coverage.
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