Starting in the early 2000s, Connecticut faced a surge in opioid prescription drug addiction. Like many other states in the country, the opioid epidemic pushed them to work towards legislation and resources that expanded their addiction treatment options. Furthermore, Vicodin, oxycodone, heroin, and other opioids are among the most abused substances in Connecticut. Most of these drugs are passed between family and friends, rather than looking for expensive prescriptions or black market options.
Let’s take a look at the addiction treatment options in Connecticut.
Connecticut Substance Abuse Statistics
When analyzing the current state of substance abuse in Connecticut, the opioid epidemic and other addiction problems become evident. Connecticut is among the top ten states in opioid-related deaths, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).
43 out of 100
In 2018, Connecticut providers wrote 43 opioid prescriptions for every 100 individuals.
rate of 27.5
Opioid-involved overdose deaths remained at a rate of 27.5 in 2018.
61,341 individuals
In 2016, only 61,341 people were treated in substance abuse programs.
rate of 22.5
Fatalities involving synthetic opioids other than methadone increased at a rate of 22.5.
Addiction Services in Connecticut
While addiction is rising in Connecticut, their Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) offers residents a path towards treatment. Services vary by region but may include long-term rehab, intensive treatment, and outpatient care. In Connecticut, the goal of addiction services is to approach the crisis with a recovery-driven tactic to help those suffering from a substance use disorder.
Involuntary Commitment for Substance Abuse
In Connecticut, a family member or a loved one can petition the Probate Court to require someone with a substance use disorder to rehab. Indeed, the court listens to evidence about the individual’s condition, testimonies from the person suffering and invites concerned loved ones and a physician to make a case.
When a judge rules out that the person needs to seek treatment. Usually, this involves residential treatment of 30 to 180 days, or until they no longer need treatment.
However, this doesn’t mean that the court will pay for treatment. While there are many options for paying for rehab, and many health care plans cover a portion of care, it’s essential to learn about your policy benefits and your coverage.
Drug Courts
Connecticut’s drug laws are stringent to control the opioid crisis. Drug courts deal specifically with all drug-related offenses, including non-violent offenses. As part of their recovery-based approach, many non-violent offenders are sent to drug courts instead of the traditional judge system.
Unlike traditional courts, drug courts address the person’s addiction as the source of a crime. Often, participants receive addiction treatment, counseling, and other mental health services to help them return as healthy and productive members of society. This approach is based on research that shows people who complete drug court programs are less likely to relapse than those who go to traditional prison or jail.
Overall, drug courts have programs that aim to decrease criminal behavior by partnering with local drug treatment service providers. The courts promote substance abuse treatment, court monitoring, drug testing, and therapy over jail time.
Tips for Choosing the Right Rehab Program in Connecticut
When choosing a rehab program in Connecticut and elsewhere, it’s essential to pay attention to the details that make a drug and alcohol addiction center trustworthy.
Accreditations
Initially, you want to make sure the rehab center you’re looking at has all the proper accreditations. The same goes for therapists and staff. They must have their licenses, certifications, and other related credentials. As far as accreditations, you want to look for centers with:
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARD)
- The Joint Commission Accreditation
- Connecticut’s DMHAS Accreditation
Evidence-based Approaches
While alternative therapies like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and more can benefit the healing process, they cannot treat addiction alone. Look for treatments using evidence-based approaches that focus on behavioral therapy, medication treatment, and other treatment methods. Choosing evidence-based practices also help ensure your insurance policy will cover at least some of the treatment.
Payment Options
Some addiction treatment options in Connecticut are publically-funded and operated by not-for-profit corporations. However, many treatment centers also accept private, state, and federal insurance. Furthermore, you can always ask about their payment options as some centers may offer payment arrangements, rehab scholarships, and more.
Length
Finally, stay clear from any treatment center that promises a cure for addiction over a weekend or a week. Drug addiction recovery is often a long-term process that incorporates different types of therapy. Overall, the length of treatment can be anywhere from 28 days for short-term programs, 90-days for longer treatments, and over 180 days for long-term treatment programs. A high-quality treatment center will not force you to fit into a specific timeline. Instead, they’ll work with you to help you find the best route.
Connecticut Addiction Treatment Options to Consider
In reality, there isn’t a single path to addiction recovery. A comprehensive treatment plan incorporates various therapies and approaches that help someone understand their addiction and address any co-occurring disorders.
Detox Programs
Most drug and alcohol addiction recovery journeys start with detox. Because many of these substances cause physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, it’s paramount to have medical assistance and support to do so with comfort. Choosing to detox at a treatment facility also prevents relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Those who stop alcohol or opioids may need a medication-assisted program to start their rehab journey. Various FDA-approved medications help reduce cravings and lessen the dependence on these highly addictive drugs. However, keep in mind that MAT alone isn’t enough to treat addiction. It needs to be paired with supportive services and therapy to help the recovery process.
Behavioral Therapy
Addiction treatment incorporates individual therapy and group therapy sessions throughout the treatment. Both use a combination of different behavioral therapies. The most common one is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Then, others include motivational interviewing (MI), contingency management (CM), and other behavioral therapy forms that address the many variables of addiction.
Dual Diagnosis
Last but not least, most people with a substance abuse problem also have a co-occurring mental health condition. Anxiety, depression, psychosis, and personality disorders all co-occur with substance abuse. Dual diagnosis programs treat these conditions simultaneously to promote a better and prolonged recovery.
Should I Travel Outside of Connecticut for Addiction Treatment?
Connecticut has many resources and treatment centers available to help anyone struggling with a substance use disorder. Nonetheless, sometimes a change of scenery can help. For anyone who’s currently living in a toxic environment prone to abuse, substance misuse, and other triggers, going away for treatment may help.
Research shows that a change of scenery can provide a clean slate for people. It also means individuals can seek treatment in an environment that promotes recovery. Inpatient rehab programs are trigger-free, drug-free, and help people build a community of sober friends and companions that will become critical in their recovery.
Still, if Connecticut doesn’t have the right fit for you, traveling to rehab out-of-state can be an effective and sometimes cost-effective alternative.
Finding Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that there’s help available. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we receive patients from Connecticut all the time. We work with your insurance provider to help find out what they will cover. Our addiction specialists will work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the core of your addiction.
Besides, you’ll get to enjoy a change of scenery (and weather) that involves blue skies and sunny days ahead. If you need help finding addiction treatment, contact us today to start the process.
