Hartford

As the capital of Connecticut, Hartford is one of the largest cities in the state. It’s home to major schools like Trinity College, and it is a key location for several insurance and banking companies. Though “The Insurance Capital of the World” is an excellent place to live for many, it’s also one of the poorest cities in America. With many residents struggling with unemployment and other challenges, more and more are turning to drugs. Understanding the Hartford substance use problem can help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Many Hartford Residents Struggle With Drugs and Alcohol

Identifying just how many people in Hartford have a substance use issue can be challenging. In 2019, 4,564 residents of Hartford sought addiction treatment. Statistics do not provide a full picture of the problem, however, since many people may be too ashamed of their substance use disorder to discuss it with government health officials or seek treatment. Nevertheless, we can safely say that substance use disorder is a real problem in Hartford. Connecticut’s annual report shows that Hartford had more residents seek treatment than any other city in the state.

Hartford Heroin Addiction

Hartford is currently in the middle of a public health crisis due to opioid addiction. According to the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, heroin and other opioids are the most common cause of addiction in the city. Roughly 46% of admissions in rehab centers around the area were due to opioid use disorders such as those involving heroin. Many point to synthetic opioids as the root of this problem. People can easily access opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone, and these drugs are extremely addictive. Just using them once or twice can be enough to cause addiction for some, so it can be quite hard to break a dependency on these drugs without assistance.

Hartford Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol might be legal, but it can be just as addictive and dangerous as other drugs. After opioids, alcohol is the substance most state residents are struggling with. About a third of the people who entered substance use recovery centers cited alcohol as their main drug of use. Because alcohol addiction can hide behind social norms like partying and having holiday drinks, it can be particularly difficult for heavy drinkers to admit they have a problem. However, it is still important to seek help as regular drinking can increase your risk for cancers and liver problems.

Other Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol and heroin might be the drugs most state residents are struggling with, but there are several other types of addiction here. The next most common drugs to lead to a substance use issue in Connecticut are marijuana and cocaine. Some other types of addiction that people may struggle with include barbiturates, methamphetamines, and benzodiazepines. The physical effects of these drugs may vary, but they all tend to come with a risk of overdose and other health problems.

Substance Use Causes Many Deaths in Hartford

An unfortunate reality of substance use is that it can often be deadly. When a person is dealing with addiction, they may behave in risky behavior and end up overdosing. Hartford currently has the most opioid-related deaths out of any other city in Connecticut. In 2019, Hartford had 128 recorded deaths that involved opioids. The city also had the highest overall death rate for all drug overdoses, with 133 fatalities. Sadly, some front-line workers in Hartford claim that overdose deaths could be on the rise.

These statistics paint a concerning picture of the state of substance use disorder in Hartford. Opioid usage is particularly dangerous due to the rise of fentanyl. This opioid is incredibly potent, with just a few milligrams being enough to cause a deadly overdose. Many other opioids like heroin are spiked with fentanyl because it strengthens the product at a very low cost. However, this can lead to problems when a person takes what they think is a usual dose only to find out it is actually stronger than normal. Hartford has recently started some programs meant to provide addicts with naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose before it is too late. The city hopes that these awareness programs can help reduce the rise in opioid-related overdose deaths.

How to Identify a Substance Use Disorder

Many Hartford residents struggle to get the treatment they need because they don’t think they have a problem. An unfortunate reality of substance use disorders is that they can be very difficult to identify. There is no set amount of drug or alcohol use that officially means a person has a problem. Instead, a substance use disorder is just a general pattern of problematic drug or alcohol use. It is often characterized as a compulsion to keep using drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences to your physical, mental, or emotional health.

If you think your drug or alcohol usage may be problematic, consider these questions:

• Have you accidentally taken more drugs or alcohol than you meant to use?
• Have you tried to quit but found yourself using again?
• Do you spend much of your time thinking about drugs or alcohol?
• Have you lost interest in hobbies or spending time with loved ones?
• Has your drug or alcohol use led to problems with work, school, or relationships?
• Is your drug or alcohol usage causing health problems?
• Do you hide your drug or alcohol use from others?
• Do you feel sick and experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit using the substance?
• Have you taken part in risky behavior while under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Have you noticed you need to take more and more to get the same feeling?
• Are you neglecting responsibilities due to drug or alcohol use?
• Do you feel irritable or have mood swings when you cannot use drugs or alcohol?
• Is every special occasion, illness, or stressful experience an excuse to use drugs or alcohol?

Addiction Treatment Options for Hartford Residents

Once you decide it’s time to get help, you’ll need to find the right substance use disorder treatment center. Fortunately, Hartford is in an area with several very effective facilities to choose from. The right rehab for you will mostly just depend on your unique needs.

Deciding Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is a type of program where you check in to a facility and live there while you work on your sobriety. Meanwhile, outpatient rehab will let you live at your usual home but visit a center regularly for help. Neither type of rehab is necessarily better than the other. Studies have shown that outpatient programs can be just as effective as inpatient rehab. A non-residential program will be preferable for those with certain employment or family responsibilities. However, inpatient facilities will provide an all-encompassing environment that may be better suited for some people in advanced stages of addiction.

The choice will primarily just depend on your own needs. If you are currently living in an unsafe environment that encourages drug use, inpatient rehab can help you break old habits in a new setting. Inpatient rehab is typically advised for those who have relapsed in the past since they can benefit from round-the-clock care. However, if you have a milder addiction and still need to participate in responsibilities like work or child care, outpatient rehab can be a good choice. Finding an outpatient center near your home in Hartford lets you continue living your life while you get the help you need.

Hartford Detox Treatment

If you have been abusing a drug for a while, you may go into withdrawal when you stop. For those dealing with this problem, it might be a good idea to consider a medical detox facility near Hartford. Detox treatment helps address all the unpleasant physical symptoms of withdrawal, like dehydration and vomiting, so you can successfully take the first step toward sobriety. Detox treatment is particularly important if you have been abusing alcohol or benzodiazepines for a while; suddenly stopping the use of these drugs can be dangerous. It is also medically necessary if you have underlying health problems like heart disease as detox can make these conditions worse.

Therapy for Substance Use Disorders

Since substance use disorders have such a large mental component, therapy is one of the most effective ways of managing them. There are all sorts of therapies, including one-on-one sessions, family therapy, and group therapy. You can use therapy to explore the reasons you use drugs and find healthier ways of dealing with cravings and substance use triggers. These sessions can also help you manage coexisting mental conditions, like depression or anxiety, that may have been triggering some of your substance use.

Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment

For some Hartford residents, medically assisted treatment may be necessary. Frequently used for opioid addictions, this treatment involves giving patients a low dose of methadone or other similar drugs. The medication does not get a patient high or impair their function. All it does is help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This can be a great way of addressing the physical dependency of certain drugs. With proper medical assistance, you’ll be able to focus on your own mental health.

Get the Right Care at Green Mountain Treatment Center

If you want treatment in an environment that’s removed from all temptations, consider Green Mountain Treatment Center. This New Hampshire-based rehab center is situated far away from the stress of the city. You’ll relax inside with stunning mountain views and go on peaceful strolls through the apple orchards nearby. Our therapeutic environment includes gender-separate rooms, yoga and meditation workshops, and chef-prepared meals. We provide each patient with a custom treatment plan that’s designed to address the triggers behind the substance use disorder.

As you rest and recover, Green Mountain Treatment Center gives you the tools you need to fight addiction. We provide a full continuum of care, so you can find the medications and therapies that are right for you. Our on-campus medical detox can give you support while you get clean, and our recovery specialists can make sure you feel well enough to focus on your mental health. Our therapies primarily focus on evidence-based clinical treatments, including the 12-step curriculum, cognitive behavioral therapy, and peer mentorship. We also provide treatment for the co-occurring mental disorders that can make it so challenging to avoid addiction.

The focused and dedicated care available at Green Mountain Treatment Center can help you identify and address the underlying causes of addiction. If you are ready to get started on the path to recovery, the first step is to give us a call. We’ll be happy to explain our options.