Stamford Addiction Treatment Resources

The city of Stamford has a population of 130,000, making it the second largest city in Connecticut. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and has a large millennial population. The FBI ranks Connecticut as the 11th safest state in the United States.

There are several notable tourist attractions in the city, including the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Harbor Port Marina and the Mill River Park. The job market is strong, and there is a variety of housing options available in the city.

Although Stamford has so many positive things going for it, the city is plagued by the same drug and alcohol abuse problems that are seen in other parts of Connecticut. A recent report produced by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services highlights some of these challenges. In 2019, the DMHAS provided mental health and addiction services to 104,166 people in Connecticut, 2,089 of them being residents of Stamford. Of that group, 49,544 people received help for substance use disorders.

According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the year 2019 saw 544 accidental intoxication deaths between January and June with 511 of these deaths involving opioids in some form. Alcohol abuse is another challenge facing the community in Stamford. A report released in 2019 shows that the use of alcohol is prevalent among high school and middle school kids. This makes alcohol the substance that generates the most concern among government officials and those working in the health care field in Stamford.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a severe form of alcohol abuse. When a person is struggling with alcoholism, they lose the ability to manage their drinking habits. Alcoholism is more commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder. This disorder can be categorized in three phases as mild, moderate or severe.

Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of not being able to control drinking. One symptom is a preoccupation on the part of the user to continue to get alcohol, regardless of the problems it causes. When a person has alcohol use disorder, they need to drink more alcohol in order to get the same effect. They face withdrawal symptoms when they decrease the amount they drink or stop drinking altogether.

Other symptoms could include:

• Not being able to limit the amount of alcohol you consume
• Experiencing a desire to cut down on drinking, which is only met with unsuccessful attempts
• Spending a good portion of your time consuming alcohol or recovering from your alcohol consumption
• Experiencing strong cravings to drink alcohol
• Continuing to drink even though you know it is negatively impacting your secular, educational and home life
• Using alcohol in circumstances you know are unsafe, including when operating a motor vehicle, using dangerous equipment or swimming

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders are also referred to as dual diagnosis. This is a condition where a person has a co-existing mental illness along with a substance use disorder. While a substance use disorder and a psychiatric disorder may occur simultaneously, they may have different levels of severity, and the severity of each disorder may change with time. When compared to a person who is only dealing with a mental health disorder or a substance use disorder, a person who has a co-occurring disorder may experience more intense symptoms and may require longer treatment.

Mental health and substance use disorders are caused by a variety of factors working together. Some people have a high genetic risk for mental health issues and substance use disorders. However, a person’s environment can contribute greatly to their risk.

Approximately 50% of people who have a mental illness or a substance use disorder will have the other condition at some point during their life. For example, those battling with alcohol use disorders have a higher risk of bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder and schizophrenia. There is also a link between alcohol use disorder and social anxiety.

Types of Rehab Centers

There are a number of different types of recovery centers. It is important to remember that everyone has an individualized experience with substance use disorder. Some people can make it through the rehab process quickly. They may have an amazing support system at home helping them to get better. Others may need more support and help for a longer period of time.

There is some evidence that favors long-term inpatient rehabilitation. However, this is not always an option for everyone. A single parent struggling to break free from substance use may not have a place to keep their children. They can’t leave their children unattended at home and need to work in order to pay bills and care for their family. In this instance, an outpatient option may be right for them.

• Long-term rehab programs are usually 60 days or longer. These are considered the standard for drug rehab because there is a lot of evidence suggesting that they offer the best results. Long-term rehab programs involve the patient living at the rehabilitation facility. This allows them to focus on getting better without worrying about outside distractions. The patient is freed from their current environment that might not be conducive to long-term recovery. Long-term rehab programs provide uninterrupted care.
• Short-term rehabilitation programs are usually between 28 and 30 days. These short-term programs usually do not produce the same results as long-term rehab programs. Still, they may be enough to get a patient out of their current situation.
• Outpatient care offers many of the same therapeutic substance use disorder care options that individuals would get from an inpatient program. However, the person has to return home at the end of the day. This means that they are faced with a lot of the same challenges that may have contributed to their substance use disorder. Outpatient care can be successful if a patient has a strong support system and the determination to see the process through to the end.

Granite Recovery Centers

Granite Recovery Centers has multiple facilities throughout New England. These facilities are located in secluded areas surrounded by open spaces and beautiful scenery. Two of our outstanding properties include Green Mountain Treatment Center and New Freedom Academy.

At Green Mountain Treatment Center, you will benefit from the idyllic surroundings that include views of the White Mountains. This is a flagship recovery center with an adult-oriented program where men and women are treated separately.

At this facility, a 12-step curriculum is used. This curriculum has been built based on evidence and clinical therapies. The goal of this recovery center is to help you get to the underlying cause of your addiction. This is done by using therapy and other forms of education to help you look inward and identify the situations and circumstances that led to substance use disorders developing. Then, the staff helps you in identifying the steps needed for lasting recovery.

At Green Mountain Treatment Center, you will find masters-level licensed clinicians. The administrative staff is supportive, and everyone works together to meet your individualized needs. The medical detox facility provides you with a dignified place to go through the withdrawal and detoxification process. Passionate medical professionals will work with you through every phase of the withdrawal process. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Green Mountain Treatment Center takes a holistic approach to your recovery. All of your needs are cared for during your stay, including your housing, your meals and entertainment. Transportation is available if needed. You’ll also have access to an on-site gym and places for meditation and yoga.

New Freedom Academy facility is in Canterbury, New Hampshire. It has a number of the same amenities that are seen at the Green Mountain Treatment Center. The difference is that this is a smaller facility and only has 20 beds. This allows for a low client-to-clinician rate. This is perfect for people who are looking for a more intimate interaction as they go through the recovery process.

Clinical psychotherapeutic support is offered, including:

• Individual therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Grief and loss therapy

New Freedom Academy also takes a holistic approach to treatment. This is why things such as physical exercise, meditation and yoga are part of the treatment curriculum.

At this facility, men and women live separately and are treated separately. There is staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and co-occurring disorders are treated. Chefs prepare nutritious meals, workshops and educational programs are offered, and entertainment like paintball, mini-golf and bowling is available.

If you or someone you love in Stamford, Connecticut, is dealing with a substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, know that you are not alone. There are many people in our area who have successfully recovered from these conditions and are now living happier and more productive lives. You can enjoy these same benefits. We look forward to being your partners as you travel down the road to recovery.