Center for Multi-Cultural Psychological

Nestled in Hartford, Connecticut, exists a gamut of approaches to addiction treatment that are targeted toward addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders. These treatments programs do not merely focus on getting an individual “clean and sober.” Rather, they look at the person’s underlying mental health issues, trauma experiences, and unique challenges that may have led them into the path of addiction. This holistic approach to addiction treatment is widely recommended by addiction and mental health professionals as a more effective way to achieve long-term recovery. One approach to addiction treatment in Hartford, Connecticut is evidence-based therapy. This approach entails utilizing proven methods of psychotherapy to manage addiction and co-occurring disorders. These therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. The underlying principle behind these approaches is that thoughts and behaviors can be modified to improve mental health and overall well-being. They are not only restricted to the individual with an addiction but also involve family members or the individual’s support system. Evidence-based therapy is highly recommended for individuals with co-occurring disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mood disorders.Another approach to addiction treatment in Hartford is medication assisted treatment (MAT). This approach involves taking medication that helps mitigate the effects of withdrawal when stopping drug use. Medications are notably effective for managing opioid addiction, since they can help suppress an individual’s cravings for other drugs. Hartford treatment centers that utilize MAT take a comprehensive approach to treatment, pairing the medication with therapy and support groups to help individuals manage triggers, establish coping skills, and address underlying mental health conditions.Another approach is group therapy, which involves individuals with similar addiction experiences coming together and sharing their struggles, providing support for one another as they undergo treatment. Group therapy sessions normally entail working through issues surrounding the individual’s addiction alongside other substance users, developing a sense of camaraderie and a safe space for honest talk about experiences with addiction. Hartford provides access to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery, to name a few. These groups provide a space to find and give support to others in a similar position and help reduce the isolation and stigmatization surrounding addiction recovery.The Connecticut system also includes intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) which provide additional care and treatment to individuals who don’t require the severity of a residential program for addiction. The treatment operates similarly to a traditional outpatient program but often requires added weekly contact with your care team. The programs typically entail intensive individualized counseling and group therapy sessions, to address substance use while receiving mental health treatment.Moreover, outdoor therapy has become a popular addiction treatment intervention in Hartford, providing nature-based therapeutic experiences. This therapy approach includes adventure therapy, wilderness therapy, and even equine therapy. This unique approach to addiction treatment in Hartford involves getting individuals out of the traditional addiction treatment center setting and into nature to help them connect spiritually, mentally, and physically. These uplifting experiences are used as an alternative to more traditional psychotherapy sessions.In conclusion, addiction treatment in Hartford is a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery. Its methodology works toward addressing underlying mental health conditions alongside addiction treatment, providing medication-assisted treatment, group therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and outdoor therapy as well. Overall, Hartford’s addiction treatment centers aim to develop new stress-coping strategies alongside longtime support structures for long-term recovery.