Connecticut may not be the most affected place in America by the drug crisis, but it is still experiencing a high number of unnecessary overdose deaths each year. The fight against this crisis is fought through education and rehabilitation, and on the front lines drug rehab clinics are doing their best to pull people out of the cycle. In 2018 alone we saw 948 fatal overdoses from opioids alone, a large majority of these due to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

We all know somebody who is either dabbling in illegal narcotics or struggling to control a prescription medication habit, and having the means to give advice and support to these people can help reduce the detrimental impact. The simple act of connecting with some local addiction recovery centers in Connecticut, or even knowing the names and numbers of a few can give us a good basis to help those we know struggling with their substance abuse.

A Nuanced Approach

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when trying to start a conversation with someone you’re concerned about in regards to their use of a substance you believe they’re abusing is that judgement and accusation will get you nowhere. In fact, by attacking someone over something like opiate use you can in turn push them deeper into their addiction, and potentially lose your relationship with them.

According to many dual diagnosis treatment centers in Connecticut, addiction is often intrinsically linked with such things as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. With this in mind it becomes quickly apparent that when we are accusing someone of being selfish for abusing drugs, we’re also attacking their fragile mental state, hence the often detrimental and exponential effects of accusations.

Instead it’s been shown that in most cases people are highly aware that they’re struggling mentally and using drugs or alcohol as a crutch, and giving someone the time and space to be able to admit that to themselves can be a great first step. In Twelve Step programs the first step is “admitting you have a problem”, and a key part of that isn’t to force it but to give space for that realization to come to fruition.

Connect and Cut

Recent years have shown that drug and alcohol abuse are predominantly social issues, and that one’s financial situation is one of the main causes behind a desire to escape reality through substance. A hugely contributing factor aside from finances is of course the immediate community. If you have a community which supports and uplifts one another, then the need to distract oneself or escape from reality can essentially dissipate.

Therefore I believe making healthy connections with our neighbours can have an indirect impact on the drug use in our communities, being kind and supportive and occasionally going above and beyond can enhearten the people around you inspiring them to do the same. The idea of paying it forward can be a great place to start, amazing how relevant that movie still is 20 years on.

On the same note, cutting out certain people who incite unwanted behaviour from you or those around you can have a similar effect. Growing up we all end up with friends who are either a bad influence or are simply takers more than they are givers, a joy of becoming an adult is realizing you can choose your friends and circumstantial relationships can be left behind.

Professional Help

In many cases of addiction the dependence has become chemical, and trying to come clean from prolonged use of heroin or alcohol without medical support can actually be incredibly dangerous. Addiction rehab centers have access to opiate treatment and other forms of medication which can help facilitate the withdrawal and recovery process. Many clinics will also have hotlines which you can call for advice on whether or not this level of rehabilitation is necessary, otherwise there are drug assessment and evaluations available at rehab centers too.

Finding appropriate rehab programs and clinics has become much easier since the advent of the internet, although knowing what is appropriate to yourself or others can make it a little difficult.

If you are struggling with an addiction at this time and you’re experiencing the denial and hopelessness that is common for those in your situation, remember that help is never far away, and you can take your life back.