OUR SUBSTANCE USE PROGRAMS

Substance Screening, Treatment and Recovery for Youth (SSTRY)

SSTRY/CRA (Community Reinforcement Approach) is an outpatient substance abuse program is for youth ages 12 through 24 — and their families – who are using or at risk of abusing drugs or alcohol.  Through a screening, our team can identify substance use problems, provide a brief conversation and intervention using motivational interviewing.  We offer referrals to treatment in community settings such as schools and community agencies.  Since substance using youth often struggle with a co-occurring disorder such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, we offer psychiatric services and medication management.

Treatment includes individual and family counseling and are offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese.  Length of treatment depends on the needs of the client.  In order to help youth progress in their treatment, we offer additional assistance through our recovery coaches. This evidence-based program offers a proven combination of client-based and community/home based support depending on the unique needs of your child and family.

SMART Recovery & Connections – peer support groups for adolescents and adults

SMART (Self-Management and Risk Training) offers specific tools and techniques for building and maintaining motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors, living a balanced life.  People using the SMART Program move away from risky behaviors and emotions towards satisfying lives, learn tools and techniques for self-directed change, benefit from improved coping strategies.  Through our groups you will build a social community of support, gain access to local and online resources, receive incentives (gift cards, prizes, etc.), obtain a personal workbook with activities and tools, have a weekly opportunity to express yourself in a shared, safe space, structured support, participate in free, fun activities (Alternative Peer Groups).

Family Based Recovery

Decades of research show that children will be more successful in life if they remain with their parents, instead of entering the child welfare system. But Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families reports that more than half of DCF-involved families include a caregiver struggling with addiction. What is the best way to keep families together while providing needed treatment for substance abuse? For many, it is Family Based Recovery.

For families referred by the Department of Children and Families, we will send a team of three (two clinicians and a family support specialist) to work with the parent at home—three times a week, to provide treatment, teach parenting skills, and basic life skills. Parents who complete treatment show abated substance use, feel closer to their children and play an active role in determining their health and developmental needs.  Referrals are made when specific community supports are needed.  When a family is discharged from Family Based Recovery, 95% of the the time, children are still living with their parents.