Scope of Problem

Under the veil of affluence and pristine community living, Connecticut is currently battling one of the biggest drug problems in the country. Over the past ten years, Connecticut has ranked alarmingly high in the amount of United States drug rehab admissions, sometimes coming in an astounding second place. Most don’t think of CT drug and alcohol rehab as a necessity until they either do the appropriate research or spend a prolonged period in the state. Despite institutional efforts to eradicate Connecticut’s substance abuse epidemic, including criminal prosecution of distributors and the establishment of more CT drug and alcohol rehab programs, the continued influx of old drugs combined the emergence of new ones consistently derails progress. Between the state’s close proximity to the New York market, and the ceaseless importation of drugs from Canada, Connecticut is currently facing the worst illegal drug problem in its history. The diversity of the state’s citizenry has made it vulnerable to an assortment of substance abuse problems for which patients regularly seek treatment in the many CT drug and alcohol rehab facilities. Connecticut's drug problem has also brought a correlating wave of crime and violence.

CT Drug Rehab

It’s been said that Connecticut is the insurance center of the country. It’s likely that the abundance of claims filed for CT drug rehab admissions has directly contributed to this distinction. In response to the multi-pronged illegal drug problem with which Connecticut is faced, numerous quality CT drug rehab programs have sprouted up to catch and cure unwitting victims of addiction. The Connecticut drug market is home to almost every known illegal substance, and has mandated that treatment facilities be staffed with multi-talented and well-qualified professionals that are trained in addiction recovery for all substances.

CT Alcohol Rehab

From the painfully tense Ivy league student who can’t cope with the pressure of their studies, to the exhausted professional who needs that first and last drink to function, to the impoverished casualty of the state’s considerable class-gap, alcoholism threatens all of Connecticut’s citizens. CT alcohol rehab facilities can be found all over the state, and can help patients get their lives back on track, irrespective of their past circumstances or exploits. These programs are as diverse as the patients they serve, and were established with the targeted interest of helping victims attain lasting freedom from alcoholism.

CT Detox

Before rehab can begin, residents are advised to seek help from a quality CT detox facility. Here the patient’s system will be purged of the toxins that have gathered from prolonged substance abuse, and have directly contributed to addiction-related illnesses. Withdrawal from any substance can be a painful and uncomfortable ordeal, and is best managed at a solid and reputable detox facility. Connecticut hosts thousands of detox programs that will enable the patient to start their rehab off the right way, and will afford them the best chance of permanently defeating their addiction.

CT Marijuana Abuse

While admittedly posing a comparatively lower threat than heroin or coke, marijuana continues to be the most unabashedly abused drug in Connecticut. Many rehab patients have reported using marijuana before graduating to more lethal substance abuse problems. The bulk of Connecticut marijuana originates in Mexico, and is funneled in through Southwestern states, with a considerable portion also coming in through New York. CT marijuana abuse spans all portions of the state’s population. Domestic cultivation is also widely practiced in the state’s rural and suburban areas.

CT Cocaine Addiction

CT cocaine addiction has long been the most dangerous and immediate illegal drug threat to the state’s citizens. Birthing a culture of violence and criminal activity, cocaine accounts for more assaults, robberies and other miscellaneous crimes in Connecticut than any other drug. Controlled by a variety of ethnic cartels, such as Mexicans and Dominicans, cocaine is moved into the state mostly from New York via ground transportation, as distributors are able to take advantage of the state’s many highways, specifically I-95. Once smuggled into the state, African American, Jamaican and Puerto Rican gangs tend to be the controlling elements. Crack cocaine is available for low rates in abundant qualities, resulting in a recent spike in treatment centers around the state.

CT Heroin Addiction

Trailing close behind Connecticut’s cocaine problem, is a widespread and ever-increasing CT heroin addiction epidemic. Universally regarded as one of the state’s most popular drugs due to its high potency and accessibility, it wasn’t long ago that Connecticut ranked first in the nation for heroin-related drug rehab admissions. This statistic has only marginally shrunk--certainly not dramatically enough for officials’ satisfaction. South American heroin is the most preferred variety, the bulk of which is smuggled in through Columbia. The CT heroin trade is mainly controlled by Dominican, Puerto Rican and African American gangs who receive the product via private and commercial trucks and aircrafts from New York-based Columbian drug trafficking organizations (DTOs).

CT Methamphetamine Abuse

CT methamphetamine abuse is currently a relatively small problem. Recent data suggests that there is a comparatively small showing in the state. Abuse and production have only marginally increased in the past ten years, keeping clandestine domestic meth labs down to a manageable number—only a handful have been seized or reported in the last 20 years. The only alarming trend is the age of reported users, mostly adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. Officials are still closely monitoring the CT methamphetamine abuse situation for signs of growth.

CT Prescription Drug Abuse

One of the fastest growing problems facing the state, CT prescription drug abuse affects all facets of its population. OxyContin continues to dominate the market, while Vicodin and Percocet lay in wait to trap unwitting pain management patients in addiction. While other drugs can often be associated with a decidedly seedier element, prescription drugs are recreationally abused by citizens of all ages, ethnicities, social statuses and economic backgrounds. Addiction usually manifests through improper use of an existing script, theft of others’ supplies, or irresponsible or hasty diagnoses from physicians. Unregulated Internet sales are also a primary culprit in the proliferation of prescription abuse in Connecticut, as well as around the country.

CT Club Drug Abuse

Colleges, bars and nightclubs have seen an alarming spike in the abuse of what are known as club drugs in recent years. Used to describe MDMA (ecstasy), GHB, LSD and Ketamine. These drugs pose a significant danger to the state’s younger population, as the primary abusers tend to include teenagers and young adults. Acquired primarily through New York connections, as well as some Israeli entities, these drugs are meant to complement the club experience, and are very often taken in conjunction with alcohol. CT club drug abuse is accounting for more and more Connecticut rehab admissions.

Summary

Connecticut continues to be a front-line state in the American war on illegal drugs. Housing a growing subculture of prescription addiction and club drug abuse while continuing to nurture a booming heroin and cocaine market, its addicted population needs swift and comprehensive help. The development of more Connecticut drug and alcohol rehab facilities is a necessity, as well as liberal asset allocation toward the vigorous prosecution of distributors. Officially considered the wealthiest state in the union, officials can’t afford not to give this problem the money and attention it deserves.