Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehabs in Connecticut

Like other states in New England, Connecticut is grappling with a surge in opioid abuse and overdoses. Two people die of a drug overdose every day in the state, and the state is third per capita in overdose rates.⁴

Connecticut has 166 outpatient drug and alcohol recovery programs, 52 residential programs, and 11 hospital inpatient programs. Thirty-eight offer medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Ninety-one percent accept cash or self-payment, 75% accept private health insurance, 50% accept Medicare, 87% accept Medicaid, and 72% offer a sliding scale fee.³

• Past-year alcohol dependence or abuse among those aged 12 or older in Connecticut was slightly above the national average in 2013-2014. Past-year illicit drug dependence or abuse among this group was also slightly above the national average. Past-year heavy alcohol use was below the national average.¹
• Emergency department visits for alcohol abuse or dependence increased 2007 to 2011 across age groups. ED visits also increased for substance abuse and dependence among those ages 18 to 64 during the same time period.⁵
• Accidental drug intoxication deaths in the state increased from 357 in 2012 to 917 in 2016. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was involved in 479 deaths in 2016.⁶
• In 2014, an estimated 103,000 Connecticut residents used prescription painkillers non-medically.²
• Between 2007 and 2014, only 20% of people with drug disorders in the state received treatment.²

One of the things you have to think about when choosing a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program is the cost. Generally, you can expect to pay more if you choose a longer program (e.g. 60 days or 90 days), want a private room or enroll in a luxury facility. Make sure to consider whether or not these things will really enhance your treatment experience and are worth the extra cost. There may be other things you can give up in order to save some money.

Most Connecticut rehab centers accept private health insurance. If you are uninsured, many programs offer sliding scale fees and accept cash or self-pay.

Connecticut has a range of treatment programs available that offer different approaches to treating addiction. Every person has different needs when it comes to treatment and before choosing a program, you can meet with a doctor or addiction specialist who can recommend what services you will need. Special treatment considerations may be made for pregnant women, veterans, people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, homeless individuals, LGBT, and youth.

Treatment programs in CT may include detoxification programs, residential programs, and outpatient programs. A high number of programs offer evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management. Programs also offer relapse prevention, drug and alcohol education, 12-step meetings, group counseling, and social skills development.

• The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has information on prescription drug drop boxes in the state and how to properly dispose of unused medications.
• The state’s Department of Consumer Protection also has a map of naloxone pharmacies in the state. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
• The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Medication-Assisted Treatment page has information on methadone clinics, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers, buprenorphine facilities, and general resources on MAT.
• The Connecticut Clearinghouse is a resource for substance abuse and mental health disorders, prevention, and recovery.
• The Connecticut Department of Public Health compiled a list of licensed substance abuse treatment programs in the state.
• Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are available throughout the state.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) lists crisis and mental health hotlines for the state.

Using Insurance to Pay for Rehab Treatment

Learn more about some insurance providers that cover addiction rehab:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Kaiser Permanente
• Aetna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Humana
• Ambetter
• Cigna

Helpful Treatment Resources

• Marijuana Addiction Treatment Centers
• Intensive Outpatient Programs

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Behavioral Health Barometer: Connecticut, 2015.
2. The Connecticut Opioid REsponse Initiative. (2016).
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2015). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2015 State Profile – Connecticut.
4. Allen, J. (2017). Hard Times As Connecticut Tries to Slow Opioid Crisis. WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
5. Connecticut Work Group on Mental Health, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse. Chapter 6: Mental Health, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse.
6. Skahill, P. (2017). Drug Overdose Deaths Continue to Climb In Connecticut. WNPR.
7. Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. (2016). Triennial State Substance Abuse Plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield: Connecticut Insurance for Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers

Drug and alcohol rehab can help those who are battling a substance use disorder (SUD). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in addition to stopping drug misuse, the goal of addiction treatment is to return people to productive functioning within their family, workplace, and community.¹

If you or your loved one has health insurance through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Connecticut, your health insurance benefits may cover all or part of addiction treatment services including inpatient care, outpatient care, detox, and medications.

Does BCBS Cover Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment in CT?

Wondering if your Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Connecticut health plan covers drug and alcohol addiction? The answer is yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, health care plans must include mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse services.²

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Connecticut is one of the largest health insurance carriers in the state, serving more than 1 million members.³ Anthem BCBS of Connecticut health insurance plans are available as PPO, HMO, or POS plans and offered in bronze, silver, and gold.³