Opiate Addiction Counseling

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s Connecticut Mental Health Center has a certified opiate addiction counselor tasked with connecting and assisting individuals that are opiate-dependent with resources throughout the region.

Counseling Services

The Addiction Counselor advises those that are opiate-dependent or know someone that visits CHH’s mental health hospital for treatment for opiate addiction counseling or comes into the emergency department or behavioral health unit and says “I’m thinking about treatment. I want to know what my options are.” As the drug becomes more widespread in area communities, more people are coming forward seeking treatment for opiate addiction counseling. This is also evidenced by the demand for soon-to-be methadone treatment facility in Torrington and other agencies that work with addiction throughout the corner of the state.

This service is provided by a Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Certified Case Manager who has office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM through the hospital’s Emergency Department or by calling 860.496.6381. During after-hours or weekends, those in need can call a toll-free 24 hour hotline at 1.888.447.3339 for assistance from the Mobile Health Team of the Western CT Mental Health Network.

One of the main challenges working with those living with addiction at our mental health hospital has been connecting patients with detox centers, since there are none in Litchfield County. Other challenges beyond bed availability are insurance coverage and geographical barriers, where those seeking treatment don’t have access to the necessary transportation.

There is no other position in a state hospital like this, according to the spokeswoman for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. CHH’s Connecticut Mental Health Center is a pioneer in building strong relationships with those that are opiate-dependent in the community, and connecting them with resources to help them recover.

The navigator position was proposed by the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force, a diverse group of CHH Professionals and community stakeholders, after brainstorming how to best address heroin addiction and overdoses that have been occurring more frequently throughout northwest Connecticut. CHH and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services partnered to fund the new position which is considered a new and innovative case management approach for treating heroin addiction.

Resource Guide

The Task Force has published a resource guide detailing treatment options, locations and contact information for area detox centers, outpatient drug therapy, residential programs and medication assisted programs. The guide is available at the CHH Emergency Department at 540 Litchfield Street or the McCall Center for Behavioral Health at 58 High Street, Torrington. You may also view it online at www.charlottehungerford.org under Services/Behavioral health/adult tab or request a free copy to be mailed to you by calling 860.496.6719.

If you would like opiate addiction counseling or assistance for yourself, a family member or friend who is dealing with opiate addiction, or if you would like a free resource guide, contact CHH Opiate Case Management at 860.496.6381.

Download the Resource Guide

What can you do?

Opiate abuse has become a major public safety and health issue in recent years. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

You can help prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding your home of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. You can bring your pills for disposal in boxes that are secured in the lobby of police departments, and are accessible anytime the department is open. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked and all the unwanted medications will be safely and securely destroyed.

Participating Connecticut area drop off sites include Torrington Police Department, 576 Main Street, Torrington, Thomaston Police Department, 158 Main Street, Thomaston, Watertown Police Department, 195 French Street, Watertown, Canton Police Department, 45 River Road, Canton, and the State Police Station at 463B Ashley Falls Road, North Canaan.

Items that CAN be brought and discarded confidentially in the medication drop-box include over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, medication samples, medications for household pets, and medicated lotions or ointments. Items that are NOT accepted are needles or other “sharps”, hazardous waste, thermometers, and personal care products such as shampoos.

For more information and to find a prescription drug drop-off box near you – visit the CT Department of Consumer Protection website at http://www.ct.gov/dcp