Connecticut State Stats
Connecticut ranks 48th in a survey ranking states with the highest drug use in 2025. The state might rank low for overall drug use compared to other states, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still a significant problem.
48th
Connecticut’s rank among U.S. states for overall drug use in 2025.
Powerful synthetic opioids and other substances are impacting many communities across the state. Overdose deaths continue to involve fentanyl and emerging drugs, showing the urgent need for greater awareness and better access to treatment. In 2024, 982 people died across the state from drug intoxication and 78% of those deaths were linked to fentanyl.
982
Drug intoxication deaths
Drug Use and Addiction Stats
In May 2025, experts at the state’s forensic lab identified the most dangerous drugs affecting communities right now. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are an ongoing problem, but now lab testing shows people are also using designer drugs.
Fentanyl & Synthetic Opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths, found in over 70% of cases so far in 2025.
Alcohol use disorder remains a major concern, with 34.4% of fatal crashes in the state involving alcohol, higher than the national average of 30%.
Designer drugs include substances like synthetic benzodiazepines and other compounds made in unregulated labs. These chemicals often come from small, secretive operations, sometimes in basement setups, making their contents unpredictable and hazardous.
Cannabis use hasn’t dropped, likely because it’s now legal for anyone 21 and older to purchase and use it in all forms. Cocaine remains on the list, as well, but the state’s lab is also seeing a recent increase in methamphetamine in lab samples. They are also monitoring new substances like medetomidine, a veterinary sedative that shows up in drug samples more frequently.
The state had confirmed 226 overdose deaths by April 2025, with investigations pending for even more cases. Fentanyl remains the top drug linked to these fatalities, found in over 70% of cases. Carfentanil, one of the most potent opioids available today, is used to sedate large animals, like elephants, and it’s adding serious risk because it takes so little of it to feel the effects.
Alcohol use disorder continues to cause serious health problems and deaths in Connecticut. The state’s rate of DWI driving deaths sits at 34..4%, higher than the national average of 30%, showing that about one in three fatal crashes in Connecticut involve alcohol.
Cost of Addiction Treatment
Affordable options for drug and alcohol rehab are available if you’re concerned about the cost of treatment. The average price for addiction recovery in Connecticut runs around $13,000. Costs vary depending on the type and length of the program.
Insurance can cover a portion of treatment costs. If you don’t have coverage, community programs and non-profits may offer low-cost or free services. Getting help shouldn’t be delayed due to financial concerns, as there are resources available to make treatment manageable and keep the focus where it belongs: on healing.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Connecticut
Multiple payment options make addiction treatment accessible across Connecticut. Exploring your choices helps connect you to programs that match your needs and financial situation
Health Insurance
Private health insurance plans are required by law to cover mental healthcare, including substance use treatment. Policies usually cover inpatient and outpatient programs, but it’s wise to check with your provider to verify benefits. Some plans require pre-authorization before beginning treatment.
Medicare
Individuals over 65 and individuals with qualifying disabilities receive addiction treatment benefits through Medicare. Part A covers inpatient or residential care, and Part B covers outpatient treatments.
Medicaid
Connecticut’s Medicaid program, Husky Health, provides broad addiction treatment coverage with low or no out-of-pocket costs. It helps qualifying residents access a wide range of services and reduces financial barriers to care.
Veterans Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs and veteran-specific programs provide addiction treatment, including inpatient and medication assisted therapy (MAT). Benefits are specialized to address challenges unique to veterans’ experiences.
Self-Pay and Sliding Scale
Paying out of pocket remains an option if you don’t carry insurance or you choose a treatment program outside your plan’s coverage. Many treatment centers offer sliding scale fees or payment plans based on income to make care more affordable.
State and Local Programs
Publicly funded programs and grants in Connecticut assist residents lacking insurance or sufficient coverage. Community health centers and nonprofits often connect people to these resources.
Employee Assistance Programs
Employers sometimes offer EAPs that include short term counseling and referrals to addiction treatment. Programs usually come at little or no cost, allowing employees to access early support.
Free Resources in Connecticut
Support doesn’t end when treatment does. Boca Recovery Center in Springfield provides quality treatment, but where do you go to continue recovery? Connecticut offers a wealth of free aftercare programs and services to help you stay connected and supported.
Harm Reduction Resources
Advancing Connecticut Together
Advancing Connecticut Together (ACT) offers syringe services and overdose prevention training, including naloxone distribution through their Harm Reduction department. Their work focuses on the practical support and education needed when abstinence isn’t an immediate option.
Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance
The Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance (CTHRA) helps individuals who aren’t ready for abstinence use safely. They provide clean syringes and teach people how to prevent overdoses by using naloxone.
Alliance for Living
The Alliance for Living stands out as an HIV/AIDS organization that also connects people facing substance use disorders to treatment and recovery resources. In addition to syringe services, clients can get support with counseling, housing and employment.
Nonprofit Organizations
Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery
An important service offered by the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) is peer-led recovery support. The organization also works to change policies that create barriers for people recovering from addiction.
Advocacy Unlimited
This Connecticut non-profit organization supports people dealing with addiction through peer-led help. Their Bridger Program provides six months of addiction recovery support for clients involved in or at risk of entering the mental health or court systems.
Specialty Populations
The University of Connecticut Student Health and Wellness
The Recovery Community is part of the UConn Student Health and Wellness program. Students who visit can study in one of the community’s quiet spaces or just connect with friends in the game room. Students can also use a private area for telehealth appointments.
Western Connecticut State University C.H.O.I.C.E.S.
WestConn’s alcohol and substance abuse prevention program offers education and confidential support to help students address substance use issues. Students can access assessments and counseling, as well as referrals to other community services like 12-Step meetings.
Federal Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
Connecticut may not have specific support for indigenous peoples, but the Indian Health Service, the federal program for indigenous peoples, provides addiction recovery through the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Branch (ASAB). Using holistic approaches, the ASAB offers outpatient treatment and other substance use resources in Tribal communities for adults and youth.
Support for Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ Community
The Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and its partner agencies work to create an inclusive environment for clients at every stage of care. At the core of their LGBT+ services is respect, with programs designed to help individuals feel welcome throughout recovery.
Veterans
The Military Support Program (MSP) partners with the Connecticut Army-Air National Guard to embed civilian behavioral health professionals directly within Guard units. The program is unique to Connecticut, making it the only state with clinicians embedded at the Company level.
State Drug Laws in Connecticut
Connecticut General Statutes
Having any amount of a controlled substance is illegal in the State of Connecticut unless it’s less than half an ounce of cannabis or allowed by law. Under CGS § 21a-279, anyone caught with illegal drugs can face a Class A misdemeanor.
Involuntary Treatment
Connecticut allows court-ordered treatment for individuals with substance use disorder who may be a serious risk to themselves or others and refuse voluntary help. General Statutes (CGS) § 17a-685 outlines all the procedures that must be followed before a judge will allow involuntary treatment..
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis in Connecticut was legalized in 2012, and the legalization for recreational use followed in 2021. Users still must be careful since there are several exceptions to the law, particularly for the palliative use of cannabis. CGS Sec. 21a-408a outlines the rules for patients and caregivers.
Good Faith Act
Connecticut protects people who call for emergency help in good faith for someone they believe is overdosing on drugs or alcohol. House Bill 6554 also applies to anyone who calls for assistance for themselves during an overdose.
Starting Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Connecticut
Boca Recovery Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, is close enough to get the help you deserve without traveling too far. We also have some beautiful centers in both New Jersey and Florida.
Our dedicated teams are here to help you start your journey to hope and healing. Whether you need medical detox, inpatient services, or outpatient care, we can help you connect to the right program. Don’t put off getting help. Begin the road to recovery now!
