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State officials on Wednesday launched a new federally-backed opioid treatment program for youths up to age 21 at various locations across Connecticut.

Named the ASSERT Treatment Model (ATM), the program provides youths and their families with six months of “intensive” family treatment, medication treatment and recovery services for up to 12 months.

ATM, including its four program providers, will serve up to 94 youths and families at a time.

The program, administered by the state Department of Children and Families (DCF), is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

DCF Commissioner Joette Katz said she is optimistic the innovative program will limit opioid addiction among youths, adding that Connecticut is a leader in addressing the national opioid epidemic among adults and youths.

“Until now, opioid treatment has been aimed at adults – largely ignoring the growing problem of heroin and prescription drug misuse among youth,” Katz said.

The four providers running the program include the Wheeler Clinic, Community Health Resources, Connecticut Junior Republic and United Community and Family Services.

 

By Joe Cooper, Hartford Business Journal

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