Recovery Brands, LLC
📍 75 Swantown Hill Road, North Stonington, CT 06359
📞 8008321022 Full profile & reviews Claim this listing
Reviewers frequently praised the quality of the clinicians and instructors, with some noting that the program was effective for those truly committed to recovery. However, many reviewers strongly criticized the off-site housing conditions, describing them as unsanitary, overcrowded, and poorly maintained. Additional concerns were raised regarding the quality of the food, inadequate supervision, and a perceived high rate of relapse among participants.
AI-generated summary of 23 reviews collected on rehabs.com and recovery.org through 2023. Not a review or medical advice. Review policy
| Treatment types | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Detox Services, Substance Abuse Treatment |
| Program types | Outpatient Services, Intensive Outpatient, Residential Treatment |
| Services | Outpatient Services, Detox Services, Dual-Diagnosis Treatment, Residential Treatment |
| Setting | Average Location/Amenities, Private/Secluded |
| Gender | None |
| Age ranges | Adult Age |
| Insurance accepted | Medicaid, Private Insurance |
<p><strong>ABOUT STONINGTON INSTITUTE</strong></p> <p>Stonington Institute, based in the New England town of North Stonington, Conn., offers <strong>inpatient and outpatient treatment</strong> to individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. The facility is also one of the only <a href="https://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/state_data/CT16.pdf" target="_blank">43 (19.2 percent)</a> centers in the state with programming for <a href="https://www.recovery.org/pro/articles/is-my-child-just-experimenting/" target="_blank">adolescents.</a></p> <p>This facility is one of just <a href="https://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/state_data/CT16.pdf" target="_blank">seven (3.1 percent)</a> in Connecticut with <strong>inpatient, non-hospital detox services available</strong>, along with a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) for adult clients. The facility also offers a <strong>residential program for adolescent males</strong> (ages 12-18). In addition, the facility’s Starlight Program provides specialized <strong>treatment for veterans and active military personnel</strong>.</p> <p><strong>TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT</strong></p> <p>An <strong>initial assessment with a trained counselor</strong> is provided to all clients free of charge. Based on assessment findings, the most appropriate level of care is determined. Individuals requiring intensive care may begin their stay in the <strong>18-bed detox unit</strong>. Detox is structured, <strong>medically monitored</strong>, and rooted in the 12-step recovery model.</p> <p>Once stabilized, adult clients may transition to PHP or IOP treatment. PHP clients receive individual case management and spend most of their time in <strong>small group therapy, psychoeducation groups, spirituality discussions</strong>, as well as music and art therapy. Individual consultations with the on-site psychiatrist are scheduled on an as-needed basis. IOP is a step-down from PHP; treatment is similar, but <strong>IOP clients attend three evening sessions each week</strong>.</p> <p>The Starlight Program provides residential treatment for <strong>male and female Veterans and active military personnel</strong>. Starlight uses 12-step principles and a mix of other treatment methods while addressing issues that are common among service members, such as <strong>post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</strong>, loss and grief, and other military-specific issues. Clients typically remain on-site for <strong>28 days</strong>.</p> <p>Programming for adolescent boys is conducted in a small group environment; the residential unit <strong>houses only 10 boys at a time</strong>. In addition to providing counseling and education for addiction and co-occurring disorders, the adolescent program focuses on teaching <strong>independent living skills</strong> and helping participants with educational goals.</p> <p><strong>STAFF CREDENTIALS</strong></p> <p>According to the facility’s website, the center employs physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, licensed social workers, licensed alcohol and drug counselors, master’s level therapists, and other healthcare professionals. In Connecticut, <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_3059/ShortReport-3059.pdf" target="_blank">97.2 percent of</a> all substance abuse treatment facilities have continuing education requirements for staff. Of the 23 individuals polled by Rehabs.com to date, the eight survey respondents polled on the matter offered mixed opinions concerning the aptitude of staff.</p> <blockquote> <p>Staff Experience and Training: 3/5</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES</strong></p> <p>According to the facility’s website, <strong>the co-ed detox unit</strong> offers both <strong>private and semi-private rooms</strong>. PHP and IOP clients have the option to stay in one of the facility’s <strong>13 off-campus housing units</strong>. These sober group homes do not provide treatment, but clients may participate in daily AA/NA meetings and find a sponsor. No details regarding adolescent housing are available.</p> <p>Starlight Program participants reside in a homelike, <strong>30-bed facility located on 25 acres</strong> of farmland in rural Connecticut. The women’s program within Starlight includes weekly sessions of equine therapy. The eight individuals polled on the matter were moderately critical of the cleanliness of the facilities.</p> <blockquote> <p>Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 2.9/5</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>WHAT ALUMNI SAY</strong></p> <p>At the time of this writing, there have been 13 alumni polled by Rehabs.com who offered very <strong>mixed opinions of the facility</strong>. Offering five-star ratings for the facility's ability to resolve conflict and the effectiveness of group counseling, alum C.T. wrote: "If you are not ready for the harsh reality of becoming clean and sober and cannot get along with groups of people this is not the facility for you."</p> <p>Providing five stars for the effectiveness of lead counselors but three stars for facility cleanliness, one anonymous alum agreed. "It's definitely not a place you go to be coddled, but that's not what i needed," they wrote.</p> <p>However, one alum, D.J., wrote:, “Horrible off-site housing and food largely outweigh decent classes.” Others also commented on the quality of housing and facilities.</p> <p>Similarly, 11 former clients on Google also shared mixed opinions of the facility and produced a 3.4 out of five-star average rating.<small class="footnote"><a target="_blank" href="#footnote-1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></small> Two-star reviewer J.K. wrote:"Although this Is a beautiful area and beautiful facility, there are issues among the staff with unprofessionalism," while five-star reviewer C.E. simply wrote:"Awesome place."</p> <p><strong>WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY</strong></p> <p>At the time of this writing, there have been nine friends or family members polled by Rehabs.com. Loved ones generally gave <strong>moderate-to-negative reviews</strong> of the facility, offering neutral ratings for the level of family involvement and visitor policies, as well as low ratings for holistic offerings.</p> <blockquote> <p>Family Participation: 2.3/5<br /> Connectivity/Visitation Policy: 2.3/5<br /> Holistic Offerings: 1.3/5</p> </blockquote> <p>"Relapse is almost guaranteed," one loved one remarked, echoing several other loved ones who expressed concerns that over rule enforcement, supervision, a lack of follow-up, and general ineffective treatment.</p> <p>On the other hand, several loved ones felt that a strength of the facility was the <strong>variety of facility locations and availability of beds</strong>. One anonymous loved one wrote: "I was able to visit my loved one regularly. The institute helped achieve goals." Overall, however, loved ones were generally unenthusiastic concerning recommending the facility.</p> <blockquote> <p>Likelihood to Recommend 2.4/5</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>FINANCING</strong></p> <p>The cost of treatment at the facility is not published. Stonington Institute <strong>accepts most major insurance plans and TRICARE</strong>. Clients are encouraged to contact the facility directly for additional information regarding financing and insurance coverage. The eight individuals polled on the matter provided moderately low ratings regarding treatment cost.</p> <blockquote> <p>Affordability: 2.8/5</p> </blockquote> <p><small class="footnote"><a target="_blank" href="#footnote-1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stonington+Institute/@41.4743277,-71.9302584,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m7!3m6!1s0x0:0x54ba4a63231cbdc1!8m2!3d41.4743277!4d-71.9280697!9m1!1b1" target="_blank">GoogleReviews</a></small></p>
— Samantha Harper · 2018-09-14 10:08:38 PDT
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