Posts by Dana Pollack, LCSW, LADC

Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs differ in three core ways: weekly treatment hours, level of medical oversight, and the severity of substance use disorder each is built to treat. Both let you sleep at home, not on a treatment campus. Where they diverge is how much daily structure your recovery needs. This guide is…

Alcohol rehab in Connecticut spans a full continuum of care — from medically supervised detox through residential inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and long-term recovery support. Knowing which level fits your situation is the most important step in building a plan that actually works. This guide covers the levels of care available through High…

  You’ve built an impressive career, and High Watch’s admissions team works specifically with professionals concerned about protecting it. Maybe you’re a C-suite executive leading a company, a partner at a law firm, a successful entrepreneur, a senior financial professional, or a high-level manager with significant responsibilities. You’re intelligent, accomplished, and competent—someone others look to…

You took an oath to care for others. You spent years in rigorous training to earn your credentials, and High Watch’s admissions team understands exactly what’s at stake for you professionally. Your professional identity defines who you are—physician, nurse, pharmacist, pilot, dentist, veterinarian. The thought of losing your license, your career, and your reputation feels…

Relapse after addiction treatment involves a predictable emotional and behavioral progression, a set of identifiable warning signs, and a range of treatment responses — not a single failure that erases everything that came before. This guide is written for families of adults in treatment or recovery anywhere in the U.S. If you’re looking for High…

When people hear “12-Step program,” they often think of church basements, coffee, and people introducing themselves with “Hi, I’m [name] and I’m an alcoholic” — a tradition central to High Watch’s program. While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings certainly happen in church basements with plenty of coffee, the 12-Step approach represents far…

When someone mentions “going to rehab,” most people picture a single 28 or 30-day stay at a treatment facility followed by returning home and resuming normal life. High Watch’s team often hears this assumption from families researching treatment for the first time. This simplified understanding misses a critical reality: effective addiction treatment isn’t a single…

The decision to seek addiction treatment is difficult enough without worrying about losing your job, your income, or your professional reputation. For many people, employment concerns represent one of the biggest barriers to getting help—you know you need treatment, but you can’t afford to lose your job, you’re worried about what to tell your employer,…

You’ve watched someone you love spiral deeper into addiction. You’ve tried talking to them, pleading with them, even threatening consequences—nothing has worked, and reaching out to High Watch costs nothing. They deny the problem, make promises they don’t keep, or become angry when you express concern. If you’re at this point, know that guidance is…

Watching someone you love struggle with addiction is one of life’s most painful experiences. When they finally enter treatment, you feel immense relief—and immediately want to do everything possible to support their recovery, whether they’re in High Watch’s program or another facility. High Watch treats many types of substance addiction, from alcohol to opioids. This…

Choosing a residential treatment center for yourself or a loved one may be one of the most important healthcare decisions you’ll ever make. With thousands of addiction treatment facilities across the country—each claiming to offer effective care—how do you identify which program will provide the best chance for lasting recovery? The decision often feels urgent.…

Navigating insurance coverage for addiction treatment can feel overwhelming during an already stressful time. If you or a loved one needs residential treatment for substance use disorder, understanding how insurance works—and what to expect—can remove a significant barrier to getting help. The good news: Most private insurance plans cover addiction treatment as an essential health…

When most people think about sobriety, they think about abstaining from alcohol or drugs — the physical side that High Watch’s admissions team addresses first. While this physical sobriety is essential, it’s only the beginning of true recovery. At High Watch Recovery Center, we’ve been helping individuals achieve lasting recovery since 1939, and we understand…

Kratom has emerged as a widely available substance marketed as a natural alternative for pain relief, energy enhancement, and even opioid withdrawal management — a trend High Watch’s admissions team has seen firsthand. While kratom powder has raised concerns among health authorities, a newer and far more dangerous form has appeared on the market: highly…

Adderall addiction develops through escalating doses, compulsive use despite consequences, and physical dependence that can affect anyone taking the medication — whether prescribed or not. This guide is written for adults in the United States, including people with a legitimate prescription and those using Adderall non-medically, along with the families supporting them. At High Watch…

When facing substance use disorder, many people focus solely on stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. However, true recovery requires addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. High Watch treats a broad range of substance addictions, from alcohol to opioids and stimulants. This comprehensive approach is known as holistic addiction treatment, and it has…

For many individuals struggling with substance use disorder, the roots of addiction extend far beyond the substance itself. Trauma—whether from childhood experiences, significant life events, or ongoing stressors—often plays a central role in the development and progression of addiction. At High Watch Recovery Center, we recognize this profound connection and have integrated trauma-informed care into…

If you’re questioning whether you or someone you care about might be a high functioning alcoholic, High Watch’s admissions team can help you sort through it — you’re not alone. This form of alcohol use disorder is more common than many realize, affecting people who appear successful on the outside while struggling with alcohol dependence…

Deciding which level of addiction treatment is right for you can feel overwhelming. Two of the most common options—partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and residential treatment—offer comprehensive care but differ significantly in structure, intensity, and living arrangements. Understanding the key differences between PHP vs residential treatment can help you make an informed decision that supports your…

While 2020 was a difficult year for almost all of us, it was also the year I received the greatest gift of my sobriety, my son Aidan. I had always wanted to start a family but had given up hope of ever doing so while I was in active addiction. Aidan truly is the light…

Stress is ranked by most studies as among the most frequent causes of relapse. Many people in recovery turn back to their substance of choice when they are feeling overwhelmed with sudden, stressful events. Today’s outbreak of COVID-19 is similar to the days and weeks following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and we have much to…