Letter from the CEO

What we do know, without question, is that more people than ever are suffering from mental health crises and substance use disorders, and the need for intervention is greater than at any other time in history. Traditional methods, particularly those rooted in outdated medical models, have proven to be largely ineffective as standalone solutions.

For decades, the primary response to both mental health and substance use disorders has been pharmaceutical intervention. Prescribing psychiatric medications and opioid replacement therapies like Suboxone has helped stabilize individuals and reduce immediate harm, but these measures alone have not led to the kind of long-term recovery and life improvement that we need to see. People are still dying. Families are still being torn apart. The crisis is affecting every demographic, from the working class to the affluent, from young adolescents to seasoned professionals.

Despite attempts to control the pharmaceutical pipeline, the flood of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and high-purity cocaine continues to devastate communities. The rise of marijuana-induced psychosis, particularly in young people, is another factor that cannot be ignored. The numbers don’t lie: more people are using, more people are suffering from severe mental health breakdowns, and more people are dying.

One of the most pressing challenges we face is the growing need for early intervention—particularly among adolescents. Youth substance use and mental health struggles have escalated dramatically, and once an adolescent begins down the path of addiction, their development is forever altered. Traditional models of intervention are often inadequate for this population, as they require a level of self-awareness and willingness that many young people have not yet developed. We need solutions that meet people where they are—not where we expect them to be.

The good news is that we do know what works. While there is no single “cure” for addiction or mental illness, we have seen that multi-faceted, community-based approaches yield the best results.

At Connextions Behavioral Health we are leading the charge in implementing low-barrier, community-driven, holistic recovery models that combine:

1. Low-Barrier Housing – Safe, supportive, and structured housing is crucial. We know that people do not recover in isolation, and simply writing a prescription and sending someone on their way is a recipe for failure. By removing housing as a major obstacle, we create an environment where people can rebuild their lives without the immediate threat of homelessness, relapse, or chaos.
2.  Integrated Clinical and Medical Treatment – Effective recovery requires sequential and comprehensive treatment, including medical detox when needed, clinical therapy, and ongoing psychiatric support. These services must work in harmony with the recovery community—not in isolation.
3. Connection to Recovery Communities – Social support is a non-negotiable aspect of long-term recovery. People in crisis need connection, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Structured programs that integrate peer support, 12-step recovery, group therapy, and mentorship create an ecosystem of healing where people lift each other up.
4. Access to All Types of Insurance – Recovery should not be limited by financial status. One of the greatest barriers to treatment today is cost. At Common Recovery Connections, we are working to create a system where we accept all forms of insurance to ensure that anyone in need can access care.

While our primary mission is to change the landscape of recovery in Maine, we recognize that this crisis is nationwide. The low-barrier, holistic model we are implementing should serve as a blueprint for recovery across the country.

To truly make an impact, we need help—from professionals, policymakers, community members, and anyone willing to spread the message that real recovery is possible.

We are not here to simply manage symptoms. We are here to change lives.

We are here to create a path where people do not just survive—but thrive.
If you believe in this vision and want to be a part of the solution, now is the time to get involved. The time for action is now.