New London ― In 1966, a group of recovery professionals realized the need for a alcoholism treatment and formed the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

Since then, the organization has worked to treat addiction in the region with programs in Norwich and New London.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday night approved a special permit request that would allow the organization to have a residential treatment facility at 40 Coit St. The property is within 500 feet of SCADD’s two existing treatment facilities.

Across the street at 47 Coit St. is where SCADD has provided care and detox evaluation services for more than four decades. The agency also operates a women’s transitional treatment program at 62-64 Coit St.

Stacey Lawton, the chief executive officer for SCADD, told the commission Thursday she anticipates this will enhance the corner of Coit Street because it essentially creates a “triangle of recovery.”

SCADD serves more than 5,000 individuals annually, said Lawton in the letter to the commission on Nov. 9. She said the organization strives to provide quality substance abuse treatment to individuals who may not be able to afford treatment otherwise.

At the commission meeting, Lawton said the two-story 40 Coit St. home will have a “structured treatment environment for approximately 11 individuals.” The program, much like SCADD’s other treatment programs, will be licensed by the state Department of Public Health and will be staffed 24/7 year-round.

The home for the rehabilitation facility is expected to go through renovations to accommodate the new program.

“We take our responsibility to be a good neighbor very seriously,” she said. “Our programs are structured, there is a treatment component and it is supervised.”

Lawton said residents will have a curfew and must be actively participating in their own recovery in order to remain in the program. She added there will be required random drug screening.

In the Nov. 9 letter to the commission, Lawton said residents must also work toward transitioning into an independent living situation which may include seeking employment or job training and/or continuing their education.

Lawton could not be reached for comment on Friday to discuss when the new facility would open or how it will be funded.

j.vazquez@theday.com