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Colorado Rehabs

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If you need addiction treatment in Colorado, this guide will show you what you can expect from drug and alcohol rehab in the Centennial State.

Colorado is highly competitive for rehabs, with over 300 treatment facilities based in the state. You can find inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for the following conditions:

  • Alcohol use disorder (alcoholism)
  • Substance use disorder (drug addiction)
  • Mental health disorders
  • Dual diagnosis (addiction with co-occurring mental health condition)

Discover more about kickstarting your recovery in Colorado.

Background of Colorado

Colorado is a one of the Western United States informally known as the Centennial State. Most of the Southern Rocky Mountains are found in Colorado, part of the Mountain West subregion.

As of 2020, there were over 5.7 million residents of Colorado, an increase of almost 15% since 2010. This makes Colorado the 21st most populous state.

Denver is the capital city of the Centennial State, a state famous for:

  • Wildlife
  • Winter skiing
  • Majestic landscapes

You will also find 304 drug and alcohol rehab centers in Colorado offering inpatient and outpatient treatment for those looking to initiate recovery from addictions and mental health disorders.

Colorado Substance Abuse Statistics

Colorado legalized marijuana for over-21s across the state with the passing of Amendment 64 in 2012, becoming the first U.S. state to pass such a law.

According to Colorado Health Access, 95,000 over-18s resident in Colorado reported an unmet need for substance abuse treatment in 2019.

More people die of drug overdoses in Colorado than in any other U.S. state. Prescription opioid painkillers remain the biggest driver for fatal overdoses in Colorado.

Data from the federal government indicates that Colorado is the only state that has problems with four major intoxicants:

  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • Opioids (prescription painkillers or heroin)
  • Cocaine

Almost one-third of residents of some counties of Colorado do not adhere to moderate drinking guidelines.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis, otherwise known as co-occurring disorder, is a clinical term for the simultaneous presentation of an addiction and a mental health condition.

These addictions are commonly associated with dual diagnosis:

  • Opioids
  • Marijuana
  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Z-drugs such as Ambien
  • Fentanyl
  • Heroin
  • Meth
  • Cocaine

These mental health disorders are commonly associated with dual diagnosis:

  • PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Schizophrenia

According to data from NSDUH 2020 (National Survey on Drug Use and Health):

  • 17 million U.S. adults reported co-occurring disorders involving an addiction and AMI (any mental illness) in 2020, almost double the 9.7 million U.S. adults who reported the same co-occurring disorders in 2019.
  • 5.7 million U.S. adults reported co-occurring disorders involving an addiction and an SMI (serious mental illness) in 2020.

In almost all cases, coordinated and integrated dual diagnosis treatment offers the most efficient approach to recovery.

Colorado Addiction Treatment

If you need treatment for an addiction to alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications, you can access these evidence-based interventions at Colorado rehabs:

  • MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
  • Behavioral Therapies

MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)

MAT can be an effective component of an overarching treatment plan for alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder.

The FDA recommends these medications for treating alcohol use disorders:

  • Acamprosate
  • Naltrexone
  • Disulfiram

The FDA recommends these medications for treating opioid use disorders:

  • Naltrexone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Methadone

These medications can be beneficial during detox for reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. MAT can help achieve the following during ongoing addiction treatment in Colorado:

  • Discourage further substance abuse.
  • Promote sustained recovery.
  • Reduce the likelihood of relapse.

MAT is best when delivered alongside psychotherapy and counseling.

Behavioral Therapies

The most common behavioral therapies used in Colorado rehabs are:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

 CBT is a form of psychotherapy or talk therapy that is proven effective for the treatment of:

  • Alcoholism
  • Drug addiction
  • Mental health disorders
  • Dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders)

Working closely with your therapist, you will identify the people, places, and things that trigger you to use addictive substances. The therapist will then help you to develop superior coping mechanisms you can use when faced by stressors in your recovery.

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

DBT is a subtype of CBT that was developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder. Dialectical behavior therapy is now more widely used to treat:

  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Substance use disorder
  • Mental health conditions
  • Co-occurring disorders

During DBT sessions, you will discover how to become more tolerant and more accepting of emotional distress. You will also learn how to implement relaxation techniques in your recovery from addiction in Colorado.

Addiction Treatment Continuum of Care

According to ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine), there are five separate levels of addiction treatment.

  1. Early intervention.
  2. Outpatient programs.
  3. IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) or PHPs (partial hospitalization programs).
  4. Inpatient programs (residential rehab).
  5. Intensive inpatient programs.

Most of the best Colorado rehab centers provide the following residential rehab programs:

  • 30-day inpatient program in Colorado
  • 60-day inpatient program in Colorado
  • 90-day inpatient program in Colorado

Inpatient Colorado addiction treatment is often recommended for:

  • Moderate or severe addictions.
  • Co-occurring disorders.
  • For anyone with unsupportive home environments.

During residential addiction treatment in Colorado, you will remain at the treatment facility for 30 to 90 days or more.

Outpatient rehab in Colorado connects you with similar services and the same evidence-based treatments. The core difference between these delivery methods is that you return home between therapy sessions.

Most reputable Colorado rehabs offer outpatient programs at the following levels of intensity:

  • OPs (outpatient programs)
  • Virtual IOPs (remote rehab)
  • IOPs (intensive outpatient programs)

Outpatient Colorado addiction treatment is often recommended for:

  • Mild addictions.
  • Stepping down from an inpatient program.
  • Those seeking the most cost-effective and flexible addiction treatment in Colorado.

Activities at Colorado Rehabs

All Colorado drug and alcohol rehabs will provide access to the following behavioral interventions and pharmacological treatments:

  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Motivational therapies
  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy

Additionally, most treatment centers also supplement these treatments with a variety of activities and holistic therapies, such as:

  • EMDR therapy
  • Exercise programs
  • Experiential adventure therapy
  • Animal-assisted therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Yoga
  • Climbing
  • Tai chi
  • Music therapy
  • Massage
  • Meditation
  • Nutritional therapy
  • Mindfulness

Drug Rehab FAQ

Does Colorado accept Medicaid?

Yes, Health First Colorado offers healthcare for residents who qualify, including pregnant women, children, parents or caretakers, those with learning disabilities or physical disabilities, and adults with low incomes. 177 rehabs in Colorado accept Medicaid for addiction treatment.

Are there outpatient treatment programs in Colorado?

Yes. Of the 304 rehabs in Colorado, 284 treatment centers offer outpatient programs.

Which areas have the greatest concentration of drug and alcohol rehabs in Colorado?

You can find rehabs located throughout the Centennial State, with a high concentration in the following cities:

  • Denver
  • Colorado Springs
  • Aurora
  • Pueblo
  • Littleton
  • Englewood
  • Longmont
  • Grand Junction

What can you do in Colorado?

Colorado is packed with year-round activities, from national parks and family attractions to outdoor adventures, cosmopolitan cities, and welcoming towns. Capital city Denver is known as The Mile High City due to its elevation of precisely one mile above sea level. This equates to 5,280 feet. Explore the world-famous Rocky Mountain National Park or head to the Garden of the Gods to check out some impressive rock formations and to walk some stunning trails. You will also find many drug and alcohol rehabs in Colorado.