It can be challenging to know which drug and alcohol rehab center will be the best fit for you or your loved one. Fortunately, Denver has a diverse selection of treatment centers that provide innovative care for people from all walks of life.
Denver Drug And Alcohol Rehab, Detox, And Treatment Centers
Colorado’s capital sits exactly one mile above sea level, earning Denver the nickname of the Mile High City. This thriving downtown is known for being focused on wellness, and its addiction statistics are often lower than the national average.
However, Denver is also home to thousands of people who struggle with addiction, especially alcohol and opioids. In 2017, 578 people lost their lives as a result of opioid overdose. Addicted individuals who struggle with heroin, should also consider going to long term rehabilitation.
Colorado has also made headlines regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana. While marijuana is legal in Denver, substance abuse is still an issue in this city. Fortunately, Denver offers multiple approaches for addiction treatment and recovery.
Denver Inpatient Treatment Programs
One of the most common ways to receive addiction treatment is through an inpatient (residential) treatment program. In this setting, patients temporarily reside at the rehab center. Many inpatient rehab programs offer on-site medical detox, followed by a regimen of traditional and alternative therapies.
Quality inpatient treatment programs will typically offer a range of therapies. These may include treatment services such as:
- cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- EMDR and trauma grounding
- mindfulness practices
- individual, group, and family counseling
Inpatient treatment may be offered in 30-, 60-, or 90-day programs. Researchers have found that treatment lasting at least 90 days is associated with more positive recovery outcomes. This can be achieved in an inpatient rehab program, or inpatient treatment followed by outpatient therapy.
It can be tempting to select the shortest treatment program available. However, the results of a longer treatment stay can be rewarding. Inpatient treatment allows patients to be fully focused on their physical and mental well-being, which sets the stage for a strong recovery.
Denver Outpatient Treatment Programs
IOPs are often chosen by those who need flexibility as well as accountability. This may include people with complex professional schedules or family commitments. IOPs can also be a good fit for those who have already completed an inpatient rehab program, and patients with a low chance of relapse.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) can be just as effective as inpatient treatment. However, IOP environments are not as stabilizing as residential programs. People with a high chance of relapse may want to consider the more immersive treatment experience available in inpatient programs.
Outpatient treatment programs can be structured several ways. Intensive outpatient programs usually meet three to five days per week, for several hours per session. During this time, patients engage in individual and group therapies, as well as addiction education and 12-step support meetings.
Denver Partial Hospitalization Programs
Denver also offers partial hospitalization programs (PHP), for those who have ongoing recovery needs. PHPs are considered a “step down” treatment service, often suggested by therapists after completing an inpatient or outpatient program. These programs offer continued care and ongoing support to those who are re-entering the workplace or family system.
If you’re struggling with severe substance abuse issues or need a medically supervised detox, PHP may not be the best option. Consider a structured inpatient stay for your initial treatment, in order to set yourself up for the best possible outcome.
Drug And Alcohol Detox Programs In Denver
The first step people make in the recovery journey is detoxification. In addition to the mental impact of addiction, substance abuse can lead a person to become physically dependent on the drug. This means that their body now requires the substance in order to function properly.
Detoxification, or “detox,” is the body’s natural way of clearing the drug from its system. Detox is often accompanied by mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, which can include sweating, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety.
Depending on the drugs a person was using, withdrawal can be painful — and sometimes life-threatening. Opioid withdrawal is uncomfortable, but not usually dangerous. However, alcohol and benzodiazepine detox can lead to symptoms like hallucinations and seizures, which can be fatal.
The safest way to detox from a substance is through a medical detox program. In medically supervised detox, patients are provided with emotional support and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Depending on the drug a person is detoxing from, MAT soothes withdrawal symptoms and reduces drug cravings. This can be a key element in preventing relapse (a return to the drug).
It’s important to remember that although withdrawal can be difficult, this is a temporary and normal phase of recovery. Allowing your body to detox itself is an important step in setting yourself up for a new life in sobriety.
Substance Abuse And Addiction In Denver
Although opioid overdose rates continue to climb, most people in Colorado seek treatment for alcohol and marijuana. Nearly 60 percent of people who seek treatment are addicted to alcohol, and 14 percent need help with marijuana. While these drugs are legal in Denver, substance abuse is still an issue.
Denver’s array of treatment options highlights the city’s desire to reverse the impacts of addiction. However, only about 15 percent of people who need substance abuse treatment are getting the help they need. For some people, this is due to the misconceptions they have about finding personalized treatment that will work for them.
Specialized Treatment Tracks In Denver
Denver is a city that values diversity. This mountainside city has residents from all over the world, and boasts a vibrant LGBTQ community. To reflect its diverse population, Denver rehab centers offer specialized treatment tracks that cater to the unique needs of each patient.
Personalized addiction treatment tracks may include:
- LGBTQ-centered programs
- gender-specific treatment
- wilderness and nature-based therapies
- faith-based treatment
- dual diagnosis treatment
Nearly 8 million people in the U.S. suffer from a co-occurring disorder. These occur when a person has a mental health condition in addition to a substance use disorder (such as depression and opioid addiction). Many of Denver’s treatment centers offer dual diagnosis treatment, in order to serve those who suffer from co-occurring disorders.
Community Recovery Support In Denver
Recovering from alcohol and drug addiction is a lifelong process. Many people find ongoing hope and encouragement in the form of community recovery meetings. Fortunately, Denver is home to a large recovery community, that includes many 12-step meetings and sober support groups.
Throughout the Denver area, there are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, and SMART Recovery groups every day of the week. Families who are suffering from the emotional burden of addiction can also find support in local Al-Anon and Nar Anon meetings.
Finding The Right Denver Rehab Program For You
If you are concerned about the cost of treatment, there are financial assistance options available. Public insurance like Medicaid is accepted at some drug rehab centers, and most people are at least partially covered by government- or state-funded insurance vouchers.
Some Denver rehab programs may also accept payment plans. This ensures those who are suffering are able to enter treatment as soon as they express a willingness to change.
With so many options for substance abuse treatment, choosing the right facility can feel intimidating. Allow us to help guide you in this process. To learn more about Denver drug and alcohol rehab programs, contact a treatment specialist today.