Colorado Drug Rehab

Over the past decade, rehab facilities in Colorado have expanded treatment options to offset the rise of prescription drug, heroin, and marijuana use. Colorado continues to face an increasing substance abuse issue throughout the state. Treatment centers and local organizations strive to make Colorado a safer place through legislation and treatment opportunities.

Prescription drug use has been a significant issue for Colorado. Between 2000 and 2011, the state saw four times more deaths related to prescription drug abuse. According to a major study, Colorado ranks as the second-worst state in the U.S. in terms of prescription drug abuse.  

Reports show the most abused substances in Colorado are:

• Alcohol 
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Heroin and prescription opioids
• Cocaine

Colorado Drug Laws

Drug abuse penalties in Colorado come with a minimum and maximum sentence. The Colorado court system usually decides the sentencing. As with most states, Colorado punishes drug-related crimes by three guidelines:

• Possession: Having the substance in your possession or on your property.
• Distribution: Selling or aiding in the transportation process of the drug
• Manufacture: Growing or producing illicit drugs

Each state classifies substances into schedules. The five classifications are based on the substance’s potential for addiction and dependency. Schedules I and II consist of substances with the highest potential of abuse with basically no medical use. Schedules III, IV, and V are substances associated with low-risk dependency and have been approved for medical use.

• Schedule I: LSD, heroin
• Schedule II: Methamphetamine, codeine, opium
• Schedule III: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, hydrocodone
• Schedule IV: Lorazepam
• Schedule V: Buprenorphine

Marijuana Laws in Colorado

Coloradans aged 21 years and over can possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana. Though marijuana is recreationally legal, there are still regulations for marijuana, including outlawing:

• Distributing marijuana
• Smoking marijuana
• Growing or smoking marijuana while under 21 years of age

Substance Abuse Interventions

Addiction is complex and can affect many aspects of an individual’s life. Most effects start on a personal level, but the consequences associated with addiction may interfere with loved ones, too. Family members of someone struggling with addiction may notice the issue arising before the struggling individual themself. Therefore, interventions are a very popular and effective way to help a loved one realize the reality of their choices. 

The first course of action when dealing with someone with an addiction is often an intervention. It is vital to understand each aspect of an intervention. There is a lot on the line when trying to convince someone they may have an addiction problem. Interventions should show the struggling person that their lifestyle and behavior negatively affect them and their loved ones. Many people who have developed a strong addiction have an altered sense of reality. Helping them become self-aware is a small but essential step in an intervention. 

Most interventions include a professional, but it is not always necessary. Including a professional is always recommended and increases the chances of a positive outcome. Interventions should consist of close family and friends, and sometimes even coworkers. A professional will help in the planning process as well as the therapeutic aspects of an intervention. The ultimate goal is to encourage the individual and have them make an independent choice to join a drug rehab in Colorado or in a location that best fits their needs. 

How to Stage an Intervention

Interventions bring up emotions and challenges that most people are not used to dealing with. Learning how an intervention is structured can be a great help when planning to stage one. The basic steps involved in staging an intervention may include:

1. Develop a plan.

Utilize information from local treatment centers in Colorado. Through the internet, most people have access to unlimited information. Develop a detailed plan involving a social worker or professional interventionist.

2. Research.

Understand each aspect of the recovery process. If you understand what you are asking of your loved one, you may communicate better with them. Many rehab centers in Colorado use various forms and techniques. Research what treatments will best fit your loved one’s circumstance. 

3. Create a team.

Interventions generally involve a small group of people that are close to the struggling individual. The team may include immediate family members and close friends, but it should consist of people that care deeply about their loved one. Do not include any person struggling with addiction, themself.

4. Set boundaries and consequences.

During the intervention, plan a segment to discuss implications and boundaries moving forward. Let them know the consequences of not seeking help. For example, in some scenarios, parents may tell their child they must move out if choosing not to seek help. Boundaries and consequences should be out of love and support. The struggling individual mustn’t feel personally attacked.

5. Plan what each participant will say.

Tension can get high during an intervention. Having a detailed plan of what each person will cover will help in keeping the intervention on track. Acting and speaking out of emotion can threaten the success of an intervention. Keep any outcome in mind while planning the intervention. 

6. Follow up.

If the intervention goes well, make sure to follow up with the struggling individual. It is possible and easy for people to slip back into addiction after trying to quit. Joining an inpatient drug rehab in Colorado as soon as possible helps set a healthy foundation for recovery.   

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a brain disease that affects many households across the country. Severe addiction has short-term and long-term consequences. Long-term substance use can physically and mentally alter an individual — many people who struggle with addiction display cognitive and behavioral changes. 

Dealing with a loved one who is struggling with addiction is exceptionally challenging. Understanding codependency and how addiction functions are essential when dealing with a loved one with addiction issues. Addiction may express itself in ways including:

• Impaired judgment
• Aggressive behavior
• Health effects, such as lung disease, loss of appetite, and nausea
• A decline in work or school performance
• Higher risk of illness due to a weakened immune system
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Memory issues and decreased cognitive ability 
• Increased chance of stroke or seizure 

Substance Abuse Treatment in Colorado

Treatment centers typically offer a variety of programs designed to help people in different situations. Similar to most states, rehab facilities in Colorado provide several levels of care. Some drug rehab centers in Colorado even offer specialized treatment for the state’s growing number of marijuana addictions. 

When considering treatment, look into out-of-state and in-state facilities. Both have positives and negatives depending on each person’s circumstance. Many people choose to go out of state to avoid toxic relationships, while someone with a supportive family may be more apt to choose an in-state program. Before deciding on treatment, consider the pros and cons of both in-state and out-of-state.

Detox

The withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening. Enrolling in a proper detox program ensures the detoxification process will be as safe and comfortable as possible.

At Addiction Intervention, we can help you or your loved one find a detox program guided by medical and clinical professionals. Following a successful detox, most treatment facilities will work with you to create a treatment plan catered to your needs.

Inpatient Rehab in Colorado

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, is an intensive level of care. Residential treatment typically requires clients to live at the facility while abiding by rules and standards. The inpatient setting works well for individuals with mild to severe addictions. Clients are under around-the-clock supervision and have access to clinical and medical support. 

Many people suffering from addiction find the activities and therapeutic options within inpatient treatment are vital for recovery. Expect to participate in several activities and therapies while in an inpatient program. These programs typically last from two to four months.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment works well for people who need to continue at-home responsibilities while dealing with treatment. This treatment setting does not work well for everyone, as support and surveillance are not 24/7. Some Colorado drug rehabs offer outpatient treatment as a continued level of care following the completion of inpatient treatment. It is not always required, though, and is beneficial for people with less severe addiction issues. 

Outpatient treatment usually involves therapy and treatment during the day while allowing clients to return home at night. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs are a level of care that falls in between residential and outpatient treatment. PHPs offer more support than standard outpatient programs but are less intensive than residential care. Many rehab centers in Colorado offer a PHP, but Addiction Intervention can help you find the level of care you or your loved one needs. 

Online Addiction Treatment

With technological advances, people can seek treatment from their homes. Online addiction treatment, also known as telemedicine or telehealth, can range from intensive one-on-one treatment to support groups. Online addiction treatment gives people access to licensed and experienced therapists all across the country. Telemedicine is an excellent resource for people who do not want to participate in in-patient treatment or do not want to travel. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT programs are a valuable resource for people with specific substance abuse issues. For example, MAT programs may offer particular medication for people with heroin addiction to curb drug cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol treatment centers in Colorado provide similar medications that make withdrawing from alcohol easier and safer. 

Therapy Treatment Centers in Colorado

Therapy programs are at the heart of substance abuse treatment. Many individuals use substances to cope with other mental health disorders or trauma. Getting to the root of trauma often helps people understand their addiction. This understanding can play a role in their recovery. Physical care is vital in treatment, but mental care is equally necessary. Finding the right therapy program is essential, and luckily treatment centers offer various options in terms of therapy programs. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a common form of treatment at any Colorado drug rehab. During an individual therapy session, a client and therapist work one-on-one to work through emotions, trauma, and challenges leading to addiction. These sessions help people understand how addiction developed in their life. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychotherapy used by many substance abuse therapists. CBT is a valuable tool that helps suffering individuals deal with their unhealthy thought patterns. CBT practitioners use specific methods to help their client understand their unhealthy behavior and harmful cognitive habits and distortions. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is used in a similar way to CBT, but for different reasons. DBT helps people develop healthy life skills through its core principles:

• Tolerance
• Interpersonal skills
• Emotional regulation
• Mindfulness

Skills learned in DBT help people learn acceptance and healthy coping mechanisms. Therapists that use parts of DBT guide their patients to understand emotions associated with addiction and other mental health issues. 

Group Therapy

Whether you are in an outpatient or residential program, you should expect to participate in some form of group therapy. Group therapy typically involves an experienced therapist and a group of two or more individuals. Group therapy is an excellent place for people to develop their interpersonal skills and coping methods in a real-world group setting. 

Family Therapy

Addiction is a family disease. Family therapy helps families of individuals struggling with addiction rebuild bonds and relationships. Family therapy allows each family member to work through their challenges during their loved one’s period of substance abuse. Families build boundaries and work through other healthy subjects during each session. 

What are Co-Occurring Disorders?

People suffering from co-occurring disorders make up almost half of individuals in treatment centers. Also known as dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders refer to patients suffering from addiction and another mental health disorder concurrently. Although it is somewhat common, dual diagnosis treatment is specialized and drastically crucial for clients with co-occurring conditions. 

Paying for Drug Rehab in Colorado

Colorado does not provide financial assistance for addiction treatment. Many rehab facilities in Colorado do accept several forms of health insurance. Health insurance can drastically reduce the cost of treatment. Some treatment centers offer lower-cost options for people living in low-income areas. Addiction can seriously impact your or your loved one’s life trajectory, and treatment cost should not be a barrier to receiving treatment. 

resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – AA offers open and closed meetings based on the 12-step process. A significant goal of AA is to help people maintain and sustain long-term sobriety.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Similar to AA meetings, NA meetings are open to the public but offer closed session meetings. 
• SMART Recovery – SMART Recovery is a non-faith-based program that utilizes aspects of the 12-step program.
• Celebrate Recovery – Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based program that utilizes aspects of the 12-step program. 
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – FMLA allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for medical reasons and treatment. 

Find Help With Addiction Intervention

Addiction Intervention can help you or your loved one find the right treatment center in Colorado or any other state. We understand addiction and the impacts it can have on you and your family. We believe everyone has the right to treatment, and we strive to guide people to the best treatment possible. Please contact us at if you or a loved one is suffering from addiction.