Guide to Addiction Treatment in Colorado

The State of Colorado Substance Abuse Trend and Response Task Force reports that in 2022, 1,799 Coloradans died from a drug overdose, 920 of which involved fentanyl. Unfortunately, many people who need treatment for drug abuse and addiction do not seek out treatment, so this number is likely not a true indicator of how many people are impacted by addiction in Colorado.

In 2019, new legislation increased access to care for Coloradans, positively impacting mental healthcare. Per the provisions, money was allocated for support and housing services, such as sober living homes; opioid addiction treatment will be expanded into rural communities; and parity laws will be implemented. In doing so, they can ensure mental health and addiction treatment are covered the same as other medical treatments under both private insurance and Medicaid. As a result, more people struggling with addiction in Colorado can receive the help they need.

Treatment Providers & Levels of Care in Colorado

The State of Colorado Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) acts as the Single State Authority (SSA) that oversees mental health and addiction treatment services within the state. OBH operates two state-funded mental health hospitals, contracts with community-based behavioral health providers, and regulates and supports the public behavioral health system.

Colorado Crisis Service provides a hotline, text line, online chat, and walk-in options for immediate help and support, as well as referral services at no charge. You can use these confidential services at any time to get information and immediate personal support for addiction in Colorado. The searchable online directory OwnPath can connect you with local substance abuse treatment providers as well.

There are a variety of Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) and Behavioral Health Care Entities that are Colorado Behavioral Health Council (CBHC) member organizations contracted with the state to provide services to residents in Colorado.

Nonprofit organizations in Colorado, also offer community outreach, prevention, and treatment services within local communities.

Types of Recovery Programs for Addiction in Colorado

Public addiction treatment programs in Colorado, typically receive state and federal funds to offer free or low-cost treatment to eligible Colorado residents. There are several barriers to treatment, however, and many involve access to care and gaps in funding.

For example, much of the primary prevention funding for substance abuse, almost 80 percent, according to the Colorado Health Institute (CHI) publishes goes to general strategies for entire communities or schools instead of targeting the populations that need it most. Counties in South Central Colorado — like Custer, Lake, Fremont, and Pueblo — are some of the most at-risk populations and the areas of greatest need in the state, but many of these communities are underserved.

Private addiction treatment providers in Colorado can fill the holes left in the public addiction treatment landscape, and they offer more residents more options. Public programs are often in high demand, and they may have long waiting lists, while private providers can usually offer you a spot immediately. Private programs may cost more, but they often accept health insurance and have payment options available.

Detox In Colorado

Detox programs in Colorado are designed to help individuals with substance abuse issues safely and effectively remove harmful toxins from their bodies. Colorado detox programs require individuals to live at the facility for a certain period while receiving treatment, providing a safe environment for individuals to go through the withdrawal process. This also allows for 24/7 monitoring and support from medical staff. While the initial stages of detox can be physically and emotionally challenging, having trained medical professionals on hand can make all the difference in ensuring a successful detoxification.

Inpatient Rehabs In Colorado

Inpatient rehabs in Colorado provide a range of evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). These approaches have been proven effective in treating addiction and can help individuals address underlying issues that contribute to their substance use.

Inpatient rehabs are best for people who require round-the-clock care and support. This may include individuals who have a severe addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or a history of relapse.

Outpatient Rehabs In Colorado

Outpatient rehabs in Colorado are another option for those seeking addiction treatment. These programs offer similar evidence-based treatments but on a less intensive basis. Offered in a variety of settings, outpatient care provides a flexible and often cost-effective option if you have a supportive home environment and need to continue to attend to daily life while receiving care.

For this reason, outpatient treatment can be beneficial for individuals who have completed an inpatient program and are transitioning back into their daily lives, as well as those with mild to moderate addictions.

Sober Living In Colorado

If your living environment is not ideal for recovery, yet you don’t quite need inpatient treatment, you may want to consider a sober living environment in Colorado. These recovery homes can provide you with recovery support. OBH provides funding for some recovery support services in Centennial, Colorado, to help with long-term recovery maintenance.

Recovery Support Groups in Colorado

Peer-based recovery support groups in Colorado, can enhance recovery and offer ongoing encouragement. Groups such as Colorado Narcotics Anonymous (NA Colorado) and Area 10 Colorado (Colorado AA) offer 12-step peer support programs with many local groups and meetings.

Colorado Wellness Recovery provides a resource guide that is free for you to look at online. You can learn more about treatment and recovery options in the state.

How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Colorado

Comprehensive substance abuse treatment coverage is provided through Health First Colorado, which is the state’s Medicaid provider for low-income and eligible residents. If you qualify for coverage, you will receive services through your regional organization, which is dependent on where you live.

The following services may be covered completely or available for a very low cost, according to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) reports:

Drug screening and monitoring
Case management services
Drop-in centers
Prevention and intervention
Assertive community treatment
Emergency services
Detox
Vocational services
Group and individual therapy
Counseling
Outpatient treatment
Medication management
Residential and inpatient treatment
Recovery services

If you don’t have access to affordable health insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid services, treatment providers in Colorado, may be able to work with you on a sliding scale based on what you can afford to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my options for addiction treatment in Colorado?

There are two main forms of addiction treatment in Colorado: inpatient and outpatient. Within outpatient treatment, there are a few more specific options as well.

Inpatient treatment is a residential situation where you will stay in a facility for the duration of the program, engaging in sessions, workshops, and educational programs throughout a highly structured day. You will follow a detailed schedule and live on site.

Outpatient treatment programs range from scheduled sessions to more structured day programs. With an outpatient program, you will go back to your living situation or return to a sober living home between your appointments or scheduled program hours.

What if I need to keep working, going to school, or taking care of my family while in treatment?

An outpatient program may be ideal for you. These programs are more flexible and have a set schedule that you can work around. An outpatient program is only as good as your support at home, however. If you live in a stressful situation or your home life is unstable, consider moving into a sober living home for the duration of your treatment.

When is it time to consider inpatient treatment in Colorado?

Inpatient treatment programs require a break from your regular life, which is not always possible. They can, however, give you the space, time, and opportunity to really work on healing and focus on your treatment needs.

If your living situation is not great, addiction is impacting your daily life, you also suffer from a medical or mental health disorder, or you struggle with significant drug dependence, then an inpatient treatment program may be the best choice. These programs can be costly, however, and they may require a few months off the grid.

How do I decide on a treatment program or plan?

You can call a treatment provider directly for an assessment to determine what kind and level of care might be appropriate for you. Your medical or mental health provider will be able to weigh in. Your insurance provider can also let you know what your options are for coverage and specific providers that will be covered.

Professionals at addiction treatment facilities can provide you with a detailed evaluation. This will help you and your treatment team to come up with an optimal plan that will be tailored just for you.

Footprints to Recovery in Colorado

Footprints to Recovery has drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers throughout the United States, including in Colorado, just outside of Denver. Taking an approach that centers on individual and evidence-based care as well as a strong sense of community, Footprints to Recovery sees you through the entire process, from enrollment into recovery to ensure the best opportunity for a healthy life.

In Colorado, Footprints to Recovery offers a full continuum of care, including:

Our partial care and daytime intensive outpatient program (IOP) are both offered Monday through Friday, with the partial care program being more structured and about twice as many hours per day.

Our rehab in Colorado, also has an EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy specialist who provides integrated trauma groups on-site. Family sessions can also be integrated into your treatment plan, as can medication-assisted treatment with local OTP (opioid treatment program) provider partnerships.

Footprints to Recovery in Colorado, also offers expressive therapy similar to art therapy and sand tray therapy, using a client-centered approach.

Check Insurance

Text For Help

Get a Callback

Start Your Recovery Journey In Colorado

The State of Colorado publishes that drug overdose deaths in the state are cause for concern, with over 900 fatalities in 2016. Addiction treatment, recovery support, and preventative services can help to decrease overdose deaths and the impact that drug abuse and addiction have on individuals, families, and the entire community. When it comes to addiction treatment in Colorado, you have choices.

Located in Aurora and Centennial, Colorado, Footprints to Recovery can aid your recovery journey through our comprehensive addiction treatment approach. We can guide you through how to verify and use your insurance, which program to enroll in, and how to get started. We also have partnerships with other local providers to provide comprehensive care in Colorado. Call today to get your questions answered.