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Colorado Springs Gains an Unfortunate Reputation
Colorado Springs has been increasingly associated with substance abuse and addiction trends. Colorado has difficulty facing this societal impact due to the inadequate number of rehab centers being utilized. Unfortunately, this includes the lack of mental health treatment facilities that are available to the population.
As growing numbers of substance abuse threaten Colorado Springs, it’s important to develop effective methods to maintain the city’s overall wellbeing. Drug and alcohol abuse continues to take the lives of its ever-growing population. This only reinforces the demand for Colorado addiction treatment centers located within the community, as well as across the country.
Craving the Beauty of Colorado Springs
Due to its location at the foundation of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is worth making the trip to experience. The entire area is known for its trails and parks that can take your breath away. Tourists come from all over the world to get a glimpse of nature’s beautiful creations. Places like Garden of the Gods, the Broadmoor Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, and Pikes Peak keep outsiders coming back for more.
While Colorado Springs leaves nothing to mystery as far as geographic marvels, local communities are becoming more widely known for substance abuse. There is a crucial need to address the damage that drug and alcohol abuse has done within local communities. To keep the economy of Colorado Springs flourishing and desirable, action must be taken against the growing rates of addiction.
Colorado Springs Overwhelming Population with Addiction
As reports of substance abuse show an unfortunate increase, Colorado Springs community leaders are taking action against the epidemic. The Colorado Substance Abuse Trend and Response Task Force works to collect data to evaluate where treatment is most necessary, and where it is lacking.
Home to over 472,000 residents, almost 3% of the population struggles with addiction. Of those 128,000+ people suffering with drug dependency, to date only 40,000 have been reported to seek drug and alcohol rehab. Additionally, about 10,000 people annually enroll in outpatient rehab treatment centers in Colorado Springs.
These numbers reflect that some Colorado Spring residents are willing to get help for addiction. However, there are still so many more in need of rehabilitation treatment. Ranking within the top 10 in the nation, Colorado Springs has earned its troubling reputation. The city has some of the highest numbers in the U.S. for drug, alcohol and prescription medication abuse, as well as in undiagnosed co-occurring disorders. With both mental illness and substance abuse rates elevated in Colorado Springs, local rehab centers work hard to flatten the curve.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
Alcohol Abuse Impact on Colorado Springs Communities
Colorado is widely known for being the first U.S. state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. However, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in Colorado Springs, due to its availability and legality. While it’s legal to consume alcohol once you’re 21, it is dangerous and can lead to addiction if not handled responsibly.
Alcohol is also one of the most dangerous substances from which to detox once an addiction is present. In order to safely begin rehab, medical detox is best performed under the supervision of trained professionals. Addiction treatment centers in Colorado Springs provide comfort and security during such a vulnerable experience. By administering treatment and support during detox, doctors allow patients privacy before continuing their recovery journeys.
Substances Killing Residents of Colorado Springs at an Alarming Rate
Addiction and abuse of illegally obtained substances is also on the rise in Colorado Springs. Methamphetamine, opioid painkillers, cocaine, and heroin are spreading in the area, contributing to the overall addiction rates. In fact, 40% of addiction treatment patients struggle with dependence one one or more of these drugs in Colorado.
According to the Colorado Health Institute, emergency medical assistance is steadily increasing as a direct result of illegal drug use and overdose. Colorado Springs residents between ages 26 and 34 have the highest reported overdose averages, though the youth is not far behind. More than 959 residents of Colorado lost their battle with addiction in 2017 due to fatal overdose.
To combat the tremendous loss of life associated with substance abuse, Colorado Springs addiction treatment centers strive to be more available to those in need. Offering multiple different treatment options, local rehabilitation centers design individualized programs to encourage a sober and healthy lifestyle for addicts.
Colorado Springs Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders
Untreated mental illnesses can also lead to substance abuse, which can ultimately lead to addiction. When a person is suffering from the disease of addiction along with another mental illness, this is known as co-occurring disorders.
A person battling a mental illness such as anxiety or depression often reports that substance abuse has alleviated their symptoms. Though it’s an unsafe and temporary method, many still choose to self-medicate. When substances are inappropriately or illegally used for relief from a mental illness, addiction usually develops.
Despite available resources, many addicts in Colorado Springs are reluctant to seek help from local rehabilitation centers. Studies show that there is a correlation between addiction and self-medication for an underlying psychological illness. Many times, an untreated psychological disease plays a significant part in this.
The belief that drugs or alcohol can be substituted for proper medication or therapy is a dangerous path to addiction. The temporary relief gained from abusing substances can cause an addict to refuse treatment until addiction has taken complete control. When comorbidity or co-occurring illnesses are uncovered, rehab centers must treat these illnesses together. To avoid relapse or further substance abuse, caring for mental illness is just as important as treatment for addiction.
The Colorado Government’s Response to Addiction Treatment
Colorado’s government also recognizes the importance of addiction and mental health treatment, and it has taken action to improve care options. Lawmakers passed several new bills in 2019 to positively impact the mental and behavioral health of Colorado Springs residents.
These provisions allow government funds to go toward improved addiction treatment and safe housing options. Funds are allocated throughout mental health and addiction programs, providing rehab treatment centers the ability to expand treatment availability. With this money, sober living homes and addiction treatment centers are able to fund areas that previously lacked rehab opportunities.
In addition, parity laws will be carried out to ensure that addiction care and mental health illnesses are included in coverage with health insurance plans. Addiction is treated as an illness under Medicaid, Medicare, and other private insurance providers.
As substance abuse numbers rise, rehab treatment centers must also rise to the occasion. By constantly evolving and updating programs, as well as expanding locations where care is provided, more people have access to care for addiction.
Recognizing Addiction as a Disease
To successfully treat addiction, you must understand that addiction is a disease. In fact, it is a chronic disease. Chronic illnesses can never be fully cured, but with proper ongoing care, attention and therapy, they can be maintained.
When treating any chronic disease, medical professionals and therapists rely on the patients’ ongoing dedication to feeling well and staying healthy. To do that, addicts must make a conscious choice to take their lives back from the disease.
Staying sober after addiction rehab requires constant practice and maintenance. Once in recovery, you must incorporate the coping skills you learned in rehab into your daily life. As time goes by, it can become easier. You’ll form new habits, and the coping skills you’ve learned will become more natural.
However, being sober and in recovery does not mean that you’re rid of the disease of addiction. Triggers can pop up anywhere, and can lead to intense cravings no matter how long you have maintained sobriety. Forgetting that addiction is a chronic disease can only lead to relapse.
When to Get Help for Addiction in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Many addicts often question how severe their addiction has to be before reaching out for addiction treatment. To answer that question, you need to realize that your addiction will never stop trying to grow larger and larger. Before you even realize it, substance abuse will have found its way into every corner of your life. The time to get help is now.
Addiction will only get worse over time, and you won’t see it coming. Everything you do will start to revolve around when and how you will be under the influence next. While substance abuse may have been occasional before, it will soon invade your entire life. By not receiving treatment for your addiction, you’ll allow drugs or alcohol to take absolutely everything away from you. Once it does that, it comes for your life. You must get help before it’s too late.
Balancing Responsibilities and Addiction Treatment
The most common excuses people give for not going to addiction rehab are that “there is no time” or that “there is too much to be responsible for.” While child care and job status are important, you are putting these priorities at risk when you don’t get treatment for addiction.
Colorado Springs, CO addiction treatment centers have programs designed for people who can’t be absent for extended periods of time. Intensive outpatient treatment is designed to allow you to get treatment while remaining in school or at work. You’re still able to receive a high level of care in order to regain control over your addiction without sacrificing your responsibilities.
Staying Focused on the Big Picture
After making the decision to get treatment for addiction in Colorado Springs, it’s important to remember why you started this journey to begin with. Addiction has without a doubt had a negative impact in your life. Whether relationships have been tarnished or finances have suffered, you are already on the right track by seeking help.
When it comes to addiction treatment and rehabilitation, keep in mind that it is a journey toward recovery. Substance abuse has surely found a way into many aspects of your life, and it may take some time to untangle and mend. Triggers can show up anywhere, and cravings can come on when you least expect it.
That’s why it’s important to stay focused on the big picture. Keep a mental note of how your addiction has impacted your family. What about your relationships with friends and peers? Or perhaps the impact of how much money you spent to fund your addiction? In one way or another, you made sacrifices to ensure that your addiction was able to survive and have control.
Now, the same must be done in order to rebuild. Attending classes and therapy is a large part of rehabilitation. There, you will learn coping skills and how to resist triggers that can lead to relapse. Be patient with yourself and your loved ones during this time.
Life After Addiction Treatment in Colorado Springs
Colorado Spring rehab treatment centers work with you to develop a plan of action after rehab. The worry of what happens next and what comes after treatment is a concern for many when beginning their journey. Relapse often happens when we let our guard down. However, treatment center staff will work with you to develop a method on how to react when temptation arises.
Recognizing triggers and vulnerabilities that lead to addiction can now be used as tools against it. Following your aftercare plan will be very helpful while leading a healthy sober life. Addiction is a disease that must be constantly treated. However, after treatment you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to live a meaningful, healthy, and sober life.
Get Addiction Treatment Today
If you or someone you love suffers from substance abuse or addiction, it’s important to get them the help that they need. Colorado Springs addiction treatment centers for drug and alcohol abuse can help you take back your life today. Contact us today to learn more about how rehabilitation can give you back your life. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and sober.
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
