Resources for Addiction Recovery in Colorado

If you’re dealing with a substance use disorder in Colorado, you may need help finding resources for addiction recovery. You’re not alone. According to the latest results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 240,000 people in Colorado have illicit drug use disorders. In addition, there has been an 8.7% increase in alcohol-related admissions to Colorado treatment facilities, and alcohol is the substance that is most frequently abused.

In this guide, we’ll explain how you can find resources for substance abuse treatment. We’ll cover the most common types of treatment, and we will provide information on 12-step models and resources for family members of individuals with substance use disorders.

What Are the Signs of Addiction?

Addiction affects the way a person’s brain works, and this leads to noticeable changes in behavior. In addition, people with addiction could develop physical health issues, and it may be difficult for them to maintain their relationships and performance at work or school. These are some of the major signs of addiction:

  • Feeling the need to use alcohol or drugs every day or several times a day
  • Intense alcohol or drug cravings that make it hard to concentrate on anything else
  • Needing to use larger doses of alcohol or drugs to get the same results over time
  • Reducing social activities due to alcohol or drug use
  • Failing to meet deadlines and obligations at work or school
  • Making sure that you always maintain a constant supply of drugs or alcohol
  • Stealing or engaging in risky behaviors to obtain drugs or alcohol
  • Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of drugs or alcohol
  • Making unsuccessful attempts to stop using drugs or alcohol
  • Going through withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using alcohol or drugs
  • Having financial issues caused by spending money on drugs and alcohol
  • Experiencing weight changes, fatigue, and lack of interest in personal hygiene or appearance

What Are the Risks of Developing Substance Use Disorders?

The development of a substance use disorder (SUD) carries a range of risks that can impact various aspects of an individual’s life. Some of these risks include:

  • Genetics: Genetic factors can contribute to a person’s vulnerability to SUD. A family history of substance abuse can increase the likelihood of developing an addiction.
  • Early Exposure: Starting substance use at a young age, when the brain is still developing, can heighten the risk of addiction. The earlier someone begins using substances, the greater the risk of SUD.
  • Mental Health: Individuals with certain mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders, are more susceptible to substance abuse as a way to cope with their symptoms.
  • Peer Pressure: Social influences and peer pressure can play a significant role in initiating substance use and escalating it into an addiction.
  • Environment: Growing up in an environment where substance abuse is prevalent, or experiencing trauma, neglect, or abuse, can contribute to the development of SUD.
  • Physiological Factors: The way a person’s body responds to substances can affect their risk. Some individuals may experience stronger pleasurable effects, making them more likely to continue using.
  • Biological Factors: Variability in brain chemistry and structure can influence susceptibility to addiction. The brain’s reward system may respond more intensely to certain substances.
  • Substance Characteristics: Some substances, such as opioids and stimulants, are particularly prone to causing physical dependence and addiction due to their impact on brain pathways.
  • Chronic Use: Prolonged use of substances can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects. This can increase the risk of developing an addiction.
  • Lack of Coping Skills: Individuals who lack effective coping mechanisms to deal with stress, emotions, or challenges may turn to substances as a way to escape or numb their feelings.
  • Dual Diagnosis: Having both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder can exacerbate the risks and complexities of addiction.

Understanding these risks can aid in prevention efforts and promote early intervention. Recognizing the signs of substance abuse and seeking help when needed is crucial for addressing and managing the risks associated with developing a substance use disorder.

How Can People Find Treatment?

When you’re ready to start your treatment journey, you may want to begin by talking with a physician or a mental health professional. These providers will do tests to help you learn more about your condition. They will recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your needs.

If you do not have a primary care provider, you can go to your local health department for assistance. The health department will have information about local resources for substance abuse treatment, including resources for patients without health insurance. In addition, you might want to reach out to a free support group in your community. You may be able to find support group meetings at local churches, hospitals, and treatment centers.

For online help, you can visit the website of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It includes a national directory of substance abuse treatment facilities.

Our team at Spero Recovery Center has many connections to local resources if our program isn’t right for you. Call us for help to find addiction resources.

addiction discussions
The community vibe we foster at Spero Recovery enables our clients to feel comfortable and teaches them interpersonal skills. We want to create a safe environment for our clients; our goal is to provide a space where they can become the people they have always wanted to be.

sponsor community
At Spero Recovery, we immerse our clients into a 12 Step community. They find sponsors, meet up with them regularly, and work through the 12 Steps. Members of the community pass down the gift of recovery to our clients, which allows them to begin the process of recovery and eventually pass on the gift to other clients.

mountain rehab
We also offer experiential programming – hikes and other outdoor activities. We also have a full woodworking shop. Inviting specialists onto the premises—such as meditation teachers and chefs—is one of our favorite things to do. Our goal is to teach our clients essential life skills and the importance of building relationships.

What Are Common Addiction Treatment Options?

In general, treatment for substance use disorders includes detoxification, medication, and counseling. While outpatient treatment is available, many clients choose to have treatment at residential facilities. After completing the residential phase of treatment, clients may transition to sober living homes for aftercare.

What Happens During Detoxification?

During the detox phase, clients stop taking the substances that they have been using, and they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. In many cases, clients complete detox at a residential facility, and they are monitored by medical staff. If necessary, clinicians will provide medications to ease anxiety and other symptoms of withdrawal. The detox stage often lasts for seven to 10 days.

Which Medications Are Used After Detox?

Clients often need to use maintenance medications after they complete detox. Although these medicines won’t cure substance use disorders, they can reduce cravings and help clients avoid relapses.

Acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram are frequently prescribed for clients with alcohol use disorders. For opioid use disorders, clinicians may prescribe naltrexone, methadone, or buprenorphine.

Which Types of Counseling Are Commonly Used To Treat Substance Use Disorders?

After detox, clients begin their recovery phases by attending regular counseling sessions. At residential treatment facilities, there will be several counseling sessions each day.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are some of the most commonly used counseling methods for the treatment of substance use disorders. These therapies help clients understand the behaviors, experiences, and patterns that have led them to substance use. Therapists teach clients to change the behaviors that are associated with addiction, and clients learn healthy coping mechanisms.

In addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, many counseling options use the 12-step recovery model. Developed in the 1930s, this model was originally designed for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Today, people with alcohol and drug issues use the 12-step approach to achieve sobriety.

The 12 steps include honesty, integrity, acceptance, forgiveness and service. Each client goes through the steps at his or her own pace, and the steps are discussed during group meetings with peers. Clients have sponsors to help them throughout the program.

Are There Resources for Families of Addicts?

Yes, many communities have free support groups for family members of people with substance use disorders. For example, Al-Anon and Alateen support groups are designed for family members of individuals with alcohol use disorders.

Families Anonymous (Fam-Anon) is a support group for family members of people with drug and alcohol use conditions. Nar-Anon is intended for family members of people who are coping with drug use disorders that involve narcotics.

In addition to these options, family therapy is included in many residential and outpatient treatment programs. During family therapy sessions, clients and their families address factors that influence drug and alcohol use. Together, they learn to improve their relationships and the overall functioning of the family unit.

How Could Spero Recovery Help Me?

addiction resources in Colorado

Located in Evergreen, Colorado, Spero Recovery provides residential treatment programs and sober living facilities. At Spero Recovery, treatment involves using the 12-step model, and the programs are led by peers. This creates a community vibe that helps clients feel comfortable, and clients are encouraged to become the best versions of themselves.

Unlike traditional treatment centers, Spero does not have professional therapists at its facility. However, clients who need therapy will be referred to appropriate providers.

Residential treatment at Spero involves a minimum stay of 30 days. If you wish, you can remain in residential treatment for up to 90 days.

What Can I Expect During My Stay at Spero Recovery?

During your time at Spero Recovery, you’ll develop a deep understanding of each of the 12 steps, and you will meet with your sponsor on a regular basis. As you go through the steps, you’ll have opportunities to reflect on your past behaviors, begin the process of repairing your relationships, and take steps toward sobriety. Your sponsor will help you with accountability during this process.

To support your 12-step journey, you can participate in meditation, woodworking, and cooking classes at the treatment center. Spero Recovery has 16 miles of parks and trails to explore, and the tranquil surroundings will help you focus on your recovery.

When you reach the ninth step, you can transition to Spero’s sober living facilities. You will need to attend three recovery meetings each week during your time in sober living, and you must comply with a curfew. In addition, you must agree to have random drug tests. If you are using naltrexone or other prescriptions for medication-assisted treatment, you will need to keep your medications in a locked box at the sober living house.

To find out more about the resources for substance abuse treatment at Spero Recovery, contact us today. We would be honored to help you on your 12-step journey.

Program Admissions

ADMISSIONS INFO

Aftercare

AFTERCARE

Begin With Spero Recovery Center Today

Finding the right program for recovering from addiction can be challenging. For more information on what Spero Recovery does and how we can help, give us a call. Your are not alone. We can accomplish so much together!

CALL (303) 900-3994