Colorado Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehab Center

According to the 2013-2014 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Colorado was the only state that ranked in the top 10 for heavy consumption of all of the following: marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, and opioid painkillers.¹

In the 2014-2015 SAMHSA survey, the number of Colorado residents age 12 and older who reported using certain substances in the past year was above—and in some cases well above— the national average: ^2–4

• 09% used marijuana (vs. 13.35% nationally)
• 75% used cocaine (vs. 1.75% nationally)
• 38% used heroin (vs. 0.33% nationally)
• 22% used alcohol (vs. 52.2% nationally)

From 2000 to 2015, there were 10,552 drug overdose deaths in Colorado.⁶ In almost every year the rate of overdose death rose and was much higher than the national rate. In 2000, there were 351 overdose deaths, and the age-adjusted rate was 7.8 deaths per 100,000 population. In 2015, there were 880 deaths, and the rate increased to 15.7. Opioid-related overdose deaths made up a large portion of deaths and went up significantly in the 15-year period.⁶

Recreational marijuana was legalized for sale on Jan. 1, 2014. According to a report from the Colorado Department of Public Health, an estimated 31% of young adults used marijuana at least once in the last 30 days in 2014 compared to 21% in 2006. About 12.6% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 reported using marijuana within the last 30 days in 2014 compared to 10.2% in 2009.⁶ Despite its state-wide legal status, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and researchers have found evidence that problem use can develop into physical dependence.⁷

Finding the right “fit” in terms of treatment will depend on your insurance, medical situation, substance of abuse, addiction history, and support system. The best program for you could be in your hometown, or it could be in another state.

Whether you call Colorado home or have chosen it as your destination for rehab, we can help you take the first step toward healing from addiction. Browse through our directory to see options for inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, and the amenities they offer. Or you can give us a call today at 1-888-744-0069 Who Answers? to speak with a support specialist about any questions you may have.

If you don’t have health insurance or are afraid you can’t cover the cost of rehab, don’t worry. Other options exist.

Get in touch with drug and alcohol rehab centers you’re interested in and ask whether they have sliding scale payment programs that modify the cost based on what you can pay. Many treatment facilities will also work out a payment installment plan with you, so you can avoid paying a lump sum up-front.

You can also research state-funded rehabs or see if you qualify for federal and state healthcare programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. Some recovery centers accept these forms of insurance.

• Colorado AA: Get links and information about Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in major cities so you can connect with sober peers who are also in recovery.
• Colorado Department of Human Services: The state government department is a general resource for substance abuse and mental health information for adults, children, people with disabilities, and older adults.
• NA Colorado: The state chapter provides information about where to find Narcotics Anonymous meetings around the state.
• Rise Above Colorado: This nonprofit organization helps to prevent teen substance abuse through education and raising awareness of the dangers of drugs.
• Colorado Crisis Services: This anonymous network helps Coloradans who are dealing with drug abuse, suicidal thoughts, stress, relationship problems, and other issues.
• Take Meds Seriously: This campaign helps to educate the public about the risks of prescription drug abuse and how to safely use, store, and dispose of medications.
• Colorado Medication Take-Back Program: The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment lists locations where residents can return unused medications to prevent abuse.
• Colorado 2-1-1: Find resources in your community such as health services, mental health and addiction treatment, housing, child care, vocational assistance, and legal help.

1. The Denver Post. (2016). Survey: Colorado stands out for consuming drugs, alcohol.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Survey on Drug Use and Health State Tabs: Colorado.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Behavioral Health Barometer: Colorado, Volume 4.
5. Mohney, G. (2016). Colorado Marijuana Report Reveals Increase in Hospital Visits After Legalization. ABC News.
6. Rosenthal, A., Bol, K., and Gabella, B. (2016). Examining Opioid and Heroin-Related Drug Overdose in Colorado. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Watch, No. 100.
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017). Is Marijuana Addictive?