Drug and alcohol abuse issues are a growing concern in Colorado, giving new meaning to the nickname “The Mile-High State”. Colorado ranks in the top ten states for lower perception of the dangers of alcohol and marijuana use, and naturally, higher rates of substance abuse come along with those distorted perceptions. This “what’s the harm” attitude and high rates of drug abuse in Colorado show in admission reports for the state’s treatment facilities. Almost seventy-five percent of all people admitted to treatment in Colorado were there because of alcohol- Colorado has nearly twice the national average rate of alcohol abuse.

Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse

State of Colorado Profile of Drug Indicators

June 2008

To combat this ever-growing situation, the state of Colorado has many alcohol and drug treatment centers. As of 2006 (the most recent year for which we have data) there were 443 drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in the state. That means that no matter where in Colorado you live, there is probably a treatment center near you. However, they aren’t all the same. Some aren’t equipped to handle certain addictions, and not all provide the same level of service. For example, it’s easier to find treatment in Colorado for alcoholism than it is to find a center that treats an addiction to opiates like Percocet and Vicodin. As of 2006, only eleven centers in Colorado offered treatment for opiate addiction, with only 18 of those able to prescribe buprenorphine.

Treatments range from outpatient care, to residential treatment, and everything in between. Almost all drug treatment centers in Colorado offer outpatient services, but a thorough medical evaluation is the right way to determine what kind of treatment you need. A doctor will be able to assess the severity of your addiction, and see how much damage has been done. More severe addictions require intensive residential treatment, which allows the patient to gradually adjust to life without drugs- away from all temptation and the stress of day-to-day life.

According to the authorities in Colorado, cocaine is still a big concern. This is especially true in the Denver metropolitan area. Crack cocaine use is decreasing, while the use of powdered cocaine is considered relatively harmless. Also, prescription drug diversion and abuse are a problem in Colorado. The nonmedical use of drugs like Xanax, Ativan, and other benzodiazepines is so widespread because these drugs are easily obtained from friends and family. Parents should take note of the fact that Colorado teens are just as likely as adults to need drug or alcohol treatment.

The best way to eliminate a substance abuse problem is with prompt treatment and continuing support. One of Colorado’s many drug and alcohol treatment programs will be able to help you, no matter how serious your addiction is. If you or someone you love has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, visit your doctor for an evaluation and a recommendation for one of Colorado’s many treatment centers.

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