Resources & Next Steps
You're Not Alone: Recovery Resources
- Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Whether you're just starting to explore treatment options, currently in treatment, or working to maintain your sobriety, these resources can help.
Crisis Support
- If you're in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Colorado Crisis Services
Call or text: 1-844-493-8255
Free, confidential, immediate support 24/7/365 for mental health or substance use crises. Walk-in crisis centers also available across Colorado.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text: 988
Free, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357
Free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral service for individuals and families facing substance use disorders.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder (addiction) is a medical condition that affects the brain and behavior. It’s characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower—it’s a complex disease that requires treatment, just like diabetes or heart disease.
- Using more of a substance than intended or for longer than planned
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances
- Cravings or strong urges to use
- Substance use interfering with work, school, or family responsibilities
- Continuing use despite relationship problems
- Giving up important activities because of substance use
- Using in physically dangerous situations
- Continuing use despite health problems
- Developing tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- Continuing use despite relationship problems
If several of these feel familiar, professional help can make a difference.
- Yes. Treatment works, and recovery is possible. While there's no "cure," substance use disorder can be successfully managed with the right combination of medical care, counseling, support, and time. Many people go on to live full, healthy, substance-free lives.
Treatment Options After Detox
- Completing withdrawal management is an important first step, but lasting recovery usually requires ongoing support. Here are common next steps:
Residential Treatment
- Residential or inpatient treatment programs provide intensive, 24-hour care in a structured environment. Length varies from 30 days to several months. This option is often recommended if you need additional structure and support after detox.
Outpatient Treatment
- Outpatient programs allow you to live at home while attending regular counseling sessions, group therapy, and other supportive services. Intensity varies from several hours per week to several hours per day (intensive outpatient or IOP).
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- For opioid or alcohol use disorders, medications like methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), or naltrexone can significantly improve recovery outcomes when combined with counseling and support.
Support Groups
- Peer support groups provide connection, accountability, and community. Options include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- SMART Recovery
- Refuge Recovery
- Celebrate Recovery
Individual Therapy
- Working one-on-one with a therapist can help you address underlying issues, develop coping skills, and process trauma that may be connected to substance use.
Colorado Medicaid & Treatment Coverage
How to Apply for Colorado Medicaid
Apply online: [Colorado PEAK website]
Call: 1-800-221-3943
Get help applying: Connect with a certified enrollment specialist at your local county human services office
What Colorado Medicaid Covers for Substance Use Treatment:
- Medically monitored withdrawal management (detox)
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient counseling and therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Mental health services
- Case management
- Peer support services
For Family & Loved Ones
Watching someone you love struggle with addiction is painful. You want to help, but may not know how. Here are some ways to support their recovery:
Learn about substance use disorder as a medical condition, not a moral failing.
Avoid judgment, shame, or ultimatums. Express concern from a place of love.
Offer to help them research options, make calls, or attend appointments.
Supporting someone doesn't mean enabling their use. It's okay to protect your own wellbeing.
Groups like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and family therapy can help you cope.
Recovery isn't linear. Acknowledge efforts and small victories along the way.
Healing takes time. Setbacks are common and don't mean failure.
- Al-Anon: Support for families of people with alcohol use disorder – al-anon.org
- Nar-Anon: Support for families of people with drug addiction – nar-anon.org
- Learn to Cope: Support for families dealing with addiction – learn2cope.org
Life After Addiction: What Recovery Looks Like
- Recovery isn't just about stopping substance use—it's about building a life you don't want to escape from. Here's what people often find in recovery:
- Rebuilt relationships: Trust takes time to repair, but recovery makes that possible
- Improved health: Physical and mental wellbeing often improve dramatically
- Financial stability: Freedom from the cost of substances and consequences
- Rediscovered passions: Interests, hobbies, and goals that addiction pushed aside
- Self-respect: Pride in overcoming challenges and living authentically
- Purpose: Many people find meaning in helping others navigate similar struggles
- Recovery looks different for everyone. There's no single "right way" to do it. What matters is finding what works for you and taking it one day at a time.
Harm Reduction: Meeting You Where You Are
- We believe abstinence offers the best path to recovery, and that's what our program supports. But we also know that recovery isn't always linear, and not everyone is ready for complete abstinence right away. Your safety matters, no matter where you are in your journey.
If You're Not Ready to Stop Completely:
- Harm reduction strategies can help keep you safer while you work toward recovery at your own pace:
Know What You're Using
- Fentanyl test strips can detect fentanyl in drugs (available free through many health departments and harm reduction organizations)
- The potency of street drugs varies wildly - what was safe yesterday might be deadly today
Never Use Alone
- Use with someone present who can call 911 if needed
- Use the Never Use Alone hotline: 1-800-484-3731 (they stay on the line with you)
- Text-based crisis support is also available through Colorado Crisis Services: text "TALK" to 38255
Carry Naloxone (Narcan)
- Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses and saves lives
- Available without prescription at most Colorado pharmacies
- Free naloxone programs exist throughout Colorado - ask your local health department
- If someone overdoses: call 911, give naloxone, provide rescue breathing, stay with them
- Colorado's Good Samaritan Law Colorado law protects people who call 911 during an overdose from arrest for possession or use. Saving a life is more important than any legal consequence.
Reduce Overdose Risk
- Start with a smaller amount than usual, especially if you've been abstinent
- Avoid mixing substances (especially opioids with alcohol or benzodiazepines)
- Use in a safe place where help can reach you
- Keep naloxone nearby
Safer Injection Practices (if injecting)
- Use sterile needles and supplies every time
- Never share needles, cookers, or cotton
- Syringe exchange programs offer free sterile supplies with no judgment
- Rotate injection sites to reduce harm to veins and tissue
Where to Get Harm Reduction Supplies in Colorado:
- Local health departments often provide free naloxone and fentanyl test strips
- Harm reduction organizations throughout the state offer supplies and support
- Many pharmacies provide naloxone without a prescription
We're Here When You're Ready
Using harm reduction strategies doesn’t mean you’ve given up on recovery – it means you’re keeping yourself alive until you’re ready for treatment. We’ll be here whenever that day comes, whether it’s today, next week, or next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Relapse is common and doesn't mean treatment failed or that you failed. It means you need to adjust your recovery plan. Many people need multiple treatment episodes before achieving lasting sobriety. If you relapse, reach out for support immediately—don't wait until things get worse.
If substance use is causing problems in your life—health issues, relationship conflicts, work difficulties, legal troubles, or simply making you unhappy—and you're finding it hard to stop on your own, professional help can make a difference. You don't have to hit "rock bottom" to deserve help.
Fear is normal. You might be afraid of withdrawal symptoms, of life without substances, or of failing. These fears are valid, but they don't have to stop you. Medical detox helps manage physical symptoms safely, and counseling helps you build skills for sober living. Fear is a sign it's time to get support, not a reason to stay stuck.
For most people with substance use disorder, abstinence provides the best chance at lasting recovery. "Controlled use" rarely works once addiction has developed. Recovery means building a fulfilling life without substances—and most people find that the freedom of sobriety far outweighs what they thought they'd be giving up.
Take the Next Step
Whether you're ready to start treatment today or just want to talk about your options, we're here to help.
888-7000-234