Understanding Addiction Treatment in Colorado
If you or someone you care about in Colorado needs help with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Whether you live in Colorado or Canada—-overcoming addiction is tough. You want all the help you can get. Remember, there is no such thing as “too much help” for a problem. So take advantage of all the help you can get in overcoming a substance use disorder.
The best place to begin is with professional help at a drug and alcohol treatment center in Colorado.
Addiction Treatment Options at Colorado Rehab Centers
Drug and alcohol treatment in Colorado and the rest of the U.S. is organized under a system or care levels called the ASAM Criteria. They range from the most intensive inpatient care at the detox level to weekly outpatient sessions.
Don’t worry if that sounds complicated. You don’t need to memorize it all, but it’s helpful to know.
The Basic Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment
Level 4: Medically Managed Inpatient (Medical Detox)
This level of care is usually called detox or medical detox. Patients sleep overnight in a medical facility/drug detox with 24 hour supervision. The detox phase may last anywhere from 4-14 days or longer depending on what substances a person is addicted to, how long they’ve been using them, their age and general physical health. Facilities that don’t offer a medical detox on-site, like ours, will make detox placement arrangements with a partner facility.
During Medically Managed Inpatient (Medical Detox)
- You are closely monitored and any withdrawal symptoms are managed.
- You may be on a detox protocol with medicines to help you stay safe and comfortable.
- Participation in groups or therapy will be limited.
Level 3: Residential Treatment
Residential drug and alcohol treatment is the phase most people think of as “rehab”. This level of care is less intensive than inpatient detox because patients no longer require around the clock observation by a nurse.
During residential treatment:
- You attend full-day treatment (6 hrs) at least 5 days a week.
- You have 24-hour staff on-site.
- You sleep overnight at the medical facility.
Level 2.5: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
To keep it simple, PHP treatment is similar, but not the same as residential treatment in Colorado in that you spend a full day in alcohol and drug treatment (6 hours a day, 5 days a week). PHP treatment is also sometimes called ‘day treatment’ because you do not sleep in a medical facility overnight. Most people in PHP treatment in Colorado stay in sober living residences.
During PHP treatment:
- You attend full-day treatment for 6 hours/day, 5 days a week.
- You have clinical supervision during your treatment day.
- You sleep at a sober living home (or at your own house, in some cases)
Level 2.1: Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
IOP treatment is an important bridge connecting the drug and alcohol treatment experience to everyday life. The IOP level of treatment is a step down from PHP in intensity. People in a Colorado IOP generally attend treatment 3 times a week for 3 hours each time (9 hours a week total). Some Colorado rehabs offer evening IOP care, which can be a good option for people who need to return to work or school.
During IOP treatment:
- You attend half-day treatment for 3 hours/day, 3 days a week.
- You have access to most of the same services you did in PHP.
- You sleep at a sober living home (or at your own house, in some cases)
Recover Colorado: Addiction Recovery Begins With Action!
We hope our guide to the levels of care was helpful. It’s not necessary to be an expert on this stuff—-that’s what we’re here for. But, we believe in educating people about addiction treatment in Colorado so they can make informed decisions.
Remember that the best of intentions simply isn’t enough. It takes ACTION for you or your loved one to overcome their addiction. Recovery Colorado is here to help.
Conveniently located in the Denver Metro Area, we are one of Colorado’s most trusted drug and alcohol rehabs. We accept most major health insurance plans, including Colorado Medicaid.
There’s no time like the present to start moving in the right direction.
Don’t wait. Call now: (888) 695-5407