Top Colorado Addiction Recovery Centers: Reviews and Ratings

Many studies show high rates of illicit drug and alcohol use among Colorado adults and teens, pointing to a possible need for increased treatment and prevention.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2013-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Colorado ranked in the top 10 states for use of marijuana, cocaine, non-medical use of opioids, and alcohol.³

Colorado has 369 outpatient treatment programs, 51 residential programs, and 11 hospital inpatient programs. 96% accept cash or self-payment, 49% accept private health insurance, 24% accept Medicare, and 55% accept Medicaid. Seventy-three percent offer a sliding scale fee.²

• Colorado youth have high rates of substance use. Past-month illicit drug use among adolescents ages 12-17 increased from 13.2% in 2010-2011 to 14.6% in 2013-2014. Past-month binge alcohol use decreased during the same period, but it was still higher than the national average (15.9% vs. 14%).¹
• A recent analysis found that the statewide rate of drug overdose deaths increased 68% between 2002 and 2014. The overdose death rate increased in every county except one, and 12 counties had rates of more than 20 deaths per 100,000 residents, making them some of the highest in the nation.⁴
• Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. A state government report found that marijuana arrests were down 46% between 2012 and 2014. However, driver fatalities with THC-only or THC-in-combination increased 44% from 2013 to 2014. Hospitalizations due to marijuana increased from 803 per 100,000 during 2001-2009 to 2,413 per 100,000 in 2014-June 2015.⁵

The cost of drug rehab in Colorado will be determined by a range of factors including length of stay, amenities offered, staff to patient ratio, location, type of treatment, and any personal requests you may have (e.g. private rooms or childcare).

If you find a program that you like but it is outside your budget, you have a number of options to come up with the funds. For example, you could take out a personal loan, apply for a credit card, or ask friends and family for financial assistance.

No matter how high the cost of treatment seems, the cost of continued drug or alcohol abuse is much higher. Taking the time and energy to invest in your health and wellbeing is important not only for yourself, but to all of those around you.

The goal of treatment is to help you become mentally and physically stronger. People with significantly severe opioid, alcohol, benzodiazepine, and some other forms of sedative dependencies may need to first go through medical detoxification. During detox, you will be monitored closely for signs of seizures, stroke, or other serious withdrawal symptoms. After detox, you will transition a program such as a short or long term residential program, hospital inpatient program, opioid treatment program, or outpatient program.

• Colorado Crisis Services provides confidential support 24/7 for people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and other issues. They also have walk-in locations.
• Colorado Alcoholics Anonymous has links to meetings in different areas of the state.
• Narcotics Anonymous Colorado has links and information on meetings through the state.
• The Denver Resource for Awareness and Prevention (d-RAP) promotes the prevention of teen alcohol and drug abuse in Denver through information and tools.
• The state has launched several initiatives to prevent prescription drug abuse.
  • The Take Meds Seriously campaign raises public awareness about safe use, storage, and disposal of prescription drugs.
  • The Colorado Medication Take-Back Program allows residents to dispose of unused household medications at collection sites.
  • The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention was established to provide a coordinated response to prescription medication abuse in the state.
• The Good to Know marijuana education campaign educates consumers about marijuana laws in the state and the effects of marijuana use on youth.

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Behavioral Health Barometer: Colorado, 2015.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2015). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2015 State Profile – Colorado.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2013-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health National Maps of Prevalence Estimates, by State.
4. Colorado Health Institute. (2016). Colorado County Drug Overdose Death Rate.
5. Colorado Department of Public Safety. (2016). Marijuana Legalization in Colorado: Early Findings.