How to Find Detox in Colorado

In a grim sign of the damage that addiction can cause in communities, the state of Colorado saw 1,062 drug overdose deaths in 2019, with preliminary data indicating that 2020 will see even more[1]. Colorado studies have found treatment admissions for substance abuse doubled between 2012-2016 for many drugs.[2]

Substance abuse not only takes a toll on human life, but can destroy careers and pull families apart. American Addiction Centers are ready to help you confront your substance abuse problem. Our facilities provide quality, compassionate, and innovative care to Coloradans with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.[3]

Whether you need treatment or are helping a loved one with an addiction problem, this page helps you learn the differences between types of treatment services, options for payment, and how to find the best program that meets your needs in Colorado.

Types of Rehab in Colorado

If you have a drug or alcohol addiction, you may need different levels of treatment based on the severity and nature of your substance abuse problem. Many programs begin with detox and withdrawal treatment, continue with inpatient care, and often can involve outpatient care as well.

“Detox,” or detoxification treatment, involves the safe clearance of drugs or alcohol from the body and lasts from a few days to several weeks. For people with extensive addictions, the period of withdrawal and detox can lead to painful and even dangerous side effects. Common withdrawal symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and muscle aches. In severe cases, people may experience delirium tremens (DTs), which can last from 2-3 days to a week and sometimes bring on a stroke or heart attack.[4] Consequently, detox and withdrawal treatment emphasizes safe physical stabilization under medical supervision before encouraging patients to advance to a long-term addiction therapy program.

Inpatient and outpatient treatment offer two different approaches to therapy. Inpatient treatment seeks to establish 24-7 medical stabilization and can last between 1 and 3 months. Inpatient settings require the patient to reside on-site and follow the facility’s programming, which may include one-on-one therapy, group sessions, or other therapies.

Outpatient treatment emphasizes continued care, helping people maintain healthier habits and coping mechanisms to return to their normal lives. Rather than staying in a residential setting, the client resumes their routines while attending weekly group and individual therapy sessions. Outpatient treatment can help people who may not be able to temporarily suspend work obligations or family responsibilities.

This table shows how Colorado has more than 400 facilities that offer different types of treatment. Experts find that the longer the patient stays in treatment, the more effective the program will be.

Type of Care, by number and percent
	Facilities
	No.	%
Outpatient	374	92.57%
Regular	368	91.09%
Intensive	178	44.06%
Day Treatment/Partial Hospitalization	28	6.93%
Detoxification	22	5.45%
Methadone/buprenorphine maintenance or naltrexone treatment	76	18.81%
Residential (non-hospital)	54	13.37%
Short Term	27	6.68%
Long Term	40	9.90%
Detoxification	20	4.95%
Hospital Inpatient	10	2.48%
Treatment	10	2.48%
Detoxification	9	2.23%
Total	404	100.00%

Paying for Rehab in Colorado

The National Institute of Health projected that addiction treatment spending in the United States would reach $42 billion in 2020.[5] That is only a fraction of the $740 billion annual toll of U.S. tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse, but it can pay off: Some studies estimate that every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs sees a return of $4-$7 in reduced drug-related crime and criminal justice costs.[6]

In 2013, Colorado expanded Medicaid coverage, giving more residents access to health insurance.[7] Nevertheless, treatment can be expensive, with costs including care from licensed medical professionals, room and board, medications, and staff supervision.

Paying for treatment can be the most pressing concern for people interested in attending rehab or detox. Before you choose a provider to ensure that the facility will suit your treatment needs, determine whether to attend a state-funded facility or a privately owned one. Then decide on the best payment plan for you.

Private & State-Funded Rehab in Colorado

Private addiction treatment facilities are typically supported by patients with personal financial means or employer-based health insurance that can cover its costs. These programs generally have higher quality services, can have a higher ratio of staff to patients, and are less likely to have the potential limitations of government or state-funded programs. They might also offer more types of therapy.

State and government-funded treatment programs may be more accessible to those who do not have private insurance or personal funds for private treatment. These facilities often accept patients on an as-needed basis as they may not have the capacity for new clients at a given time. Consequently, clients with the most severe addictions usually receive treatment first, while others may be placed on a waitlist. The accessibility issue with government programs can make private programs preferable for many patients.

This table breaks down the number of treatment facilities in Colorado by whether they are private non-profit, private for-profit, locally-funded, or federally-funded.

Facility Operation, by number and percent
	Facilities
	No.	%
Private Non-Profit	161	39.85%
Private for Profit	219	54.21%
Local, county, or community government	3	0.74%
State government	13	3.22%
Federal Government	7	1.73%
Tribal Government	1	0.25%
Total	404	100.00%

Does My Insurance Cover Rehab in Colorado?

At American Addiction Centers we know that treatment costs and payment options can play a major factor in your decision to seek help. We consult with insurance companies across the country to help people access affordable treatment and overcome their addictions. We offer you resources to instantly verify your insurance benefits before you call to help you decide in a timely manner. We also operate a confidential helpline and have treatment facilities across the nation to make sure you can find the closest possible option.

Spending on drug treatment through private insurance has stayed mostly stable in recent years. Total alcohol and other drug treatment spending in the country has declined since 1986, when private insurance contributed nearly 30 percent to substance abuse treatment.[8] The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a mandate that insurance plans cover substance use disorder treatment, but not everyone can afford a plan through the ACA Marketplace.[9]

In 2019 the Colorado Health Access Survey found that 6.5 percent of Coloradans had no health insurance. [10]. Seeking treatment without health insurance can seem challenging but should not stop people from attempting to find help.

This table breaks down the typical payment methods used and shows how many facilities in Colorado accept each payment type.

Facility Payment Options, by Number and percent
	No.	%
Cash or self-payment	387	95.79%
Private Health Insurance	207	51.24%
Medicare	107	26.49%
Medicaid	213	52.72%
State-financed Health insurance	107	26.49%
Federal military insurance	126	31.19%
No payment accepted (free treatment for all clients)	5	1.24%
IHS/Tribal/Union (ITU) funds	24	5.94%
Other payments	4	0.99%
Sliding fee scale	278	68.81%
Treatment at no charge or minimal payment for clients who can’t pay	143	35.40%
Total	404	100.00%

The table above shows that 207 of the 404 total treatment facilities in Colorado accept private insurance, while 387 accept cash or self-payment as well. At least 107 of the 404 accept state-financed health insurance and 126 work with federal military insurance plans. Lacking a private insurance plan could limit your options, but don’t let that stop you from seeking the help you need, as some treatment facilities offer assistance programs.

Treatment Center Accreditations in Colorado

After figuring out the level of care you need and the provider that best suits your payment method, you may want to review the treatment facilities’ accreditation under your consideration. Accreditation means that a facility has undergone evaluations that reveal its quality standards in client care, based on such factors as patient satisfaction, long-term effectiveness of treatment, and more.

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, or CARF, provides accreditation to operators around the world at the request of health providers, including 20 in Colorado. In addition to the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), the Joint Commission Accreditation for Addiction Treatment Providers (also known as the Joint Commission) has been providing accreditation to treatment centers in Colorado for decades.[11]

This table identifies the typical accreditations along with the number of facilities who hold each type:

Facility Licensing, Certification, or Accreditation, by number and percent
	No.	%
Any listed agency/organization	389	96.29%
State substance abuse agency	372	92.08%
State mental health department	180	44.55%
State department of health	145	35.89%
Hospital licensing authority	10	2.48%
The Joint Commission	42	10.40%
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)	20	4.95%
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)	4	0.99%
Council on Accreditation (COA)	6	1.49%
Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP)	1	0.25%
Other national organization or federal, state or local agency	6	1.49%
Total	404	100.00%

No matter the type of treatment you need or how you plan to pay for it, many reputable providers with accreditations serve the state of Colorado.

How to Find Rehab in Colorado

A 2013 report from Trust For America’s Health found that only 1 in 10 people with a substance abuse disorder receives treatment in the United States.[12] You can be one of those who takes action against an addiction. When looking for withdrawal treatment in Colorado, consider one of our facilities.

American Addiction Centers provides detox and all forms of treatment across the country while being dedicated to addressing any co-occurring mental disorders that may impact your addiction. We operate a free and confidential helpline, where our team members can help you get the information you need to start you on the road to recovery. We can be reached at . If you need help, don’t delay.

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