According to the Colorado Health Institute, 11.9% of Colorado adults suffer from substance use disorder. That percentage was higher than the national average, which was 7.7%. Researchers concluded that connecting people to research was the key to improving those rates. Their report showed that more than 95,000 Colorado residents with SUDs did not receive treatment. Inadequate insurance coverage, stigma, and other factors were some common barriers.
The researchers found that men and younger adults were less likely than other groups to receive treatment. According to the report, about 75% of Colorado residents with untreated SUDs were men. A Colorado treatment center for addiction can connect people who have SUDs to treatment resources. It is important to understand SUDs and Colorado addiction recovery services. Without treatment, it is nearly impossible to break the cycle of substance addiction.
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a type of mental health disorder that is treatable. It affects a person’s brain and behavior. SUD is a chronic problem and is different from occasional binges. Although a person can occasionally misuse substances without developing a disorder, even a few episodes can lead to a problematic habit.
Misusing substances can alter the brain’s chemistry and reward perceptions. Since the brain becomes overstimulated, it causes uncontrollable cravings for the substance. Many people develop a tolerance to a substance and require more of it to yield the same effects. As a result, they use the substance so much that they become dependent on it. They may also experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms without the substance.
People with SUDs may misuse prescription medications, illegal drugs, or alcohol. Without professional help, individuals with SUDs can become addicted. A person is addicted when it becomes impossible to stop using the substance despite knowing the consequences. Both addiction and SUD involve the development of physical and psychological dependence.
In many cases, SUD sufferers have one or more co-occurring mental health issues. For example, they may also suffer from depression, PTSD, or anxiety. There are treatment options available that address multiple mental health needs simultaneously. Comprehensive care is important to help reduce relapse risks.
What Is an Addiction Recovery Program?
A recovery program is a nonclinical, evidence-based service for people who struggle with addiction. Its purpose is to help individuals and families discover ways to sustain recovery. Programs are important for reducing the risks of financial problems, criminal behavior, and other problems. Also, they may help participants learn effective coping strategies and healthy habits.
Colorado treatment centers for addiction may offer outpatient or residential services. Different facilities have their own supportive therapies as well. For example, many facilities utilize exercise programs or adventure therapy to teach people healthier self-care solutions. At Spero Recovery we have our own addiction recovery model which includes residential care, immersion into 12 step programming, and therapy.
The community vibe we foster at Spero Recovery enables our clients to feel comfortable and teaches them interpersonal skills. We want to create a safe environment for our clients; our goal is to provide a space where they can become the people they have always wanted to be.
At Spero Recovery, we immerse our clients into a 12 Step community. They find sponsors, meet up with them regularly, and work through the 12 Steps. Members of the community pass down the gift of recovery to our clients, which allows them to begin the process of recovery and eventually pass on the gift to other clients.
We also offer experiential programming – hikes and other outdoor activities. We also have a full woodworking shop. Inviting specialists onto the premises—such as meditation teachers and chefs—is one of our favorite things to do. Our goal is to teach our clients essential life skills and the importance of building relationships.
Which Substance Use Disorders Does Spero Recovery Center Treat?
When substance use negatively impacts daily life, it is time to seek treatment. Many people are reluctant to enter a treatment facility for a variety of reasons. However, the time spent in a treatment program is worth every minute. Spero Recovery Center helps clients learn ways to overcome addiction and live a fuller life.
Since alcohol is a legal substance, drinking is a popular social activity. Alcohol misuse is a common problem, and it is easy to become addicted. People who struggle with alcohol misuse or addiction can find support from peers through our alcohol rehab programs.
Methamphetamine, commonly known as “meth,” is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It comes in various forms, including a crystalline powder and a crystalline form known as “crystal meth.” Methamphetamine use leads to increased energy, heightened alertness, and euphoria, but it also has serious health risks. Prolonged meth use can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences, including dental issues (often referred to as “meth mouth”), skin sores, weight loss, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances. Treating meth addiction often involves comprehensive behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups.
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug derived from the coca plant. It’s known for its quick and intense effects on the central nervous system, resulting in heightened energy, increased alertness, and a euphoric rush. This drug’s addictive nature stems from its ability to rapidly increase dopamine levels in the brain’s reward pathways. Prolonged cocaine use can lead to severe health issues, including cardiovascular problems, respiratory complications, cognitive impairments, and mood disturbances. We can treat cocaine addiction at Spero Recovery center through experiential therapy and counseling.
Opioids are a class of powerful pain-relieving medications, both legal and illegal, that can have a significant impact on the brain’s receptors, leading to pain relief and a sense of euphoria. Many individuals who initially take prescription opioids for pain management due to injuries or surgeries can unintentionally become dependent on them, as these drugs carry a risk of addiction. While medical professionals strive to minimize the prescription of opioids, their availability through illicit channels remains a challenge.
At our facility, we understand the complexities of opioid dependence and abuse. Our approach involves guiding clients towards alternative pain management strategies that don’t involve opioids. Moreover, we’re dedicated to providing tailored addiction treatment solutions for those grappling with illegal opioid use. Through a combination of therapeutic interventions, counseling, and support, we strive to assist individuals in breaking free from opioid addiction and regaining control over their lives.
Heroin is also a dangerous opioid. However, it is an illegal substance and cannot be prescribed like some other synthetic opioids. Since people often inject heroin, they face infection and disease transmission risks. Heroin is just as dangerous as other synthetic opioids and accounts for many deaths. We have special treatment strategies that are designed for the unique needs and struggles of clients who use heroin.
Some people misuse prescription drugs that are not opioids. People may misuse prescription stimulants, sedatives or tranquilizers for enhanced effects. However, misuse can lead to lasting damage. Our prescription drug treatment solutions help clients find healthier ways to cope with their struggles. We can also connect clients to providers who offer clinical care for mental health issues.
In recent years, there has been a growing problem with improperly prescribing benzodiazepines in Colorado. Although they can help people with anxiety disorders, they can also be harmful if people misuse them. Some people may unknowingly misuse them. For example, a doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine for a period that is longer than necessary. If a patient only needs acute care, long-term use can be detrimental. We offer effective treatment solutions and resources for people who use benzodiazepines.
How Does Spero Recovery Center Treat Substance Use Disorder?
Spero Recovery Center offers a variety of beneficial programs. We take a unique approach that focuses on meeting people where they are. Although our residential program is for men, we welcome women and others who struggle with addiction to contact us. Our team can point anyone who needs other addiction treatment or counseling services in the right direction. These are the ways we help clients with SUDs.
Our residential men’s program in Colorado for substance abuse provides inpatient care and a recovery experience. With our gender-specific program, men have access to specialized support. Men and women may react differently to SUDs, and our program is tailored to address those differences. We understand some of the unique and complex challenges that men face as they enter recovery. Our approach includes group participation and actionable solutions for managing daily life. The peer-centered approach helps clients develop meaningful connections and learn how to encourage one another.
In our peer-led groups, clients learn about 12-step programs. These programs stemmed from the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Today, there are also 12-step programs for people who use heroin, marijuana, cocaine, or other specific substances. There are also Narcotics Anonymous groups. Spero Recovery Center teaches clients how 12-step programs work and why they are important.
The 12 steps highlight a recovery path with a series of critical actions. When people complete these steps, they often experience a complete change. The program’s design facilitates positive changes in spiritual, emotional, and mental perceptions. Its purpose is to help promote long-term recovery. Many people attend 12-step meetings for the rest of their lives.
Spero Recovery Center believes that experiential therapy is a valuable part of healing. Our clients enjoy scenic hikes and other outdoor activities. On certain days, clients enjoy guest activity hosts like chefs or meditation teachers. There is also a woodworking shop. We want our clients to develop bonds, discover new hobbies, and learn valuable life skills.
We do not want clients to feel alone or lost after treatment. Our team recognizes that recovery looks different for everyone, and we strive to meet each client’s needs. Spero Recovery Center’s aftercare plan reduces risks of relapse and offers solutions that focus on helping clients maintain sobriety. For some clients, a transitional period in one of our sober living homes may be beneficial. We help clients in sober living homes find resources for any special clinical needs.
Learn More About Colorado Addiction Recovery Services
If you are looking for a Colorado treatment center for addiction, Spero Recovery Center is here to help you through each step. We are located in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado. Our facility focuses on identifying and meeting the needs of clients as they progress through the 12 steps. With our peer-led groups and activities, clients can enjoy discovering new talents and making new friends. Spero Recovery Center also offers exciting opportunities for alumni to come back as peer leaders. Please contact us to learn more about our Colorado addiction recovery services.
Finding the right program for recovering from addiction can be challenging. For more information on what Spero Recovery does and how we can help, give us a call. Your are not alone. We can accomplish so much together!
Matt Louzon has served as our Clinical Director since 2017. He has extensive experience and has been serving clients in the Denver area since 1993. Matt is trained in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and is a Certified Motivational Interviewing Therapist (CMiT).
