How to Research and Find the Most Effective Drug Rehab Programs near Denver

Tip #1 – Do They Offer the Services That You Need?

This is the most important consideration, because not all drug and alcohol rehab programs in Denver are created equal. Addiction is a disease that is highly specific to the individual, and so must the treatment must be individualized, also. The greater the level of integrated care, the better your chances of success.

• Initial assessment
• Detoxification
• Specific programs for your level of addiction – Outpatient options, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization,Medically-Supervised Inpatient Rehab, Sober Living Homes, Long-Term Aftercare, etc.
• Does the facility specialize in the treatment of addiction to your drug of choice?
• Do they make any accommodations for you as a unique individual by offering service options for your demographic?
  • Gender-specific
  • LBGTQ+
  • Medical Professionals
  • Legal Professionals
  • Age-Specific

• Does the program offer Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT)?
• What is their treatment philosophy – is the program based on the 12-Steps, Evidence-Based protocols, or holistic practices? FYI – the BEST programs will be evidence-based, but will incorporate elements of both the 12 Steps and holistic therapies – yoga, massage, mindfulness, etc.
• Can they diagnose or treat a comorbid disorder such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD?
• Can they accommodate you with any special medical or dietary needs?
• Does the program also offer services to your family?
• What sort of aftercare does the program provide?

Tip #2 – Check Their Accreditation and Memberships

Any Denver drug rehab program that you consider should be accredited by the state of Colorado, and along to other national organizations. Usually, you can find evidence of a particular program’s accreditation on their website. Look for:

• The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) –Helps develop industry standards for effective treatment.
• National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) – Provides leadership, training, and support to rehab facilities toensure that they offer the highest-quality treatment services.
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) – A national membership organization that works to keep American communities drug-free.

This research is extended to the employees of the particular program you’re considering. In Colorado, there are three levels of certification and one level of licensing. It’s important to know the different requirements for certification at each level:

• Colorado Addiction Counselor I (CAC I)– Does not require a degree or examination, but does require 1000 hours of clinically-supervised work experience.
• Colorado Addiction Counselor II (CAC II) –Does not require a degree, but does require passing a National Addiction Counselor exam and 2000 hours of clinically-supervised work experience.
• Colorado Addiction Counselor III (CAC III) –Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a Behavioral Science discipline, passing a NationalAddiction Counselor exam, and 2000 hours of clinically-supervised work experience.
• Licensed Addiction Counselor –All the same requirements of the CAC III, plus a Master’s Degree or PhD and a Behavioral Science discipline.

Tip #3 – What are Some of the “Measurables” of the Program?

Any program should be able to give you an idea of the “success rates” they have achieved, in terms of abstinence at follow-up. Be skeptical of any program that promises to “cure” your addiction.

Inquire about the staff-to-patient ratio. You want to make sure that you are getting as much personal, one-on-one attention as possible. Make sure that you are getting the TRUE ratio of support – you want to know how many certified/licensed addiction professionals or medical personnel there are available, not including administrative or support employees.