Substance Abuse/Dependence Resources:

Below are some resources for individuals or concerned family or friends looking for help for substance abuse/dependence. It is the client or family/friend's responsibility to research treatment options and choose the one that appears to be the best match for you/your loved one. It is generally sound practice to call up to 3 different programs to make sure you have explored your options before making a final decision. Also, in most cases a good screening or evaluation can help you determine what types of resources are needed.

Factors to consider in choosing treatment:

1. Type of service- screening/evaluation, inpatient or outpatient (& options in between, ex. IOP or TRT), group and/or individual counseling

2. Type of payment- (full) fee for service, insurance, Medicaid, sliding fee scale

3. Special needs- hearing impaired or language requirements (bilingual counselor), co-occurring mental health and substance abuse, etc.

Residential/Inpatient/IOP Treatment for Adolescents & Adults:

Arapahoe House (for adolescents & adults) 303.657.3700 (numerous locations throughout Denver Metro area)

- offers detox services, residential treatment, transitional residential treatment (live at treatment home & receive an array of services while also working in community), outpatient group, 1:1, & family counseling

West Pines Lutheran Medical Center (for adults) 303.467.4080 (located in Wheat Ridge)

- offers medical detox services, 2+ week residential treatment center (with family Saturday program), 12 week IOP (intensive outpatient) services (with family Monday night program), medication management/psychiatric evaluation and medication prescriptions (for mental health & substance dependence);  Phoenix Multisport (outdoor adventure for individuals in recovery) has a gym & climbing wall here.

Harmony (for adults) 866.686.7867 (located in Estes Park) - offers residential treatment & free interventions

For Teens Only:

(coming soon...)

Support Groups:

Moderation Management- emphasizes harm reduction and works for many "problem drinkers" vs. "chronic drinkers" (alcoholics) who are motivated to moderate their use of alcohol. Members discuss tools, guidelines, triggers, & being accountable to one's self. Recommended book- Responsible Drinking: A Moderation Management Approach for Problem Drinkers. www.moderation.org

Sober Support Groups - for individuals exploring/choosing abstinence (for other addictions as well):

Phoenix Multisport's mission is to foster a supportive, physically active community for individuals who are recovering from alcohol and substance abuse and those that choose to live a sober life. Through pursuits like climbing, hiking, running, swimming, road and mountain biking, yoga, strength training, racing and other activities, it seeks to help its members develop and maintain the emotional strength they need to stay sober. (adult & teen programs)

Information about AA, NA, etc. groups is on the Young Adult's page (although the links are for meeting information for all age groups)

Sober support meetings for GLBT population: http://www.glbtcolorado.org/Recovery.aspx. Also look for the "G" symbol in the AA Meeting Directory for other meetings.

Workaholics Anonymous: click here to take a quiz to determine if you need help & to find a local meeting.

 Support for Family Members (& friends) of an individual struggling with addiction: www.al-anon-co.org

- To see if Al-Anon/Alateen could help, take this quiz: Did You Grow Up With a Problem Drinker?

Alternative Support Groups: (not "anonymous" meetings)

Life Ring- does not emphasize the concept of a higher power (see below for meeting location)

Rational Recovery- a self-guided program over the internet by Dr. Jack Trimpey (no support group meetings)

Celebrate Recovery (Christian recovery group)

Women for Sobriety- focuses on the special issues that women in recovery have such as the need for self-acceptance/self-confidence and letting go of guilt

Also- Counseling Support Group for Significant Others: Mondays from 8:00pm-9:30pm beginning July 19 facilitated by Lana Isaacson, LCSW, CAC II. Contact me to register for this group (10 participants max.) $15 per group session

Nutrition Resources: One viewpoint is that all addiction is an attempt to normalize one's brain chemistry. Here are a few books on this topic:

1. The Edge Effect by Eric Braverman

2. The Mood Cure by Julie Ross

3. 7 Weeks to Sobriety by Joan Matthews (a pioneer in this field; the 1st counselor to open a clinic focusing on the nutritional needs of people in recovery)