Fort Collins, Colorado, is home to awe-inspiring nature, has a rich history, and Colorado State University’s flagship campus.
It’s also been dubbed the state’s drunkest city in some surveys. The university, a thriving beer culture, and low alcohol taxes all may factor into that. Larimer County, of which Fort Collins is a part, also has a reputation for heavy drinking. A Health of the County report found that one in four Larimer County adults admitted to binging alcohol.
A Need for Alcohol Rehabs in Fort Collins, CO
Some individuals could be helped by alcohol addiction treatment in Fort Collins, CO, and areas nearby.
Statewide, 19.1% of Colorado adults binge or drink heavily. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks in two to three hours for women or five or more for men in the same time span. Heavy drinking is at least 15 drinks a week for men or eight for women.
Fort Collins is the state’s tipsiest town, with 21% of adults drinking to excess.
Drinking too much can be harmful in many ways. Not only does it lead to potential accidents and assaults, but it can contribute to many health problems. Short-term risks include:
- Injuries from crashes, falls, and other accidents
- Homicide, suicide, sexual assault, or domestic violence
- Alcohol poisoning
- Unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases
Long-term risks include:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or liver disease
- Various cancers
- Reduced immune functioning
- Learning and memory problems
- Mental health issues, like depression
- Problems in personal relationships or on the job
- Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism
Inpatient alcohol rehabs in Fort Collins, CO, are equipped to treat alcohol use disorder. Symptoms include:
- Not being able to limit the amount you drink
- Trying to quit or cut back and being unable to
- Devoting a lot of time to drinking, getting drinks, or recovering from drinking
- Experiencing strong alcohol cravings
- Drinking even though it’s causing problems at home, work, or school
- Performing dangerous activities (like driving) while under the influence
- Needing more alcohol for the same effect
- Experiencing withdrawal when you don’t drink
Through evidence-based treatments, inpatient alcohol rehabs in Fort Collins, CO, and surrounding areas can help people overcome alcohol addiction.
What Do Alcohol Detox Centers in Fort Collins, CO, Do?
Before a person can undergo treatment for a substance use disorder, they may need to first go to an alcohol rehab facility in Fort Collins, CO, and get detoxed.
Detoxification is typically the first stage of alcohol addiction treatment. That’s where the body is rid of alcohol or drugs. Withdrawal follows, and the symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable.
If a person has a strong alcohol dependence, quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. In such cases, about eight hours after the last drink, a person may start to feel anxiety, depression, shaky, or moody. They may get a headache, have trouble sleeping, break out in sweats, experience nausea and vomiting, and their heart rate may speed up.
When withdrawal is severe, they may experience delirium tremens. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Agitation
In such cases, medical oversight is necessary. An alcohol detox facility in Fort Collins, CO, would be able to provide around-the-clock care to monitor the patient’s vitals, administer fluids or medications via IV, and keep the patient sedated until the withdrawal has passed. That would keep the patient safe and comfortable throughout.
Once free of substances, it becomes easier for the patient to focus on recovery.
How Inpatient Alcohol Rehab in Fort Collins, CO, Can Help
People seeking treatment might want to consider inpatient alcohol rehab centers in Fort Collins, CO.
Also referred to as residential treatment, patients remain on-site as they receive therapy and care for their substance use disorder.
Stays can last 30 days, while others may prefer (or are approved by insurance) to check in for 60 or 90 days or longer. Typically three months or more of treatment tends to produce better outcomes in preventing relapse.
Benefits of inpatient rehab include:
- A timeout from people, things, locations, and situations that could trigger a relapse
- Swift access to medical pros should the need arise
- The opportunity to get a deeper understanding of what may have fueled the addiction
- More time to develop coping mechanisms
Evidence-based care at substance use disorder treatment centers in Fort Collins, CO, could help a patient attain lasting recovery.
Features of Addiction Treatment in Fort Collins, Colorado
There are differences among rehab centers, but many also share common patterns, including at an alcohol detox center in Fort Collins, CO, and areas in and around Colorado. A patient could expect:
- Assessment. A full health screening to determine what needs care right away and to shape a treatment plan.
- Detox. The patient gets free of drugs or alcohol. Medication may be prescribed to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapy. This includes both group and one-on-one counseling to work on uncovering why the patient uses substances and how to develop healthier alternatives.
- Activities. Rehab includes some leisure, too, like group outings or some time to unwind at the day’s end.
- Support groups. Peers gather to share advice, discuss setbacks, and cheer on wins.
- Aftercare. It’s time to prepare for life after rehab. The goal is to keep the patient focused on recovery by connecting them with support groups, check-ins with the rehab, or outpatient appointments.
These are just a few of the things one could expect from substance use disorder treatment in Fort Collins, CO, and surrounding areas. Evidence-backed therapies that include detox, treatment, and aftercare can include a lot of time and work, but it’s doable and can be life-saving.
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Medical disclaimer:
Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.