Lakewood is a city in Jefferson County, just a few miles from Denver.
The area, as well as Colorado in general, has seen fatal drug overdoses skyrocket since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic likely factored into the rise in drug use and fatalities, but fentanyl—a superpotent synthetic opioid—played a key role, too.
A Need for Drug Addiction Treatment in Lakewood, CO
There are definitely people who would benefit from substance use disorder treatment in Lakewood, CO, and surrounding areas.
In Denver, there were 370 overdose deaths in 2020, and 159 included fentanyl. In 2019, 56 of 225 fatal overdoses involved the opioid.
Overdose deaths in Lakewood have made headlines in recent years, including:
- A two2024old girl died after accidentally consuming fentanyl in a Lakewood motel room.
- A 162024old Lakewood girl died from ingesting a mixture of alcohol and fentanyl.
- A work-release inmate died of an apparent overdose in a store bathroom.
Fentanyl is problematic for many reasons. One is its super potency (80 to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency). Two milligrams can be fatal. It can be effective for pain management and was developed for cancer patients, but at small, highly controlled doses. On the streets, it’s often cut into other drugs, even in ecstasy. A person seeking a high might not even know fentanyl is in the mix, and they risk overdosing.
Utilizing evidence-based treatments, drug rehab facilities in Lakewood, CO, and nearby are equipped to help people overcome addiction to opioids and other potentially life-threatening substances.
What Do Drug Detox Centers in Lakewood, CO, Do?
Before a person can begin treatment for a substance use disorder, they might need to go to a drug detox facility in Lakewood, CO, and undergo detoxification.
Detoxification is usually the first step of drug addiction treatment. That is the process when the body rids itself of drugs. Withdrawal can be highly uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous. Depending on the substance a person is weaning off of, the symptoms can range from the worst flu ever, with vomiting, nausea, and shakes. It can also turn deadly with seizures and hallucinations, particularly if a person has a strong addiction to benzodiazepines, alcohol, and in some cases, opioids.
Inpatient substance use disorder treatment in Lakewood, CO, and other areas will address those unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, usually with around-the-clock medical care and medication to ease discomfort. (That process is referred to as medically managed withdrawal.) Once the patient is stable, they are better equipped to begin their recovery.
How Inpatient Drug Rehabs in Lakewood, CO, Can Help
People searching for treatment options may wish to consider inpatient drug rehab centers in Lakewood, CO.
Also referred to as residential treatment, these facilities have people stay on-site as they receive care and therapy for their substance use disorders.
Some patients might stay a month, while others might stay 60 or 90 days (or longer, if possible or recommended.) A longer period of treatment (three months) tends to have more lasting results in preventing relapse.
Some of the benefits of inpatient rehab include:
- Removing the individual from people, places, things, and situations that might trigger a relapse.
- Providing quick access to medical professionals in case of an emergency.
- Developing a more thorough understanding of the patient’s needs and what drove their addictive behaviors.
- Recovering free of outside distractions and temptations.
Evidence-based treatment at a drug rehab facility in Lakewood, CO, may help a patient focus on and achieve a more lasting recovery.
Features of Inpatient Drug Rehab in Lakewood, CO
No facility will offer the exact same treatment, but there are some common features to be found at a drug detox center in Lakewood, CO, and surrounding areas in and around Colorado. They include:
- Assessment. The patient gets a full screening of both physical and mental health so a treatment plan can be devised.
- Detox. The patient will get clean of drugs or alcohol, sometimes with medication to ease discomfort.
- Therapy. This can include group and one-on-one sessions. The goal is to understand why a person not only first started to use, but why they continue with the behavior, despite risks to their health and well-being. They’ll develop ways to handle stress and avoid triggers.
- Activities. Rehab is hard work, so the patient gets downtime to relax and socialize in healthy ways. Leisure time activities and exercise provide a reprieve from therapy and are good for mental and physical health.
- Support groups. Here the patient gets to interact with peers so they can share advice, show understanding, or offer support. It also helps to know others face the same struggles.
- Aftercare. The patient is prepared for life after rehab. This can include check-ins with the rehab to share progress updates, successes, and struggles. It can also include counseling and support groups closer to home to keep the patient focused on recovery.
These are some of the things a person can expect from drug rehabs in Lakewood, CO, and neighboring areas. The right combination of evidence-backed therapies, including detox, treatment, and an aftercare plan, can help a person get sober and stay that way. It won’t be easy, but with the right effort and the right support, it’s doable.
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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.