Denver, Colorado
Substance Dependency Detox

If you or someone you love has been struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, entering into a medical detox program is a recommended first step on the road to recovery. At CuraWest, we provide medical detox services and residential inpatient treatment in Denver, Colorado. We combine proven therapeutic techniques with medication, holistic approaches to recovery, the 12 Step method and other options for ongoing peer support. Contact us today to learn more.

Substance dependency has long-since been a serious health-related issue throughout the United States, and rates of substance abuse continue to skyrocket as chemical substances become more affordable and easily accessible. An article published by John Hopkins Medicine defines substance abuse as, “the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress.” Individuals who suffer from this chronic, relapsing brain disease will experience an accumulation of personal consequences, ranging from issues in interpersonal relationships and problems at work and school to serious financial, legal and health-related issues. The term substance abuse and dependence refers to a wide range of chemical substances, from illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine to legal drugs like prescription opioids and stimulants.

When an individual develops a dependence on a chemical substance, it essentially means that his or her brain chemistry has been significantly altered and that quitting without professional intervention is no longer an option. At CuraWest we have extensive experience treating substance dependency disorders of all types and severities. When someone who has been abusing a substance regularly stops doing so abruptly, he or she will experience symptoms of withdrawal. At CuraWest, we treat symptoms of substance withdrawal in a safe, supportive and homestyle retreat. The withdrawal symptoms that we treat include withdrawal from alcohol, opioid narcotics, benzodiazepines, stimulants, synthetic drugs and many more. We also treat withdrawal symptoms associated with polydrug abuse, meaning that more than one chemical substance was being abused at a time. No matter what type of substance use disorder you have been suffering from, we are available to help.

Substance Dependency – A Widespread Issue

Many individuals do not thoroughly grasp the disease model of addiction. They may mistakenly believe that substance dependency is the result of weak moral standing or a simple lack of willpower. On the contrary, addiction is a disease – a chronic and relapsing brain disease, which will never resolve on its own if left untreated. Those who are suffering at the hands of a substance abuse disorder of any severity must seek professional treatment. In most cases, addiction treatment will consist of three main phases – medical detox, inpatient treatment and aftercare. In medical detox, an individual will undergo drug or alcohol withdrawal in a safe and closely monitored environment. Symptoms of withdrawal will be treated as they arise. Once the patient has been stabilized, he or she will transfer to inpatient treatment, which will typically last for between one and three months. During inpatient treatment, clients will undergo intensive group and one-on-one therapy sessions. They will learn healthy coping mechanisms and vital relapse prevention skills. They will thoroughly address the underlying causes of substance dependency, from underlying mental illness to unresolved trauma. Finally, the client will transition to aftercare, which typically consists of a long-term stay at a sober living facility and a continuation of clinical care.

Medical detoxification is always a necessary first step on the road to substance dependence recovery. At CuraWest we are dedicated to making this initial step as comfortable and productive as possible, and providing a smooth transition from detox into residential inpatient treatment.

Substance Abuse Signs & Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of substance abuse vary significantly depending on what substance or substances are involved. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) lists 11 main criteria for substance abuse. In order for an individual to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder, he or she must present two of these criteria within a 12 month time period.

The criteria for substance use disorder:

• Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than originally planned
• Trying to quit or cut back but being unable to do so
• Spending an ample amount of time obtaining, using and recovering from the substance
• Experiencing intense physical and psychological cravings
• Avoiding activities that were previously enjoyed in lieu of using the substance
• Continuing to use despite interpersonal problems and other consequences
• Continuing to use even when repeatedly being put in danger or in harm’s way
• Beginning to fail at work or at school and being unable to complete daily tasks
• Continuing to use despite imminent health risks
• The development of a physical and psychological tolerance to the substance
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon ceased use

Substance Abuse Withdrawal

The symptoms of substance abuse withdrawal vary significantly depending on the substance being abused. In many cases, the symptoms of withdrawal are harshly unpleasant and lead to extreme physical and psychological discomfort; however, they are not life threatening. In some instances, though, the symptoms of drug and/or alcohol withdrawal can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Alcohol and benzodiazepines are the two chemical substances associated with the most severe withdrawal symptoms. If a client comes to us after having abused one of these two chemical substances (or both simultaneously), we utilize a combination of Medication Assisted Treatment and therapeutic intervention. When it comes to substances like heroin and prescription painkillers, we will also utilize MAT – namely medications like Suboxone, which can be extremely beneficial when it comes to alleviating physical symptoms of withdrawal and combating psychological drug cravings.

A study published in Clinical Care Clinics titled, “Substance Abuse and Withdrawal in the Critical Care Setting” suggests that a symptom-based approach to medical detox is the most effective. This essentially means that when a symptom arises it is effectively treated. At CuraWest our individualized approach to detox ensures that each client is receiving all of the clinical and therapeutic care he or she needs as symptoms and related issues arise.

Why Choose Medically Monitored Detox?

Individuals who suffer at the hands of a substance use disorder will experience a wide range of consequences, from issues with physical health to psychological problems and accumulated interpersonal consequences that can lead to intense emotional stress. Because the consequences of active addiction are so comprehensive, it is important for those who have been suffering from substance misuse and dependency to seek integrated and highly individualized care, like the care we offer at CuraWest. Depending on the type of substance that was being used, our staff members work together in utilizing numerous detoxification methods to ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal and a smooth transition into a subsequent level of care. All you have to do is reach out for help and you will be put in contact with one of our experienced Treatment Advisors, who will walk you through our simple, straightforward admissions process. Contact us today to begin your own personal journey of drug or alcohol addiction recovery.

Our Admissions Process

At CuraWest our admissions process is simple, straightforward and stress-free. Like every other aspect of our comprehensive addiction recovery program, our admissions process was carefully designed with the client in mind. We understand that committing to inpatient drug and alcohol detox can be overwhelming in and of itself; the last thing we want is for the admissions process to deter anyone from seeking the clinical care they need and deserve. As soon as you decide to take the first step on the road to recovery, we will be there to guide you along. As soon as you contact us you will be put in touch with an experienced Treatment Advisor, who will conduct a brief pre-assessment over the phone in order to make sure our Denver, Colorado treatment program is right for you. Once it has been determined that this is the best treatment option for your unique case, the Advisor will conduct a free no-obligation insurance benefit check to determine your insurance with cover your medical detox and inpatient treatment experience. Once the insurance check is complete (it will only take minutes), we begin developing viable travel plans to ensure that you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible. To learn more about our program or to undergo the initial assessment, give us a call today at (888) 693-1794.