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Just west of Denver, the Colorado city of Aurora has many options for quality alcohol rehab, with many inpatient and outpatient options. Considered part of the Denver Metro area, many options for alcohol rehab in Aurora take private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, and offer either a sliding scale or payment plans. No matter what you are looking for in an Aurora rehab, there is a program that suits your needs.

Aurora, Colorado Alcohol Use Statistics

Between 2018 and 2019, the Denver Metro area had nearly 234 alcohol treatment admissions.¹ This was less than the Northwest section of the state (just under 243), North East (about 272), Southwest (approximately 432), and Southeast regions (just under 274).¹ It was slightly higher than the SouthCentral region (around 232 admissions).¹

Alcohol consistently had the highest number of treatment admissions from 2010 to 2019 in the state of Colorado.¹ In 2015, the state had 14,804 treatment admissions.¹ That number jumped to 15,310 by 2019, showing an 8.7% increase in alcohol treatment admissions during those four years.¹

Among Coloradans diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who sought and received treatment at an alcohol rehab in 2020:²

608 were age 12 and older
13 were between the ages 12 and 17
110 were between the ages of 18 and 25
485 were aged 26 and older
595 were aged 18 and older

Of those aged 12 and older:²

Nearly 57% reported alcohol use in the past month
A little more than 24% reported binge alcohol use in the past month
About 42% reported having perceptions of significant risk from having five or more drinks of an alcoholic beverage once or twice a week
More than 22% of those between the ages of 12 to 20 reported alcohol use during the past month

How Much Does Alcohol Rehab in Aurora, CO Cost?

The cost of Aurora alcohol rehab can vary by program. It also depends on several other factors, such as:³

Government funding
Location (city versus mountains)
Treatment setting (inpatient versus outpatient)
Duration of program (30 days versus 90 days)
Which insurance providers and plans the program accepts
Features and amenities (such as upscale offerings)

You can typically expect inpatient Aurora rehabs to be more expensive than outpatient because you will be paying for room and board. Due to upscale offerings like spa treatments or massage therapy, executive and luxury rehabs tend to cost more than a standard inpatient program.³

Finding Low-Cost and Free Alcohol Rehabs in Aurora, CO

To find low-cost and free Aurora alcohol rehab, you can conduct an online search using the following key terms:

Alcohol rehab(s) near me
State-funded alcohol rehab(s) near me
Low-cost alcohol rehab(s) near me
Free alcohol rehab(s) near me

You can also use findtreatment.gov.⁴ Additionally, Aurora has government-supported alcohol rehabs that work on a sliding scale.

Do Medicare and Medicaid Cover Alcohol Rehab?

Medicare and Medicaid are two methods that can be used to pay for drug and alcohol rehab. Medicare and Medicaid can provide free or low-cost treatment, and each program has different qualification requirements. They can cover all or part of your treatment fees if the rehab you are going to accepts Medicare and Medicaid.^5,6

Eligibility rules change annually and vary based on locale. For more information on Medicare and Medicaid, you can ask the financial counselor at the drug and alcohol rehab you will attend.^5,6

Does Private Insurance Cover Alcohol Treatment?

Private insurance is another way to pay for alcohol rehab in Aurora. If you have private insurance, you can use the phone number provided on the back of the card to speak with someone regarding which alcohol rehabs in Aurora are covered by your insurance.⁴

Using private insurance helps keep rehab costs down. Most plans provide partial, if not full, coverage. When you contact your insurance company, make sure to ask for an Aurora alcohol rehab that is in-network.⁴

Whether you have insurance or not, you can find an affordable Aurora alcohol rehab that fits your needs. And if you can’t find one in Aurora, other parts of Colorado offer low-cost treatment as well. There are approximately 393 treatment programs in Colorado, 152 of which are non-profit and 220 of which are for-profit alcohol rehabs. These Aurora rehabs are listed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration so they are vetted and accredited alcohol rehabs that have properly credentialed staff who will work with you.⁷

Popular Alcohol Rehab Centers in Aurora, CO

There are several Aurora alcohol rehab options, all of which can help jumpstart your recovery. The following are a few Aurora alcohol rehabs to consider.

IDEA Aurora

IDEA Aurora is comprised of a young adult and adult program. It is considered LGBTQ+ friendly and supports the military as well as the specific needs of men and women through its programs. It is an outpatient facility providing alcohol rehab and also drug rehab. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, you may also have it addressed at IDEA Aurora.

IDEA Aurora alcohol rehab accepts Medicaid, provides self-pay options, and has sliding scale payment assistance if you qualify.

Aurora Mental Health Crisis Center

The Aurora Mental Health Crisis Center offers mental health treatment options and also has an inpatient and outpatient alcohol rehab. If you have a co-occurring condition and are interested in completing a continuum of care, you may qualify at this Aurora alcohol rehab.

It accepts private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, and military insurance and has self-pay options and sliding scale payment assistance. You may also qualify for financial aid through their payment assistance program.

Family Guidance Centers Aurora

Family Guidance Centers Aurora is a non-profit organization that offers alcohol rehab along with a multitude of other services. It offers residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment (IoT). If you need medically-assisted treatment (MAT) or co-occurring treatment, Family Guidance Centers of Aurora provides those as well.

This organization has financing options, financial aid, sliding scale payment assistance, self-pay options, and Medicaid.

Potomac Street Center

Potomac Street Center offers adult outpatient and MAT services. It is part of the Addiction Treatment and Research Centers (ARTS) and is affiliated with Colorado University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.

Through various facilities in the Denver Metro area, ARTS offers residential alcohol rehab and drug rehab for men and women, as well as adolescent services and childcare.

You may use private insurance at this Aurora alcohol rehab if you have it. Potomac Street Center also accepts Medicaid and Medicare and provides self-pay options, sliding scale payment assistance, and financing options. You may also apply to see if you qualify for financial aid.

National Institute for Change Aurora

National Institute for Change Aurora provides services for both voluntary alcohol treatment and court-ordered treatment. Its mission statement is to empower individuals, families, and communities toward dignity, safety, and choice.

This Aurora alcohol rehab also provides treatment if you have a co-occurring condition. National Institute for Change Aurora provides services on an outpatient basis and provides aftercare support.

Medicaid is accepted there, along with self-pay options and sliding scale payment assistance. If your situation warrants it, you may qualify for free treatment at this Aurora alcohol rehab.

The Alcohol Rehab Process: What to Expect

Every accredited rehab follows general protocols and procedures focused on your care. No matter what rehab in Aurora you choose, you can expect your treatment to include many evidence-based practices, such as a combination of therapies, co-occurring mental health treatment, and modalities that support long-term, sustained recovery.⁸

Research shows that recovery success rates improve if you receive treatment along a continuum of care. A continuum of care starts with an intake assessment and progresses to:⁸

Inpatient or residential rehab
Outpatient rehab
Community peer support groups

Receiving an Alcohol Abuse Assessment

You can get a substance misuse assessment through your doctor or a treatment program. If you choose to get an assessment by your primary care physician, it is recommended that the doctor have some training, credentials, or background in substance misuse treatment. Otherwise, you can schedule an intake appointment with the drug or alcohol rehab. They will conduct an assessment at that time.⁸

When you arrive for your intake appointment, you are screened and evaluated by the clinic staff. Because MAT is based on your history of drug use, it can become addictive. Staff may closely monitor your intake to ensure that doesn’t happen. MAT can also be dangerous if you have certain health conditions, so physicians and medical staff will need to learn about your background before beginning this type of treatment.^8,9

To be admitted into a drug or alcohol rehab, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements based on your addiction, your willingness and motivation to take recovery-related actions, and your desire to recover. If it is a state-funded or Medicaid- or Medicare-only program, you would need to be covered by either or be eligible for either program.^8,9

The assessment would also include a close look at your past use of drugs and how many previous recovery attempts you have had. They will utilize this as a gauge for your potential success in treatment.^8,9

Admission to an outpatient clinic is also contingent on your addiction severity level. For example, for safety reasons, if it is determined that you need an inpatient detox or inpatient services or that outpatient services may not be appropriate for you, they may refer you to inpatient treatment.^8,9

Additional items that you may be asked to do as a part of the intake assessment would include:⁹

Taking a blood and urine sample for drug testing
Providing information on your history of drug or alcohol misuse
Relaying information about your previous or existing mental health issues
Undergoing a physical exam

This will help the intake professional determine the appropriate level of care for you and can work with you to create an initial treatment plan.⁹

Medical Detox Services for Alcohol Withdrawal

Medical detox is supervised by credentialed medical professionals for your safety. Depending on the main substance that you have used, how long you have used it, and how much of it you have used, there may be health risks while you detox. For example, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and using and mixing multiple substances would be examples of risky substances to detox on your own.⁸

Additionally, if you have an underlying medical condition or a co-occurring condition, a medically monitored detox may be deemed appropriate. This type of detox can help you feel more comfortable during the process since withdrawal symptoms will be minimized as much as possible.⁸

Please note that detox does not replace comprehensive addiction treatment since it does not include or address underlying factors that lead to your need for treatment.⁸

Inpatient Alcohol Rehab in Aurora, CO

Inpatient rehab means staying and living at the treatment facility for the length of your program. This could be anywhere from 30 days to 90 days.

It can last longer than three months if your treatment team considers it appropriate. Research shows that longer rehab stays are associated with better treatment outcomes.⁸

When you arrive at drug and alcohol rehab, you’ll complete your intake paperwork and an intake assessment. The credentialed professionals at the facility will search your belongings for unapproved items such as drugs, alcohol, and weapons. This is not to shame you. It is to support your treatment success and to ensure the safety of others in the program with you.⁸

Once you have gone through this process, the information collected will be used to create an individualized treatment plan tailored for your specific situation. A treatment plan isn’t static. It can be adjusted throughout your treatment program to reflect what’s working and isn’t working.⁸

Your treatment plan typically covers more than one treatment modality, such as:⁸

Group therapy
Individual therapy
Family counseling
Peer support meetings
Relapse prevention classes
Drug education classes
Aftercare planning
Medication-assisted treatment or medication maintenance

Some programs also offer experiential or holistic modalities like:⁸

Meditation
Mindfulness-based practices
Equine therapy
Yoga classes
Acupuncture
Art and music therapy

The schedule and treatment services will depend on the drug and alcohol rehab’s philosophy and approach to addiction recovery.

Step-Down Care

After inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, you may “step down” to an outpatient program such as a:¹⁰

Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Standard outpatient program (OP)¹⁰

Each of these occurs on an outpatient basis, providing treatment services and creating a treatment plan with a credentialed professional.¹⁰

The main differences between the types of treatments are: ¹⁰

Length of time (per day)
Amount of visits (per week)
Length of treatment (duration)

PHP programs tend to be five days per week, 8 hours per day for 30 days. Since the duration of PHP is longer during the day, the length is shorter than IOT and OP.¹⁰

IoT is typically three days per week, 3 hours per day for a period of 6 weeks to 8 weeks. Depending on the facility, they would offer either a day program or evening program. This is very helpful if you work during the day (to enter night IOP) or vice versa.¹⁰

OP is usually long-term care and is determined by your individual needs and what your credentialed professional’s recommendations are. OP can be in the form of attending a continuing care (CC) group 1 time per week for 1 hour for 12 months. It can also involve seeing a professional on a 1-on-1 basis to address life circumstances and stressors that may negatively impact your recovery program.¹⁰

You may end up stepping down from inpatient treatment to PHP, then to IoT and finally to OP or you may end up only needing to step down a couple of levels.

Outpatient services are available to you to help you continue any behavioral changes you started during inpatient treatment.

They will also assist you when you return to your previous job, community, or home. Sometimes after inpatient treatment, you may decide to start a new job or have a different at-home situation. Research supports completing a continuum of care for long-term, sustained recovery to help you adapt to these changes.¹⁰

Aftercare Options for Ongoing Support

Recovery from alcohol is a lifelong process. You may or may not experience a “slip” or relapse. If you do, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. You can contact a credentialed professional to complete an assessment to see if you need to re-enter treatment.¹⁰

Either way, once your completion of alcohol rehab in Aurora occurs, it’s important to have an aftercare and relapse prevention plan in place.¹⁰ If you have stepped down to an outpatient level of care, for example, you can work with your treatment team to create a relapse prevention plan.¹⁰ The outpatient program you are enrolled in would serve as your aftercare.^8,10 A relapse prevention plan typically includes: ^8,10

Listing your relapse triggers
Practicing newly adapted behaviors
Knowing who to call to help you work through any cravings you may experience
Having a list of medical and emergency contacts
Having tools and strategies to support a recovery mindset
Having a list of meeting times and groups that you attend

You may also want to supplement your treatment with other forms of support. This could be a 12-step program through Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other types through an organization like SMART Recovery.^8,10

These support groups don’t replace or constitute substance misuse treatment. Rather, they offer support from others who understand what you may be going through. They can offer guidance and share their experience with you.^8,10

Factors to Consider When Choosing Alcohol Rehab in Aurora

Since you have specific treatment needs, you may benefit more from certain Aurora alcohol rehab programs than others. For example, you may want an upscale residential setting, resembling a resort. Or you may be looking for a flexible IOT to attend that can accommodate your work schedule and other daily responsibilities. When choosing an Aurora-based rehab center, consider the following factors:^8,10

Treatment philosophy: Rehabs have different treatment approaches or philosophies. Holistic rehabs, for example, integrate alternative and complementary modalities like yoga into their care while faith-based rehabs can have a spiritual approach to recovery.
Inpatient or outpatient: If you’re not sure which is right for you, it is recommended for you to complete an evaluation through your healthcare provider. This will help you narrow down your treatment choices.
Cost: When choosing an Aurora alcohol rehab, consider the cost, your financial resources, and any financing options that may be available to you. You may also research if you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid or if the rehab has low-cost options or is free.
Insurance: If you have alcohol rehab insurance, you can locate a program that accepts your provider and plan by calling the number on the back of your card.
Features and amenities: Alcohol rehab features and amenities are a priority to some people while others are less inclined to seek them. You can investigate what features are offered at the alcohol rehab, such as cable and subscription movie services, spa treatments, pools, individual rooms, kitchens, and private bathrooms among other options.
Peer support: If you find value in attending mutual support groups, you may want to choose an Aurora rehab that includes and integrates peer support meetings you’re your treatment plan.
Visitor policy: If family visits are important to you during recovery, then compare visitor policies so you can decide which one works best for you and your loved ones.

Qualities to Look for in an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program

Here is a closer look at what quality treatment programs typically include. ^8,9,10

Credentialing of Staff

Aurora alcohol rehab staff should be properly credentialed. Credentialing ensures that staff members have completed the necessary amount of training and passed the appropriate exams required by their respective credentialing bodies. Credentialing requirements vary based on the modality the practitioner offers.

Accreditation

Alcohol rehabs are usually certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF). CARF-accredited programs go through a stringent process to achieve certification. They show that they are providing the services they tout and that they are placing patient care and your success as a top priority.

Staff-to-Patient Ratio

Some don’t mind being part of a large group setting during recovery. Some, though, prefer a more intimate one where they are better able to connect with staff.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Individualized treatment planning means your recovery will be tailored to your specific needs, even though the alcohol rehab will provide treatment for all who are present in the program. For example, if you are married and have children, your individualized treatment plan would include addressing your relationship with your family.

Aftercare Planning

Most alcohol rehabs typically include aftercare planning as part of their treatment approach. Research shows that if you engage in the continuum of care, treatment outcomes tend to be better. So, it’s important that aftercare planning includes the next step for you along the continuum of care.

Access to On-Site Medical Care

If you have a mental health issue or a medical co-occurring condition, you may need to have access to medical personnel such as a doctor or psychiatrist. If you prefer treatments such as acupuncture, you would want to research a drug and alcohol treatment program that offers it.

Family Involvement in Treatment

Alcohol rehabs may offer education sessions to family members and offer opportunities for families to visit. Family members are encouraged to attend these. Certain group sessions may be tailored to family. In this case, family is invited to attend. Finally, rehabs can include an a la carte option to add family sessions if this is a priority for you. Alternatively, they can provide a referral, especially if it is on an outpatient basis.

Use of Evidence-Based Practices and Therapies

Evidence-based practices (EBP) and therapies have been well researched by practitioners and subject matter experts who work in the field. An example of an evidence-based practice would be cognitive behavioral therapy. It has withstood the test of time and has proven to be a highly effective approach for the treatment of substance use. If the Aurora alcohol rehab you attend is accredited, it will typically have EBP.

Alumni Programs

Some rehabs will offer alumni programs, especially outpatient programs. For example, an IOT program may host a monthly alumni gathering. This allows alumni to stay in touch and provide mutual support to each other over the long term. Sometimes alcohol rehabs will have an alumni newsletter so that alumni can stay in touch with the treatment center and get involved in any volunteer opportunities. Alcohol rehabs may also allow alumni to host a 12-step or other peer-run support group on their property at times that don’t conflict with treatment programs.

Should I Travel to Aurora, CO for Alcohol Rehab?

If you are interested in traveling to Aurora for alcohol rehab and to enjoy the outdoors, you may find it worthwhile to do so. You can discover wildlife by taking a hike at the Pronghorn Natural Area or going to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge if your treatment allows.¹¹

Aurora has roughly 27 miles of horseback riding trails. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a new one, you can take advantage of these trails and companies that provide horses and teach you how to ride them.¹¹

If you are a sports buff and enjoy watching soccer games, you can go watch a Colorado Rapids game in nearby Commerce.¹¹

Whether you wind up traveling to alcohol rehab in Aurora is ultimately up to you and your treatment priorities and needs. Here are some reasons you may want to consider attending an alcohol rehab in Aurora:¹¹

The climate
You want a change of scenery
You are a soccer and sports buff
You enjoy nature and outdoors
You prefer seasonal changes
You live in a city or state that doesn’t offer the type of treatment you need
You have family or friends who live in Aurora and can provide support
Your insurance covers treatment in Aurora

Neighborhoods in Aurora, CO to Consider for Treatment

Aurora is very close to Denver, so the closer you are to 16th Avenue and Delmar Parkway, the closer you will be to all of what Denver has to offer.
That includes big-name concerts and sports like Denver Broncos games during football season.

The City Center is located in the heart of Denver. There, you can find several housing options if you choose to make Aurora a more long-term residence after completing treatment. It also touts a healthy restaurant selection.

The southwest section of Aurora boasts Horseshoe Park, which has a 1.3-mile-long, easy walking trail.

There are a great variety of neighborhood options in Aurora with pleasant scenery, city parks, and tasty places to eat, depending on what you are looking for in a city.

Drug and Alcohol Laws in Aurora, CO

Here are a couple of state drug and alcohol laws that are upheld in Aurora.

Colorado Good Samaritan Law

Under Colorado law, anyone who renders emergency aid to someone who is at risk of serious harm or death is immune from civil liability for injuries or death of that person.¹²

Colorado’s 911 Good Samaritan Law

As part of the state’s public health harm reduction legislation, Colorado’s 911 Good Samaritan Law spares you from criminal prosecution for an offense if you report, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose to a law enforcement officer, to a 911 dispatcher, or a medical provider.¹²

Resources

Colorado Substance Abuse Trend and Response Task Force. (2021, January). Annual Report.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2021, December 13). 2019-2020 NSDUH State-Specific Tables, Colorado.
Findtreatment.gov. (2019). Paying for Treatment.
Findtreatment.gov. (n.d.). Find a Treatment Facility Near You.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.) Get started with Medicare.
Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Medicaid & CHIP in Colorado.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2020). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2020 Data on Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Office of the Surgeon General (US).Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2016 Nov.
Provider’s Clinical Support System (2017). MAT Training for Medication Assisted Treatment.
Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 47. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2006.
City of Aurora. (2022). Things To Do.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. (2022). Colorado Public Health Harm Reduction Legislation.