Substance Abuse and Overdose Statistics in Grand Junction, CO
Mesa Country fell into the fourth quintile (second highest group) of Colorado counties for a number of opioid-related death rates from 2013-2017.2 Other Mesa County drug and alcohol statistics are:3
The majority of addiction treatment for substance use in Mesa Country is for alcohol, meth, and marijuana use.
Opioid-involved deaths in Mesa County fell from 44 to 21 from 2017-2018.
From 2014-2017, opioid prescription rates were consistently higher in Mesa County than the rest of the state.
In 2017, 16% of Mesa County high school students reported using prescription pain medications without a doctor’s prescription.
Approximately 50% of people involved in substance use treatment were referred by criminal justice in 2017.
Levels of Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse treatment varies based on needs. Following are the diverse levels of care provided to meet those needs.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
This process, often referred to simply as detox, involves safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system. It occurs under supervision, usually in a hospital or inpatient rehab facility.
Residential or Inpatient
Inpatient treatment involves 24/7 supervision while you live at a rehab facility. Methods of treatment typically include group and individual therapy and may also involve medication and other forms of treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
PHPs involve many of the same treatment methods as inpatient care, but you live at home while receiving treatment. You only stay at the facility during treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs offer a step down in supervision from a PHP. They involve several hours of counseling throughout the week, while you spend the rest of your time fulfilling work, school, or home obligations.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient care involves minimal supervision, with just one to two hours of treatment per week. Highly motivated people with a strong support system tend to find this level beneficial.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention, also called aftercare, begins after you complete a rehab program. This ongoing support may involve continued therapy and 12-step groups.
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Grand Junction, Colorado
Private Insurance
By law, every insurance provider must cover substance abuse and mental health treatment services in some capacity. Colorado residents must contact their providers to confirm which services and how much is covered by their specific plan.
Colorado Medicaid
Health First Colorado is the state’s Medicaid program. This government-funded health insurance is available to those who qualify based on income. It covers the cost of various services such as therapy, inpatient drug rehab and outpatient substance abuse treatment.3
Colorado Medicare
Colorado Medicare is a government program that provides health insurance coverage to residents over the age of 65 and to individuals with certain disabilities or health conditions. You can use Medicare to cover the cost of drug addiction treatment services, including rehab. However, not all rehab facilities accept Medicare as a method of payment.
TRICARE in Colorado
Colorado TRICARE (West region) is a government program that offers health insurance coverage to U.S. Armed Forces military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services; however coverage may differ by plan and region.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs are income-based, charging only what a Colorado resident can reasonably afford to pay. To qualify for these programs, proof of income is usually required.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Drug rehabs funded by the Indian Health Service (HIS) provide free addiction treatment to U.S. Indigenous people and Alaskan Natives. This coverage is provided even if other forms of payment are available.
Local Information for Visiting Grand Junction, CO
Grand Junction also has a cultured downtown atmosphere with artistry throughout the streets and in its many restaurants. Finding your way around Grand Junction, CO, may seem intimidating when planning a visit. But, whether you are looking for a treatment center or visiting someone you know in drug or alcohol rehab in Grand Junction, the following facts may make your planning a little easier.
- There are many places to stay, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping, RV parks, Airbnb, and VRBO options. Depending on your preference and level of comfort, you are sure to find lodging that suits you. Information on each of them is available on the city website..
- Amtrak offers daily service to and from both east and west coasts through Grand Junction.
- Traveling by bus is also an option with Greyhound Bus Service connecting to Denver and Durango, CO; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; and Salt Lake City.
- The easiest way to fly in Grand Junction is through Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT). It’s just four miles south of Grand Junction, and with a stop through one of its five connecting cities, you can arrive from nearly anywhere in the country.
- Make sure to check the weather before making your plans. Grand Junction’s maximum temperature ranges from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
- There are endless options for exploring the public lands around Grand Junction. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’re not going to want to miss the Colorado National Monument, the Rattlesnake Arches, or Devils Canyon trails.
- The Grand Junction city website (visitgrandjunction.com) offers more travel ideas and connections to help your travel.
Colorado Alcohol and Drug Laws
Colorado lawmakers and public health agencies have enacted the following laws related to substance misuse and overdoses:1,2
911 Good Samaritan Law: This law states that a person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when they report an emergency overdose. This includes Colorado residents who call 911 or remain at the scene of the event, and the person experiencing the overdose.
Naloxone Standing Orders: Enacted in 2015, this law allows licensed prescribers to provide Naloxone to Colorado residents who may experience an opioid overdose, even without a prescription. The goal is to increase access to this overdose antidote and reduce the number of overdose deaths.
Needle-Stick Prevention: This law allows police officers to make an exception to arrest and charges for the crime of possession of drug paraphernalia if the Colorado resident informs the officer that they have a needle, syringe, or other sharp objects on their person or in their home or vehicle—prior to being searched.
Syringe Exchange Programs: In Colorado, nonprofits and health facilities can operate a syringe exchange program without prior board of health approval. Organizations and participants in these programs are also exempt from paraphernalia laws.
Marijuana Laws: Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. Adults at least 21 years old may buy up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana from a licensed store and possess up to 2 ounces at a time. It is illegal to drive in Colorado after consuming marijuana. State law sets the impairment level for marijuana at 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood.
Resources
- Mesa County Public Health (MCPH). (2018). Mesa County community health needs assessment 2018-2020.
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. (2018). Mesa County opioid profile.
- Mesa County Public Health (MCPH). (2019). Opioid quarterly report
