Substance Abuse and Overdose Stats in Loveland
Below are some recent statistics about drug and alcohol abuse and overdose in Loveland and Larimer County:2,3
Over 50% of car crashes in 2020 were due to drugs and alcohol
There were 58 drug overdose deaths in 2020 in Larimer County
50% of drug overdose deaths were due to opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids
76% of Larimer County residents who died by suicide had alcohol and/or drugs in their system
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 therapy.
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 Loveland, 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.
What to Know About Visiting Loveland, CO
Loveland is a beautiful city with close accessibility to countless attractions. If you are considering receiving addiction treatment in Loveland or plan on visiting a loved one in rehab there, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of visiting Loveland and getting around. Here’s what you need to know:
- The closest major airport to Loveland is Denver International Airport, which is about 45 minutes from Loveland
- Loveland has its own regional airport, the Northern Colorado Regional Airport, which you may be able to fly into, though flight options may be limited depending on where you are coming from
- There are nearly 100 hotels and motels located in Loveland
- You can get around Loveland using the City of Loveland Transit bus system
- The FLEX Regional Bus Route can take you to nearby cities like Fort Collins
- Those looking to get outside can enjoy Loveland’s recreational trail, which is 23 miles long
- There are several golf courses, including The Old Course at Loveland Golf Course, Cattail Creek Golf Course, and the Mariana Butte Golf Course
- Catch a concert or show at the Budweiser Events Center, Rialto Theater Center, Thunder Mountain Amphitheatre, or the Foote Lagoon Amphitheater
- Make a day of touring the Loveland Museum and the Benson Sculpture Garden
- Get some shopping done at the Outlets at Loveland, the Promenade Shops at Centerra, or the Downtown Loveland
- Visit the Devil’s Backbone Open Space and hike, bike, or even go horseback riding and enjoy the gorgeous views of Loveland
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 who experienced 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
- Larimer County. (2021). The North Colorado Health Alliance CO-SLAW Network, BHS Grantee, Plays An Active Role in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services.
- Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office. (2021). 2020 Annual Report: Office of the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner.
- Health District of Northern Larimer County. (n.d.). Will you carry naloxone?