Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Parker, CO
In 2020, 2.2% of deaths in Douglas County were attributable to drug-related overdose.2 Through the last decade, drug-related overdoses were highest in 2016 and 2020, following a similar statewide trend.2 Further statistics involving alcohol or drugs in the area of Parker, CO, include:2,3
The number of drug-related emergency department visits in Douglas County increased by 18.5% between 2016 and 2020.
Alcohol-related situations were the third highest cause of death for people aged 45–64 in Douglas County in 2020.
For ages 15-24 and 25-44, drugs were the third highest cause of death in 2020. Alcohol was the 6th highest cause for ages 25-44.
In 2020, 35% of deaths from motor vehicle accidents involved alcohol.
- Douglas County distributed opioid prescriptions at a rate of 26.8 prescriptions per 100 people in 2020.
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 Parker, 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.
Traveling to and Near Parker, CO
Traveling to Parker in search of the right treatment center doesn’t need to be difficult. The following facts and tips should make your travel easier:
- Fly into Denver (DEN). It’s the closest airport and just a 35-minute drive away. Public transit is also available with just a 1-mile walk to the nearest rail station (Denver Airport Station).
- Downtown parking is easy, with many available structures and street parking. But during business hours, Monday through Friday, street parking is limited to two hours.
- There are many hotel options for all wallet sizes in Parker. Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, and Springhill Suites by Marriott are some familiar nationwide options, but local places like The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast are also available for a more authentic feel.
- Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies are readily available with minimal wait times.
- If you are there during the cold months, the Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park is one of few ice trails nationwide. It wanders through the park, allowing visitors to ice skate while seeing more than a tiny rink. There are three fire pits along the trail, and concession stands with hot chocolate and other treats are available for your comfort.
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
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health report: Substance Use and Mental Disorders in the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield MSA.
- Douglas County Public Health Department. (2021). Douglas County Board of Health Community Health Assessment (CHA) Update.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). U.S. County Opioid Dispensing Rates, 2020.