Can you imagine waking up one day and realizing the pain medication your doctor prescribed has taken control of your life? You are not alone. Thousands of Coloradans face this reality every day. Overcoming opioid addiction starts with understanding what these drugs do to your brain and body.

Opioids are powerful medications that block pain signals and trigger feelings of pleasure. When you use them repeatedly, your brain changes. You need more to feel normal. Your body depends on them. This is not weakness. This is how opioid use disorder mental health conditions develop.

The good news? Recovery is possible. Colorado saw overdose deaths drop by nearly 14% between October 2023 and October 2024. Denver alone recorded a 20% decline from 598 deaths in 2023 to 483 in 2024. These numbers prove that with the right support, evidence-based treatment, and community resources, you can reclaim your life.

This guide explains the science behind opioid addiction, explores the best ways to overcome opioids through medication-assisted treatment and therapy, and connects you to local Colorado resources. If you or someone you love is struggling, call Revive Health Recovery at (303) 268-4655. Our Co-Occurring Condition Help is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward healing.

Understanding opioid addiction in Colorado

What happens in your brain

Opioids attach to specific receptors in your brain. These receptors normally respond to natural pain relievers your body makes. When opioids flood these receptors, they create intense feelings of relief and euphoria. Your brain remembers this experience. It starts to crave more.

Over time, your brain stops making its own natural pain relievers. You develop tolerance, meaning you need higher doses to feel the same effects. Your body becomes dependent. When you stop using, withdrawal symptoms hit hard. You feel sick, anxious, and in pain. This is not a choice or a character flaw. This is a medical condition that changes your brain chemistry.

Recognizing opioid use disorder as a chronic disease helps reduce shame. You would not blame someone for developing diabetes or heart disease. The same applies here. Your brain needs help to heal.

Current trends in Colorado

Colorado faces ongoing challenges with opioid misuse, but recent data offers hope. Synthetic opioid deaths, mostly involving fentanyl, dropped 28.5% from 1,192 to 852 between October 2023 and October 2024. Denver’s Medical Examiner reported about 20% fewer overdose deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year.

However, experts warn this progress remains fragile. Early 2025 brought spikes in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Methamphetamine now causes as many deaths as fentanyl in Denver, and many fatalities involve both drugs. Minority communities continue to face disproportionate harm, with young Black and Latino residents experiencing higher overdose rates.

The landscape keeps shifting. Xylazine, a veterinary sedative sometimes mixed with fentanyl, remains rare in Colorado. Only four fatal overdoses involved xylazine between 2022 and early 2025. State health officials monitor emerging threats to protect residents.

From prescriptions to street drugs

Many people start with legitimate prescriptions. You might receive pain medication after surgery or an injury. Taking pills as prescribed feels safe at first. Then you notice you need them more often. The prescription runs out, but the cravings remain.

Research shows that people who misuse prescription opioids are 19 times more likely to try heroin. In the 2000s, 75% of individuals entering treatment for heroin addiction started with prescription pills. Why does this happen?

Several factors drive the shift:

Tighter prescribing regulations make pills harder to obtain. Street opioids like heroin and fentanyl cost less and produce stronger effects. Dealers add fentanyl to heroin without your knowledge, increasing potency and danger. One dose might be safe. The next could be lethal.

You might obtain pills from family members, friends, or your own prescriptions. You may not realize how quickly dependence develops. Once it does, the need to avoid withdrawal symptoms can push you toward cheaper, more accessible street drugs.

Understanding this progression helps you see addiction as a health issue, not a moral failure. If you recognize these patterns in yourself or a loved one, reach out to Revive Health Recovery at (303) 268-4655. Our compassionate team understands what you are going through and can guide you toward effective treatment.

Evidence-based treatment options

Medication-assisted treatment saves lives

The best ways to overcome opioids combine medication with counseling and behavioral support. Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, uses FDA-approved drugs to reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and cut overdose risk. Research proves that people treated with methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to die, overdose, or engage in risky behaviors than those who receive no medication.

Three medications lead the way:

• Methadone works by activating the same brain receptors as other opioids but without causing a high. You receive it daily at certified clinics. New regulations allow stable patients to take home up to 28 doses, making treatment more convenient. Methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms and helps you focus on rebuilding your life.
• Buprenorphine offers more flexibility. Doctors can prescribe it in primary care settings and through telehealth appointments. Buprenorphine combined with naloxone, known as Suboxone, reduces the potential for misuse. You take it once daily, and it keeps cravings and withdrawal at bay. This medication allows you to work, care for your family, and engage in therapy without constant discomfort.
• Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors entirely. It does not trigger a high or cause dependence. You must complete detox before starting naltrexone because it can cause severe withdrawal if opioids remain in your system. Once you begin, it helps prevent relapse by removing the reward if you use opioids again.

Colorado offers numerous MAT programs. Denver Health operates a comprehensive MAT clinic serving insured and uninsured patients. Rural areas have telehealth options that bring treatment to your home. Sliding-scale fees help those without insurance afford care.

Despite strong evidence, fewer than one in five Americans with opioid use disorder receive medication treatment. Expanding access remains critical. If you want to learn more about MAT options, contact Revive Health Recovery at (303) 268-4655. We can assess your needs and connect you to appropriate services.

Addressing trauma and PTSD through dual diagnosis treatment

Trauma often fuels addiction. Childhood adversity, abuse, neglect, combat exposure, and other painful experiences increase the risk of substance use. Nearly half of people with PTSD also have a substance use disorder. About three-quarters of individuals with addiction report trauma histories.

When you use opioids to numb emotional pain, you treat the symptom but not the cause. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both conditions simultaneously. You receive trauma-specific therapy alongside addiction care. This integrated approach improves retention in treatment and produces better long-term outcomes.

Evidence-based therapies for trauma include:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps you process traumatic memories without reliving them in detail. Your therapist guides you through specific eye movements while you recall distressing events. This process reduces the emotional charge attached to those memories.
• Cognitive Processing Therapy teaches you to challenge and reframe harmful thoughts about your trauma. You learn that the trauma was not your fault and that you can move forward safely.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) builds skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT helps you manage intense emotions without turning to substances.

Colorado providers screen for Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACEs, during intake. High ACE scores predict greater risk for addiction and other health problems. Treatment teams use this information to tailor care. Family-centered therapy helps break intergenerational cycles of trauma and addiction.

Revive Health Recovery specializes in dual diagnosis treatment that honors your whole story. We combine evidence-based addiction treatment with trauma-informed care. Our team understands that healing happens when you address the root causes, not just the symptoms. Call us at (303) 268-4655 to discuss how we can support your recovery.

Behavioral therapy and counseling build resilience

Medication stabilizes your brain chemistry, but therapy helps you build the skills to maintain recovery. Behavioral therapy and counseling teach you to identify triggers, change unhelpful thought patterns, and develop healthy coping strategies.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you recognize the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When a stressful situation arises, your automatic thoughts might lead you to crave opioids. CBT teaches you to pause, examine those thoughts, and choose a healthier response.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) explores your ambivalence about change. You might want to quit using but fear withdrawal or losing connections with people who use drugs. MI helps you weigh the pros and cons, clarify your values, and strengthen your commitment to recovery.
• Group therapy connects you with others who understand your struggles. Sharing experiences reduces isolation and shame. You learn from peers who have faced similar challenges and discovered solutions. Group settings foster accountability and encouragement.

Many programs incorporate additional support:

Mindfulness practices help you stay present and manage cravings without acting on them. Stress management techniques, like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, reduce anxiety. Vocational counseling prepares you for meaningful work. Family education sessions help loved ones understand addiction and support your recovery without enabling harmful behaviors.

At Revive Health Recovery, we offer individual and group counseling tailored to your needs. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches proven to support long-term recovery. Contact us at (303) 268-4655 to learn more about our counseling services.

Safe detox and withdrawal management

Why medical supervision matters

Stopping opioids abruptly causes intense withdrawal symptoms. You might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and overwhelming cravings. These symptoms peak within 24 to 72 hours for short-acting opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, produce more protracted withdrawal that can last over a week.

Withdrawal rarely causes death, but it feels unbearable. Many people return to using simply to stop the suffering. Medical supervision makes the process safer and more comfortable. Professionals use medications like buprenorphine or lofexidine to ease symptoms. They monitor your vital signs, provide hydration and nutrition, and offer emotional support.

Medically supervised detox also prevents complications. Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Anxiety and agitation might trigger other health problems, especially if you have heart conditions. A clinical team can address these issues quickly.

Colorado offers both inpatient and outpatient detox programs. Inpatient settings provide 24-hour care in a structured environment. Outpatient programs allow you to live at home while attending daily appointments. Denver Health’s withdrawal management center accepts uninsured patients, removing financial barriers.

Detox alone is not treatment. It addresses physical dependence but does not prepare you for long-term recovery. After detox, you need ongoing support through MAT, counseling, and community resources. Think of detox as the first step, not the finish line.

What to expect during detox

Preparing mentally helps you succeed. Understand that withdrawal is temporary. Symptoms will peak and then decrease. Having supportive family members or peers who encourage you through difficult moments makes a difference.

During detox, staff will:

Assess your medical history, current health, and substance use patterns. This information guides the treatment plan. Provide medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is commonly used because it relieves discomfort without causing a high. Monitor your vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Offer fluids, nutritious meals, and a comfortable space to rest. Provide emotional support and explain what is happening in your body. Connect you to the next phase of treatment before you leave.

You might feel anxious about the process. That is normal. Ask questions. Express your concerns. The team is there to help you through each stage.

Revive Health Recovery partners with trusted detox providers in the Denver area. We ensure you receive compassionate, medically supervised care. After detox, we welcome you into our comprehensive treatment programs. Call (303) 268-4655 to discuss safe detox options.

Colorado-specific resources and support

Local treatment centers and programs

Colorado offers a wide range of treatment options. Finding the right fit depends on your needs, location, and insurance coverage.

Provider	Services Offered	Location	Special Features
Revive Health Recovery	MAT, dual diagnosis treatment, individual and group therapy	Denver Metro	24/7 availability, sliding-scale fees, trauma-informed care
Denver Health MAT Clinic	Methadone, buprenorphine, counseling	Denver	Serves uninsured patients, withdrawal management center
Colorado Medication-Assisted Recovery	Buprenorphine, naltrexone, telehealth options	Multiple locations	Rural outreach, flexible scheduling
Mile High Recovery Center	Residential care, intensive outpatient programs	Denver	Specialized programs for veterans and first responders

The Behavioral Health Administration website lists providers by county. You can filter by services, insurance accepted, and language spoken. Many programs offer sliding-fee scales based on income. Colorado Medicaid covers most addiction treatment services, including MAT and behavioral therapies.

If you need help navigating your options, call Revive Health Recovery at (303) 268-4655. Our team can explain what each program offers and help you choose the best path forward.

Peer support and recovery communities

Peer support groups connect you with people who share your experiences. These communities reduce isolation and provide practical guidance from those who have walked the same path.

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) hosts daily meetings across the Denver metro area. NA follows a 12-step model that emphasizes spiritual growth and accountability. Meetings are free, and you can attend as often as you like. Many people find strength in the fellowship and structure NA provides.
• SMART Recovery offers a secular, science-based alternative. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. The program teaches coping skills through four key areas: building motivation, managing cravings, solving problems, and creating a balanced life. SMART Recovery meetings are available in person and online.
• Young People in Recovery (YPR) supports teens and young adults. YPR recognizes that younger individuals face unique challenges. The community provides age-appropriate activities, mentorship, and social connections that do not revolve around substance use.

Many programs also offer peer recovery coaches. These are individuals with lived experience who guide you through early recovery. They help you navigate treatment systems, access community resources, and stay motivated. Peer coaches understand the struggle because they have been there themselves.

At Revive Health Recovery, we encourage participation in peer support groups. Recovery thrives in community. Call us at (303) 268-4655 to learn about local meetings and how to connect with peer support.

Overdose prevention resources

Colorado has invested heavily in overdose prevention. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, reverses opioid overdoses by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. It restores breathing within minutes and can save lives.

A statewide standing order allows anyone to obtain naloxone at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Over 200 pharmacies across Colorado stock naloxone. The Stop the Clock Colorado website lists locations where you can pick up naloxone for free or at low cost.

Universities and harm reduction centers distribute free naloxone kits. CU Boulder, for example, hands out kits to students and staff. Denver Health installed naloxone vending machines that dispensed more than 1,100 kits in the first 50 days. These machines are located in high-traffic areas, making naloxone accessible around the clock.

First responders in Colorado participate in “Leave Behind” programs. When they respond to an overdose, they provide naloxone kits and information about treatment resources to the individual and their family. This approach meets people where they are and offers tools to prevent future tragedies.

Harm reduction agencies also distribute fentanyl test strips. These strips detect fentanyl in drugs before use, allowing you to make informed decisions. Xylazine test strips are becoming available as well, though xylazine remains uncommon in Colorado’s drug supply.

Revive Health Recovery supports harm reduction as a path to engagement in treatment. We believe every life is worth saving, and we meet you where you are without judgment. Call (303) 268-4655 to learn more about accessing naloxone and harm reduction services in your area.

Building lasting recovery

Relapse prevention strategies

Recovery is not a straight line. Many people experience setbacks before achieving long-term sobriety. Relapse does not mean failure. It means you need to adjust your plan. Understanding common triggers and building healthy alternatives strengthens your resilience.

Identify your triggers. Triggers are people, places, situations, or emotions that increase your urge to use. Common triggers include:

Stress from work, relationships, or finances. Isolation and loneliness. Social cues like seeing old friends who still use drugs or visiting places where you used to use. Physical pain or discomfort. Difficult emotions like anger, sadness, or boredom.

Once you know your triggers, you can develop strategies to manage them. If stress triggers cravings, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. If isolation triggers cravings, reach out to a friend, attend a support group meeting, or call your counselor.

• Develop healthy alternatives. Replace substance use with activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Exercise releases natural endorphins that improve mood. Creative outlets like art, music, or writing provide emotional expression. Building supportive friendships with people who support your recovery creates a safety net.
• Set goals and celebrate milestones. Recovery is about rebuilding your life, not just stopping drug use. Set goals for housing, employment, education, and personal growth. Celebrate small victories along the way. Each day sober is an achievement worth recognizing.
• Incorporate wellness practices. Nutrition, sleep, and physical health impact your mental and emotional well-being. Eating balanced meals, getting enough rest, and moving your body support recovery. Mindfulness and yoga help you stay grounded and present.
• Stay connected. Isolation fuels relapse. Maintain regular contact with your support network. Attend meetings, check in with your counselor, and stay engaged with your treatment plan. If you feel a craving coming on, reach out immediately. You do not have to face it alone.

Revive Health Recovery offers ongoing support to help you sustain recovery long after initial treatment. We provide relapse prevention planning, alumni programs, and continued access to counseling. Call (303) 268-4655 to discuss how we can support your long-term success.

Family and community support

Addiction affects entire families, not just the person using drugs. Family therapy helps repair relationships, improve communication, and set healthy boundaries. Loved ones learn how to support your recovery without enabling harmful behaviors.

• Al-Anon and Families Anonymous provide support for family members and friends. These groups help loved ones understand addiction, manage their own stress, and care for themselves while supporting you. Families often carry guilt, anger, and fear. Peer support helps them process these emotions in a safe space.
• Recovery residences, also known as sober living homes, offer stable environments during early recovery. You live with others who are also committed to sobriety. These homes provide structure, accountability, and a substance-free space. Residents often participate in house meetings, contribute to chores, and support one another through challenges.
• Community initiatives create opportunities for connection and purpose. The Denver Recovery Oriented Campus, for example, offers space for peer support meetings, employment training, volunteer service, and social activities. These programs help you rebuild a life centered around recovery, not substances.

At Revive Health Recovery, we involve families in the treatment process. Our family liaison stays connected with your loved ones throughout your time in our program. We offer family therapy sessions and educational workshops to support everyone affected by addiction. Call (303) 268-4655 to learn more about our family support services.

Overcoming treatment barriers

Insurance and financial concerns

Cost should never prevent you from seeking help. Colorado offers multiple pathways to access affordable treatment.

Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) covers MAT, detox, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, and peer support services. Medicaid expansion increased eligibility, and telehealth options make services more accessible for rural residents. If you qualify for Medicaid, most treatment services are free or low-cost.

Many clinics offer sliding-fee scales based on income. You pay what you can afford, and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. State opioid settlement funds support low-cost services through Regional Opioid Abatement Councils. These funds help communities expand treatment capacity and reduce barriers.

Some programs provide scholarships or grants for uninsured clients. Nonprofit organizations and faith-based programs may offer additional financial assistance.

Revive Health Recovery works with most major insurance plans and offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured clients. We believe everyone deserves access to quality care, regardless of financial circumstances. Call (303) 268-4655 to discuss payment options and verify your insurance coverage.

Addressing stigma and shame

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking help. You might fear judgment from family, friends, employers, or healthcare providers. You might blame yourself for developing addiction. These feelings are common, but they are not based in truth.

Opioid use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failing. Your brain chemistry changed due to repeated exposure to powerful drugs. You did not choose to become addicted. You did not lack willpower or character. You developed a treatable disease.

• Educate yourself and others. The more you understand about addiction as a brain disease, the easier it becomes to release shame. Share accurate information with loved ones. Challenge misconceptions when you hear them.
• Practice self-compassion. Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend facing the same struggle. Recognize your courage in seeking help. Acknowledge that recovery is hard work and every step forward matters.
• Use person-first language. Say “person with opioid use disorder” instead of “addict” or “junkie.” Language shapes how we see ourselves and others. Person-first language respects your humanity and dignity.
• Share your story when you are ready. Personal stories of recovery change perceptions and inspire others. You do not have to share publicly, but connecting with others in recovery reduces isolation and builds hope.

At Revive Health Recovery, we treat every person with respect and compassion. We understand that asking for help takes courage, and we honor that courage every day. Call (303) 268-4655 to speak with someone who sees your strength, not your struggles.

FAQs about overcoming opioid addiction

Conclusion

Overcoming opioid addiction requires understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors that drive this disease. Colorado has made progress, with overdose deaths declining in 2024. This success reflects comprehensive treatment, widespread naloxone access, and strong community support. Yet challenges remain, and continued investment in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction is essential.

Recovery is possible for you. Medication-assisted treatment reduces cravings and withdrawal. Trauma-informed therapy heals the wounds that fuel addiction. Peer support and family involvement create a foundation for lasting change. Colorado offers resources to help you take the first step.

You do not have to face this alone. Revive Health Recovery stands ready to walk with you through every stage of recovery. Our compassionate team understands what you are experiencing, and we are committed to helping you build a life you love. Call us today at (303) 268-4655 or email contact@revivehealthrecovery.com. Our lines are open 24/7 because we know that the moment you decide to seek help is the moment that matters most. Take that step. You deserve healing, hope, and a future free from addiction.