High-risk drinking

If you’re drinking more than moderately, talk with your doctor about getting help to quit or cut back.

Remember — you don't have to drink heavily all the time or be physically dependent on alcohol to have a drinking problem.

 

Need help now?

If you think you may be addicted to alcohol and want to stop drinking now, be sure to reach out for professional help. Sudden withdrawal from heavy drinking can be life-threatening. We can help you plan a safe recovery.

Call us to connect to addiction and recovery and other behavioral health services. Our trained staff will evaluate your situation and help get you the care you need.

Denver/Boulder:
303-471-7700

Mountain Colorado:
1-866-702-9026

Northern Colorado:
1-866-359-8299 or 970-207-7177

 

Addiction and recovery services

Family in a therapy session
Our addiction and recovery services help adults and teens quit drinking, stay sober, and feel good again. Our team of specialists — including doctors, nurses, therapists, and counselors — can help you safely and comfortably stop drinking.

Because addiction affects the whole family, we also offer support for family members who may be distressed.

Depending on your needs, your addiction and recovery care options may include:*

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Day treatment and residential (in-patient) treatment
  • Medical management of withdrawal symptoms
  • Crisis intervention
  • Self-help and skill-building classes and support groups

In therapy, you’ll discuss topics such as relationships, work, family, and stressful life events. You’ll also learn strategies to recognize and deal with situations that can trigger alcohol cravings.

Note: In group therapy, you don't have to share your feelings with others unless you feel comfortable doing so.

All services are confidential.

 

Medications

Medications can help reduce your cravings for alcohol or help address chemical changes to your brain related to addiction. Talk with your doctor to find out which medications, if any, are right for you.

Medications that help manage withdrawal include:

  • Benzodiazepines (Diazepam)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Valproate (Depakote)
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Medications that reduce cravings include:

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse)
  • Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol)
  • Acamprosate (Campral)
 

Online communities

Find support and share your experiences in an online recovery community.

 

Other care options

Learn more about care options for other patterns of drinking:

Take the self-assessment

Not sure where you fall on the scale from low- to high-risk drinking? Take this short self-assessment to find out.

Self-assessment

 

 

*Services vary by region.

Reviewed by Stacy Sterling, DrPH, MSW, February 2019