Foundry Front Range is part of NRT Behavioral Health, Inc., an organization committed to improving alcohol addiction treatment outcomes and ending cycles of addiction and dysfunction for people throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Foundry Front Range adheres to the highest quality healthcare standards, uses evidence-based practices and integrated addiction medicine, and is home to some of the most skilled clinicians in the State. Learn more about our addictions services programs and what treatment entails.
We are licensed by the State of Colorado Department of Human Services, accredited by The Joint Commission, are a Pro Football Hall of Fame Elite Care Center, and are LegitScript Certified.
We provide high-quality, medically supervised alcohol detox and residential treatment for alcohol use disorder. Call now.
Personal Experience Treating Alcohol Addiction
“Throughout my 30 years of clinical work as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, I have treated thousands of individuals and families affected by alcohol use disorder. Diagnosing and treating comorbid medical problems caused by long-term alcohol use, like liver disease, diabetes, and malnutrition, is crucial to helping people recover. Addressing the family system to restore broken relationships and establish recovery-supportive home settings and lifestyles also makes a significant difference in outcomes. The millions of people living in long-term recovery from alcohol abuse are a testament to the potential to stop letting alcohol control your life. Our program offers the expertise and therapies to help people take the first step and stay the course.” — Jasmine Aranda, Chief Clinical Officer
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, clinically referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic, relapsing condition characterized by a compulsive need to consume alcohol despite significant physical, psychological, and social consequences. It develops when repeated alcohol use alters brain chemistry, affecting dopamine and GABA pathways in ways that reinforce dependence over time. AUD exists on a spectrum from mild to severe, and its progression can be gradual, making it difficult for individuals or their families to recognize without clinical assessment. Like other substance use disorders, alcohol addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and it responds to evidence-based treatment.
Alcohol Addiction vs. Alcohol Use Disorder
The terms “alcohol addiction” and “alcohol use disorder” are often used interchangeably, but alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the current clinical diagnosis used by healthcare providers, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a pattern of alcohol use involving loss of control, preoccupation with drinking, and continued use despite negative consequences. “Alcohol addiction” is a colloquial term that generally refers to the more severe end of the AUD spectrum, where physical dependence and compulsive use are most pronounced. (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5, 2013)
How Is Alcohol Addiction Treated?
Alcohol addiction is typically treated through a continuum of care, beginning with medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal safely and progressing into structured residential or outpatient programming as clinically appropriate. Treatment addresses both the physical dependence and the underlying psychological, behavioral, and social factors that contribute to ongoing use. An integrated approach that includes co-occurring mental health treatment tends to support more durable outcomes for individuals with AUD.
Common treatment modalities may include:
- Medically supervised detoxification (ASAM 3.7 withdrawal management)
- Residential inpatient treatment (ASAM 3.5)
- Individual therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing)
- Group therapy and peer support programming
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as naltrexone or acamprosate, where clinically indicated
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), in-person or virtual
- Family therapy and psychoeducation
- Dual diagnosis / co-occurring mental health treatment
- Relapse prevention planning and aftercare support
Why Timely Alcohol Addiction Treatment Matters
Seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder can be a meaningful step toward stabilizing health, rebuilding relationships, and reducing the compounding risks that untreated AUD carries over time.
Importance of alcohol use disorder treatment:
- AUD is a progressive condition; without intervention, physical and psychological consequences tend to worsen
- Medically supervised detox reduces the risk of life-threatening withdrawal complications, including seizures and delirium tremens
- Structured treatment addresses co-occurring mental health conditions that often drive or sustain alcohol use
- Early intervention is associated with better long-term outcomes across physical health, social functioning, and sustained recovery
- Access to Medicaid-covered treatment has expanded options for individuals who previously faced financial barriers to care
- Treatment can help restore family stability and reduce the social and economic burden of untreated addiction
- Residential and outpatient programs provide clinical structure during the highest-risk period of early recovery
Risks of Untreated Alcohol Addiction
Without clinical intervention, alcohol use disorder carries significant and well-documented health risks that extend across nearly every organ system.
- Alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens (DTs): Approximately 3–5% of individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal develop severe complications including seizures or DTs, which can be fatal without medical supervision (Schuckit, 2014, New England Journal of Medicine)
- Liver disease: Heavy, chronic alcohol use is the leading cause of alcohol-associated liver disease, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, affecting an estimated 10–15% of heavy drinkers (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIAAA)
- Cardiovascular disease: Long-term heavy alcohol use is associated with increased risk of cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, hypertension, and stroke (Ronksley et al., 2011, BMJ)
- Neurological damage: Chronic AUD can cause alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and persistent cognitive impairment due to thiamine deficiency and neurotoxicity (Harper, 2009, Alcohol and Alcoholism)
- Mental health deterioration: AUD is strongly associated with major depression, anxiety disorders, and increased suicide risk; individuals with AUD are approximately 10 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population (Wilcox et al., 2004, Drug and Alcohol Dependence)
- Cancer risk: Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); heavy use is linked to increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast
- Social and functional consequences: Untreated AUD is associated with job loss, family breakdown, legal involvement, housing instability, and increased risk of accidents and injury
Alcohol addiction is a treatable medical condition that claims more lives than any other substance use disorder. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports 178,000 deaths associated with excessive alcohol use in the United States each year. Alcohol use disorder (historically called alcoholism) is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. In addition to endangering the lives of people experiencing alcohol use disorder, alcohol intoxication is a leading cause of accidents, physiological health problems, and relationship problems.
We are an inpatient alcohol detox and treatment center.
Foundry Front Range is a licensed and accredited, high-quality, evidence-based drug and alcohol rehab center that proudly accepts RAE 1 Medicaid. We provide residential detox (ASAP 3.5) and residential treatment (ASAM 3.7) programs for adults 18+ at our beautiful and well-appointed Broomfield, Colorado, treatment center.
What are the most common health effects of alcohol abuse?
Alcohol use disorder wreaks havoc on the body and brain. Alcohol affects organ function, including brain function, and may lead to persistent mental health problems as well as physical ones.
Liver Disease
Alcohol damages liver tissue and reduces the efficiency of the liver at removing waste from the body. Long-term alcohol use, and even occasional binge drinking, can harm the liver and produce fatty liver disease or cirrhosis. Assessing and improving liver function should be a focus of integrated alcohol abuse treatment.
Cognitive brain function
Alcohol directly impacts brain function and can reduce executive functioning. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to memory loss, confusion, and even nerve damage that can impact movement and mobility. Not only can these effects make it hard to function in daily life or hold a job, but they can be painful.
Pancreatitis
Excessive alcohol use can impair pancreas function, which increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Cancer Risks
Numerous studies link long-term alcohol use with cancer risks. Like many toxins, alcohol is a chemical that may damage cell reproduction, which can lead to the development of cancerous tissue. Mouth, throat, and esophageal cancers are a few common cancers associated with alcohol use disorder.
Heart damage
Long-term alcohol use can weaken the heart muscle and reduce its function. Heart disease is a risk of alcohol use.
Treating alcohol dependence should make the most of inpatient treatment.
Inpatient alcohol treatment is a serious time and cost investment for patients, families, supporters, and their care team. We believe it is crucial to make every inpatient treatment episode as effective as possible so that our clients do not require additional inpatient treatment stays in the future. With thorough assessment and diagnosis, adequate integrated treatment, and thoughtful planning of treatment during and after inpatient care, most individuals should be able to establish a recovery that can be sustained.
This is not to say that ongoing care is unnecessary. On the contrary, everyone who successfully completes inpatient residential treatment for alcohol use disorder should become in a support group of their choice, receive regular medical care, and may engage in lower levels of care to maintain recovery and stay healthy.
Alcohol addiction causes specific health problems that must be addressed during treatment.
People who use Medicaid sometimes face challenges that make it harder to enter and maintain recovery, so we offer services and education that can help.
According to Benefits.gov, Colorado adults who earn a low or very low income may qualify for Medicaid if they are pregnant, responsible for a child under 18, blind, have a disability, live with a family member with a disability, or are 65 or older.
People who utilize Medicaid sometimes need more success in treatment and remaining in recovery due to financial, family, or health situations. It may be harder for people who use Medicaid to take time off from work or childcare to engage in treatment. Reliable transportation and secure housing may not be a reality. Changing one’s home situation or lifestyle may make it more difficult to support recovery. Some individuals who use Medicaid may live far from recovery-supportive resources or ongoing care and may have limited access to a primary care provider.
Many of these challenges not only make it harder to achieve lasting recovery but can also be causes of substance use and mental health disorders. We understand how financial and family system issues impact people seeking recovery and offer specialized education, coaching, and ongoing care planning that improves the chances of treatment success for people using Medicaid.
You can quit drinking or help someone you love who suffers from alcohol abuse, and we Can help. Please call an experienced admissions representative now at (720) 807-7867.
What services does your alcohol rehab program include?
Medically supervised alcohol detoxification
Foundry Front Range features a supervised medical detoxification suite providing safe and comfortable detox. Medically supervised detox is a critical part of effective treatment for individuals experiencing specific substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder, benzodiazepine use disorder, and opioid use disorder, which pose life-threatening withdrawal side effects. Our detox is offered as a stand-alone service and as the first step in comprehensive residential treatment. Clients can seamlessly transition from our detox to our residential treatment program, which is located in the same building.
Medical assessments and screenings
Long-term alcohol use, especially prolonged alcohol use disorder, may cause numerous health issues. Assessments and screenings are used to determine liver health and other organ function, neurological functioning, nutritional deficits, and more. Diagnosing and treating underlying medical problems resulting from alcohol use disorder is important to positive treatment outcomes.
Medical care and nursing
Some medical conditions associated with alcohol use disorder require medical care. Some medical care can be provided at Foundry Front Range. In some cases, we refer clients to a higher level of care, like a local hospital, to receive specialized care before clients are medically stable and able to productively participate in treatment.
Alcohol Education
Most high-quality treatment involves an educational component that helps clients understand the causes, effects, treatments, and long-term management of their conditions. At Foundry Front Range, our psychoeducation is tailored to each client’s conditions and needs. education is provided in individual and group settings.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a vital evidence-based therapeutic modality used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that accompany alcohol use disorder. Residential alcohol treatment psychotherapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and specialized trauma therapies like EMDR and somatic experiencing to address underlying or undiagnosed trauma.
Psychiatric Prescribing
Psychiatric medications are an ever-evolving toolkit that is helping more people maintain recovery and feel relief from mental health disorders. Medications prescribed and managed by experienced doctors and prescribers can help to reduce alcohol cravings as people establish recovery. Medications can also be used to control symptoms of mental and physical pain resulting from numerous conditions, which often cause people to self-medicate with alcohol. The goal of psychiatric medication in addiction treatment is to help individuals feel normal without the use of illicit substances and under the safe and monitored care of a qualified medical provider.
Group therapy
Family therapy
Support group introduction
Recreation and lifestyle counseling
Nutritional education and support
Discharge planning
Broomfield and Denver Alcohol Recovery Support Groups
We highly encourage our clients to learn about and attend recovery support groups. Support groups are fixtures for many people in recovery, and some recovering individuals make attendance part of their daily routine. These frequent and conveniently located meetings, including a growing number of virtual meetings, allow people to find support and support others, find sponsors and supportive friendships, and become connected to local resources.
Foundry Front Range works with each client to find a program that is right for their needs, and that offers meetings in their home community or virtually.
Broomfield and the surrounding Denver area are home to numerous recovery support groups. Today’s range of support group options means that there is typically one or more groups that are right for you. Traditional Twelve-Step groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, are extremely popular and meet daily at multiple locations throughout greater Denver. But many other nonsecular and agnostic groups, including Celebrate Recovery, Buddhist Recovery Network, SMART Recovery Meetings, Lifering, and others offer approaches aligned with one’s beliefs and goals.