1 in 10 of our neighbors lives with substance use disorder.
That's right. 1 in 10 Larimer County residents has a substance use disorder. Fewer than 1 in 10 of those 37,000 community members will get the treatment they need. That leaves nearly 33,000 people in need of care. – enough to fill the Blue Arena nearly five times.
Did you know, substance use disorder, changes the brain to think that drugs or alcohol are needed to survive. The brain seeks this rather than natural occurring dopamine. This is a long-term health condition, like cancer, diabetes, or arthritis. Fortunately, similar to these conditions, substance use disorders can be treated and the brain, people can and do get better. Creating the right mix of medicine, therapy, personalized support, and ongoing care, recovery is possible. A substance use disorder is not a choice. It’s a chronic, life-threatening disease like cancer or diabetes.
Changing Minds is a substance use awareness campaign developed by the Health District of Northern Larimer County in conjunction with the Mental Health and Substance Use Alliance. The goals of Changing Minds are to de-stigmatize the disease, shift perceptions of treatment and recovery and give hope that recovery is possible to the approximately 37,000 people in our community who are living with the disease.
The brain is more resilient than given credit. It can heal with the right care and treatment.
How treatment works
Recovery from a substance use disorder is not a quick fix. Effective care combines medication, therapy, personalized resources and ongoing support. Time, personal care, the right therapy and medication can create a success story for anyone willing to commit.
Behavioral therapy, peer support, culturally based approaches, and prescribed medications are key in creating success.
Ongoing, sustained support is essential.
| Find Help |
What is Changing Minds campaign about? It's about starting conversations, changing the narrative on substance use and substance use disorders, reducing stigma, encouraging access to treatment and support and building hope.
To learn more about the Changing Minds campaign:
Download campaign materials
Contact us at CIT@healthdistrict.org in
NOTE: RESOURCES IN SPANISH ARE AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE
