Struggling with Substance Use? Here’s How to Know What Kind of Support You Really Need
Substance use doesn’t always scream for attention. It can sneak in quietly — a few more drinks than usual to take the edge off, prescriptions stretched beyond what was intended, or habits that started in college and never quite went away.
And yet, when people do start to wonder if it’s becoming a problem, the next question often stops them cold:
“What do I even do about it?”
Is this something therapy can help with?
Do I need a program?
Is it bad enough to get treatment?
At Ignite Counseling Colorado, we hear these questions more and more — and we want you to know:
You don’t need to be in crisis to deserve support.
And you don’t need to figure this out alone.
Why This Question Matters — And Why It’s So Hard to Ask
It’s easy to delay seeking support because you’re not sure where you fit. Many people assume you have to hit “rock bottom” to go to treatment, or that if you're still functioning — going to work, taking care of your kids — then therapy is probably overkill.
But substance use care isn’t all-or-nothing. There’s a continuum of care, ranging from weekly outpatient therapy (like what we offer at Ignite) all the way up to residential or medical detox services. Knowing where you fall on that continuum can help you avoid getting stuck — or worse, receiving the wrong level of support.
We Created a Self-Assessment Tool to Help
To remove some of the guesswork, we put together a free, shame-free self-assessment guide. It's not a diagnostic tool. It’s a reflection tool. One that helps you check in with yourself — gently — and see whether outpatient therapy is likely the right fit, or whether something more structured could better support you right now.
✅ Download the Self-Assessment Guide
You’ll also find a list of trusted programs in Colorado that offer detox, IOP, residential care, and more — so you don’t have to call a dozen places or explain your story over and over again to get help.
A Snapshot from the Guide
Here are a few sample questions from the full guide to help you reflect:
Are you using substances daily, or close to it?
Have you tried to stop or cut back but haven’t been able to sustain it?
Do you experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, nausea, or insomnia?
Are your relationships, job, or mental health suffering because of your use?
Do you feel like therapy might help — but you’re also overwhelmed at the thought of starting?
If you answered “yes” to some of these, you’re not alone — and it might be time to explore options beyond once-a-week therapy.
But if you’re functioning relatively well and simply want a space to process your relationship with substances, outpatient care may be a great place to begin.
If You’re Ready for Help — We’re Here!
Whether you're at the beginning of this journey or deep in it, you deserve care that meets you where you are — not one-size-fits-all, not shame-based, and never dismissive.
Visit our full guide to learn more about levels of care, download the self-assessment, or access local resource referrals.
And if you're not sure what to do next? That’s okay too. Reach out when you're ready.
