CeDAR Review
Just west of Denver, the University of Colorado Hospital’s nationally recognized Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR) is situated on seven quiet, scenic acres on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Committed to integrated addiction treatment that focuses on the mind, body and spirit, CeDAR offers inpatient program stays which start at a minimum of 31 days and can be up to 90 days. Clients must be 18 years of age or older. Detox is also offered.
CeDAR touts its individually specialized treatment. One unique feature is its tailored program for professionals in healthcare, law, ministry, aviation, higher education and other fields. This program includes professionals’ process group therapy twice a week and counseling on such topics as the return to practice and change management.
Accommodations and Food
CeDAR has two cottages, one for men and one for women, each of which can accommodate 20 residents. Matching the surroundings, the cottages are rustic, but roomy and comfortable with plenty of light. Clients have roommates and share one bathroom between the two of them.
A staff nutritionist/fitness specialist oversees menu planning and exercise programs. Cafeteria service is adjacent to a bright, open dining area with high ceilings and large windows. Three nutritionally balanced meals and snacks in between are provided each day. CeDAR is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions with advanced notice. In addition to the prepared meals, healthy grilled options are available, as well as choices such as salad and sushi.
Continued care after leaving CeDAR is also addressed, with options including ongoing residence in sober townhouses close to the campus.
Treatment and Staff
An abstinence model incorporating 12-step programs is the backbone of treatment at CeDAR, with advanced care available at the University of Colorado Hospital to address any client medical issues. The approach is gender-separated, with different leaders for Men’s Treatment Services and Women’s Treatment Services. Men and women also have separate living quarters and daily programs (they may be in the same dining room or lecture hall, but are seated separately). Clients also are assigned a “buddy”–another resident to help integrate the new client into the group.
Among the specific treatments offered are CBT, DBT, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and 12-step facilitation. CeDAR is non-denominational though spirituality, including daily reflection and meditation, is emphasized.
CeDAR has a staff-to-patient ratio of one-to-five, ensuring plenty of individualized attention. The team includes specialists, such as addiction psychiatrists, addiction-certified primary care physicians, nursing staff, addiction case managers/therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, spiritual care professionals and family educators.
Days at CeDAR are structured rigidly. Wake up is definitely on the early side (6 am, with breakfast starting at 6:45). Mornings include meditation, lectures, and group discussions. After lunch, clients participate in individual counseling sessions as well as gender-specific fitness programs. Physical activity is an important component of treatment at CeDAR.
Cell phones, computers, iPads, iPods and Kindles aren’t permitted at CeDAR and in fact no outside reading material is allowed. After the first five days of residence, though, clients are able to have limited outside contact. Phone calls may be made with staff approval during times that vary by schedule. Also, after five days of treatment, residents can have visitors from 1-4 pm on Sundays. The campus is tobacco-free, but nicotine substitutes are provided
Extras
Clients can take advantage of CeDAR’s integrative medicine services, which includes massage, acupuncture and chiropractic services that are available through a partnership with the University of Colorado Hospital. There is a fully equipped fitness facility on site. Strength training and yoga are incorporated. After dinner, there are 12-step meetings, nightly reflection and free time until lights out at 11 pm. Every other Friday night, a Drum Circle is held. Movies are shown on Saturday nights.
CeDAR has an Alumni Volunteer Program, comprising former patients who come on campus to support, guide and inspire current clients as well as a week-long Family Program to teach family members about addiction, how to support loved ones through the recovery process and self-care. Alumni and family group meetings also take place during the week.
In Summary
For clients who are interested in highly structured, interdisciplinary treatment and are able to abide by extremely strict rules, CeDAR is a great option. Alumni have wonderful things to report and some even go on to work there.
CeDAR Location
1693 N. Quentin St
Aurora, CO 80045
CeDAR / University of Colorado Hospital Cost
Call for details. Reach CeDAR / University of Colorado Hospital by phone at (877) 999-0538. Find CeDAR / University of Colorado Hospital at Facebook and Twitter
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Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Beall (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and resized)
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