Common Questions and Answers

Q: Who is ARTS for?: A: ARTS offers assessment/evaluation, residential and outpatient drug treatment programs for adolescents, adult men and women, HIV positive individuals and offender populations.
Q: What is the admission process?: A: Those seeking admission to a specific treatment program should call 303-388-5894 to request an evaluation. They may also call a specific location listed on this website.
Q: Can ARTS treat other psychiatric problems?: A: Some, as long as substance abuse problems are primary.
Q: What is the referral process?: A: Anyone can request an evaluation or treatment at ARTS. Simply call either 303-388-5894 or 303-761-6703.
Q: Are all programs and staff licensed?: A: Yes. Programs meet State and Federal licensing standards.
Q: What are the treatment fees?: A: Clients are expected to pay a fee based on their ability to pay.
Q: What are the options for individuals who can't afford to pay?: A: ARTS will waive fees for individuals with circumstances that prevent them from paying a fee. Counselors will assist clients in obtaining employment.
Q: What about day care?: On-site day care is provided for some programs.
Q: How does methadone work?: A: Methadone is an opiate agonist that has a series of actions similar to those of morphine and other narcotic medications. In maintenance treatment, patients are given enough methadone to ward off opiate withdrawal symptoms, but not enough to induce narcotic effects.
Q: Does methadone make patients "high" or interfere with normal functioning?: A: No. Used in proper doses in maintenance treatment, methadone does not create euphoria, sedation, or analgesia. Methadone has no adverse effects on motor skills, mental capability, or employability.
Q: How long should methadone treatment last?: A: Generally, the length of time spent in treatment is positively related to treatment success. The duration of treatment should be individually determined. Treatment should last for as long as the counselor, physician and patient agree is appropriate.
Q: Is it safe to take methadone during pregnancy?: A: Yes. Methadone maintenance treatment during pregnancy does not impair the child's developmental and cognitive functioning, and is the medically recommended course of treatment for most pregnant opiate-dependent women. During all stages of pregnancy, methadone is much safer for the mother and baby than continued heroin use.