Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025If you’re seeking help for Alcohol Abuse in Colorado Springs, you’re in the right place. MiResource connects you with local, trusted mental health and addiction services, so you can find effective Alcohol Abuse support, counseling, and treatment options nearby that fit your needs.
Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
716 West Sycamore Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703
Sarah Moore is a Counselor in Fayetteville, Arkansas and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Alcohol Use, Suicidal Ideation, Chronic Illness/Pain.
I am a licensed professional counselor. My goal is to provide a safe and inclusive place to work through anxiety, trauma, transition, and relationships.
Psychiatrist
195 Riverbend Shopping Center, Suite #1, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
Peyton Hurt is a Psychiatrist in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 34 years. They treat Alcohol Use, Psychosis, Panic.
I have been practicing as both a Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist for 30 years.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Alcohol Use, Bullying, Personal Growth.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Alcohol Use, College and School Placement, Phobia.
Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement
Psychologist, Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Sport Psychologist
Remote only
LaTisha Bader is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 21 years. They treat Alcohol Use, Athletic Performance, Life Transitions.
Private practice providing psychological services (individual, group, assessments, coaching), sport psychology, and recovery.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Jacob Cooper is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Alcohol Use, Suicidal Ideation, College and School Placement.
Dr. Cooper is an authentic and relational sport psychologist with 10+ years of experience with professional athletes, olympians, and US. special forces.
Alcohol is a chemical found in drinks like beer, wine, and liquor that changes how your brain and body work. It’s a depressant, meaning it slows the nervous system, which can make you feel relaxed, lower inhibitions, and affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Effects vary by body size, tolerance, food intake, and medications; at Colorado Springs’ higher elevation, people may feel the effects more quickly. A “standard drink” is roughly 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz liquor, though many servings contain more. Knowing these basics helps you gauge your limits and stay safe.
Awareness matters because alcohol can impact health, relationships, work, and driving, and it can interact with mental health or prescriptions. Regular heavy use raises risks for dependence, injuries, liver and heart problems, and mood issues, but early understanding supports safer choices and prevention. If you choose to drink, pacing, hydration, and planning a safe ride are key; if you don’t, that’s valid too. In Colorado Springs, laws and community resources exist to support responsible use and recovery when needed. Reaching out for information or help is a strong step toward well-being.
Anyone can be affected by alcohol-related challenges, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. While it can impact anyone, certain groups may experience it more often, including people with a family history of alcohol use, those coping with stress or trauma, LGBTQ+ communities, youth and college students, and individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions. Experiencing difficulties with alcohol is common and not a personal failing. You deserve support, and help is available for everyone.
If you’re starting to wonder about your relationship with alcohol, you’re not alone—many people in Colorado Springs ask the same questions. Noticing a few of these signs early can help you take small, manageable steps. Support is available when you’re ready.
- Drinking more or longer than you planned
- Wanting to cut back but finding it hard
- Strong urges or cravings to drink
- Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects (tolerance)
- Feeling shaky, anxious, nauseous, or sweaty when the effects wear off
- Alcohol getting in the way of sleep, work, school, or relationships
- Using alcohol to cope with stress, pain, or difficult emotions
Alcohol Abuse is shaped by many factors, and struggling with it is not a personal failing. Understanding these influences can help you find compassionate, effective support.
- Biological
- Family history or genetic vulnerability
- Brain chemistry and how your body processes alcohol
- Early exposure to alcohol or other substances
- Psychological
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Past trauma, grief, or unresolved pain
- Impulsivity or difficulty with coping skills
- Environmental
- Social norms, peer pressure, or drinking culture
- Easy access to alcohol and targeted marketing
- Life stressors like job loss, caregiving, or isolation
If alcohol has started to feel like it’s getting in the way, you’re not alone. Many people in Colorado Springs juggle work, family, and the outdoorsy lifestyle while trying to make sense of their relationship with drinking. Here’s how Alcohol Abuse can show up in everyday life—and what you’re noticing matters.
- Work and school: missed shifts or classes, trouble focusing, or slower performance—even more noticeable during early mornings or after late nights.
- Relationships and family: more arguments, pulled-away feelings, or broken trust with partners, kids, or friends.
- Physical health: low energy, poor sleep, headaches, blood pressure changes, or feeling worse at altitude and during outdoor activities.
- Emotional well‑being: increased stress, anxiety, or low mood; using alcohol to unwind and then feeling worse later.
- Safety and legal issues: risky decisions like driving after drinking on I‑25 or Powers, accidents, or legal/financial strain from citations.
- Daily routines: skipping workouts on the trail, missing appointments, or spending more money than planned on nights out.
- Community and spirituality: pulling back from faith communities, volunteer roles, or social activities that once felt meaningful.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. These proven options can be tailored to your needs, helping you build skills, reduce cravings, and feel supported every step of the way.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you notice triggers, change unhelpful thinking, and build healthier coping skills to prevent relapse.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)/Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Strengthens your own reasons for change and builds confidence to take the next steps.
- FDA-approved medications (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram): Can lower cravings, reduce the “reward” from drinking, or support abstinence—used safely with medical guidance.
- Mutual-support groups (AA, SMART Recovery): Offer peer support, practical tools, and accountability from people who understand what you’re going through.
- Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention: Teaches awareness and stress-reduction skills so urges feel more manageable and pass more quickly.
- Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and family support (including CRAFT): Increases positive, alcohol-free rewards in daily life and engages loved ones to support lasting change.
Beginning therapy for Alcohol Abuse often starts with noticing patterns that aren’t working—drinking more than intended, withdrawal symptoms, or strain on work and relationships—then taking the first step to get support. Use MiResource’s directory to research providers and compare options: filter by therapy approach (e.g., CBT, motivational interviewing), insurance accepted, real-time availability, language, and neighborhood in Colorado Springs (Downtown, Old Colorado City, Briargate, Northgate, Broadmoor, Rockrimmon, Powers corridor, Security-Widefield). Consider commute logistics—most people drive via I‑25 or Highway 24, and Mountain Metro Transit buses serve major corridors like Academy and Nevada—so you can choose a location that fits your routine and feels accessible.
Once you’ve identified a few matches, read profiles, check openings, and book a first session directly through MiResource. Use that meeting to set goals, discuss frequency, and decide on in-person or telehealth, factoring in parking downtown, traffic near I‑25 during rush hours, or a lunch-hour slot near Tejon Street if you work in the city center. Plan follow-ups before you leave, and schedule recurring appointments that align with your week—whether near home in Briargate, on your route from Fort Carson or Peterson SFB, or along the Pikes Peak Greenway if you prefer biking—so momentum is easy to maintain.
Colorado Springs offers a strong network of community-based supports for Alcohol Abuse recovery that complement MiResource’s therapist directory, from peer-led recovery groups downtown to comprehensive outpatient services across the city; whether you’re near Downtown around Tejon Street, the Old North End, or the Powers corridor, you’ll find welcoming programs, advocacy, and practical help.
- Springs Recovery Connection (Downtown/Tejon): Peer recovery coaches, support groups, and family services focused on long-term recovery.
- Colorado Springs AA Central Office (near Old North End/Platte): Meeting information, newcomer guidance, and fellowship across the Pikes Peak region.
- Diversus Health (multiple sites including Downtown & Northeast): Outpatient counseling, medication-supported treatment, and care navigation for Alcohol Abuse.
- Crossroads Turning Points – Colorado Springs (South Academy area): Evidence-based outpatient treatment, relapse prevention, and DUI education.
- Peak View Behavioral Health (East Side/Tutt Blvd near Powers): Detox coordination, intensive outpatient programs, and dual-diagnosis support.
If Alcohol Abuse feels unsafe or out of control, help in Colorado Springs is available right now. You are not alone, and there are trained professionals who can support you with withdrawal risks, alcohol poisoning concerns, or urgent emotional distress. Whether you need someone to talk to immediately, medical care, or an in-person crisis response, the options below can help you stay safe and get through the moment.
- If someone is in immediate danger, has symptoms of alcohol poisoning (confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, unconsciousness), or you can’t stay safe: call 911 now.
- For immediate crisis counseling: call or text 988 (24/7), or contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255 (24/7).
- Go to a nearby emergency room: UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central (719-365-5000), UCHealth Memorial Hospital North (719-364-5000), Penrose Hospital (719-776-5000), or St. Francis Medical Center (719-571-1000).
- To request a local crisis team: ask 911 for the Colorado Springs Community Response Team; for non-emergency welfare checks or guidance, call Colorado Springs Police non-emergency at 719-444-7000.
Spending time outdoors can calm the nervous system, lift mood, and reduce cravings by shifting focus to your body and breath. Gentle movement, fresh air, and natural views can make stress more manageable and support healthy routines when you’re managing Alcohol Abuse. Even short, consistent outings help build confidence and create positive anchors in your day. Start small, notice what feels good, and celebrate each step.
- Begin with a 20–30 minute walk at Garden of the Gods; use the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail for easy terrain and inspiring vistas.
- Try Red Rock Canyon Open Space; choose the Mesa or Roundup trails for moderate loops with quiet overlooks.
- Explore Palmer Park’s Yucca or Templeton trails for a mix of shaded paths and city views; bring water and set a simple out-and-back goal.
- On low-energy days, opt for the Pikes Peak Greenway or Ute Valley Park; keep a steady, gentle pace and pause for 2–3 mindful breaths at scenic spots.
1. How do I know if I need professional help for Alcohol Abuse?
If alcohol is making it hard to focus at work or school, causing you to withdraw from friends and family, or filling your days with persistent worry about when you’ll drink next, it may be time to seek professional support. Changes in sleep or appetite, increased irritability, and skipping responsibilities are also signs therapy could help. You don’t have to figure it out alone—consider scheduling an assessment with a counselor, talking to your primary care provider, or joining a local support group. If you’re unsure, a quick confidential screening can help you decide your next step.
2. What’s the first session of Alcohol Abuse therapy like?
In your first Alcohol Abuse therapy session, you’ll start with simple introductions and a brief overview of how sessions work. You’ll share some personal history with alcohol, including when you drink, triggers, and any symptoms or patterns that affect daily life, work, or relationships. Together, you’ll discuss current concerns—such as cravings, blackouts, or withdrawal feelings—and what you want to change. You and your therapist will then set clear, realistic goals for treatment so you know what to expect moving forward.
3. Are there lifestyle changes that can help with Alcohol Abuse?
Yes—simple lifestyle shifts can make a real difference alongside counseling or other treatment. Regular exercise helps reduce stress and cravings, boosts mood, and builds routines that support recovery. Good sleep habits improve energy, mood stability, and impulse control, making it easier to navigate urges. Balanced meals and hydration steady blood sugar and mood, while mindfulness practices (like breathing, meditation, or yoga) build awareness of triggers and offer tools to ride out cravings.
4. Can Alcohol Abuse affect physical health too?
Yes—alcohol can strain the body, contributing to poor sleep, headaches, stomach issues, high blood pressure, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. It can also worsen pain and inflammation, creating a cycle where stress and physical symptoms feed into each other. The mind and body are deeply connected, so changing alcohol use often improves mood, energy, and physical comfort. Addressing Alcohol Abuse in therapy can support healthier habits that boost sleep, digestion, and overall physical well-being.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
