DENVER — In the years since he’s decided to get sober, Colorado Public Radio host Vic Vela has been very open about his recovery, publicly sharing his darkest and most inspiring moments on social media.
Earlier in his journalism career, he said he would hide behind dumpsters near the Colorado Capitol to get high.
Now, CPR host and reporter is getting messages from former Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) – one of the lawmakers he’d interview after smoking crack – complimenting him on the courage that comes with telling his story.
Vela’s story of recovery and many others are the subject of CPR’s new podcast, “Back from Broken.” New episodes will drop every other Friday: bit.ly/3c0pUhv
The honest and funny
The inspirational
If you or someone you know is experiencing addiction, know you aren't alone. Here are some Colorado resources for help:
For immediate help, call 1-844-493-TALK (8255), visit and find someone to chat online with at coloradocrisisservices.org or text "TALK" to 38255.
Mental Health Center of Denver
4141 E. Dickenson Pl.
Denver, CO 80222
303-504-6500
Harm Reduction Action Center
231 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
303-572-7800
Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Buildings
12850 E. Montview Blvd.
Aurora, CO 80045
303-724-8574
New Beginnings Recovery Center
191 E. Orchard Rd. B
Littleton, CO 80121
720-473-7106
Stop The Clock Colorado
Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication you can get without a prescription in Colorado.
Here's a list of places you can get it from: stoptheclockcolorado.org
Linking Care
Colorado Office of Behavioral Health created LinkingCare.org to encourage whole-person care by quickly connecting healthcare providers and individuals to behavioral health services. LinkingCare.org now includes evidence-based substance use screening tools, information on the effects of substance use on health and resources and links on substance use issues, news and research. linkingcare.org
SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. On their website, find advice resources for treatment and even advice for family members: samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/opioid-overdose
Points West
The harm reduction program in Jefferson County offers training on overdose prevention and response.
Find out more on their website pointswestjeffco.com or call them at 303-239-7078
Take Meds Seriously
Info on safe use, storage, and disposal of prescription here: takemedsseriously.org
Take Meds Seriously (Disposal)
If you have prescription drugs you'd like to get rid of, you can dispose of them. takemedsseriously.org/safe-disposal/disposal-options
Douglas County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Their goal is to specifically help teenagers and people younger than 25 who are struggling with addiction. dougcoprevention.org
International Overdose Awareness Day
Here are ways you could participate in international overdose awareness day: overdoseday.com
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