Medication-Assisted Treatment in Colorado

In Colorado, distance and stigma can both stand in the way of care. From mountain towns to urban neighborhoods, treatment access varies, and for many, getting help still feels out of reach.

According to the Colorado Health Institute, in 2020, Colorado saw a heartbreaking 1,477 overdose deaths, the highest number ever recorded. And things haven’t slowed down. In 2023, according to the CDC, the age-adjusted drug overdose death rate was 30.6 per 100,000 people, a slight increase from the previous year. Notably, deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl rose significantly to 19 per 100,000, up from 16.1 in 2022.

Behind those numbers are real people and families. That’s why having easier ways to get help matters. Virtual care platforms like QuickMD bridge the gap by providing confidential, judgment-free access to licensed providers who can initiate Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) remotely. This option is especially beneficial for individuals in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure or those facing barriers such as transportation and stigma.

One of the most impactful initiatives has been the Colorado Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion Project. Designed to serve rural and underserved communities, this program provides funding and training to help local providers offer MAT, where access was previously limited or nonexistent.

At the same time, telemedicine laws in Colorado allow licensed professionals to offer MAT through secure video or phone visits. This is a game-changer for patients in remote areas or those unable to attend in-person appointments.

In terms of harm reduction, Colorado passed Senate Bill 19-227, which created the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund. This initiative allows public health agencies, schools, and other eligible groups to obtain naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, at no cost. The goal is to reduce fatalities and ensure that this life-saving treatment is widely available in both high-risk and underserved areas.

The state has also committed significant resources to broader opioid response efforts. In 2023, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office awarded $4 million in funding to support prevention, treatment, and recovery programs throughout the state. These grants support everything from outreach and education to treatment access and community-based support.

Our telemedicine platform is one more way people in Colorado can now access effective, judgment-free addiction care without the barriers of distance, stigma, or limited availability.

How our virtual MAT program supports you

Effective treatment starts with medical support, not judgment.

When you begin Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with QuickMD, it starts with a conversation. During your initial appointment, your provider will take time to understand your health history, current challenges, and daily routines. From there, they’ll create a care plan designed specifically for you.

Your treatment may include FDA-approved medications that work with your body to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. One type, called partial opioid agonists, like buprenorphine, helps stabilize the brain’s response to opioids without producing a full high. Another, called opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, work by blocking opioid receptors to help prevent overdose and misuse.

Every element of your care is personalized to your goals, your routine, and your comfort. No two recovery journeys are the same, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

1. Create a routine that fits your pace

Whether you’re navigating a busy schedule in Boulder or living in the San Luis Valley, the key is to build a treatment rhythm that works for you. Some people take their medication in the morning before work; others find time after the kids are asleep. There’s no perfect time, only what’s realistic and repeatable.

2. Use your pharmacy as a resource

We can send your prescriptions to a pharmacy you choose. If you live in a rural area, it helps to call ahead to confirm they stock your prescription. We’re happy to help you find one nearby that meets your needs.

3. Know what local support is available

Colorado has strong peer recovery networks and harm reduction services in nearly every region. Many offer virtual support groups and recovery coaching. You don’t have to manage this alone, and we can help you find resources that make a difference.

4. Talk to your provider about what life really looks like

Let your provider know if you’re working long shifts, caregiving, dealing with housing insecurity, or anything else that might affect your treatment. This isn’t about judgment. It’s about making care work with your reality. Your plan should fit into your life, not add stress to it.