KKTV 11 News held a live special called "Hooked On Heroin" from 6 - 6:30 p.m. It is our hope that our special brought an important story about an epidemic in our community and in our nation to light.

A few weeks ago, 11 News told you about an epidemic that's hitting our community hard: black tar heroin. We've received such an overwhelming response to our stories that we decided to do more, to reach out to families caught up in this nightmare looking for answers. That's why we brought together ex-users who want to share their experience and their journey to get clean, and experts who can help addicts get help.

We hope you joined us for the education and important special: "Hooked On Heroin."

We want to thank McKenzie and James, two recovering addicts who shared their stories. McKenzie says the death of her mother led to her downward spiral. James says he resorted to a life of crime just to support his habit.

We also want to thank Jim, a parent who thought his daughter never would use drugs. He noticed a change in behavior. His daughter became withdrawn and her grades started slipping. He took immediate action and his daughter is now in recovery.

Thanks also to Insight Services and Colorado Treatment Services. Their counselors are trained to help minors handling heroin addiction.
They volunteered their time tonight to reach out to those in crisis.

The bottom line, help is out there. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone.

Here are some of your community resources:

Insight Services is offering a free family forum on Saturday, April 30.

Insight Services, PLLC can help parents navigate the difficult terrain of finding the right form of treatment for their child.

It offers an outpatient program for adolescents specifically
geared towards black tar heroin. It also has group sessions for struggling families.

Phone calls are free. A fee is charged for an assessment.

Insight Services:

115 East Costilla Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-447-0370
Fax: 719-447-0371

Colorado Treatment Services is a drug addiction treatment center specializing in treating opiod addiction. It offers counseling, mental health services and group therapy.

All of its counselors are certified by the state as addiction counselors at the second or third level.

Dr. Judith Reynolds has been in the addiction field for more than 30 years. Colorado Treatment Services offers methadone and suboxone treatment.

Colorado Treatment Services:

2010 E. Bijou Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 434-2061

Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo offers an adolescent substance abuse program for those 18 and under. We're told some insurance companies will cover some costs if you have a "Substance Abuse Benefit." Parkview says it will work for those without insurance coverage.

Parkview Medical Center
56 Club Manor Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
Phone: 719-584-7327

Urine Analysis ($17 - $20 charge) as well as outpatient counseling are available at:

Confidential Health Services
1011 North Weber Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-578-9888

A Turning Point
5160 North Union Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 719-550-1011