El Paso County Division of Detoxification and Substance Abuse

Although I was hoping for an better outcome I left with a bad taste in my mouth, and an awful experience.First off, upon calling the detox center inquiring a new patient opening I was greeted professionally and my questions were answered. I was told to wait till the late evening before I admitted myself into the facility due to the pending discharges they had to complete prior to my arrival. I entered into the facility and did an initial intake qualification tests which was just an blood pressure check. I would have expected and been more challenged to stay if they did an initial urine analysis test upon entering and discharging from the facility, however they do not check your use statistics.)Anything above normal BP. 120/90, automatically qualifies you. They did the initial one on one check in. Than hand you a change of jail scrubs, jail shoes, non slip socks. All belongings except your couple of coloring books, one thing of markers, a hair brush can be kept with you everything else is placed in their keeping.Your given a bunk a cot a couple of blankets a sack lunch and a tub for your approved materials, and a jail cup. Not only was I taken back by the fact that this open round room was co-ed but that the bathroom and shower room areas as well were co-ed. You have to call out woman entering b4 u walk into the restroom incase it is currently occupied by a Male. The stalls and sinks and toilets were absolutely disgusting, trash n piss on the floors, feces in the toilet on the seats the sinks look like that have not been cleaned for months, no napkins in the dispensers I was surprised to actually see that the soap dispensers were actually filled.Underneath my cot was left over trash and crumbs from the visitor before me, the tub I was given was very dirty and sadly my towel and provided essentials were placed amongst it. I was not only disgusted but upset due to the fact that here I was self admitting to find a more beneficial cleansing, but it appeared to me as If I voluntarily placed myself in jail for free.The two women on shift throughout the night hours took vitals and sat overlooking the area, the same throughout the day shift.I self discharged with the assistance of an young lady and her supervisor that were not only very generous but understanding of my own personal reasoning and preference. I scheduled an appt with the nearest aspen pointe facilities mental health and substance use area to set up an discharge planning.I would highly unlikely recommend this center for any recovery center's. I'd rather attempt and fail on my own, vs. Staying there for 3days to longer period of a time.I apologize to the staff if this review upsets you all however, I feel that there needs to be alot of situations addressed there at the center.Thx to those whom assisted me into establishing my sobriety and recovery.

Btw, this is a free service so you can't ask for much. You sleep on a cot with a lot of people detoxing around you--hence the place being called "detox center". You get fed the worst food but you're still fed, which is nice even if I couldn't eat a meal. I was detoxing and having terrible withdraws from alcohol which was my own fault but they kept me in a very safe place.I'm a woman so I couldn't shower but all the other attendees were super polite about who was using the bathroom so I used them to clean myself. It sucks, I know, but we all ended up here for some reason or another.We were allowed to read, watch TV, and hang out so I met some wonderful people in the same position I was. I couldn't fill my glass from my shakes so a staff member helped me through it. Some of the staff were rough but there was a nice blonde lady and Kendall (?), Chris, and a cute braided-haired lady were so nice to us. I'm sad that this place gets so many bad reviews--these people take their time to make sure we're okay. I had a wonderful group experiencing something of the same thing so we had a pretty good time. My vitals were messed up and I was checked on often. Withdraw isn't pretty and mostly you have to go at it alone with medical help but the medications you take can be deadly.Most of the staff was so caring despite being bothered by clients even when those clients being aggressive.So thanks guys and I miss my buds dearly. I hope all goes well for you guys in the future because those in the same place, you managed to warm a person's heart so dearly. You guys are so charming and funny and deserve more than you think. Love you guys. <3Worst part: food sucks. Please, just any seasoning would help. Also some staff members are very aggressive and you feel looked down upon.

Extremely rude and mean staff. The nurses throughout the night/day hours only take vitals and sith there overlooking the area, and they don’t accommodate a vegetarian diet. A lot of situations need to be addressed at this center.