New suburban opioid treatment clinics aim to address a less visible need outside Denver
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AURORA, Colo. — Richard Tafoya lives in a professionally-landscaped, upscale Aurora subdivision. The fountain at the entrance to his neighborhood invites walkers to stop and sit at the edge of a pond and listen to the water spout and splash.
But hidden among the homes in this bedroom community is a father who has battled addiction for 20 years.
Tafoya is one of the many suburban Coloradans addicted to opioids and needing access to treatment closer to home.
“I've seen people from all different walks of life that you would never think were addicted to anything,” Tafoya said. “Because they came from a good family. They have a support system, but inside they're struggling and they're just, they're scared to speak out and reach out to people because they're afraid of being judged.”
According to preliminary data published recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose deaths in Colorado increased nearly 4% between April 2023 and April 2024 despite a roughly 10% drop nationally. To meet the need, Arizona-based Community Medical Services (CMS) plans to open six new opioid treatment centers in the suburbs of Denver by the end of the year.
CMS currently treats about 400 people in the suburbs of Denver for opioid use disorder. Jesus Godinez, regional director for the clinic, said that number is rising daily. The company’s first Colorado clinic at 14300 E. Exposition Ave. in Aurora has served nearly 1,600 clients since opening two years ago.
Tafoya was one of them.
His treatment began in March of 2023 with a monthly 65-milligram dose of methadone and counseling, paid for by a grant from the University of Denver.
Now down to just 8-milligrams a month, Tafoya is close to weaning himself off methadone, has two full-time jobs and just helped his 20-year-old son buy a car.
The 38-year-old journeyman carpenter and caregiver prioritizes small-group programs to stay sober, out of jail and connected to his Christian faith.
Tafoya says he has always been ashamed of his addictions but knew he couldn’t overcome them alone.
“When you come in here, you know, you got to be honest and vulnerable and tell them about what you’re doing out there – your addiction,” he said. “Once I tried [fentanyl], I couldn’t stop. I didn’t know that there was a way out.”
Tafoya’s addictions began in his early teens.
“My dad was in and out of prison my whole life,” he said. “Around the age of 14 years old is when my dad did get released, and I wanted to live with him. So I ran away from my mom's house to go live with my dad. But my dad wasn't the best example, and he was struggling from his addiction as well.”
Tafoya describes having no rules, guidance or structure living with his dad.
“I could do whatever I wanted to. You know, he'd party in the front room. I’d party in the back room with all my friends, you know,” he said.
After two decades of addiction – along with time in prison in 2013 and 2016 for dealing drugs – Tafoya realized he didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of his father.
“My son needs a father in his life. I’m responsible for his life. I’m supposed to be a great example, a leader, a protector,” Tafoya said. “And I can’t do that if I’m lost in my addiction.”
As part of his recovery journey, Tafoya stays in touch with his counselor at the clinic in Aurora, Cynthia Keeley, who has had her own struggles with addiction.
“Back when I was using, we only had heroin and meth,” Keeley said. “Now, we’ve got fentanyl that’s a thousand times stronger than heroin. People come in here, they’ve lost families and lost wives or husbands or kids, and they still can’t get clean.”
The 61-year-old certified addiction specialist has also served two prison sentences and says she became an addict around the time she turned 40. For the last nine years, she has been a peer support specialist for others with opioid use disorder.
“It’s an everybody problem,” said Keely, who has been clean for the last 11 years.
“[Opioid use disorder] is huge in the city, and it’s huge through all the suburbs. Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, you live in the suburbs. That’s nice. You’re safe and sound.’ Nobody’s safe and sound anymore.”
A government study published last November found that in Colorado, nearly two-thirds of people with opioid use disorder are not receiving the treatment they need. The study’s authors concluded that increasing access to treatment will prevent overdoses and save lives.
Currently, CMS has no waitlist and accepts walk-ins from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, at its original Aurora clinic.
Sober for a year, Tafoya now sees vulnerability as a gift.
“I want to make sure that I’m going to give somebody hope today,” he said. “You are loved. You’re valued. You’re forgiven. No matter where you’re at or how lost you feel, God had a plan for your life.”
If you need immediate help, including access to a professional counselor, the Colorado Crisis Line is available 24/7. Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.