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Drug, alcohol residential treatment center proposed on Goeglein Gulch Road

Durango Planning Commission gives project early nod
The former hostel on Goeglein Gulch Road could be transformed into a residential treatment center for those with drug and alcohol addictions. The proposal received an early nod Monday from the Durango Planning Commission.

A new residential treatment center for drugs and alcohol may open near Goeglein Gulch Road, in a former hostel.

Remodeling on the proposed Durango Recovery Center started Monday, and when complete it could serve 20 people, said Dr. Dan Caplin, who is behind the project.

The Durango Planning Commission voted unanimously Monday to recommend approval of new zoning, which is an early step in the process.

“There is certainly room for this in the region,” said Peter Tregillus, a planning commissioner.

The Durango City Council will make the final decision to change the zoning of the property from planned development to medium density residential, which allows for institutional housing.

Once the rezoning is complete, the Durango Planning Commission must vote on a conditional-use permit to allow the center to open, said Nicol Killian, assistant community development director.

However, she believes it is a good location because it is fairly isolated. Aside from one house to the north, it is surrounded by open space.

If approved, the center could serve many recovering heroin addicts, but it could be open to those recovering from methamphetamine, alcohol and other addictions as well, said Caplin, who runs Southern Rockies Addiction Treatment Services.

“A lot of the folks have mixed addiction issues,” he said.

The recovery center would allow patients to stay for about two months. After their stays, Caplin would like them to move into transitional housing.

He expects this long-term care – incorporating counseling, medication and positive experiences, such as horseback riding – will be more successful than more short-term models.

“We’re working with primarily people who have failed traditional treatment,” he said.

Caplin expects to open with 14 beds. Later, six additional beds are planned, and they would be dedicated to patients in need of medical detox. Once their detox is complete they would stay in the center for part of their recovery.

Peaceful Spirit Treatment Center in Ignacio and Wit’s End Ranch Retreat in Vallecito also offer residential addiction treatment services.

mshinn@durangoherald.com

This story has been updated to include other residential treatment services in the area.

Aug 30, 2016
Drug and alcohol addiction treatment center approved on Goeglein


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