UPDATE: Over 600 mental health and substance-use professionals are gathered at the Embassy Suites in Loveland for the 2025 Rethinking Addiction and Recovery (RARE) Conference. This urgent assembly, confirmed by Larimer County’s Behavioral Health Services, marks a pivotal moment in the evolving discourse surrounding addiction and recovery.
The full-day event, now a prominent platform for innovative ideas, is focused on enhancing community well-being through interdisciplinary collaboration and skill development. Experts are highlighting a crucial transformation in the understanding of addiction, framing it as a profound struggle rather than a mere choice, affecting individuals across all backgrounds.
A powerful video from the Changing Minds Larimer campaign unveiled at the conference showcased the overwhelming nature of substance-use disorders, revealing that cravings can overpower even basic survival instincts like hunger and thirst. This stark reality underscores the relentless battle many face even years after seeking recovery.
Among the prominent voices at the conference, Dayna Deherrera-Smith, director of community engagement and development at Porch Light Health, passionately stated, “People don’t get into addiction overnight, so they’re not going to get out of it overnight.” This sentiment resonates deeply with attendees, as discussions unfold regarding the nuanced journeys individuals must navigate toward sobriety.
Another key figure, Izzy Pike, director of prevention services with Colorado Health Network, emphasized the necessity for tailored recovery pathways. He advocated for the use of varied medications to address different opioid-use disorders, illustrating the individualized nature of recovery and the critical need for personalized treatment plans.
The conference also featured a powerful group activity where mental health professionals shared their core values and aspirations for Larimer County. Words like “Connection,” “Belonging,” and “Safety” lit up massive projection screens, embodying a collective vision for a more inclusive healthcare landscape.
The overarching goal of the RARE Conference is to dismantle the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Organizers assert that simplistic advice like “Just stop using” trivializes the complexity of addiction treatment, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and informed approach to recovery.
As the conference progresses, experts continue to share insights and strategies aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of addiction’s multifaceted nature. The event serves not only as a hub for knowledge but as a rallying point for advocates dedicated to transforming the landscape of addiction treatment.
Stay tuned for more updates from this critical gathering that is shaping the future of addiction recovery and community health.
