Acronyms and Definitions:
ASAM: The American Society of Addiction Medicine developed nationally recognized guidelines that help determine the most appropriate level of care for individuals receiving substance use treatment.
BHA: Behavioral Health Administration is the Colorado state agency responsible for overseeing behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use treatment programs.
CHP: Community Health Partnership is a collaborative network of organizations working together to improve community health and access to care.
Continuum of Care: A Continuum of Care is a coordinated community system that works to prevent and end homelessness by connecting individuals and families with housing and supportive services.
DOH: Colorado Division of Housing provides funding, resources, and programs that expand affordable housing and help prevent homelessness across the state.
HCPF: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing administers Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and other public health care programs for eligible residents.
HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is the federal agency responsible for national housing programs, affordable housing initiatives, and homelessness assistance.
MSO: A Managed Service Organization: helps coordinate and manage behavioral health services, ensuring individuals have access to appropriate care and resources.
MAT: Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder. MAT helps reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and supports long-term recovery.
MOUD: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder refers specifically to medications used to treat opioid addiction, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. When combined with counseling and recovery support, MOUD is one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder.
OBH: Office of Behavioral Health was Colorado’s former behavioral health agency. Its responsibilities are now managed by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
RMC: Rocky Mountain Communities is a nonprofit organization that develops and manages affordable housing while providing supportive services to residents.
SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a federal agency that promotes mental health, prevents substance misuse, and supports recovery through funding, research, and national programs.
STIRT: Strategic Individualized Remediation Treatment is a Colorado program that provides individualized support and treatment planning for people with complex behavioral health needs.
SUD: Substance Use Disorder is a medical condition in which the repeated use of alcohol or drugs affects a person’s health, relationships, or daily life. SUD can range from mild to severe and is treatable.
SWSHE: Statewide Supportive Housing Expansion Project is a Colorado initiative that expands access to supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness or living with behavioral health challenges.
Common Terms
Harm Reduction: Harm reduction is a compassionate, person-centered approach that focuses on reducing the risks associated with substance use. Rather than requiring immediate abstinence, it meets people where they are and supports healthier, safer choices while working toward long-term recovery goals.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): Permanent Supportive Housing combines affordable, long-term housing with voluntary support services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness or living with disabilities. This Housing First approach helps people achieve long-term housing stability.
Transitional Housing (TH): Transitional Housing provides temporary housing and supportive services for individuals and families working toward permanent housing. Programs often include case management, employment assistance, and life skills support.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): Tenant-Based Rental Assistance helps eligible individuals and families afford housing by providing rental assistance that can be used in qualifying private-market housing.
Treatment: Treatment for substance use disorder is personalized because every person’s recovery journey is different. Depending on individual needs, treatment may include medical care, counseling, group therapy, medication, and either outpatient or residential programs. Treatment plans often change over time as a person progresses in recovery.
Rapid Rehousing (RRH): Rapid Rehousing is a housing program that helps individuals and families quickly move from homelessness into permanent housing through short-term rental assistance and supportive services.
Recovery Services: Recovery services provide ongoing support for people recovering from substance use disorders. These services go beyond treatment and may include peer support, counseling, housing assistance, employment services, life skills, and recovery coaching. Their goal is to help individuals build healthy, stable, and fulfilling lives while reducing the risk of relapse.
Residential Program: A residential treatment program provides 24-hour care in a structured, supportive environment for people whose substance use or mental health needs require more support than outpatient services can provide, but not hospitalization. Depending on the individual’s needs, residential programs may offer varying levels of medical supervision and clinical care.