<![CDATA[Sample Therapy Services - Blog]]>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:05:53 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Celebrating National Wellness Month at Bross Street]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:11:12 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/celebrating-national-wellness-month-at-bross-streetAugust is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on self-care, healthy routines, and the small steps that make a big difference in our overall well-being. At Bross Street Assisted Living, wellness is more than a monthly theme—it’s a way of life. We believe that supporting the mind, body, and spirit of our residents helps create a vibrant, joyful community where everyone can thrive.
Wellness Starts with ConnectionSocial connection is one of the most powerful ways to support wellness. Whether it’s sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, joining in on a lively group activity, or simply exchanging a smile, staying connected can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. At Bross Street, we make sure there are plenty of opportunities for meaningful connections every day.
Caring for the BodyMovement looks different for everyone, and we celebrate that! From gentle chair exercises to a stroll in the garden, staying active is an important part of maintaining strength, balance, and independence. We encourage residents to move in ways that feel good for their bodies and to make exercise an enjoyable part of daily life.
Nurturing the MindKeeping the mind engaged is just as important as caring for the body. Puzzles, reading, storytelling, and creative projects keep the brain sharp and spirits high. Our activities are designed not only to entertain but to inspire curiosity and joy.
Feeding the SpiritWellness isn’t complete without caring for the soul. For some, that’s quiet reflection; for others, it’s music, art, or time in nature. We make space for all forms of self-expression and moments that bring peace and purpose.
Wellness is for EveryoneThe beauty of National Wellness Month is that it reminds us that wellness is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what works for you and embracing it every day. At Bross Street, we are committed to supporting our residents, staff, and families in their own unique wellness journeys.
This month, we invite you to take one small step toward your own wellness—whether that’s drinking more water, calling a friend, or taking a few deep breaths outside. Little changes can lead to big differences, and together, we can make every month a wellness month.
Here’s to a happy, healthy August for all! 💛
]]><![CDATA[The Psychology of Behavior: What Drives Our Actions?]]>Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:36:08 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/the-psychology-of-behavior-what-drives-our-actions

Do you ever wonder what drives our actions? Why do we do the things we do? Behavior is a complex topic, and there are many different theories about what motivates us. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most popular theories about behavior. We will also explore how these theories can be used to improve our lives both professionally and personally. So, if you're interested in learning more about the psychology of behavior, then keep reading!

One of the most popular theories about behavior is operant conditioning. This theory suggests that we learn new behaviors through reinforcement or punishment. For example, if we are rewarded for doing something, then we are more likely to do it again in the future. On the other hand, if we are punished for doing something, then we are less likely to do it again in the future. This theory can be used to explain a wide range of human behavior, from simple habits like brushing our teeth to more complex behaviors like going to work every day.

Another popular theory is social learning theory. This theory suggests that we learn new behaviors by observing others and imitating their behavior. For example, if we see our parents brushing their teeth every day, then we are more likely to brush our teeth as well. This theory can be used to explain a wide range of human behavior, from simple habits like brushing our teeth to more complex behaviors like going to work every day.

So, what do you think? What drives our actions? Do you think it is operant conditioning, social learning theory, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments below!

]]><![CDATA[The Relationship between Economic Stress and Behavior: How to Reduce Anxiety in Tough Times]]>Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:12:33 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/the-relationship-between-economic-stress-and-behavior-how-to-reduce-anxiety-in-tough-times

The economy is constantly changing, and with it, the way we behave. In tough times, many people experience a great deal of anxiety and stress. This can lead to a variety of negative behaviors, including drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. However, there are ways to reduce this anxiety and stress. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between economic stress and behavior, as well as some methods for reducing anxiety in tough times.

If you or someone you know is struggling with economic stress, please reach out to a counselor or therapist. They can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and work through this difficult time.

What are some of the ways that economic stress has impacted your behavior? How have you coped with this stress? The first step in addressing any behavior is identifying what it is to begin with, and addressing the root causes.

The economy is constantly changing, and with it, the way we behave. In tough times, many people experience a great deal of anxiety and stress. This can lead to a variety of negative behaviors, including drug abuse, violence, and even suicide.

Some of the ways that economic stress can impact behavior are as follows:
-Spending more time worrying about money and financial situation
-Increase in irritability and short-temper with those around you.
-Struggling to concentrate at work and decrease in productivity.
-Turning to food and drink as a way to cope with stress

Coping skills for managing economic stress can include the following:
-Talking to a partner or family about worries and concerns.
-Make a budget and stick to it.
-Exercise regularly.
-Talk to a therapist.
-Remember the economy fluctuates, and there will be an upturn.

Resources:
-If you or someone you know is struggling with economic stress, please reach out to a counselor or therapist. They can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and work through this difficult time.
-The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/seven, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
-The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline is a free, confidential and staffed by trained volunteers who understand mental illness from their own lived experience. The NAMI Helpline can be reached Monday through Friday, from
-SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/seven, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

]]><![CDATA[How to Start Therapy: A Guide for People New to Mental Health Treatment]]>Thu, 11 Aug 2022 21:00:30 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/how-to-start-therapy-a-guide-for-people-new-to-mental-health-treatment

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but unfortunately, it can be a lot harder to talk about. If you're new to mental health treatment, the process of starting therapy may seem daunting. It's important to remember that you are not alone in this. Thousands of people each year seek help for their mental health and there is no shame in doing so. In this blog post, we will provide a guide for those who are new to therapy and seeking help for their mental health.
The first step is finding a therapist that you trust. This may take some time and research, but it will be worth it in the long run. Once you've found a therapist, the next step is to schedule an appointment. Many therapists offer free initial consultations, so take advantage of this if you can. During your first session, your therapist will likely ask you a lot of questions about your symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. It is important to be as honest as possible during this conversation so that your therapist can best help you. If you would like to schedule a free consultation you can email us at info@samplesupports.com
If you're feeling nervous about starting therapy, remember that it is a process that takes time. Trust is built over time and it may take a few sessions to feel comfortable opening up to your therapist. However, know that the first step is always the hardest and it will get easier with time. Our mental health should be a priority and there is no shame in seeking professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8225) or visit their website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. For more information on mental health and treatment options, please visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website at nami.org.
Thank you for reading. We hope that this guide has been helpful in beginning your journey to mental health treatment. Remember, you are not alone and help is available. Seek professional help if you are struggling and please reach out if you or someone you know is in crisis. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a more open and understanding world.

]]><![CDATA[The Science of Behavior Change]]>Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:01:38 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/the-science-of-behavior-change

It's no secret that we all want to change our behavior at some point in time. Whether it's quitting smoking, eating healthier, or getting more exercise, most of us have made (and failed) at resolutions to change our behavior. Why is it so hard to change? And what works when it comes to behavior change? In this blog post, we'll take a look at the science of behavior change and discuss what works and what doesn't.

It turns out that there are a number of factors that contribute to whether or not we're successful at changing our behavior. One of the most important is what psychologists call "self-efficacy." This refers to our belief in our ability to actually carry out the behavior change. If we don't believe we can do it, we're much less likely to be successful. The same goes for when we are trying to encourage someone to make a positive behavior change! If we don't believe they can do it, they are less likely to make the necessary changes.
Another important factor is what's called "reinforcement." This refers to whether or not we're getting positive reinforcement for the new behavior (such as compliments from others or a sense of satisfaction) or negative reinforcement (such as avoiding punishment). Studies have shown that positive reinforcement is much more effective in leading to long-term behavior change than negative reinforcement.
Finally, another important factor is what's called "habit formation." This refers to how likely we are to stick with the new behavior over time. Studies have shown that it takes most people about 66 days to form a new habit. So if you're trying to change your behavior, don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep at it, and eventually it will become second nature.
If you're interested in learning more about the science of behavior change, check out the resources below. And if you're looking to make a change in your own life, remember to focus on self-efficacy, positive reinforcement, and habit formation. With a little effort, you can be successful at changing your behavior for good.
Resources:
-The Psychology of Self-Efficacy by Albert Bandura
-Reinforcement Theory by B.F. Skinner
-How to Form New Habits by James Clear
Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful in understanding the science of behavior change. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. And if you're looking for more resources on this topic, check out the links above or email us.

]]><![CDATA[Trauma Therapy Changes Lives]]>Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:05:14 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/april-23rd-2020Living with trauma is a difficult and painful reality for many. Past experiences, while very influential, do not need to define the future however. Paving your path forward is not always easy to do on your own. If you live with trauma that seems to overpower your life’s course, working with a trauma counselor can make all the difference.

Trauma therapy has been used by many to cope with the harsh realities they might have lived through. Trauma therapists use proven approaches to help individuals process traumatic events that have occurred in their life, as well as their emotional and behavioral responses. This type of therapy helps change lives by providing individuals with strategies to process and handle memories that are directly related to traumatic events. If you have experienced

Who Can Seek Trauma Therapy?
Seeking trauma therapy is the first step to maintaining your mental health and coping with extreme situations you may have lived through. Trauma causes an extreme amount of stress to the brain which leads to very real damage to the psyche, making it difficult to function normally for years afterwards. Trauma comes in all forms and while there isn’t a definitive answer to what exactly trauma is or what it looks like, anyone who has been left with shockwaves or post-traumatic stress from a large life event should seek trauma therapy. Unlike other forms of therapy, trauma therapy uses proven methods such as EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, and more to help cope with shocking, big events. Trauma therapy is for anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, or series of events, and does not want these events to continue to define their life choices.
The Importance of Processing Trauma
Many who experience trauma do not understand the importance of seeking help during and/or after the event. In a previous blog post, The Importance of Processing Trauma, we discussed how trauma affected people in exhibiting emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and developmental reactions that hinder their emotional and physical wellbeing. Prolonging recovery by not seeking help can lead to increased problems and unhealthy future development. Shock, anxiety and even denial sometimes follow these traumatic events and if emotions are not handled correctly, these intense events can lead to PTSD and depression.
Processing through trauma can help to make sense of situations, provide support, and handle new emotions that have come from the event. Trauma therapy uses different tactics to help people feel safe as they learn to cope with their newfound emotions. Trauma-focused, these tactics help guide people in understanding their emotions in order to relieve anxiety and negative thoughts as they cope with their new reality.

Trauma Therapy
Seeking trauma therapy is the first step to overcoming the damage that trauma can leave on a life. Working with a trained therapist will not only help you handle your emotions and behaviors moving forward, but it will help you make more sense of the past. Learn more about Sample Therapy’s trauma services in Longmont, Colorado here.

]]><![CDATA[Why Group Therapy is a Good Idea]]>Fri, 21 Jun 2019 19:17:12 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/why-group-therapy-is-a-good-idea

Why Group Therapy is a Good Idea

Group therapy can be a little intimidating if you haven’t been a part of a group therapy session before, or if you imagine that “group therapy” just means “sitting in a circle with a bunch of strangers.” The truth is, group therapy is an incredibly rewarding form of therapy.

Check out these four benefits of group therapy with Sample Therapy, and chances are you will feel a little more open about joining a group!

1. Group Therapy is Led By an Expert

The person who leads group discussions in a group therapy setting isn’t just anybody. They’re a highly-trained social worker who can help the group by asking engaging questions, helping everyone stay on topic, and providing guidance as you verbally tackle your struggle.

Sometimes, the group leader has also worked through similar issues, and can, therefore, add that unique perspective of someone who’s also “been there”.

2. The Group is All Tackling a Similar Issue

These people are your peers. They don’t have the exact same story that you do, but they do have a similar struggle or experience and can understand your story a little bit better than most people. Because of everything that you will have in common with the other group members, you may find yourself being more open than you would expect.

In fact, the American Psychological Association says that most people find group therapy “surprisingly rewarding”, and that’s mostly due to the fact that group members tend to form a strong bond and deep understanding with each other.

3. It’s a Friendly Reminder…

...that you’re not alone. Watching someone else tackle a similar issue can help you think of new ways to navigate that issue in your own life, and your peers can offer advice and support in ways that are very different from someone who hasn’t “been there”.

No man is an island, so you shouldn’t put the pressure of doing this all on your own on yourself. You can thrive and grow in ways you can’t even imagine yet with the right support, and oftentimes that comes from someone who “gets it.”

4. The Biggest Benefit of Group Therapy

When you contact Sample Therapy about our group therapy options, we can help you hone in on which group is the best fit for you and your needs. After all, the biggest benefit of group therapy is learning, growing, and embracing the kind of change that will help you move forward, and you’ll do that best when you’re surrounded by people who truly are working through similar difficulties.

So if you’re thinking about joining a group therapy setting, please reach out and we’ll help you take the next step.

Talk With Sample Therapy

]]><![CDATA[What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?]]>Thu, 16 May 2019 18:35:08 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy (psychotherapy) based on the idea that our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes cause our feelings and behaviors. CBT focuses on specific problems identified by the client and employs a solution based and goal-oriented approach to reshape these thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes.
Readily applicable techniques and concepts are the foundation for the answer to, “what is cognitive behavioral therapy?” and are taught during each session. The therapist shows the client how to achieve results rather than telling him or her what to do. CBT focuses on targeted solutions and requires the client to actively participate in challenging his or her distorted cognitions. Clients are given homework assignments based on specific tasks to help them change their destructive behaviors through repetition and implementation of techniques in their daily life.

CBT’s popularity stems from its aim to produce clear, measurable change in thoughts and behaviors. CBT is a short term therapy, with a duration ranging from about 5 to 20 sessions, making it attractive to those who feel they don’t have the time or finances to invest in longer types of therapy. In addition, it is considered one of the most rapid types of therapies in terms of producing results.

Candidates for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is cognitive behavioral therapy? It is a talk therapy appropriate for people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. It has a wide variety of applications combating a range of disorders including but not limited to:

Major depressive disorders
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Insomnia
Social phobia
Anger issues
Substance abuse and addiction
Borderline personality disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Eating disorders
Bipolar disorders
Schizophrenia
Sexual disorders

It is sometimes combined with other treatments, such as medication to increase its effectiveness in these areas.
CBT is also utilized for people without classified disorders who may just be looking to change negative thoughts or learn how to better manage stress. It is a useful tool for assistance with processing a traumatic event, overcoming grief or loss, preventing a relapse of a mental illness, or resolving conflicts. The techniques are helpful to anyone who seeks specific and measurable ways to increase their positive mental health.

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works

In asking, “what is cognitive behavioral therapy?” part of the answer includes the process behind the method. CBT typically includes these steps:

Identify troubling situations or problems in your life you would like to overcome. The therapist and client then work together to create an action plan based on decided upon goals. These can be adapted throughout the duration of your therapy as you work through them.
Become aware of your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs about these problems and identify negative or inaccurate thinking. After identifying the issues you would like to address, you will discuss your thoughts surrounding them. This will require you to observe your self-talk, your interpretation of the meaning of situations, and your beliefs you have formed about yourself, others, and events. During this stage you may be asked to keep a journal to help you remain consistent in your practice outside of sessions and help you to identify patterns. You may also be asked to pay attention to your physical, emotional, and behavioral responses in different situations.
Reshape negative or inaccurate thinking. In this step you will be asked to go over all of your thoughts and beliefs, asking yourself whether your view of a situation is based on fact or on an inaccurate perception of what's going on. This step will take diligence and hard work. Learning that your long-standing ways of thinking about your life and yourself need to be reshaped can often be unsettling. Homework will be assigned at this stage where you will practice new ways to think and behave. Through practice and repetition, eventually they will become habit and won't take as much effort.

CBT is one of the most common and best studied forms of therapy. Tools learned in CBT therapy last a lifetime and can be continually applied as new difficult situations arise throughout your life. Now that you have the answers to “what is cognitive behavioral therapy,” schedule your free 30 minute consultation with one of our trained professionals at Sample Therapy and let us show you how to tackle your current problems in a direct and effective way.

]]><![CDATA[The Importance of Processing Trauma]]>Tue, 16 Apr 2019 17:36:59 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/the-importance-of-processing-trauma

The Importance of Processing Trauma

In the National Comorbidity Survey, a research study of 9,282 Americans aged 18 to 54, 60% of men and 51% of women in the United States had experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. With these types of statistics plus highly publicized traumatic stress disorders such as PTSD, it’s no surprise that there has been extensive research and development on techniques revolving around the importance of processing trauma.

What Exactly is “Trauma”?

In order to discuss the importance of processing trauma, we first must understand the two types of trauma and their effects. You’ve all heard someone proclaim that they have been “traumatized” by their divorce or by being fired from their job. These types of events and events like them are considered small ‘t’ traumas. These traumas are inevitable in life and they are often overcome without the need of additional resources. They are a necessary part of human development as they allow individuals to develop resilience and improve coping mechanisms which promote growth and maturity.

Large “T” trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally threatening that overwhelm the individual’s coping mechanisms.

When defining large “T” trauma there are two critical points to understand:

First, the individual must experience a threat.
Second, the individual must be unable to cope with said threat.

Because the perception of a threat is entirely subjective and based on each individual’s unique personality traits, genetics, social environment, and past experiences, causes of trauma vary drastically.

To be considered large “T” trauma, the experience(s), whatever it(they) happened to be, must have overwhelmed the individual’s coping ability, thus leading to lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

The Lasting Adverse Effects of Trauma

In the aftermath of trauma, the spectrum of individual responses are quite complicated. They are affected by each individual’s own experiences, their ability to access natural support systems, their coping and life skills and those of their immediate family, and the societal responses and norms dictating what is appropriate in their larger community.

Many individuals will experience trauma in their lifetime and most will naturally develop resilient behaviors to overcome small ‘t’ traumas on their own. We sometimes forget the importance of processing trauma because it may become second nature in cases of small ‘t’ trauma. However, the majority of large ‘T’ trauma victims will exhibit some combination of emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, or developmental reactions that will hinder their emotional and physical wellbeing and future development.

As a clear example, early ACEs such as abuse, neglect, and other traumas affect brain development and increase a person’s vulnerability to encountering interpersonal violence as an adult and to developing chronic diseases and other physical illnesses, mental illnesses, substance-related disorders, and impairment in other life areas. The aftereffects of a traumatic experience are not something you can just “snap out of” and there are no quick fixes for the suffering associated with a traumatic experience. The importance of processing trauma for these large ‘T” traumas lies in the necessity to mitigate the serious negative consequences that arise and worsen over time if not properly addressed.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. TIC emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety for both consumers and providers, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. By laying a foundation of safety and support, a therapist can then use a combination of widely accepted, effective therapy techniques that are commonly used to help in processing trauma, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR Therapy, and Seeking Safety group therapy. By focusing on prevention strategies to avoid retraumatization in treatment, to promote resilience, and to prevent the development of trauma-related disorders, the extensive research into the most effective TIC techniques stems from the importance of processing trauma.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy that revolves around teaching individuals to become more aware of their thoughts and beliefs. Trauma-focused CBT (TFCBT) is specifically formulated to address thoughts associated with a traumatic experience and works to give trauma survivors the skills to help them react to emotional triggers in a healthier way. TFCBT has been consistently proven effective at meeting the needs of people who have faced trauma.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma, anxiety, panic disorders, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress, and many other emotional problems. It assumes that the mind is constantly moving toward mental health unless something blocks that flow. The goal of EMDR is to remove blockages, (often caused by traumatic experiences) allowing the individual to resume healthy development.

Seeking Safety was specifically developed to help survivors with co-occurring trauma and substance abuse disorders in a way that does not ask them to delve into emotionally distressing trauma narratives. Seeking Safety stays in the present, teaching a broad array of safe coping skills that the individual may never have had the opportunity to learn. Since trauma and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand, many clients need help with both and seeking safety has proven to be a highly successful method of treatment.

Seeking Treatment: Time is of the Essence

If you or a loved one is a survivor of psychological trauma, it's crucial to get help as soon as possible. The importance of processing trauma for healthy future development has been extensively documented and should not be ignored. Furthermore, prolonging recovery cannot only stunt one’s development and maturity, but can lead to secondary problems convoluting and compounding an already overwhelming experience and leading to increased damage that must be overcome.

At Sample Therapy, we specialize in the leading edge trauma therapy techniques outlined above. We offer both group and individual therapy sessions for those looking to recover from a traumatic experience. All of our therapists understand and respect that going through a traumatic event, or series of events, can affect all parts of your life.

If you are ready to start the healing process, give us a call today at (720) 684-6309.

]]><![CDATA[What Happens after Your First DUI Offense?]]>Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:39:14 GMThttps://www.sampletherapy.com/blog/what-happens-after-your-first-dui-offense

What Happens after Your First DUI Offense?

After the initial shock wears off, a DUI conviction leaves you facing a complicated set of instructions for getting your life back. When asking yourself, “what happens for your first DUI offense?” there are a handful of key factors you need to understand. Specifically, you will be facing a mandatory sentence and punishments ordered by the court. You will also need to understand the nature of a DUI charge and the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction.

In most cases, a first DUI offense will result in a misdemeanor charge. What happens for your first DUI offense will always be a situation resulting in an assortment of the following mandatory penalties:

Potential Jail Time
Fines
Loss of Driver’s License
Mandatory Completion of an Alcohol/Drug Rehabilitation Program
Mandatory Community Service
A Criminal Conviction

Potential Jail Time

You may or may not have to spend time in jail after your first DUI. DUI convictions carry a minimum sentence of five days in jail and a maximum sentence of up to one year. What happens for your first DUI offense is that the mandatory five days in jail can be suspended if the offender undergoes an alcohol and drug evaluation and successfully completes the treatment program. However, if your BAC was a .20 or higher, even if it was your first offense, the minimum jail sentence is 10 days and cannot be suspended.

Fines

You will also have to pay fines after your first DUI, which can run between $600 - $1000. In addition, you will have to pay all the costs associated with your court ordered alcohol classes and therapy, plus all fees associated with the interlock device, should you be required to have one.

Loss of Driver’s License

You will lose your license for either 9 months or 12 months, and will be issued a “no drive” period of either 30 or 60 days. An offender can apply for a restricted license after one month of the revocation period has passed, as long as they did not refuse a chemical test. If said driver refused a chemical test, they must wait two months in order to apply for a restricted license. In both cases, a restricted license will only be issued upon completion of the drivers required alcohol/drug education and treatment program. Following this “no drive” period you will be allowed to drive with an ignition interlock device for 8 months to 11 months, should you choose to pay for one and have it installed. An individual with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or above will be classified as a “persistent drunk driver,” and will be required to drive with an ignition interlock device for up to two years. In addition, you will be required to carry the SR-22 car insurance to get your license back and your car insurance premiums will never be the same.

Mandatory Completion of an Alcohol/Drug Rehabilitation Program

What happens for your first DUI offense is that you will have to participate in an alcohol/drug rehabilitation program, consisting of DUI education and therapy classes that must happen in a facility approved by the Department of Behavioral Health. The type(s) of classes and the number of hours required will depend on the results of your alcohol evaluation. They will most likely consist of a combination of Level I or II Education and Level II Therapy. These classes come with their own set of rules outlining how, when, and in what order you must complete them.

Mandatory Community Service

For your first DUI offense, you must complete a minimum of 48 to 96 hours of public service and pay a $120 fee. In most cases, you will be provided with a list of approved places to complete your public service by your probation officer. You might also be given a time period in which you must complete said public service. If you need help choosing the right public service option for you, check out this helpful link, https://myduisolution.com/how-to-find-community-service-opportunities-near-you/.

A Criminal Conviction

Unfortunately, DUI convictions remain on your record for the rest of your life. Currently in Colorado the, “look back” period, or the time that prosecutors can look back into your criminal history, is not set, meaning that any prior DUI a person incurred in Colorado can be observed on his or her criminal record and may be used to inform the possible charges/penalties for a future DUI case. However, there are steps you can take to expunge your DUI from your record if the following criteria are met:

The individual was never convicted of a DUI (because the charges were dropped/dismissed or the person was acquitted).
The DUI case occurred a while back (at least 10 years ago).
The individual has not incurred any new criminal charges since the past DUI case.

Now that the repercussions of your DUI conviction have become a reality, you must start addressing these requirements so that you can get your life back. If you’re ready to start your DUI Education or Therapy classes, look no further than Sample Supports! All of our classes take place in a small, homelike setting conveniently located in downtown Longmont. Our class times are set so that you can make the most out of your busy schedule. Plus, we are one of the few facilities in Boulder County that offer classes on the weekends, as well as Medicaid billing. We understand that what happens for your first DUI offense is hard to swallow, but what matters is not what you did, but how you take the steps to overcome it. Get started today by visiting http://www.sampletherapy.com/dui.html.

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