Addiction Archives - Page 2 of 10 - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

When Does OxyContin Use Turn into Abuse?

Posted on July 3, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When a doctor prescribes pain medication, they prescribe an appropriate amount that will reduce pain and allow you to get through your day. OxyContin abuse begins when patients begin taking more than their prescribed amount to maintain the euphoric feeling. OxyContin addiction can be extremely difficult to get over without the help of an OxyContin addiction treatment program that uses behavioral therapy and medication-assisted therapy to help alleviate the painful withdrawal symptoms common with OxyContin addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our OxyContin addiction treatment program will help you break your addiction to prescription medications and give you a better understanding of addiction and how it can consume your life. If you or someone you know is struggling with OxyContin abuse, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about OxyContin addiction treatment in Colorado.

How OxyContin Abuse Begins

What is OxyContin? OxyContin is the trademark name of the drug oxycodone hydrochloride, a narcotic that is very effective for pain relief for chronic pain from neurological degeneration, severe bone pain, injuries, and the end stages of cancer. When taken as prescribed, OxyContin provides patients with pain relief and an overall sense of well-being.

Over time, your body will develop a tolerance, and that euphoric feeling goes away. Many people mistakenly think the medication is not working because they don’t get the same high. Even though they are still getting the same pain relief, this is when abuse can begin as people begin taking more and more to maintain that high.

One reason that OxyContin abuse is dangerous is because tolerance can build so quickly. Over time, those who abuse this medication might start crushing or snorting it or, in some cases, injecting it to get an even stronger effect. Turning to heroin or another street drug is also a potential consequence of OxyContin abuse, as it can be easier to obtain than a legitimate prescription.

Common Signs of OxyContin Abuse

If you suspect someone in your life is abusing their prescription, look for these common symptoms of OxyContin abuse:

Impaired decision making
Confusion
Running out of their medication early
Lack of concentration
Obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors

Overdosing on OxyContin can be deadly as it can cause cardiac arrest and irregular breathing. First-time users who abuse OxyContin by injecting or chewing the pills are at a higher risk of death than long-term users.

How Starting Treatment for OxyContin Abuse Can Help

OxyContin has a high level of abuse due to its euphoric feelings, similar to heroin and other illicit drugs. OxyContin is considered a gateway drug due to its high addiction level and the number of patients who turn to heroin to keep feeling that high. When trying to quit alone, OxyContin abuse can produce painful withdrawal symptoms that make quitting without the help of an OxyContin rehab center nearly impossible.

An OxyContin addiction treatment program can help you in many ways. It can help you get through the sometimes painful and debilitating withdrawal symptoms of OxyContin abuse, which can include:

Muscle and bone pain
Sweating
Nausea
Diarrhea
Seizures
Insomnia
Vomiting

These symptoms can make it difficult to quit OxyContin abuse. However, a quality OxyContin treatment center can help you get back on track. They will provide you with the support, therapy, and medications necessary to help you manage the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with OxyContin abuse.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for OxyContin Abuse

One of the most helpful approaches for opioid addiction is medication-assisted therapy (MAT). MAT combines medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone to reduce cravings and help you stay sober. The medications are combined with behavioral therapy to ensure that you understand the root causes of your OxyContin abuse and how to prevent relapse in the future.

While in a quality OxyContin rehab center, you will learn skills and strategies to help you cope with cravings, stress, and challenging emotions without turning to drugs or alcohol. The combination of therapy, medications, and support will help you get through the withdrawal period and be successful in long-term recovery.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Your OxyContin Rehab

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can help you with your OxyContin abuse and help you regain control of your life. When you first arrive at our facility, you will be evaluated by our medical staff and therapists so we can determine your level of addiction and the appropriate treatment for your OxyContin addiction treatment.

As you progress through the program, your treatment will update to coincide with your progress and reduce the need for medication. If you or a loved one is struggling with OxyContin abuse, call 833.448.0127 or reach out online today to enroll in our OxyContin addiction treatment program and begin your road to recovery for the last time.

Managing the Cost of Addiction Treatment

Posted on June 28, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

The United States government spends billions of dollars each year to cover the cost of addiction treatment, and that figure continues to rise. Your cost will depend on the severity of your addiction and whether you need inpatient or outpatient care or both. The rehab insurances we accept at our addiction treatment center in Colorado can cover the treatment programs and services offered. Our staff will work with you to file all paperwork to begin your recovery as soon as possible. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable staff and learn which rehab insurances we accept.

What Is Addiction Treatment’s Typical Cost?

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand that each individual’s treatment plan is unique, and so is the cost of addiction treatment. Generally speaking, outpatient programs are less expensive than inpatient ones due to their shorter duration and lower costs per day or session. In addition to providing high-quality care, our center also offers various services at a fraction of the cost of other centers. This includes:

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Individual therapy
Group counseling

However, it’s important to remember that the cost of addiction treatment should never be a barrier to improving your life or your loved one’s. Our staff can help you explore financing options to make treatment more affordable. We also accept many forms of rehab insurances.

Paying for Addiction Treatment

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery specializes in offering outpatient treatment for men and women in Thornton and the surrounding areas. We work with many insurance plans and offer payment plans to help pay for the cost of addiction treatment. These include:

Beacon Health Options
Bright Health
Cigna
Kaiser Permanente
Aetna

The high cost of addiction treatment can keep some people from seeking treatment for addiction or other mental health disorders. They think they can manage independently, and when their withdrawal symptoms are too strong to ignore, the risk of relapse and death from overdose increases dramatically.

Don’t let the cost of addiction treatment keep you from getting the help you deserve. If you think paying for addiction treatment is out of reach, you might be surprised. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our admissions staff will work with your insurance plan and budget to find the best way to cover the cost of addiction treatment. Often, patients can begin treatment through rehab insurance and then pay for any out-of-pocket costs once treatment is complete.

Insurance Companies That Provide Rehab Insurance

Most insurance companies will offer help with substance abuse and mental health treatment. The top four insurance companies that provide the best coverage include:

Aetna – The insurance plans Aetna provides complete addiction treatment coverage with the individual’s needs in mind. They provide coverage for detox, residential rehab, partial hospitalization rehab, intensive outpatient rehab, and continuing care programs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield – BCBS offers insurance plans for detoxing, inpatient, and partial hospitalization care. They provide 24/7 support and educational tools through their OneHealth mobile platform.
Cigna – Cigna provides affordable healthcare coverage with plans to cover much of the cost of addiction treatment for inpatient and outpatient care. They also offer a Behavioral Health Division with educational tools and resources for substance abuse treatment.
United Healthcare – This plan covers some of the costs of detoxing and inpatient treatment coverage. Their United Behavioral Health Division provides confidential substance abuse and mental health services to support their policyholders better.

Your individual plan will have different limits on the cost or duration of the program. All of your rehab insurance options will be discussed upon admission, and you can talk about other ways to cover the cost of addiction treatment.

Managing the Cost of Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, your health and well-being are our number one concern. We will take care of your rehab insurance paperwork upon admission and inform you of what they will cover immediately. To learn more about managing the cost of addiction treatment, contact our team today at 833.448.0127 to review your rehab insurance and other payment options.

Symptoms of OxyContin Addiction

Posted on June 22, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

OxyContin is a prescription brand painkiller with a high rate of addiction and misuse. OxyContin is safe for long-term pain when patients follow the prescription and regularly check in with their doctor. Unfortunately, some who receive a prescription for this medication will abuse OxyContin and develop an addiction. Symptoms of OxyContin addiction can be severe and depend on various factors, including the individual’s age, family history, and mental health. Our treatment center offers an OxyContin addiction treatment program in Colorado to help those who develop an addiction like this and want to overcome it.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can help you with your OxyContin addiction through our discreet outpatient addiction treatment program. If you or a loved one is struggling with OxyContin addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to contact our caring support staff and speak with them about learning to spot OxyContin addiction symptoms and how our OxyContin addiction treatment program can help.

What Is OxyContin?

OxyContin is a prescription brand drug name for oxycodone, a fast-acting opioid with a high addiction rate. Oxycodone is a narcotic analgesic that comes from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum. It works on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce pain and helps you relax. Oxycodone is typically used for chronic pain when non-opioid pain medications do not work. People struggling with the following conditions are often prescribed OxyContin:

Cancer-related pain
Long-term post-surgical pain
Arthritis or joint pain
Neuropathy due to diabetes or other medical conditions

While there is a risk of addiction, patients who follow their prescriptions generally do not develop dependence.

How OxyContin Works

Oxycodone binds with the mu-opioid receptors and blocks the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the CNS. It also releases a massive amount of dopamine and serotonin responsible for the relaxed, euphoric feeling that makes this drug popular. The effects of oxycodone typically last between four to six hours and come in a fast-acting capsule or a slow-release tablet.

OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms

Those with underlying mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more susceptible to developing addiction and should talk with their doctor before taking OxyContin. It would be best if you did not stop taking OxyContin suddenly as you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:

Irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Body aches

When you no longer need OxyContin, you should reduce the amount taken over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It would be best to refrain from taking OxyContin when you no longer need pain relief to lower the chances of developing an addiction.

Symptoms of OxyContin Addiction

Symptoms of OxyContin addiction will vary depending on how long the abuse has been occurring and how much the individual is taking.

Physical Signs

Physical symptoms of OxyContin addiction include:

Sweating
Itching
Constipation
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Headache
Fatigue

Those not following the prescribed amount will face severe symptoms, including respiratory complications, hallucinations, and death.

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral symptoms of OxyContin addiction include:

Confusion
Anxiety
Nightmares
Insomnia
Depression
Suicidal thoughts

OxyContin can be fatal if those struggling with addiction do not seek help from an OxyContin addiction treatment program. Opioids like OxyContin are responsible for nearly three-fourths of all overdose-related deaths in the United States.

How Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Can Help

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can help you with all types of drug and alcohol addiction through our private addiction treatment facility. We will base your addiction treatment on your current health and the severity of your addiction. Our staff will create an effective addiction treatment program that includes various addiction therapy treatments, such as:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Group and individual therapy
Neurofeedback therapy

We also include MAT to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. Medical professionals will administer medications for addiction treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They will monitor your progress and update your medications as your need for them reduces.

Find an Outpatient Oxycontin Addiction Treatment Program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with OxyContin addiction, contact our team at 833.448.0127 today to learn about our OxyContin addiction treatment program.

How to Plan for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Posted on June 15, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Addiction is a chronic disease that cannot be cured by simply quitting cold turkey. Those who are struggling with severe addiction might spend anywhere from six to 12 months in an addiction treatment program. For those that repeatedly return to opioids or alcohol after months or years of sobriety, a long-term recovery program will work to finally control your addiction. When you speak with one of our trained therapists, they will give you a complete program overview of what your long-term recovery will look like.

At our addiction treatment center in Colorado, we offer addiction treatment programs that will help you manage your addiction no matter how long it takes. When you are ready to begin, call 833.448.0127 to speak with a therapist about starting a long-term recovery program.

Three Stages of Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Most addiction treatment programs tailor toward the patient’s specific needs, but each treatment plan falls into three stages of recovery. When done correctly, these stages will run simultaneously so you can build healthy coping skills for sustainable recovery.

1. Medically Assisted Detoxification

Depending on how severe your addiction is and what substance you are abusing will determine how severe your withdrawal symptoms can be. Drugs like suboxone and buprenorphine can help ease some of the withdrawal symptoms you will experience while you detox.

Convulsions
Vomiting
Chills and shivering
Hallucinations
Depression

This first stage is physically punishing, and our supportive therapists will help you through this stage until you are ready to move on. Some detox programs can last from three to six months, depending on the severity of the addiction.

2. Rehabilitation Therapy

Once the drugs or alcohol are out of your system, now you will begin the stage of learning about the underlying causes of addiction and how you can avoid relapse in the future. Some of the therapies and programs you might participate in include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that are associated with addiction. This type of therapy helps people learn how to develop healthier coping skills, manage cravings, and recognize triggers in order to prevent relapse.

Multidimensional Family Therapy

Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) combines individual, group, and family interventions. It focuses on the relationships between the addicted person and their family to address underlying issues related to substance use.

Case Management

Case management is a personalized approach to treatment that focuses on the individual needs of the patient. It includes helping patients obtain resources to support their recovery and establishing an appropriate aftercare plan. Case managers provide links between medical, social, legal, and mental health services so that people with substance use disorders can receive comprehensive care.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy addresses the issues that contribute to substance use. This type of therapy helps people identify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their substance use, develop healthier coping strategies, and learn how to recognize triggers for relapse.

3. Continued Support

After you have gone through time in detox and cognitive-behavioral therapy, your support does not stop once you go back out into the world. You won’t be alone while you continue with your long-term recovery program.

Continued care is essential for a successful recovery, and many programs will help in your continued fight against addiction.

Telehealth – Remote counseling sessions can help when you can’t get to your treatment center.
Outpatient group therapy – Building lifelong bonds with those in your group will be a powerful tool to help you maintain your recovery.
Friends and family – Your loved ones want to see you healthy and happy and are there for you to help keep you focused on your goals.

Planning for Long-Term Addiction Recovery at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Before you begin a long-term addiction recovery program, you will need to take care of several things, as your treatment can sometimes take several weeks or months. Financial and personal responsibilities will need to be addressed, so you do not have to worry about them during your treatment program. Some of the things we can help with include:

Power of attorney – Having someone responsible for your affairs while in recovery is crucial if you are responsible for property or a family.
Work responsibilities – Talk with your employer about your recovery and let them know how much time you will need. Many companies will hold your job and may offer financial assistance.
At-home responsibilities – If you are single and have pets, they will need to be cared for. You will want those fur babies happy and healthy when you return.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the difficulties in planning for long-term addiction recovery. We will work with you as best we can to make your time with us productive and life-changing. When you are ready to start your recovery, call 833.448.0127 today to talk to a member of our team.

3 Benefits of Recovery Groups

Posted on June 13, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

If you are addicted to opioids or other substances and are beginning the road to recovery, it can be challenging to face your substance use issue head-on instead of hiding from it. Speaking to a stranger alone is not easy, and the thought of group therapy can keep others away from treatment. However, recovery groups can offer the support you need as you work to overcome addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in individual therapy and group therapy for addiction in a safe and encouraging environment. You are fighting a disease, and there is no shame in that. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please our team at 833.448.0127 and speak with one of our addiction treatment specialists today.

6 Key Benefits of Addiction Recovery Groups

Once you enroll in an addiction recovery group, it may take some time to feel comfortable sharing. However, once you begin to open up, you’ll find that these groups can help you heal.

1. Encouragement From Other Group Members

In one-on-one sessions, the only person encouraging you to interact is your therapist. While individual therapy sessions can be the right setting to work through deeply personal issues, in a group setting, you will be encouraged by everyone to share your story after hearing others in your group share theirs.

Hearing others speak up about their experiences will make it easier for you to follow suit.

2. Opening Yourself up to a New Perspective

You have a strong view of how you see the world and how others see you. However, by telling your story to your group, you hear how others react and give feedback. You will have an easier time trusting them because you know they are in the same boat. This beneficial technique helps you see through your disease and begin to heal.

3. A Sense of Belonging

The stigma of addiction still keeps many people from seeking treatment, leaving them feeling alone and afraid to ask for help. When you share your struggles with others in your group, you form a deep bond that only these shared experiences can build.

By surrounding yourself with your group and interacting with them, you build a powerful shield against your addiction.

4. An Opportunity to Practice New Coping Skills

When you share your story with the group, they can offer suggestions on how to better handle your triggers and thoughts. This is an invaluable opportunity to try out different coping skills in a safe environment before putting them into practice in real-life situations.

5. Receive Positive Reinforcement

Addiction recovery groups allow you to learn from the successes of others. In a group setting, you will receive positive reinforcement from other members when they see how far you have come. This can help to boost your self-confidence and motivate you to continue on your path of recovery.

6. Reduce Stress and Anxiety Levels

By actively engaging in a group setting, your stress and anxiety levels will be reduced. You’ll have the opportunity to form connections with other people going through similar experiences which helps create an emotional support system for yourself.

The Five Stages of Recovery

As you begin the journey to recovery, it can be helpful to know what to expect.

Pre-contemplation – The addiction has negative effects on your life, and you have yet to recognize the problem.
Contemplation – Recognizing the problem is a significant step.
Preparation – Deciding to start a group therapy program can require planning if you need to remain at a treatment center. It’s best to have someone help you prepare.
Action – Following up on your decision and actively working on your recovery takes effort.
Maintenance – After your treatment program ends, it is vital to avoid old triggers until you are more comfortable with your recovery.

A successful addiction recovery group involves action. One of the hardest things to do is openly talk about your disease. Being in a group of others going through the same problem can help make you feel more comfortable opening up.

How Can Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Help You?

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we believe addiction recovery should involve group therapy sessions along with individual therapy to better treat the mental and physical aspects of this terrible disease.

Addiction recovery groups have many beneficial effects on your recovery that you would not get with individual therapy. Once you begin, you will quickly realize the benefits of your group therapy sessions as you start to gain control of your addiction. If you or someone you know is ready to begin the recovery process, call 833.448.0127 today and schedule an appointment.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Posted on May 31, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When you go to the doctor, the focus is often on figuring out what’s wrong. While your doctor only wants to help, taking a clinical approach that seems to ignore what may be happening beneath your exterior can feel impersonal. Those who have experienced trauma can face challenges with their mental health. Trauma-informed care focuses less on fixing the immediate problem and more on understanding everything that led to your current issues. It’s a concept that informs the way everyone at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery helps patients. If you’re looking for trauma-informed care in Colorado, contact us today at 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

When people experience trauma because of neglect, abuse, discrimination, violence, and other adverse experiences, they often turn to risky behavior like drug and alcohol abuse. Someone who comes into the ER because of an opioid overdose may have started using the drugs to get away from memories associated with the experience of trauma.

Using a trauma-informed care approach to individuals seeking treatment for mental health or substance use disorders helps doctors, addiction specialists, and other medical professionals understand more about the experiences that led to a patient’s current state. Trauma therapy makes a big difference to a person when someone tries to understand what happened to them. Some important tenets of trauma-informed care include:

Understanding how much trauma impacts people
Looking at the way trauma affects a person’s ability to achieve recovery
Recognizing signs of trauma in patients and those close to them

Learn how to avoid creating situations that might inadvertently remind patients of past trauma

Understanding the role of resiliency in helping patients move forward

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our doctors and specialists take a trauma-informed care approach while providing treatments for addiction and mental health disorders. We believe that understanding how past experiences have impacted someone’s life is essential to creating an effective treatment plan for recovery.

How Can Trauma-Informed Care Help with Addiction?

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery believes that taking a trauma-informed approach in all aspects of treatment helps our patients achieve better outcomes. Addiction and mental health disorders are complex issues that can’t be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. By taking the time to understand what patients are going through, we can develop more effective approaches to addiction and mental health care.

The main principles that drive trauma-informed care include the following:

Empowering patients – We focus on a person’s strengths and use them to help them progress through treatment
Giving patients choices – Patients respond more positively when they feel they have a choice when it comes to their treatment
Collaborating with patients – Everyone at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery works with the patient and their family to obtain the best outcome
Making patients feel safe – We want patients to feel secure in their environment when they come to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for treatment
Earning the trust of patients – Patients can expect complete transparency and clarity when it comes to the treatments offered at our facility and the kind of care they can expect

It’s important to note, though, that trauma-informed care is not a one-time solution. It’s an ongoing process of understanding and support to help heal trauma.

What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care?

We’ve found that trauma-informed care benefits both patients and the staff at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Those who come to us for help can learn how to rebuild fractured relationships or focus on building new ones with people supportive of a patient’s recovery journey. Trauma therapy is also a chance for you to have a voice regarding getting help for issues driving your addiction or mental health crisis.

Trauma-informed care gives staff the chance to understand our patients’ issues on a deeper level. That helps build trust both ways and makes us more empathetic to the challenges our patients go through as they work to improve their long-term physical, mental, and emotional health.

Some other benefits of trauma-informed care include:

Being able to recognize and respond appropriately to signs of trauma while addressing underlying issues related to addiction or mental health disorders
Creating a safe and supportive environment for patients to feel comfortable with the help they’re getting
Offering different approaches to treatment that can address a wide range of symptoms

Trauma-informed care is the gold standard in modern addiction and mental health treatment. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is proud to offer this approach to all of our patients.

Experience Trauma-Informed Care at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients looking for help with mental health or addiction issues. Treatments and programs offered at our facility include:

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at [Direct] if you want to learn more about how we can become your partner in overcoming problems that may be holding you back in life.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Posted on May 17, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques are one of several types of treatment available to help with drug and alcohol addiction treatment as well as some mental health disorders. DBT allows a person to better control more of their thoughts and the resulting actions. DBT therapy is one of the services offered at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery and tends to be a component of most patients’ care. To learn more about dialectical behavioral therapy in Colorado, contact us online or call 833.448.0127 to speak to our compassionate, professional team.

Understanding DBT

DBT therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, an evidence-based treatment program. It is designed to provide people with healthy ways to manage stress, a better ability to manage emotions, and the ability to live in the moment. In many ways, it can help improve the quality of life.

Initially designed to help those with borderline personality disorder, today, it is commonly used for the treatment of mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. DBT is also heavily used in substance use disorder treatment.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Able to Do?

DBT therapy helps a person develop a range of new skills. They may work in an individual or group setting to achieve these goals. The ultimate goal is to help people navigate complex problems and stress. Some of the key benefits include:

Learning to accept, tolerate, and manage challenges in life.
Understanding how to analyze problems and destructive behavior patterns so they can be changed to better outcomes.
Exploring how to change thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and actions that are unhelpful.
Improving communication skills with other people, improving their ability to achieve goals.
Developing skills to manage the challenges a person faces with substance use disorders.

Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques

Dialectical behavior therapy techniques are those used by therapists to encourage and manage change. Some examples of these include:

Core Mindfulness – This technique encourages people to pay more attention to the present moment and their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judging them. It can help individuals become more aware of what triggers their addictive behavior patterns.
Distress Tolerance – This teaches patients how to cope with distress in a healthy way so that they don’t turn towards drugs or alcohol when feeling overwhelmed.
Emotional Regulation – People learn how to identify difficult emotions as well as how to manage them in a healthier way than self-medicating with substances.
Interpersonal Effectiveness – People learn communication skills such as assertive techniques, which allow them to communicate effectively and navigate challenging social situations without relying on substance use for comfort or relaxation.

These behavior therapy techniques can lead to increased confidence, better communication, improved relationships, and a better overall quality of life. Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides an individualized plan to match the needs of each patient best.

Incorporating DBT Therapy into Treatment

DBT is often a component of the evidence-based therapy we offer at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Individuals will first receive comprehensive screenings and an assessment to determine if this type of therapy is best. If DBT therapy is recommended, it becomes a part of treatment along with other therapies. Dialectical behavior therapy techniques are learned over a period of several sessions and practiced in both individual and group sessions. For many, this type of therapy is encouraging and easy to embrace because of the impact it adds to their life and the control it provides.

Some of the other therapies available include:

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Dialectical behavior therapy is one of the tools available at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. DBT therapy may be one component of care a person receives through our treatment programs. For those ready to explore dialectical behavior therapy techniques, the first step is an assessment and consultation. To get started, call 833.448.0127 or connect online to learn more about DBT.

Effective Therapies for Alcohol Addiction

Posted on May 4, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When a person becomes addicted to alcohol, getting help is critical to their health and well-being. While recovery is not always easy, there are many counseling programs geared toward alcohol dependence that can help. Understanding therapy for alcohol addiction can make choosing which type of program to enter easier.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we know how challenging it can be to stop drinking. We offer alcohol addiction treatment in Colorado that can help. Learn more by calling 833.448.0127 today.

What Constitutes Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol-related issues have become some of the most significant public health issues in the United States. While many people might struggle with their drinking at some point in their life, that doesn’t mean they have an alcohol use disorder.

An alcohol use disorder is characterized by the following:

The individual feels like they have to drink – Compulsive cravings mean they can’t control their consumption. The individual is unable to stop drinking once they’ve started, even though they may try.
They can’t control how much they drink – People living with alcohol addiction might be able to limit when they drink to non-working or non-school hours, but once started, they find it hard to moderate the amount of alcohol consumed.
They feel bad when they can’t drink – Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression can occur when someone stops drinking.
They develop a tolerance – To get the same level of satisfaction, people with an alcohol use disorder may need to drink more and more.

For millions of adults, alcohol use turns into an addiction that they must overcome. Fortunately, targeted therapy has been shown to help most people that seek out help for an alcohol use disorder, with many remaining in recovery for the rest of their lives.

How Alcohol Addiction Therapy Can Help

Most therapists utilize various behavioral therapy modalities, and there are many evidence-based treatment options that have proven effective for addiction. Therapy for alcohol addiction helps change a person’s behaviors through education, analysis, planning, tool development, and exposure. These methods are used to accomplish the following:

Education – Understanding behavior, rewards, and consequences can help clients plan and create goals toward recovery.
Analysis – Reflecting on what caused the addictive behavior and what is currently reinforcing it can help clients avoid triggers and relapses.
Tools – Different tools to help clients relax, center themselves, avoid challenging moments, and stay on the path to recovery are explored.
Exposure – Impulses to use are reduced as exposure to situations related to the addiction is worked through.

Every person entering alcohol addiction treatment will benefit from a unique mix of therapies. Addiction treatment specialists conduct thorough assessments to help clients understand their cravings, symptoms, triggers, and goals so they can develop effective therapy plans.

Effective Therapies for Alcohol Addiction

Most often, a combined behavioral therapy approach is used in therapy for alcohol addiction. While 12-step programs are very popular, the focus here is on individual treatment. This can include integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, and other techniques. Below are the most commonly used therapies for alcohol addiction that have proven effective.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is used to reduce behaviors connected to alcohol abuse. By anticipating situations that can trigger use and developing strategies that help clients cope, they can learn to avoid damaging behavior. CBT transfers to real-life situations well and is useful for alcohol use disorders.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT helps clients regulate their feelings, develop tools to cope, and accept their situation. It helps clients deal with intrusive thoughts and overcome them. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing techniques are beneficial. Using DBT reduces recovery dropout rates and is helpful for co-occurring disorders.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

When trauma is involved as one of the main reasons behind alcohol use, EMDR is especially helpful. It reduces the stress that stems from the traumatic memories and targets the symptoms of PTSD. It teaches the brain to reframe the memories as less negative so that the client can cope more effectively.

Motivational Therapy

Motivational therapy is widely used in rehab. It is based on finding the motivation to get treatment, incentives for refusing alcohol as a coping mechanism, and behavioral therapy techniques to ensure recovery. By conducting motivational interviews, doubts surrounding quitting alcohol use are reduced, and positive changes are encouraged. It is especially helpful for alcohol and nicotine addiction.

Other Methods

Other addiction therapy methods might involve yoga, meditation, art or music therapy, wellness and nutrition, contingency management, or family therapy.

Alcohol Addiction Therapy at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, clients can benefit from therapists who vary their treatment approach based on both proven techniques and behavioral insights. Understanding the different ways to treat alcohol use disorder means that we are able to provide a complete recovery to clients. Options such as telehealth and outpatient are available to ensure everyone can get the help they need. Visit our website or contact us at 833.448.0127 for more information.

How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Is Used in Addiction Treatment

Posted on May 2, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

People often think that rehab is the only solution when dealing with addiction. They might imagine using heavy drugs to detox or spending time in isolation while in recovery. But that is not how recovery works, and an important component of addiction treatment involves therapy. One of the most common types of therapy used to help people overcome addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy, also known as CBT.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers cognitive-behavioral therapy in Colorado. CBT is a type of talk therapy that looks at how thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors interact to influence feelings and actions. We understand the importance CBT can be for a patient’s addiction recovery. If you think CBT could be beneficial for you, please get in touch with us at 833.448.0127 to speak with one of our team members about how CBT can be effective for addiction.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that leads people through problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that they can learn new patterns of behavior and overcome addiction. CBT helps patients discover connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and increases awareness of how each impacts their recovery. Armed with this knowledge, individuals in recovery can begin taking steps toward a healthier life.

CBT is commonly used to treat other disorders that can co-occur with addiction, including:

Eating disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety and depression
Attention deficit disorder

So, you’re probably wondering, “Is CBT effective for addiction?” The answer is yes. Studies have shown that CBT is an effective form of treatment for addiction and helps individuals develop healthier coping skills to cope with their cravings. With the proper guidance from a therapist, people can gain the tools they need to break free from their addictions and make lasting changes in their lives.

How Does CBT Work?

By engaging in cognitive-behavioral therapy, patients learn that many of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not rational. Many stem from environmental factors, past experiences, or current stressors. Understanding these things and how they relate to addiction empowers them to be more successful in the recovery process.

Therapists help patients identify their automatic, negative thought patterns and discover where they originate. These subconscious thoughts are often based on misconceptions and lead to impulses that are hard to control. Those dealing with addiction will then self-medicate to avoid the pain that comes with it.

CBT is based on the belief that facing these negative thought patterns and the subconscious reasons behind them helps reduce the pain associated with them. When the pain is lessened, patients can replace the negative behaviors associated with addiction with new, positive approaches and techniques they learn during treatment.

How Does CBT Help Those with Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

There are many benefits to using CBT in addiction recovery. Because CBT deals with thought processes and how they affect behaviors, changes in how patients deal with negative thinking bring about positive results. CBT essentially equips patients with the tools needed to sustain lasting results. There are several other benefits of CBT for addiction recovery:

Teaches patients how to communicate effectively
Gives patients a healthier way to handle negative emotions and situations
Equips patients with tools to improve their moods and handle stress
Helps patients resolve the negative or false beliefs that led to addiction
Provides patients with ways to deal with triggers and cravings
Helps patients recognize and identify what led to their addiction

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers cognitive-behavioral therapy services that are tailored to each individual’s needs. To learn more about how cognitive-behavioral therapy can aid your recovery journey, please get in touch with us at 833.448.0127. We would be more than happy to discuss the effectiveness of CBT for addiction with you.

Various CBT Techniques

Each therapist will have a different approach, but many of the techniques used are similar. A therapist who uses a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach might ask a client to keep a thought journal to disprove their negative thoughts. They may work on behavioral experiments with the client where negative and positive thought patterns are compared to determine which is more effective.

This reframing of thoughts helps the client take a more positive approach. Another approach is to create a self-care list. This is a list of healthy, enjoyable activities meant to encourage positive emotions and break up the day’s routine. Imagery-based exposure is another technique that involves recalling painful memories in detail to eventually reduce the pain they cause. These are just a few techniques therapists can draw from to help with addiction treatment.

Benefits of CBT in Combination with an Addiction Treatment Program

Is CBT effective for addiction?—the truth is that cognitive-behavioral therapy has been proven to be effective for addiction recovery. Research shows that people have higher success rates when CBT is combined with other therapies and treatments, such as 12-step programs or medications.

CBT helps those dealing with addiction by providing them with the tools needed to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier actions. When combined with other treatments, it can provide an even greater benefit to those recovering from addiction. Some other significant benefits of CBT in combination with an addiction treatment program can include :

Reduction of cravings and relapse risk
Improvement in self-control and decision making
Increase in social skills
Enhancement of stress management techniques
Increase in motivation for recovery and long-term abstinence from substance use

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is devoted to helping those struggling with addiction. We understand how difficult it can be to break free from addiction, and we offer cognitive-behavioral therapy as one of the tools that can help you.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Uses CBT in Addiction Treatment

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help patients looking to use therapy in their addiction treatment. Whether dealing with alcohol dependence, opioid withdrawal symptoms, or another type of addiction, we work toward a complete recovery for patients using CBT and other therapy methods. Options include telehealth and outpatient programs to meet a variety of needs. Visit our website or contact us at 833.448.0127 for more information.

The Stages of Addiction Recovery

Posted on April 26, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Addiction recovery is not a simple process, but one that occurs over a period of time through several steps. To achieve sobriety, a person needs to recognize where they are right now, gaining an awareness of what’s happening to them. They may need to work through detox before receiving comprehensive treatment, aftercare, and relapse prevention. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers a thorough process to guide individuals through the various stages of addiction recovery, ultimately leading to the most favorable long-term results. If you need help finding addiction treatment programs near you, call us at 833.448.0127, and one of our team members can help you or a loved one.

Understanding the Complexity of Addiction

While addiction can occur quickly, the damage it does to the brain is significant. It takes time for the brain to relearn and heal. A component of that is physical healing, but the other part is recognizing the challenges of recovery, gaining awareness, and creating a plan to manage the psychological damage that’s occurred. There are several steps or stages a person will go through during the addiction recovery process to achieve these goals.

Precontemplation

During this stage, a person doesn’t recognize there’s a problem and is unlikely to have experienced any type of negative outcome yet. The substance use feels good. In this phase, people often experience one or several of the following:

They don’t recognize a problem
They don’t have any desire to change
They don’t want to be told what to do, and that keeps them using the substance
They are overwhelmed by their habits, and that’s made it feel impossible to change
The person believes they know the answers as to why substance abuse isn’t a factor for them

Contemplation

At this stage, a person comes to an awareness of the problem, though they have not made a decision to change. They may want it to change but cannot make the commitment to do so. However, they are more likely to want to learn about their options at this stage. This stage can last for years before a person decides to change.

Preparation

At this stage, often, something has changed. They are ready to take action to achieve sobriety. This is where addiction recovery begins to become more real. Many will reach out for help with an assessment at this point.

Action

This is the stage where something happens—they enroll in a detox program or move into a residential treatment program. They engage in some way with treatment for their addiction. They learn the tools and strategies necessary to cope with stress, deal with addiction, and maintain sobriety.

Maintenance

During maintenance, a person continues to receive care, but it is in the form of aftercare. They are working to maintain their sobriety, but this is also where relapse risk is the strongest.

Termination

In this area of recovery, the individual can maintain their sobriety without continual fear of relapse. This is the goal of addiction recovery—to not be weighed down by the addiction itself.

Why Is It Important to Understand Addiction Recovery Stages?

Understanding the stages of addiction recovery is crucial for several reasons:

Setting expectations – Knowing what to expect at each stage of recovery can help individuals and their loved ones prepare mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead. It helps one understand that recovery is a process, not an event.
Guiding treatment plans – Understanding these stages allows healthcare professionals to develop and adjust treatment plans according to the individual’s progress. Each stage requires different interventions and supports, so knowing where a person is in their recovery can guide the treatment approach.
Providing appropriate support – For families and friends, understanding these stages can help them provide the right kind of support when it’s needed most. Each stage presents unique challenges, and being aware of these can help loved ones offer meaningful assistance.
Promoting patience and compassion – Understanding that recovery is a process involving various stages can foster patience and compassion, both for the individual in recovery and those supporting them. This understanding underscores the fact that setbacks are part of the journey, not failure.

To effectively and compassionately manage the addiction recovery process and promote a sustainable recovery journey, it is important to have an understanding of the stages of addiction recovery. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide the guidance and support needed to navigate them successfully.

How Addiction Recovery Programs Can Help

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers support for those who are ready to start on the recovery path to achieve long-lasting sobriety. Addiction recovery takes time—for some months or more years. However, our team can offer help and guidance with a range of treatment programs, including:

If you’re looking for addiction treatment programs near you or a loved one, our team can help. We offer discreet and compassionate care, personalized to meet the needs of each individual we work with.

Get the Help You Need at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Understanding the stages of addiction recovery is a key part of addiction treatment. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, addiction recovery starts with a call to our team. Let us help you with each stage of the process, including awareness, detox, and achieving sobriety. With programs such as aftercare and relapse prevention, it is possible to overcome these challenges with our comprehensive programs. Start now by calling 833.448.0127 or connecting with us online.