Addiction Archives - Page 3 of 9 - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Treating Pain in Patients with Addiction

Posted on November 30, 2022 by cmarnew

Treating pain and addiction requires a multi-pronged approach using medication and various types of behavioral and holistic therapy. Each person feels and reacts to pain differently. For people suffering from chronic pain, taking opioid pain medication for an extended period of time can cause serious dependence and addiction. Those who develop an addiction to their pain medication can enroll in an addiction and pain management program to ease withdrawals and cravings while still managing their pain.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with addiction to Fentanyl, Percocet, or other opioid pain medication. We know how difficult life can be when dealing with constant or chronic pain. If not managed properly, pain can cause depression, anxiety, and a severe addiction to pain medication or harder drugs. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to pain medication, call 833.448.0127 or send us a message online for more information about our addiction and pain management program.

The Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Addiction

Opioid pain medication is one of the most prescribed types of medication for treating pain after an accident, surgery, or pain from certain cancers or chronic conditions. It works by binding with opioid receptors in the body and blocks the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the central nervous system. Opioids do have a high risk of addiction and dependence with long-term use and should not be taken for longer than 30 days.

If you are taking opioid pain medication, do not stop taking the medication suddenly, as that will cause withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids that are hard to resist without help. Some of the common signs of opioid withdrawal include:

Intense cravings
Muscle aches
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
High blood pressure

Working with your doctor to manage chronic pain reduces the chances of forming an addiction, as does staying away from drugs or alcohol while taking the pain medication. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medical experts work closely with each patient to find the right combination of medications to treat the addiction while still providing the appropriate level of pain relief. In addition, they will participate in behavioral therapy to talk about what caused the addiction in the first place.

Best Methods for Treating Pain and Addiction

People suffering from chronic pain and addiction can find support at an accredited addiction treatment center that combines medication and behavioral therapy for a well-rounded treatment experience. Patients will work with a certified therapist in group and private sessions while medical staff administer medications and monitor them for any adverse reactions or increase in pain levels.

Here are some of the best methods for treating pain and addiction:

Medication management—Using opioid-based medication to treat opioid addiction is an accepted practice and has shown to be very beneficial in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medical staff will make adjustments to the dosage to find the right combination for maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
Behavioral therapy—Therapists will work closely with each patient to uncover the root cause of the addiction and teach them healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms. During group therapy, patients will gain valuable insight from their peers and see how addiction affects everyone in different ways.
Family therapy—One important step in the recovery process is to involve family. Parents, spouses, and children will learn all about the damage opioids can cause and how they can help aid in the recovery process. They also get a chance to talk with a therapist to vent any frustrations or anger about the addiction without judgment.

Treating chronic pain and addiction is possible through an accredited treatment program that utilizes medication to manage pain and addiction symptoms.

Treat Chronic Pain at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide outpatient treatment programs for men and women struggling with addiction to opioid pain medication. We can treat chronic pain and addiction simultaneously using medication and behavioral therapy that teaches patients about the dangers of addiction while still managing their pain levels. The types of treatment programs and therapies we offer include:

In-person and online outpatient treatment programs
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Pain and addiction management
Family therapy
Neurofeedback therapy

To discover all of the benefits of our pain and addiction treatment programs, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to speak with our team about enrolling at our addiction treatment center.

3 Signs Your Loved One Is Addicted to Heroin

Posted on November 25, 2022 by cmarnew

Knowing what heroin addiction signs to look for is important to know if you suspect a friend or family member is abusing this dangerous and illegal substance. Heroin can cause a serious addiction that can cause permanent damage and serious medical conditions that can lead to death if not properly treated. For those who are struggling with heroin addiction, a heroin addiction treatment program can ease the withdrawal process and help patients reach their recovery goals.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support individuals who are ready to make a positive change in their lives and stop their heroin abuse. Our outpatient treatment programs are ideal for those who can abstain from taking more drugs with minimal supervision and can meet with therapists at regularly scheduled times. Patients will participate in group and private therapy sessions while receiving medication to minimize withdrawals and cravings. To learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program, reach out to our compassionate team today at 833.448.0127 to schedule an appointment.

Why Is Heroin Addiction so Dangerous?

Spotting heroin addiction signs in a friend or loved one can go a long way toward stopping their heroin use before it causes serious physical and mental harm. Heroin is a synthetic opioid made from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum. It is a fast-acting narcotic that causes a massive release of dopamine that your body can never produce on its own. With continued use, the body begins to crave more of the drug, which causes the natural production of dopamine to cease.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for making you feel happy. It also helps manage coordination, learning, emotional regulation, and other vital functions. After your last dose of heroin, it can take several weeks before your body returns to normal and starts producing dopamine again. During that time, you can experience painful withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings for more heroin.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our team has experience treating heroin addiction and the underlying causes that are fueling it. Patients will participate in medication-assisted treatment to minimize withdrawals and cravings while talking with a therapist in private and group settings.

3 Heroin Addiction Signs That Point to a Growing Problem

Heroin addiction is a serious mental health illness that can kill if not properly treated. It creates personality and behavioral changes and can tear apart families, and make children more susceptible to addiction.

If you suspect a friend or loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, here are three signs of heroin addiction to look out for:

Behavioral changes—Addiction causes self-destructive habits that make the person feel like the only solution to their problem is more heroin. This will cause behavioral changes such as becoming more argumentative or irritable, lying about where they’ve been or who they are with, stealing, and threatening violence. Their desire for more heroin will consume every aspect of their life until they take more.
Physical changes—Depending on how they take heroin, some of the physical signs of heroin addiction include scabs or bruising on the skin, needle marks in between fingers and toes, and extreme weight loss. Other physical signs to look for include burnt spoons, discarded needles, and glass pipes or bongs around the house.
Medical conditions—Heroin abuse can lead to serious medical conditions that include HIV, hepatitis B or C, chronic pneumonia, stroke, heart attack, Septicemia, seizures, and respiratory depression.

Recognizing what heroin addiction signs look like is very important to know if you suspect someone is abusing heroin or other dangerous drugs. Talking to them about their use can show them the harm they are causing to themselves and others and convince them to get help.

Begin to Heal with Heroin Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our addiction treatment facility welcomes all people who are struggling with an addiction to heroin, meth, alcohol, or other harmful substances. We create an atmosphere of trust and open communication with each patient, so they feel comfortable talking about the issues that led to the addiction and begin to heal. Patients will participate in a number of therapies, such as:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Family therapy
Neurofeedback therapy
Trauma therapy
Medication-assisted treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online contact form today to speak with our caring team about treating heroin addiction.

5 Surprising Benefits of a Women’s Rehab

Posted on July 13, 2022 by cmarnew

There are many different reasons why women turn to drugs or alcohol. Peer and social pressure can push women to drink, as well as relationship issues with men at work and in their personal lives. Women’s rehab gives women a gender-specific form of addiction therapy without any male presence that can disrupt the recovery process.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support women who are struggling with addiction through our women’s rehab center. Female therapists will work one-on-one with you to address the issues that led to the addiction and develop healthy coping skills that promote lifelong, sustainable recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and prefer a women’s only rehab experience, call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form for more information about our women’s rehab program.

Is a Women’s Rehab Program Right for You?

Today, women are expected to take on the role of caregiver and breadwinner. The days of women staying at home and raising a family are over, yet there is still an expectation for women to perform both roles while keeping up with society’s viewpoint of women. This can lead to significant stress, and women are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol rather than ask for help.

A women’s rehab program is beneficial to women who have experienced:

Domestic or sexual abuse by their father or spouse
Emotional abuse from male co-workers or friends
Confusion about gender or sexual identity
Pressure to conform to standard female roles in a changing environment
Current affairs
A preference for a gender-specific rehab experience

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help women struggling with addiction and trying to keep up with work and family responsibilities. Our outpatient treatment facility offers women a safe and gender-neutral environment to focus on their recovery while living at home or in a sober living environment.

5 of the Biggest Benefits of Women’s Rehab Programs

Women’s rehab is a safer alternative to co-ed therapy, where the focus on both men’s and women’s issues can impede or worsen women’s recovery experience. In a women’s-only therapy session, women will feel more comfortable talking about the issues that affect them the most while gaining valuable feedback from the other women in the group.

Here are five benefits of women’s rehab that you can experience:

Gain a better understanding of addiction – Women will work with a female therapist in private therapy to uncover the root cause of their addiction and learn how to process their feelings in a healthy manner.
Focus on issues that directly affect women – Women can focus on the issues that matter to them the most without distractions. Women can talk about issues such as peer pressure, sexual or gender confusion, and other topics.
Develop healthy coping skills – Therapists will teach women healthy coping skills that address their specific issues. During group therapy, they will practice these skills with other women in the group while their therapist monitors their interactions.
Regain confidence and power – Women rediscover the power they have within themselves to change their thoughts and viewpoint of themselves and the world around them.
Develop healthy relationships with other women in the group – One key benefit of women’s rehab is the relationships you will form with the women that are going through their own recovery journey with you. The friendships you build will be a great support system long after your treatment ends.

This list just touches on the many benefits of a women’s rehab program. Learn more by reaching out to an addiction specialist.

Join Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Our Women’s Rehab Center

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our women’s rehab center provides safe and effective addiction recovery treatment. Women can focus on their recovery and gain healthy coping skills to handle everyday stressful situations better. If you want to learn more about our women’s rehab program, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today, and one of our caring staff will get back to you about beginning your recovery journey.

How to Know if a Family Therapy Program Is Right for You

Posted on July 11, 2022 by cmarnew

Your family, for better or worse, plays a big role in who you are and how you cope with everyday situations. Families who do not talk with each other openly are more likely to hide their feelings and turn to drugs or alcohol to feel better. A family therapy program is essential to any addiction recovery program to address all issues that contribute to the addiction. Family therapy helps everyone in the family understand the dangers of addiction and how each member can play a valuable role in the recovery process.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide effective and discreet addiction recovery programs for men and women struggling with addiction to heroin, prescription drugs, or other substances. Our certified therapists and medical staff work together to create a customized treatment program that includes family therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and behavioral therapies. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is a phone call away. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our compassionate staff about our family therapy program.

What Is Family Therapy?

Family therapy during addiction recovery offers mental health support for parents, siblings, and significant others directly affected by a loved one’s addiction. Family therapy can bring families closer together and help everyone understand how devastating addiction can be to the family unit. Family-related issues that can lead to addiction include:

Parents using drugs or alcohol openly and regularly
A lack of open communication between parents and siblings
Emotional or domestic abuse from a parent, sibling, or significant other
Unhealthy coping skills learned from parents or siblings

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we know the value of including family therapy as part of our outpatient addiction treatment program. We go over all aspects of your addiction recovery and answer any questions, including what a family therapy program is and how it can benefit the recovery process.

Benefits of Family Therapy

A family therapy program has many benefits for parents, siblings, and the person struggling with addiction. Parents and siblings learn how they can be a part of the recovery process and how to create a sober and positive home environment.

Just some of the benefits of family therapy during addiction recovery include:

Therapy for everyone in the family – Parents, siblings, and spouses can talk about any issues they are struggling with in a private and judgment-free space. They can vent any frustrations or feelings of neglect and learn how to cope with those feelings in a healthy way.
A better understanding of how addiction affects the entire family – Addiction still carries a huge stigma in our society, forcing many to hide their addiction from family and friends. Families learn how to openly communicate with each other calmly, promoting honesty, healing, and restoring trust.
Create a sober and supportive home environment – A critical component of outpatient addiction treatment is a stable and sober home where they are not tempted to relapse. Unsupportive home lives will only hinder the recovery process and potentially lead to overdose and death.

Begin taking advantage of some of these benefits and improve the health of your family by calling 833.448.0127.

Find Effective Family Therapy at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we include family therapy in our addiction treatment programs through our safe and private outpatient treatment facility. We offer a full range of treatment programs and therapies, such as:

An in-person and online intensive outpatient program
Medication-assisted treatment
Case management
Family therapy
Neurofeedback therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy

To learn more about our family therapy program and how it can benefit everyone in the family, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to schedule a tour of our addiction treatment center.

Finding the Right Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

Posted on July 6, 2022 by cmarnew

Group therapy is an important step in the addiction recovery process. It allows men and women to gain a new perspective on the recovery experience from people with different backgrounds and life circumstances. A group therapy program gives patients an opportunity to hone their coping skills and gain confidence in maintaining their sobriety at home and in public. Group therapy is a necessary step for anyone looking to reach their sobriety goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery supports men and women struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Therapists and medical staff will evaluate your current physical and mental health to develop an effective treatment program to meet all of your recovery goals. If you are ready to accept help with your addiction recovery, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to learn how our private outpatient treatment facility is the best place to start your addiction recovery.

How Can a Group Therapy Program Help with the Recovery Process?

For some men and women, sharing their addiction struggles with others is enough to dissuade them from participating in an addiction treatment program. They feel embarrassed and ashamed of their condition due to the stigma of addiction that our society has created. Addiction is a mental health illness that is treatable through the combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy in group and one-on-one sessions.

During group therapy, patients will find that sharing their stories is very therapeutic and can give them new insights into how others face similar struggles. This goes a long way in helping patients realize they are not alone in their struggles, which is a common symptom of substance abuse. They feel the only solution to their problem is through continued substance abuse, especially when they try to quit on their own.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide our patients with a wide range of therapies and programs to aid in their goal of sustainable recovery. Patients will participate in several therapies during private and group sessions where they can develop their coping skills.

What to Expect from Group Therapy

Each person’s experience with addiction treatment is unique and requires a tailored treatment program that includes group and individual therapy. The cause of addiction has a lot to do with behavior, and patients can learn a lot by sharing their stories with others and listening to feedback from a different perspective.

Here is just some of what you can expect during your group therapy program:

Separate men’s and women’s group rehab sessions – Group therapy is available in a gender-specific environment. This removes any distractions caused by the opposite sex and allows for open and honest communication.
Practice coping skills in a safe environment – Patients can gain confidence in their ability to maintain their sobriety by practicing their coping skills with their peers in a supervised environment.
Work on improving communication and relationship skills – Group therapy is also beneficial for teaching men and women how to effectively communicate their feelings. They learn how to calmly express themselves and how to become a better listener.
Develop healthy friendships with your peers – The relationships you develop with others in group therapy will become a strong support system to help maintain your sobriety long after you complete your treatment program.

Finding the right group therapy program can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term sobriety.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Providing Men and Women with an Effective Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women from all walks of life through group and individual therapy through our private outpatient treatment center. We offer a wide range of therapies to benefit your recovery process, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Dual diagnosis treatment
Family therapy
Group and individual therapy
Neurofeedback therapy

For more information about our outpatient group therapy program, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to begin leading a healthy and sober life.

Fight Addiction with an Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program in Thornton, Colorado

Posted on May 27, 2022 by cmarnew

Addiction rates in the United States continue to climb as men and women try to cope with everything that is going on in our society today. Global conflicts, the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, and skyrocketing inflation are causing more people to struggle than ever before. Outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO is available to help men and women whose addiction is beginning to interfere with their daily lives. An addiction treatment center can be very beneficial in helping those who are ready to admit they cannot do this alone.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR), we support men and women from all backgrounds who are struggling with addiction or other mental health disorders. We provide in-person and online outpatient treatment programs where patients will participate in various behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about how you or a loved one can begin your addiction recovery.

What Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Effective addiction treatment comes in many forms to help a wide range of people. Some people will need a residential treatment program where they stay in a treatment facility during their treatment. While others can benefit more from outpatient addiction treatment, where they attend therapy during the day or evening and return to a sober home. The severity of the addiction and a patient’s physical and mental health will determine which treatment program is best for them.

Outpatient treatment will only work if patients are committed to their recovery and can maintain their sobriety without constant supervision. Other requirements for outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO include:

Having a stable home environment that will not interfere with your recovery. In some cases, patients can stay in a sober-living environment until they have a safe and sober home of their own.
The ability to abstain from drugs and alcohol while keeping up with work and family commitments.
The ability to attend in-person or telehealth appointments on a regularly scheduled basis
A commitment to long-lasting recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we will sit with you to evaluate your current health and level of addiction to determine if an outpatient treatment program is best for you. Those who require more attention can begin treatment through in-person addiction treatment and graduate to an outpatient treatment program.

Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Thornton, CO

Addiction affects people from all walks of life. It does not matter how rich you are, the color of your skin, or your political or religious beliefs. While addiction symptoms can vary wildly between people, addiction treatment is vital for helping all to lead to a healthy and sober future.

Just some of the benefits of outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO include:

Receive behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment that fits your schedule.
A better understanding of how addiction works and how you have the ability to change your ways for the better.
Practice coping skills with peers during group therapy.
Gain insight into improving communication and relationship skills.
Rebuild trust and broken relationships through family therapy.
Gain coping skills that build healthy habits to maintain life-long recovery.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Provides Outpatient Addiction Treatment for Men and Women Ready for Change

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women through our outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO. We offer a full range of addiction treatment programs that include:

Outpatient detox
In-person and online intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Case management and family services
Long-term recovery programs

To begin receiving discreet care for your addiction recovery, call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form to see how we can become a part of your addiction journey.

Opposite of Addiction

Posted on May 9, 2022 by cmarnew

THE OPPOSITE OF ADDICTION:

What is the opposite of addiction? If you posed this question to a random group of people, I would venture a guess that the vast majority would say that the opposite of addiction is sobriety. In other words, as long as you are abstaining from drug use, you are the opposite of addicted. I would argue that this stance is short-sighted and only partially true.

In addiction recovery, there is a common phenomenon referred to as “white knuckling.” “White knuckling” is when someone is not drinking or using their drug of choice by sheer willpower. They make a conscious decision to no longer drink or use drugs, which often leads to preventative measures like throwing out all the booze or drugs they have stashed around their home or deleting their drug dealer’s number from their phone. Although these are important behavioral strategies to employ in recovery, it is an incomplete take on recovery. As “white knuckling” suggests, the addict is clamping down, barely holding on to their own sobriety. To truly engage in the recovery process, the individual must delve deeper. They must examine underlying emotional components that lead them to use. One common driver of use across the board is loneliness.

So, let’s return to the question at hand, what is the opposite of addiction? Well, writer Johann Hari argues that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection. That’s not to say that sobriety is not important to recovery, it absolutely is. But importantly, so is connection.

In his TedTalk, Hari references a study conducted with lab rats that offers compelling evidence for this conclusion. In one trial, a researcher placed a single rat in a sterile cage with two bottles. One bottle had water in it, and the other had water infused with drugs. Unsurprisingly, the rat chose the bottle with the drugs and became addicted.

In a second trial, the researcher placed rats in a cage called “Rat Park.” This cage had both the water bottle and drug-infused bottle, as well as plenty of food, wheels for exercise, toys, and other rats to socialize and have sex with. This time, however, none of the rats chose the drug-infused bottle. None became addicted. Drawing on these results, the researchers concluded that positive social connection was the single most important predictor in whether someone will struggle with and recover from addiction.

Examining recovery programs, such as AA, NA, or CA twelve-step programs, it is no surprise that there is so much emphasis on group programming. Interpersonal connection is an essential human need, and these types of programs offer connection with other individuals in recovery. So, in your own recovery process, it is important to focus on sobriety, but also imperative that you focus on building a positive network of social support. How can we work to build our own version of “Rat Park?”

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

Finding the Right Men’s Rehab in Colorado That Takes Aetna

Posted on May 6, 2022 by cmarnew

Finding the right men’s rehab program in Thornton, CO is vital for men who are looking for a healthy and sober future. Addiction cases are on the rise all across the country, and men make up a large percentage of those who need help. A men’s rehab program gives men a discreet and judgment-free space to talk about the issues that led to their addiction and gives them coping skills to maintain their sobriety. And Aetna coverage for men’s rehab can ensure that those in recovery can find the help they need without concerns about the cost.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support men struggling with addiction or other mental health concerns through our men’s rehab program. Men will find a better recovery experience with the support of experienced professionals who understand the unique struggles men can face. Call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form to reach one of our knowledgeable staff for more information about our men’s addiction rehab.

How Can a Men’s Rehab Program Help?

The complicated relationships between men and women can affect every aspect of their lives, including addiction recovery. Research has proven that gender-specific therapy is more effective than coed therapy. A men’s rehab program allows for open and honest communication as men are more likely to be on guard when women are present, especially in a vulnerable environment such as addiction recovery.

Some men can struggle to open up in a mixed-gender group, which means therapy may not work and may turn them off from trying therapy in the future. There are many reasons men should consider a men’s rehab program beyond relationship issues with women. Other common issues men face that can lead to addiction include:

Increasing pressure from work or school deadlines
Social and peer pressure
Depression
PTSD
Current affairs

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our men’s rehab program is essential in helping men reach their sober goals in a discreet environment. Depending on their health and severity of addiction, men can choose between in-person or telehealth outpatient programs to give them the treatment plan that is right for them.

Benefits of a Men’s Addiction Rehab Program

A men’s addiction rehab program can open their eyes to the dangers of addiction and how it can control their behaviors. It can help men who have attempted to quit alone in the past and give them a more effective recovery process with fewer risks of relapsing. Other benefits of a men’s addiction rehab program include:

Behavioral therapies will give men a better understanding of their addiction and what led to it. They learn to talk about their feelings and emotions objectively and begin to confront them in a healthy manner. Participants will also develop healthy coping skills that will assist them in avoiding triggers and how to say no if they are offered drugs or alcohol.
Improved communication and relationship skills as men learn how to communicate with others. They learn how to recognize unhealthy relationships and fix current ones.
Men will practice their coping skills with peers under the supervision of their therapist during group therapy. They will note any concerning behavior and talk about it during private therapy.
Focus on issues that affect men the most in a judgment-free environment that promotes open communication.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Provides Aetna Men’s Rehab in Thornton, CO

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men turn their lives around through our Aetna men’s rehab in Thornton, CO. We will take the time to get to know your unique symptoms and develop an addiction treatment plan that will help you reach your recovery goals.

Aetna provides addiction and mental health coverage for the following programs:

Drug and alcohol detox
Inpatient treatment programs
Residential treatment programs
Partial hospitalization program
Intensive outpatient program
Continuing care programs

Call 833.448.0127 today to learn to see if our men’s rehab program is the right choice for your addiction recovery.

The Twelve-Step Program: Step Eight

Posted on April 19, 2022 by cmarnew

STEP EIGHT

“Make a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”

Have you ever seen the television sitcom My Name is Earl? In this show, the main character, Earl, decides that he is going to turn his life around. After years of bad behavior, selfishness, and greed, he decides that he is going to be a better person and start putting some good into the world instead. He creates a long list of people that he believes he has harmed over the years with his poor behavior, writes down a corresponding description of how he wronged each person on the list, and seeks each one out to try and make things right with them. Although Earl is not formally working a twelve-step program, the premise of the show does a nice job of capturing the principles of steps eight and nine.

Step nine, perhaps the most well-known step, has to do with the act of making amends. This is the step that much of My Name is Earl depicts on screen. Step eight, however, is essential in setting us up for step nine. If we rush into step nine before thoroughly completing step eight, we put the cart in front of the horse. To complete step eight, we must engage in thoughtful and intentional self-reflection, writing down how our behaviors have harmed others. Without step eight, there is no step nine. Without Earl’s list, there is no show. We must make the list.

People in twelve-step programs often find that step eight can be one of the most challenging steps of the program. In steps one through seven, we are largely focused on ourselves. We reflected on how our lives are currently unmanageable, formed a personal definition of “higher power,” and took a personal moral inventory. We developed an understanding of how our addiction harmed ourselves. However, in step eight, we must begin to look at how our behavior with drugs and alcohol has harmed others.

In making this list, I’m sure there will be certain people that come to mind immediately. Perhaps you can remember exactly what you did and know that your actions hurt them. However, there will also be others where you are unsure of if you hurt them or not. Or, perhaps your actions unintentionally harmed them. For step eight, that does not matter. For anyone that you suspect you may have harmed, intentionally or not, include them on your list. People commonly included on these lists are husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, exes, parents, children, friends, and colleagues, among others.

A crucial part of step eight also has to do with resentments. There will be people on your list that you have harmed, but that you feel have also harmed you. You may not want to make amends or feel they don’t deserve amends. However, holding this resentment is like drinking poison hoping the other person will suffer. Work with a therapist, sponsor, or trusted individual to better understand these resentments and realize what amends must be made. Making amends with those particular people may be one of the most important aspects of your recovery process.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

The Twelve-Step Program: Step Seven

Posted on April 13, 2022 by cmarnew

STEP SEVEN

“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”

The last few steps of the twelve-step program have largely been focused on self-reflection. We took a personal moral inventory of who we truly are at our core. We then shared our truest selves with another human being. Then, we developed an acceptance and cultivated a willingness to let our character defects go. In step seven, we build upon these steps with a step that is more action oriented.

We take action in that we ask our higher power to remove our character defects that we had previously identified. To reiterate, higher power does not equate to any particular religious figure or notion. Instead, it has an individual, personalized meaning. While a higher power could mean God, it could also mean the natural world, science, or the twelve-step program itself, among others. Whatever the case, we rely on our chosen higher power to instill a sense of trust in life’s events. Life will do what life does. We reject the notion that we control what happens to us, and instead focus on what we can do for the world around us. In essence, we welcome in a sense of humility.

Let me ask you, what do you first think of when you hear the word ‘humility’?

For many people, humility immediately conjures associations to the word ‘humiliation,’ which is typically viewed in a negative lens since it is essentially defined as the degradation of oneself in either their own eyes or the eyes of someone else. It is a loss of pride. ‘Humility,’ on the other hand, is not about public or private ridicule. Instead, it is about freedom from pride and arrogance. It is a sense of humbleness; a modest view of one’s own importance. Humility is something that we must continually foster and nurture. It is essential to long-term sobriety. It is what allows us to live life on life’s terms. Many twelve-steppers refer to this notion as getting “right-sized.”

Well, what does “right-sized” mean anyways?

Have you ever heard the fairy tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears?” In the story, Goldilocks goes through trials and tribulations with bowls of porridge that are too hot and too cold, chairs that are too big and too small, and beds that are too hard and too soft. With each of these items, she eventually finds one that is just right. A bowl of porridge that’s the right temperature, a chair that’s the right size, and a bed that’s the right firmness. In step seven, we do the same thing.

We rely on our higher power to remove the aspects of ourselves that are “too big,” like grandiosity and self-entitlement, as well as the parts of ourselves that are “too small,” such as shame, regret, and unworthiness. In doing this, we become “right-sized,” which allows us to move forward. It does not mean that we won’t experience negative emotions or events. Rather, it frees us up to better cope with negative experiences when they do arise.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA