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What Is Dual Diagnosis?

What is dual diagnosis treatment? It is a form of treatment in which a therapist identifies and treats a co-occurring addiction and mental health condition. Individuals with multiple conditions require an integrated form of care that addresses both conditions at the same time.

A dual diagnosis treatment program provides individualized treatment plans to help those who suffer from multiple conditions. A person can get a more well-rounded form of care to have a lesser chance of relapsing. Looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center near you? Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is here to help. Talk to one of our treatment specialists at 833.448.0127 today to learn how our dual diagnosis can help. Our medication-assisted treatment has helped many individuals on the road to recovery.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

What is dual diagnosis? Dual diagnosis, also referred to as co-occurring disorders or comorbidity, is the presence of two diagnosable mental health conditions in an individual simultaneously. These two issues are often interrelated and interact with one another, making dual diagnosis treatment essential for a full recovery. Common combinations include:

  • Substance use disorder and depression or anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder and addiction
  • Schizophrenia and a substance use disorder

Sometimes people with a mental health condition will self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope. This can lead to addiction, whereas a person with an existing substance use disorder may have their mental health symptoms worsen as a result of drug and alcohol misuse. Without proper treatment, these issues tend to just get worse over time.

Common Mental Conditions Associated with Addiction

Certain mental health issues are associated with addiction more than others. Oftentimes, these disorders are the underlying cause of substance misuse. The disorders may include:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Other disorders may include eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or schizophrenia. Dealing with these disorders can be difficult for a person who is not equipped to manage the symptoms. This is why drugs or alcohol can become a fixation that leads to a full-blown dependency.

The Relationship Between Mental Health Conditions and Addiction

The role of an addiction treatment center in Colorado is to identify the correlation between the disorder and the addiction and provide the right treatment plan. In most cases, the relationship takes on one of three characteristics, including:

The Mental Health Conditions Triggers the Addiction

Most people are not equipped to deal with mental health conditions. Consequently, they develop behaviors to deal with the symptoms. A person who has anxiety or depression may turn to alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs as a way of self-medicating. This can lead to dependency on the substance, making it difficult to quit.

The Addiction Causes the Mental Health Conditions

In cases of long-term addiction, a person may develop a mental health condition. The substance alters brain function to the point that it affects how a person thinks and feels. It is not uncommon for ongoing substance use to lead to anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A person who has these conditions needs treatment for them, as well as the addiction.

They Exist Simultaneously with No Relationship

In some cases, a mental health condition may exist independently alongside the addiction. There may be no relationship between the two. A specialist may integrate several types of addiction treatment therapies to handle each condition. This treatment allows the person heals in all areas of their life, not just the addiction.

How Medication-Assisted Treatment Can Help

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines therapy and medication to relieve cravings during addiction recovery. This type of program can help someone with a dual diagnosis find balance while managing both mental health and substance use disorders.

The goal of MAT is to provide long-term sobriety without reliance on drugs or alcohol. It can also help reduce the risk of relapse in those with co-occurring disorders. MAT focuses on cognitive and behavioral therapies, individual counseling sessions, and group therapy for addiction recovery.

Learn More About Dual Diagnosis at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Learn more about co-occurring disorders when you contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We provide dual diagnosis treatment at our mental health treatment center in Colorado. Contact us at 833.448.0127 to find out more about your treatment options.

Integrated Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, integrated approach to opioid addiction treatment, Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment (CMAR) is the place to start. At CMAR, we specialize in providing an array of evidence-based treatments and therapies that are tailored to the unique needs of each patient. We understand that addiction is complex and that recovery requires a holistic approach that takes into consideration all aspects of an individual’s life. That’s why our approach is centered around integrated care for opioid addiction—a combination of multiple services designed to treat a single condition.

Opioid addiction treatment can help you or your loved one achieve lasting recovery, and our integrated approach provides a way to do just that. Reach out to our team at 833.448.0127 today to learn more about opioid addiction treatment and to get started on your journey to recovery.

What Is Integrated Care for Opioid Addiction?

Integrated care is the practice of combining multiple services—including but not limited to medication management, behavioral health counseling, social services, spiritual guidance, and creative therapies—to treat a single condition. In terms of opioid addiction treatment specifically, this means treating:

  • Co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
  • Family dysfunction
  • Relational issues with friends or romantic partners
  • Social problems such as housing instability or economic hardship
  • Legal assistance for those who need help navigating the criminal justice system
  • Professional support for individuals looking to get back into the workforce
  • Educational resources for those seeking job training or higher education opportunities

Whether you’re looking for opioid addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, integrated care offers a comprehensive solution.

The Benefits of Integrated Opioid Addiction Treatment

Integrated care has been proven effective in treating opioid addiction because it offers a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of an individual’s life, not just their drug use.

Seven of the major benefits of opioid addiction treatment through integrated care include:

  • Addressing the underlying causes of addiction – If opioid addiction is a symptom of an underlying mental health or social issue, integrated care can provide the necessary support to address those issues.
  • Better continuity of care – By combining services, integrated opioid addiction treatment ensures seamless transition from one form of care to the next.
  • Reduces stigma – By addressing opioid addiction in a comprehensive and compassionate manner, integrated care helps to reduce the stigma surrounding this condition.
  • Improved patient outcomes – Patients who receive integrated opioid addiction treatment have better outcomes than those who don’t.

Integrated opioid addiction treatment is the most effective way to help patients achieve lasting recovery, and accessing that care is easier than ever before. To get started, reach out to our team at Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment today.

Get Started on the Journey to Recovery at CMAR

At Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment, our goal is simple: provide our patients with expertly-crafted integrated care plans tailored specifically to meet their needs. Opioid addiction may have taken a lot from you, but it doesn’t have to take everything. With the help of our dedicated professionals and supportive community, opioid addiction treatment can help you or your loved one reclaim the joy and hope of life.

Our team consists of highly trained medical professionals who specialize in treating opioid use disorder through evidence-based treatments such as medication management and counseling sessions. We go above and beyond traditional treatment approaches by offering case management services and additional resources all designed to help foster long-term recovery from opioid addiction while improving overall well-being. If you’re ready to take control over your life again, contact with the CMAR team today by calling 833.448.0127 or connect with us online.

How Effective Is Drug Rehab?

When you are looking for an addiction treatment center for you or your loved one, it is normal to be skeptical about whether a drug rehab program will be effective. While statistics regarding success rates of different rehab centers are good indicators of a drug rehab’s effectiveness, the individual’s commitment to the program matters more. Motivation can come from different places. Those who are reluctant to begin treatment might find the motivation they need from sessions with an experienced therapist. For others, an intervention from loved ones makes a difference. And medication-assisted treatment can help many of those who struggle with addiction reach a place of stability from which to rebuild their lives.

The effectiveness of a drug addiction treatment center also has to do with whether it’s tailored to each patient’s individual needs. If you’re looking for a recovery center that offers behavioral health services, a supportive environment, and highly effective medication-assisted treatment, look no further than Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Reach out to our treatment center today at 833.448.0127 to learn more.

What Makes a Drug Rehab Program Effective?

If you’re looking for effective drug rehab, there are certain factors to consider. These include:

  • Individualized treatment plans – A successful drug rehab program considers each patient’s individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Medication-assisted treatment – A medication-assisted program utilizes effective medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone to help patients address their physical dependence on drugs and alcohol.
  • Therapy – Every effective drug rehab program includes individual and group counseling that uses evidence-based strategies to help patients understand their addiction and develop effective coping skills.
  • Aftercare – Aftercare is essential for effective drug rehab. Aftercare services continue to provide support and resources after a patient completes the program to ensure long-term sobriety.

CMAR’s drug rehab program in Thornton, CO is devoted to effective drug addiction treatment. We assist those in recovery through every step of the process. Our rehab program’s goal is to help a person stop using drugs and restore them as functioning members of a family, workplace, and community. In most cases, the goal of treatment may include helping the individual develop new healthy habits.

How Effective Drug Rehab Programs Support Patients

However, it is crucial to understand that drug addiction treatment is a complex matter made of unique treatment methodologies directed toward different people with varied goals. Therefore, we have to provide individualized treatment programs which treat the unique needs of each individual. An effective rehab program should, at the very least, lead to the following:

  • Reduced use of the drug
  • Improvements in employment
  • Improved mental health status
  • Improved general health and medical status
  • Better interpersonal relationships
  • Improved legal status
  • Improved education status

We mark the effectiveness of our drug rehab program not only by the rate of abstinence but also by how the patient functions at home, at work, and in the community.

What to Look For in a Drug Rehab Program

Deciding which addiction treatment therapies are best for you or your loved one can be difficult. However, a variety of factors may contribute to the effectiveness of a drug rehab program. These factors include but are not limited to:

  • Environment – A rehab center in a safe environment that is free from distractions works best for those in recovery. The environment also needs to be supportive and provide a place where patients can open up about the challenges they’ve faced without fear of judgment.
  • Treatment – A drug rehab program’s ability to custom tailor a treatment plan is instrumental in achieving the best results from every therapy session. Therefore, instead of a one-size-fits-all treatment program, a Colorado bespoke treatment program is undoubtedly more effective.
  • Support – Support groups play an essential role in facilitating recovery. They remind people of the coping skills they built during treatment and how addiction affected their lives. A rehab treatment program that places an individual as a part of a group is likely to be more effective.
  • Aftercare – Recovery is a lifelong process that requires those in recovery to be mindful of their thoughts and actions. To achieve long-term abstinence, aftercare is a crucial component in treatment. The chances of someone in recovery relapsing become minimal when we incorporate aftercare into the treatment services.

Look for a rehab center that offers personalized care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Additionally, look for a center that offers behavioral therapies alongside medication-assisted treatment, as this approach can be highly effective. Lasting recovery is possible.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide individualized care designed to meet the multi-dimensional needs of our patients. Our effective drug rehab programs can help you or your loved one reach their recovery goals safely and efficiently.

Find an effective, clinically driven rehab program at our addiction treatment center. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 to schedule an appointment or connect with us online to learn more about your treatment options and to get started on your recovery journey.

How Can Medication-Assisted Treatment Help You?

Detox can be the most challenging stage of recovery to complete. During detox, you may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, as well as cravings that make detox tough to get through. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help you reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms, giving you a fighting chance to complete detox and move forward into rehab.

Addiction treatment centers in Colorado use MAT in combination with other forms of treatment such as emergency medical care, 24/7 supervision, and a fully licensed medical staff to ensure that you recover safely without relapsing. MAT can also be instrumental in helping you overcome your cravings during the rehab stage of your recovery. To find out more about MAT, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 today.

Learn More About Medication-Assisted Treatment

What is MAT? It is the use of medication combined with other forms of treatment. In most cases, it gives you more control over your recovery by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some forms of medication can reverse the effects of drugs such as opioids, preventing life-threatening overdoses and other side effects.

Although MAT is not a primary form of treatment, it can lighten rehab’s burden by making you more comfortable, normalizing your brain chemistry, and blocking the euphoric effects of certain drugs. Best of all, most medications that we use are non-addictive. So, you do not have to worry about transferring your addiction from one drug to another.

One of the reasons why MAT is so effective is because it treats addiction as a chronic disorder. The goal is to manage your symptoms and cravings over an extended period of time, making it easier for you to focus on other therapeutic methods and build a lasting foundation for your recovery. As you work through the underlying causes of your addiction, you become more likely to maintain your recovery in the future.

What MAT Programs Are Available for Treatment?

There are several different medication types on the market today, many of them approved by the FDA for addiction treatment. Some of the most common medications include:

  • Naloxone – Used to reverse the effects of opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl
  • Naltrexone – Blocks opioid receptors, preventing the euphoric effect of opioids
  • Methadone – Used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Buprenorphine – Used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Disulfiram – Used to create an unpleasant reaction when combined with alcohol

Acamprosate – Used to reduce cravings for alcohol

Each of these medications is used for different reasons and can address the effects of different drugs. When used correctly, they are highly effective in helping you overcome your addiction.

4 Benefits of MAT in Addiction Treatment

There are a number of ways that medication-assisted treatment at an addiction treatment center can help you, including:

Overdose Survival

When you overdose on opioids, your breathing will slow down or stop. This symptom can cause multiple health problems or fatalities. Although opioid addiction treatment centers provide a full medical staff, medications such as naloxone can reduce the effects of opioids and stop overdose. It can be a life-saving medication for many of those struggling with addiction.

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Better Recovery Rates

One of the biggest struggles you may face in a substance abuse treatment program deals with your cravings. MATs are highly effective in curbing your cravings and blocking the effects of opioids and other drugs. In essence, they clear the path of recovery, giving you a better chance of completing your program without relapse.

A Decrease in Criminal Activity

People who use drugs are more likely to commit crimes to continue their addiction. Getting arrested and facing penalties does not always deter users from looking for more drugs. MAT programs are effective in reducing illicit drug use and related crimes. It can help someone who must complete a mandatory addiction treatment program after being charged with drug possession or distribution.

Higher Employment Rates

If your drug habit keeps you from getting and keeping a job, medication-assisted treatment can help. MAT programs help you practice more self-control. As a result, you show up to work on time, get your work done, and perform consistently. You don’t have to worry about losing another job.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Available at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we want to help you overcome your addiction to drugs or alcohol. Our medication-assisted treatment program is able to promote a lasting recovery without addiction. Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 to get started with your treatment program today.

How to Balance Outpatient Treatment

One of the benefits of an outpatient treatment program is that it gives you the flexibility you need to work on your recovery without neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school. You can work your therapy sessions around your daily schedule.

However, balancing outpatient treatment with everyday life can be challenging, especially if your weekly schedule is not consistent.

Another challenge of outpatient treatment is that you must practice sober living when you are not in treatment. In other words, you must be able to manage your addiction without 24/7 supervision.

This can be difficult, especially when you do not have a strong support system at home.

Fortunately, outpatient treatment offers help and guidance during those times when relapse seems imminent. With the support of counselors, therapists, and other addiction professionals, you can learn and practice healthy coping skills that will help you stay sober and avoid relapse. 

Understanding the Role of Outpatient Treatment in Recovery

Outpatient treatment is an integral part of the recovery process for many people with substance use disorders. It allows you to:

  • Receive personalized treatment tailored to your individual needs and goals
  • Develop healthier coping skills to deal with triggers and cravings
  • Connect with other individuals in recovery to build a strong support system
  • Utilize medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other evidence-based therapies to help you stay on track with your recovery
  • Benefit from the structure of regularly scheduled therapy sessions

As you work your way through recovery, an outpatient treatment program can provide the stability and support you need to stay sober for the long run.

How to Balance Outpatient Treatment

5 Tips for Balancing Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient care is an essential part of recovery, but managing addiction and everyday life can be overwhelming. Here are five tips to help you balance your outpatient treatment with daily life:

1. Determine Your Treatment Needs

Not everyone who has an addiction needs on-site treatment with round-the-clock supervision. So, before choosing a drug or alcohol rehab program, you must first decide whether you can manage your addiction without constant care. You also need to determine whether you have any mental health conditions that a treatment center needs to address. Once you determine your needs, then you assess whether outpatient treatment is right for you.

2. Prioritize Your Treatment

Your job, education, or family is essential. However, your addiction should take priority over other parts of your life. Otherwise, it could cause problems in all areas. Keep in mind that outpatient treatment is only temporary. Remember that you are getting professional help to maintain healthy relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. Balancing outpatient treatment means putting it first, if only for a few weeks.

3. Set a Realistic Schedule

While meeting with a therapist five days a week might be helpful, it may not be practical. Before you schedule your individual therapy sessions, sit down, and look at your weekly calendar. Look at everything you are currently involved in, including:

  • Work schedule
  • Class schedule
  • Family responsibilities
  • Community obligations
  • Personal obligations

Next, decide which obligation you can put aside temporarily. Once you put your current schedule together, you can then decide when to pencil in addiction treatment therapies. You will also need to consider when your therapist can meet with you. Make sure your schedule is realistic and something that you can commit to each week.

4. Don’t Neglect Your Personal Life

It is easy to become so engrossed in your addiction treatment therapies that you neglect other areas of your life that are important. Remember that sober living is about balance, not another obsession. Outpatient treatment allows you to apply what you learn in therapy to create balance in your life so you can recover in real-time. If you spend all your time with treatment and ignore your family or job, you may create chaos once again. This only leads to relapse.

5. Don’t Stress Yourself Out

Stress may have contributed to your addiction. If so, you need to find ways to reduce your stress. First, don’t get stressed out about your treatment. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It is a process of transitioning from one lifestyle to a better lifestyle. This transition can take several weeks as you unravel the bad habits that led to your addiction. Take a deep breath and give yourself time to grow. Also, give yourself some space for personal time and reflection. Your journey to recovery will be far more enjoyable.

Tips for Balancing Outpatient Treatment

Learn More About Sober Living at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Balancing outpatient treatment is far more achievable when you have the right support. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a lasting recovery without relapse. To find out more about our addiction treatment programs, contact us, and let us help you break the cycle of addiction.

Signs You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

If you are struggling with addiction and dealing with a mental disorder at the same time, you have co-occurring disorders. Both conditions can have distinct symptoms, making it almost impossible for you to function each day. A dual diagnosis treatment program can help you address your mental health disorder and your addiction simultaneously so that you can find solutions for both.

Dual diagnosis treatment is a form of treatment given by therapists to explore and treat your condition’s underlying causes. If you can learn to manage anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms, you have a greater chance of overcoming your addiction. Looking for “dual diagnosis near me“? Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 to speak with a specialist and find out what treatment options are available.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis treatment involves treating both the mental health condition and addiction simultaneously in order to increase the chances of successful recovery. It is important to note that dual diagnosis treatment focuses on the individual and how their conditions interact with each other.

Some of what you can expect in dual diagnosis treatment includes:

  • Comprehensive assessments from experts in mental health, addiction, and physical health
  • Utilizing evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Creating individualized treatment plans that focus on your unique needs
  • Developing strategies for managing episodes of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
  • Encouraging better self-care and communication skills
  • Addressing any underlying trauma that could be contributing to your addiction
  • Providing lifestyle education and relapse prevention strategies

Dual diagnosis treatment helps you learn how best to manage your mental health and addiction, giving you the tools necessary to start living a healthier and more productive life.

5 Signs You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

1. Every Time You Drink or Take Drugs, You Get Depressed

There’s a reason why people use drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms. They produce feelings of pleasure that keep you coming back. However, these substances will turn on you with continued use. You go from being high to feeling low. If you feel depressed or anxious every time you consume alcohol or take drugs, you may have co-occurring disorders. Addiction can often trigger a mental health issue that requires a mental health treatment center, such as anxiety or depression.

2. Every Time You Get Depressed, You Drink or Take Drugs

When diagnosing you for co-occurring disorders, treatment specialists are often not sure which condition came first. You may suffer from clinical depression or an anxiety disorder. Unable to cope with your condition, you turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. This reaction eventually turns into a pattern and then an addiction.

3. You Experience Multiple Personal Problems

We’ve designed our mental health individual therapy programs to help you manage all aspects of your life that have been affected by addiction. For instance, you may experience multiple triggers, such as:

  • Conflict in relationships
  • Financial problems
  • Health problems
  • Job loss
  • Homelessness

Struggling with a behavioral and mental disorder can make it almost impossible for you to function when combined. Regardless of what type of job you have, you will likely lose focus and have difficulty completing tasks. You may exhibit erratic behavior, act inappropriately, or consistently show up late to work. Eventually, your boss will get tired of your behavior and fire you.

You may have reached the point where you have lost everything and hit bottom. An addiction treatment center can help you deal with your losses and rebuild your life regardless of the consequences of your actions.

4. Extreme Mood Swings

Bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by mood swings, is often linked to addiction. If you have bipolar disorder, you may feel extremely happy one day and severely depressed the next. Alcohol or drug use triggers these highs and lows, causing severe mood swings—sometimes on the same day. Your moods can also trigger your addiction. You may use substances when you are feeling really good or in a bad mood or both.

5. Multiple Failed Attempts to End Your Addiction

If you have made promises to end your addiction only to fail time and again, a mental health issue may be what’s causing you to relapse. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can trigger your emotions and cause you to lose control of your actions. The only way to overcome your addiction is through addiction treatment therapies that address all your conditions, not just your addiction.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you are struggling with a mental health issue and an addiction, you can get help for both of your conditions at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We offer a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program to help you get a full recovery. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 to find out more about our mental health treatment programs. We can help you begin recovery with a strong foundation for lasting wellness.

Treating Pain in Patients with Addiction

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

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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.

VERIFY INSURANCE

Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

Cortland Mathers-Suter entered the treatment space after his own battle with addiction. He first worked as a peer mentor, before starting clinical work while completing his Masters of Science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he focused on policy and direct practice. Cortland moved to Colorado in 2015 to start his first addiction treatment program, AspenRidge Recovery. Under his tenure, AspenRidge Recovery became a two-location, nationally accredited organization. He has since spent the last two years researching and developing what is now Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR).

According to Cortland, “Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is the most important organization I have had the honor to help build. We’re offering a service that seeks to not only improve the lives of our patients but also evolve how we look at medication-assisted treatment in Colorado entirely. Most individuals receiving medication-assisted care only receive medication and urinalysis. Sure you can call that ‘treatment,’ but you can’t call that ‘recovery.’ Our model is about adding the missing recovery component, and thus affords an opportunity to achieve lasting change for each patient and the industry.”

Cortland and his treatment programs have received numerous honors. These include Colorado Business Magazine’s “GenXYZ” award, the 2020 “Titan 100” award, and his program AspenRidge Recovery was both a finalist for “Best Healthcare Company” and named in the “Company’s to Watch” by Colorado Business Magazine as well. He has been interviewed and quoted by numerous publications for his “addiction expertise”, including News Week, 5280 Magazine, the Denver Post, Elephant Journal, Colorado Biz Mag, and TheRecoverySource.org.

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

Tyler is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked in manufacturing administration for 18 years until he chose to pursue recovery from alcohol addiction, which led him to Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Tyler gained experience in retail, retail pharmacy, and healthcare as a vaccine coordinator for a local Colorado clinic. At the clinic, Tyler discovered that healthcare was the career change he had been looking for. His newfound passion for healthcare, combined with his lived experience with addiction, brought him to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery as an Office Administrator.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University.

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

Simmeren comes to CMAR after several years working admissions in inpatient psychiatry and addiction. A first-generation Colorado Native, Simmeren attended CU Boulder, where she earned a BA in psychology. Simmeren is currently completing her CAC III while working toward her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

According to Simmeren, “I joined CMAR because I believe in the quality and importance of the program whole-heartedly. My goal at CMAR is to guide each prospect who calls CMAR to find the best possible pathway to their recovery”. Simmeren currently lives in her hometown with her dog and cat.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others. Tyler joined the team at CMAR because he believes in the efficacy of comprehensive and patient-centered outpatient treatment. In his free time Tyler enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his newborn son.

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

Kirstin O’Carroll started her career in addiction and mental health services 23 years ago after graduating with an MSW from The Oho State University. Hired directly from an internship program, she served as a case manager and vocational specialist on a community treatment team in Columbus, OH, working to help severely mentally ill adults remain at home and in a community setting. Within the same organization, she later transitioned to clinical assessment and crisis intervention services with children, adolescents, and adults. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of providing empathetic, high-quality care and the need to “start wherever the patient is” with regard to finding the best treatment & solutions for her patients.

After seven years, Kirstin made a career change to diagnostic sales and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as an acute care sales specialist. She is delighted to return “home” to her passion for helping others and believes her new role as community engagement coordinator for CMAR is the perfect alignment of both her clinical and sales skills. When not promoting CMAR, she can be found reading, running, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Dennis and senior canine son Reggie.

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

Thomas is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado and a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in the State of North Carolina with particular expertise in the treatment of chronic Substance Abuse Addiction and Dependency.

Thomas is dedicated to Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling and Therapy for individuals with Substance Use and Mental Health issues and concerns.

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

James Jackman is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been practicing addiction treatment in Colorado since 2015. James is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University Denver. James is a traditional CBT therapist specializing in childhood events that lead to adult addictions.

James has received special training in Family Systems, Inner Child, Maladaptive Schemas, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. James has worked in many treatment settings throughout his career and uses a client-centered treatment approach to help one recover from destructive patterns that facilitate addiction. In addition, James enjoys working with rescue animals and advocates for several local rescue organizations outside of work.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

Megan is a licensed counselor who has worked in various mental health and addiction treatment environments. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and believes in pulling from various therapeutic approaches to best support each individual. Megan received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Concordia College. She relocated from North Dakota to Colorado where she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Denver.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

Maggie Coyle, MS, MA, LPP, LPCC has worked in the mental health and addictions counseling field for the past six years. She has extensive experience in working in the varying levels of mental health and addictions treatment as well as with diverse populations.

She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as primary intervention methods. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling both from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She has also earned a master’s degree in addictions counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Maggie moved from South Dakota to Colorado in June 2020 and is excited to be a part of the CMAR team.

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

Michael Damioli has been passionately working in the fields of addiction treatment and mental health since 2012. He has held a variety of different roles within the addiction recovery space, ranging from peer support to direct clinical practice. Notably, Michael was part of a leadership group that developed a small therapy practice into a nationally branded addiction treatment program, which offers multiple levels of care to recovering professionals. Michael is a strong believer in the family disease model of addiction and has focused much of his clinical work and training on supporting families impacted by addiction. He also specializes in treating individuals suffering from co-occurring chemical and process addictions.

Michael is honored to be leading the clinical care team at CMAR and believes that excellent clinical care begins by simply treating a patient with dignity and respect. Michael is a strong advocate for ethical reform within the addiction treatment field and is excited to promote CMAR as an ethical and thought leader throughout the treatment & recovery industry. Michael earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and is independently licensed as a clinical social worker with the state of Colorado. He holds an advanced post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the Denver Family Institute as well as an advanced certificate in sexual addiction counseling from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals.

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

Dr. Duncan was born and spent most of his early life in California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1987. He is a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed addiction counselor. He has had extensive training and experience throughout his professional career in medical psychology, mindfulness, integrated behavioral healthcare, and substance abuse.

Dr. Duncan is married and has one daughter, a neurologic physical therapist in Los Angeles.

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

Susan has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ICU nurse for nine years, then returned to school and completed her master of nursing and family nurse practitioner degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2007. She practiced pain management for many years before developing her current passion for addiction treatment.

Susan has transitioned her practice to focus entirely on addiction treatment. She has worked in residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Susan most enjoys working with patients one-on-one in a private office to protect their confidentiality and ensure top-rate care. Knowing that addiction can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, Susan continues to strive to make treatment more accessible and confidential.

Whitney-Grant

Whitney Grant

MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, RN, CPN
Medical Provider

Whitney Grant is an experienced family nurse practitioner with experience and expertise in medication-assisted treatment. Whitney earned her BSN at the University of Miami before moving on to achieve a master of science in nursing degree there as well, becoming a nurse practitioner immediately thereafter.

Whitney has since achieved board certification from the ANCC as a family nurse practitioner. After spending her entire formative and educational years in South Florida, Whitney moved to Denver in 2018 to pursue a career as a provider in family practice, sub-specializing in addictions medicine. Whitney has worked under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Moore, CMAR’s medical director, since moving to Denver.

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

Dr. Nathan Moore is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Moore attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA for his undergraduate work and then attended Duke University School of Medicine and obtained his M.D. in 1995. Dr. Moore then came to Colorado and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado’s Family Medicine Program at Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Moore practices primarily at our Aurora location. He provides comprehensive family medicine services and has a special interest in addiction medicine, treating patients with opioid use disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

Dr. Moore is married with three children. He enjoys mountain biking, running, and golf.