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Step 1 in the 12-Step Process

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STEP ONE
“We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable.”

What does the word ‘powerless’ mean to you? What images or feelings does it conjure up? In my experience, it often brings about associations of weakness, inadequacy, and incapability. For those of us familiar with Greek mythology, perhaps you think of Sisyphus’ powerlessness in his eternal struggle of pushing the boulder up the hill, only for it to roll down every time that he approached the top of the hill. He was a prisoner to this task and, as such, the ensuing feelings of weakness, inadequacy, and incapability that came with it. That is exactly why Zeus punished Sisyphus with this hopeless task. Well, what if Sisyphus had realized and accepted his own powerlessness in this task? What if he accepted the hopelessness in getting the boulder to the top of the hill? How might that have changed things for him?

In step one of the twelve-step program, we are asked to admit a powerlessness over our substance or behavior, recognizing that our lives are currently ungovernable. Given the aforementioned associations to ‘powerlessness’, it is entirely understandable to respond to this step with resistance. Perhaps we think we can simply work harder to control our use. Or perhaps we deny the extent to which the substance or behavior influences our lives. (How many times have you said or heard the phrase: “I could stop my use if I really wanted to”?)

When we feel powerless, there is a natural and instinctual drive to tighten our grip, clamp down, and attempt to secure power and control. However, step one contends that, paradoxically, there is a certain power in admitting our powerlessness; that we are granted a hope in admitting our hopelessness. In recognizing our inability to control our use, we actually form a solid bedrock and foundation for working towards happy, fulfilling, and meaningful lives. In recognizing and accepting our own limitations, only then do we enable ourselves to look beyond our own beliefs. Only then do we open our minds to different ways of thinking. Only then are we truly willing to listen. Only then are we truly willing to try something different. Only then are we truly willing to change.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

12-Steps Overview

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Often times, people think of recovery synonymously with twelve-step programs. While there are a variety of different approaches to recovery, the twelve-step program has certainly held its place as a staple in addiction recovery. Given the popularity and notoriety of the twelve-step program, it seems appropriate to do a brief review of the program’s philosophy and current applications.

The twelve-step program is most commonly associated with Alcoholics Anonymous. However, other more targeted twelve-step programs have emerged over the years to include other drug addictions (i.e. Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, etc.) and behavioral addictions (Gamblers Anonymous, Food Addicts Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous, etc.). Regardless of the substance or problem behavior in focus, all twelve-step programs rely on adaptations to the original twelve steps developed for Alcoholics Anonymous, which was the first twelve-step program. Those twelve steps may be boiled down to the following ideas:

  1. An honest admission of powerlessness over the substance or problem behavior
  2. A belief that a higher power can assist in recovery
  3. A recognition that you must include others in your recovery
  4. An inventory of current problems and how substance use or the problem behavior affected them
  5. An admission of wrongdoings to their higher power and another person
  6. An acceptance of flaws in personal character
  7. The humility to ask a higher power to assist in recovery
  8. Constructing a list of those you have harmed through your substance use or problem behavior
  9. Making amends to those you have harmed
  10. Continually taking an inventory of current problems and wrongdoings, and being willing to admit when wrong
  11. Fostering a sense of awareness through connection and engagement with your higher power
  12. Engage in service activities to assist others in recovery and daily life

The twelve steps listed above may be broken down into three domains: physical, mental, and spiritual. These three dimensions were intentionally developed and included in the twelve-steps to be a reflection of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the human experience. The philosophy underwriting this design is that the problems that arise in addiction present themselves in physical, mental, and spiritual domains. Thus, the path to recovery must include these same elements.
Twelve-step programs continue to be popular due to the success that many individuals have experienced in their recovery journeys. Additionally, many individuals enjoy the sense of community at meetings, the availability of a concrete plan towards recovery, and the accessibility (twelve-step groups operate all over the world free of charge), among other reasons. Further, many of these meetings are now offered virtually over Zoom. If you are even the slightest bit curious about a twelve-step program, I would encourage you to attend an open meeting. You never know what the tide will bring.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Misplaced Solution

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Think about a moment in your life that you wanted to bask in. You found a sense of peace, joy, or harmony that you wanted to fully take in and appreciate. Perhaps it was catching up and laughing with an old friend, perhaps it was feeling the warm sun shining down on your skin as you sat on a tropical beach, or perhaps it was the excitement you felt in your team winning the big game. When we encounter these moments, there is a natural tendency to want them to last. We want to appreciate what is happening for us here and now, while also doing what we can to hold onto these wonderful feelings. However, what happens when unpleasant feelings arise?

When feelings of anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and stress show up, we have a natural tendency in the opposite direction. We want to make them go away as they may feel unpredictable, uncontrollable, and unbearable. We want more of the “good” feelings and less of the “bad” ones. Makes sense, right? I mean, who in their right mind wants to feel anxious?

While there are a variety of things we can do to avoid these unpleasant feelings, a particularly common one resides in alcohol and drug use. The use of alcohol and other drugs triggers chemical reactions in our brains that numb unpleasant feelings and boost the pleasurable ones, thus, producing a sense of relief. However, this sense of relief is only temporary. Like all things, it does not last.

The substance wears off, the chemical reaction subsides, and those unpleasant feelings reappear. Well, what happens when these feelings come back? When that sense of helplessness or powerlessness sets in again? You might think about how drinking alcohol or using drugs had previously made those feelings go away and think, ‘Hey, that worked last time! Why not do it again?’ This makes sense. Humans are excellent learners. When we encounter challenges, we look for solutions. In this case, alcohol and drug use seems like an effective solution to this discomfort. When we regularly rely on use to navigate these feelings, we cross into addiction.

With time and repeated use, our brain chemistry changes such that our drug of choice may feel like the only escape from unpleasant feelings. However, as I had mentioned before, the unpleasant feelings will always return. They are unavoidable. However, as we continue using to avoid said feelings, we wander further away from our ambitions, integrity, and sense of purpose. As we do this, the feelings of anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and stress grow. What initially seemed like a sound solution, turns out to have been a misplaced solution.
By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What to Expect During the Detox Process

Opioids flood your body with toxins that produce a euphoric feeling that can create a powerful addiction with just a few uses. Those who are suffering from addiction can benefit from a detox process to cleanse their bodies of toxins and begin working on their addiction recovery. An ambulatory detox process can help patients who do not need an inpatient program to help with their withdrawal symptoms.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer a discreet ambulatory detox process for patients who have a sober home environment and no prior detox attempts. We understand the hardship of going through the detox process and that not everyone can take the time away from work or need the structure of an inpatient detox program. If you or someone you love needs help with drug or alcohol addiction withdrawals, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our caring staff about our detox process.

What Is Ambulatory Detox?

An ambulatory detox program is an outpatient drug detox program designed for patients who are going through detoxing for the first time and have no underlying mental health issues. FDA-approved medications can help relieve withdrawal symptoms, and medical professionals will monitor your recovery. The medication can reduce withdrawal symptoms and curb your cravings, allowing you to focus on your recovery and keep up with your responsibilities.

To qualify for the ambulatory detox process, you must meet the following criteria:

  • A safe and sober living arrangement
  • Access to transportation
  • A commitment to treatment
  • Enrollment in an intensive outpatient program (IOP)

To determine if you are eligible for ambulatory detox, medical professionals and therapists will evaluate your current condition and level of addiction. From there, they will recommend the appropriate level of addiction treatment that will benefit you the most. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can assist you with the detox process for all types of drug and alcohol addiction.

The Detox Process

Detoxing can be a painful or uncomfortable process depending on the substance you are abusing. Illicit drugs like heroin and other opioids can create a powerful addiction just after a few uses, while other drugs and alcohol may take time to build up an addiction. The average time it takes to detox can take anywhere from two to three weeks to several months. It depends on the substance of abuse, the severity of addiction, and how long the patient has struggled with addiction.

The first 24-48 hours is when most withdrawal symptoms will begin. Patients can expect to feel:

  • Intense cravings
  • Sweating
  • Shivering
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia

Most drug and alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms will peak around 72 hours. Patients can expect to feel worsening withdrawal symptoms, including fever, seizures, and hallucinations may occur. Medical professionals will monitor your progress and administer medications to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

After five to seven days, most withdrawal symptoms will begin to taper off. Some more severe cases of addiction will have withdrawal symptoms that can last for several months. As your withdrawal symptoms reduce, so will your medication. The goal of medication-assisted treatment is not to replace one drug with another but to have you completely drug-free by the end of your addiction treatment program.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to Assist You with Your Detox Process

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers medication-assisted treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Thornton, CO. Our drug and alcohol detox process will help you through your withdrawal symptoms through our ambulatory detox process. Our ambulatory detox program can help with all forms of drug addiction withdrawals.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our detox process.

What is Addiction?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hi there,
My name is Jonathan Fricke. I am a 4th year doctoral student studying clinical psychology at the University of Denver. Over the last several years, I have trained at community mental health clinics, a university counseling center, a hospital emergency department, and private practice settings, among others. Although I am relatively early on in my career, I began to notice some common themes come up in my clinical work across these varied settings. Those being: 1) clients experiencing challenges in relating to others (i.e. social anxiety, loneliness) and 2) the prevalence of both prescription and non-prescription substance use. Given these observations, I sought additional training in substance use treatment through didactic coursework in my graduate program and through clinical training at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (an intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) treatment facility in Thornton, Colorado). In this series of blog posts, I will be sharing what I have come to learn about both the etiology and treatment of addiction, as well as current events related to addiction and recovery.

Well, it seems like a reasonable place to start is with the question…

WHAT IS ADDICTION, TECHNICALLY SPEAKING?

The term addiction seems to be thrown around rather casually in much of our day-to-day lives. You might overhear a friend talking about their addiction to scrolling through TikTok, or perhaps a colleague that makes a comment about their addiction to the chocolate donuts at the bakery down the block. Are these seemingly flippant comments related to actual addictions?
Typically, addiction is associated with drugs and alcohol but may also include problematic behaviors related to food, exercise, sex, video games, and gambling, among others. Thus, scrolling TikTok or eating those chocolate donuts may qualify as addictions. However, we must first get a better understanding of what your friend’s and colleague’s relationships to TikTok and chocolate donuts, respectively, looks like. To get a better understanding, it is helpful to consult the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V). Note: the DSM-V is the gold standard when it comes to diagnosing addiction and use disorders.

 

The DSM-V criteria for addiction falls into four overarching categories.

  • Impaired Control
  • Social Problems
  • Risky Use
  • Physical Dependence

Within these four categories, the symptoms of addiction include:

  1. Using more of a substance or more often than intended
  2. Wanting to cut down or stop using but not being able to
  3. Devoting significant time to obtaining, using, and recovering from use
  4. Strong desire to use
  5. Use resulting in neglected responsibilities at work, school, or home
  6. Use resulting in social and interpersonal issues
  7. Giving up activities they used to care about because of their substance use
  8. Using in risky settings
  9. Continued use despite known problems
  10. Needing more of the substance to get the same effect
  11. Having withdrawal symptoms when a substance isn’t used

According to the DSM-V, the presence of between two and five of these symptoms qualifies as a mild to moderate substance use disorder, whereas the presence of six or more of these symptoms qualifies as a severe substance use disorder (i.e. addiction).

So, does your friend have an addiction to scrolling TikTok? Does your colleague have an addiction to the chocolate donuts down the block? Do you wonder if you may have an addiction to something? Whether it meets full criteria or not, my hope is that by reflecting on the aforementioned DSM-V criteria, we may become more aware of some of our own addictive tendencies.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][dt_fancy_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15″][vc_column_text]References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Finding a Reliable MAT Program in Thornton, Colorado

Addiction is a serious disease that affects millions of Americans every year. The withdrawal symptoms that addiction creates can cause serious pain and lead to relapsing with a higher risk of overdosing. Medication-assisted therapy or MAT in Thornton, Colorado, can help reduce the painful withdrawal symptoms and allow you to focus on your addiction recovery. If you seek medication-assisted treatment in Thornton, Colorado, visit Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for your addiction treatment with MAT.

Our MAT program coincides with other treatment programs to give you the best chance at lifelong recovery. Our medical staff will monitor your progress and update your medication accordingly. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our medication-assisted treatment program.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is useful in treating addiction with FDA-approved drugs that counteract the euphoric feelings of opioids and reduce all or some of the painful side effects of withdrawal. MAT will coincide with other therapy programs that will help you better understand your addiction and how it can take over your life.

Your addiction treatment therapy may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • EMDR therapy

FDA-Approved Drugs Used in MAT

Since some of these drugs are partial or full opiate antagonists, there is a chance of abuse. MAT is closely monitored by medical personnel while you complete your addiction therapy programs. Some medications used include:

  • Buprenorphine: This is a partial opioid agonist used in treating opioid addiction and can help reduce pain common with addiction withdrawal. It is safe to take over an extended period when you follow the prescription. It is very effective in addiction treatment with improved recovery rates and better treatment retention.
  • Suboxone: A combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, this medication cancels out the euphoric effects of opioids and effectively reduces pain from withdrawals. With no more cravings for the drug, you can focus on your recovery with a clearer head.
  • Lucemyra: A new drug that reduces painful withdrawal symptoms but does not eliminate them like Buprenorphine or Naloxone because it is not an opioid. Therefore there is zero risk of addiction.
  • Naltrexone: Naltrexone binds with the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the euphoric feelings that opioids and other drugs create, eliminating your cravings. It is also beneficial in helping reduce cravings for alcohol.
  • Naloxone: This is an opioid antagonist that can reverse an opioid overdose. You can take it as an injection or use NARCAN®, a nasal spray for suspected opioid overdoses.

The shame of drug and alcohol addiction still keeps many people from seeking help. Addiction is a mental health illness that is difficult to get through if you don’t understand what is driving your addiction and how to effectively stop your triggers and craving and allow you to regain control of your life.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Your MAT in Thornton, Colorado

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the hardship addiction withdrawal can cause and want to help you with your road to sobriety. When you first arrive at our facility, you will be evaluated by our medical staff and therapists to determine your level of addiction and your individual needs to build an effective treatment program that includes MAT in Thornton, Colorado. We can help you will all kinds of addiction, including:

  • Opioid addiction
  • Percocet addiction
  • Heroin addiction
  • OxyContin addiction
  • Alcohol addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with their addiction and are ready to make a positive change in their lives, call us today at 833.448.0127 to learn more about our medication-assisted treatment and how it can help you get control of your life back.

Tips for Saying No to Alcohol on Thanksgiving

The holiday season is when most people who struggle with alcohol addiction will relapse as peer and society pressure to drink is very heavy this time of year. To help you with your cravings for alcohol on Thanksgiving and other holidays, enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment program can teach you healthy coping skills so you can say no to alcohol while still enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can help you have a sober Thanksgiving. Our alcohol addiction treatment program can help you discover your triggers and build healthy coping skills to say no to the drink and yes to a sober lifestyle. If the holidays are tough for you to maintain your sobriety, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our caring staff about our alcohol addiction treatment program.

Tips for Having a Sober Thanksgiving

The holiday season is synonymous with drinking. Having alcohol on Thanksgiving is something we learned from watching our parents drink and celebrate with friends and family since we were young. To help you have a sober Thanksgiving and reduce the chances of relapse, follow these tips for having a sober Thanksgiving:

  • Plan ahead – Prepare yourself mentally for being around alcohol. Remind yourself you don’t need or want alcohol.
  • Attend a meeting – Attending meetings is a great way to talk about the pressures of staying sober during the holidays and ease your stress.
  • Host an alcohol-free Thanksgiving – Hosting your Thanksgiving party eliminates being around alcohol and makes staying sober easier. Invite friends from your sober community to join in along with your family.
  • Let everyone know you are not drinking – Your close family and friends should know that you are sober and want to stay that way. By talking about it, they can help you stay sober.
  • BYOBeverage – Bring your own non-alcoholic beverage to lessen your temptations and have something to drink at the ready.
  • Invite a sober friend – Having a sober friend with you will be a big help when everyone around you is drinking. And someone to talk to when cravings are strong.
  • Call your support team – Your cravings and triggers will always be with you. If you feel an urge to drink, step away from the party and call your support team for reassurance.
  • Remember your coping skills – Remember the skills you learned during your alcohol addiction treatment program. They are there to help you maintain your sobriety.

Enrolling in an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program

Sober holidays are not an impossibility when you support peers and staff at an alcohol addiction treatment program. An outpatient program allows you to continue with your busy life while attending therapy sessions built around a working professional’s schedule. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you want to have access to treatment programs that can give you the support you need during the holidays. An outpatient alcohol addiction treatment program will include:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Case management and peer support
  • Telehealth programs for virtual support

Enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment program before the holidays begin can help strengthen your resolve on your recovery and practice your coping skills to help ignore your cravings for alcohol on Thanksgiving.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Can Help You Enjoy Your Sober Holidays

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are here to help you cope with the increase in alcohol on Thanksgiving that will be all around you. Office parties, friends gathering at bars, and family get-togethers are trigger points that can lead to a relapse. Our behavioral and medication-assisted treatment programs can help you maintain your sobriety during the holidays.

If you struggle with your sobriety during the holidays, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our friendly and compassionate staff about our alcohol addiction treatment program and how we can help you enjoy a sober Thanksgiving.

Does Buprenorphine Create a Psychological Dependency?

Addiction to heroin, morphine, and other opioids is not easy to break without medical help. A successful addiction treatment program will include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) along with behavioral therapy that can help reduce your cravings and allow you to focus on your recovery. One medication that can help during this process is buprenorphine. If you’re beginning a treatment program, you might have questions about this medication.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medical staff will prescribe buprenorphine if it is determined during your evaluation that you can benefit from this medication to help with your recovery. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn how buprenorphine treatment can help you on the road to recovery.

Can You Develop a Dependency on Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid, and there is a potential for misuse. If someone without an opioid addiction takes buprenorphine, this can lead to them trying a full opioid once the limiting pleasurable effects of buprenorphine are no longer enough to give them the escape they are seeking.

If someone with an opioid addiction begins a buprenorphine treatment program through medication-assisted treatment and they follow the prescription precisely, there is minimal risk of forming a dependency on buprenorphine. Even when abusing buprenorphine, the side effects of opioid addiction will be less than if they are abusing a full agonist opioid, such as Methadone. Some of the side effects you may feel include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Trouble concentrating

Despite the low risk of dependency, buprenorphine is still one of the top choices for medication-assisted treatment programs and has a high success rate when combined with behavioral therapy.

How Is Buprenorphine Useful in Treating Opioid Addiction?

The Federal Drug Administration has approved several drugs for reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that can ease painful withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenorphine attaches itself to the mu-opioid and kappa receptors in your brain that are responsible for the pleasurable effects that opioids can produce. It will block other opioids like morphine and heroin from creating an intense high and allow you to reduce your cravings and need for the drug over time. Buprenorphine treatment is one of the most successful partial agonists due to:

  • Low abuse rate
  • Lower levels of psychological dependence
  • Higher dosages do not increase euphoric feelings

A buprenorphine MAT program will closely monitor buprenorphine intake to ensure patients are not attempting to abuse the drug. If this happens, because buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, its limiting effect will prevent the fatal respiratory depression common in overdoses.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Buprenorphine and Behavioral Therapy

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction uses buprenorphine along with other FDA-approved drugs like naltrexone, which blocks the pleasurable effects of opioids and alcohol. The combination of these drugs will give you the best chances for success in your addiction recovery.

During your initial evaluation, our medical staff and behavioral therapists will determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs. Alongside your buprenorphine treatment, you will participate in behavioral therapy that will help you find the root cause behind your addiction. Behavioral therapy programs may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family counseling

We believe in a whole-person approach to your recovery. As you progress, we will continue to update your buprenorphine treatment program as you start forming positive coping skills instead of reaching for your substance of choice. If you or someone you know is thinking about buprenorphine to help with their opioid addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our supportive therapists about the risk of buprenorphine dependency and how this medication can benefit your opioid addiction recovery.

Can I Still Receive Telehealth Addiction Treatment?

You lead a busy life and have responsibilities that prevent you from taking time off to work on overcoming addiction. Telehealth addiction treatment offers remote help via video conferencing, texting, and telephone calls that allow you to work on your addiction recovery while keeping up with your responsibilities at home and work.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our telehealth addiction treatment program is perfect for busy professionals and working students who would like help with addiction treatment from home. You will have access to all behavioral therapies and other programs that you would receive from an inpatient treatment program. If you would like more information on our telehealth addiction treatment programs, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our telehealth services and other addiction treatment options.

Telehealth Rehab Programs for At-Home Addiction Recovery

A telehealth rehab program will give you access to all treatment services and programs for those who cannot make it to a treatment center due to work or home commitments or if there is not an adequate treatment center near them. Many rural residents cannot commute daily and miss out on vital therapy sessions to help them stay on track with their recovery.

This type of addiction treatment program is for those who want to work on their recovery and can still maintain their work and home life without any interruption. These individuals are committed to developing the healthy coping skills they need to maintain their sobriety. In addition, they want flexibility and the ability to take care of responsibilities outside of treatment.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use the latest technologies to enable you to connect to your therapists and support staff from your home or office. Some of the tools that we use include:

  • Web-based tools
  • Smartphone applications
  • Texting
  • Video conferencing
  • Telephone services

Our goal is to help as many Colorado residents access treatment as possible through our in-person and telehealth addiction treatment programs. We can help you with your addiction to prescription pills, alcohol, or heroin.

Telehealth Programs to Help Continue Addiction Recovery

Telehealth services are also available for those who wish to continue their addiction recovery beyond an inpatient addiction recovery program. After successfully completing an inpatient addiction treatment program, a telehealth program allows you to continue receiving the support you want from treatment specialists, peer support, and specialized care that can help with your recovery the most.

Through the telehealth program, you will still receive the care you need from behavioral therapy programs like cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy that help you discover the reason behind your addiction and give you the skills you need to maintain your sobriety.

You will receive instant remote access to your therapists when you need to talk to someone as well as motivational texts and instant messages during the day to help keep you motivated. Many patients find our Colorado telehealth program helps them the most when they feel a relapse is imminent.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

Addiction is a mental health issue that requires a holistic approach to effectively reduce cravings and create healthy habits for dealing with stressful situations and addiction triggers. Through our telehealth addiction treatment program, you will get the support you need to stop your cravings and prevent future relapses. Plus, the additional support will keep you motivated to stay on your sober path.

If you or a loved one can benefit from our telehealth rehab program or wish to continue their addiction recovery after completing a residential treatment program, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our telehealth rehab program and how it can benefit your road to recovery.

Benefits of Committing to an Outpatient Drug Rehab in Colorado

Addiction recovery is a lifelong pursuit. You will face many triggers throughout your life that will try to push you to abuse opioids, alcohol, or other drugs. To continue to receive the help you need while returning to your everyday responsibilities, consider an outpatient program. A Colorado outpatient rehab center can give you access to all the services and treatment options that will help you maintain your sobriety.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our outpatient rehab center is available to those who can work on their addiction treatment and maintain a busy schedule and for those who have successfully completed a higher level of care such as a residential addiction treatment program or inpatient detox program. To learn more about our Colorado outpatient drug rehab center, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with a member of our caring support staff about enrolling in our outpatient rehab program.

When Is an Outpatient Rehab Program Right for You?

An outpatient rehab center is not right for everyone. Each person will have unique life experiences that contribute to their addiction through emotional distress, a past traumatic event, or other mental health issues. There is no simple cure for addiction, and the best treatment for you will come from your initial evaluation from a clinician. They may suggest an inpatient or outpatient treatment program based on their assessment.

For busy professionals who consider themselves functional or social drug users who feel their addiction is getting out of control, an outpatient treatment program can give them the support they need while keeping up with their busy lives. Patients will attend therapy sessions several hours a week at a drug rehab center or virtually through text messaging, phone, and zoom calls.

For those who have completed an inpatient or residential drug addiction treatment program, an outpatient rehab center will benefit their recovery as they transition back to their personal lives at home or through a sober living home for drug recovery.

Sober Living Homes

Some patients come from a home where they will not get the support they need or cannot trust themselves to live alone and not relapse. For these individuals, sober living homes are available as the next step toward living a sober life outside of a drug rehab center.

Sober living homes offer a community of peers and staff to encourage you to maintain your sobriety as you slowly integrate back into society with powerful coping skills to help you out in public life.

Continuing Drug Addiction Treatment Through Telehealth Services

Suppose you don’t live near an outpatient drug rehab center or your work schedule keeps you away from in-person therapy sessions. In that case, telehealth services are available to maintain your commitment to your therapy and when life gets particularly complicated and you feel a relapse is imminent.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use the latest technologies to connect with patients 24/7. Addiction does not follow a set clock, and your cravings can hit you at any time. Telehealth services will include:

  • Web-based tools
  • Texting
  • Smartphone apps
  • Telephone services
  • Videoconferencing

Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Our mission is to help as many Colorado residents as possible with their addiction and mental health treatment. To do this, we provide a holistic approach to your recovery with our outpatient medication-assisted therapy and behavioral therapy programs that may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Ground and individual therapy
  • Family counseling

Your drug addiction treatment program will continuously update as you progress. This ensures that you receive the best drug recovery programs for your needs. To learn more about Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with a therapist about the benefits of an outpatient drug rehab 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.