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Category: Community Activities

What to Look For in a Colorado Counseling Center

Posted on by cmarnew

Whether you are battling a substance use disorder, struggling with a mental health problem, or both, a counseling center is the best place to seek help. Through counseling and other forms of talk therapy, you can get an insight into the causes of your condition before embarking on recovery. The program’s primary objective is to help participants manage addiction or overcome toxic and overwhelming feelings for the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Colorado counseling centers can give you the tools and resources you need to change your life for the better. Learn more about what to look for in a counseling center to ensure you’re getting the help you need. Through addiction treatment therapies that focus on your unique needs, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with any challenges that come your way.

Look for a Colorado Counseling Center That Offers Privacy and Confidentiality

Although people have varying needs and goals when attending counseling sessions, everyone values privacy and confidentiality. It is essential to choose a Colorado addiction treatment center that can handle your condition discreetly for a desirable outcome.

Every center underscores the essence of privacy during counseling. Most individuals who need counseling battle issues that they wish to keep private for fear of embarrassment or judgment. An ideal center should assure its clients of the highest level of privacy during and after rehab, according to The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The information that you share with your therapist should not be accessible to third parties. When selecting a counseling center, you need assurance that your information will be kept private.

Accessibility of the Counseling Center

Some counseling sessions, especially during addiction and mental health treatment, may require you to spend some time at the facility for close monitoring. Otherwise, you may need to schedule frequent appointments with your therapist. The latter option requires you to stay where you can manage to make it in time for medical appointments, as suggested by the healthcare provider.

Always consider your needs and whether they align with the location of the counseling facility.

If you are a resident of Colorado, looking for easily accessible Colorado addiction treatment therapies is the right decision. However, traveling from out-of-state to attend counseling in Colorado can also suffice if the rehab center you are going to provides specialized care that you cannot get in your local area.

The Kind of Programs on Offer

The types of programs that the rehab center can offer is another crucial element to consider. Remember, some rehabs do not provide all the programs that you may require for managing your condition. For example, some facilities do not offer outpatient treatment, whereas others lack medication-assisted treatment programs. As such, inquire about the treatment options that a facility has before enrolling.

The treatment of addiction-related disorders is classified into several modalities based on the clear cases that the program can treat. Therefore, you should be able to access various evidence-based programs, such as:

  • Trauma-informed care program – This modality is designed to help people suffering from PTSD or other forms of trauma.
  • Depression treatment program – This program helps individuals with depression to identify and manage the triggers of their condition.
  • Telehealth programs – Convenient, remote access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to a counseling center.
  • Medication-assisted treatment program – This program uses FDA-approved medications in combination with behavioral therapies to treat addiction.
  • Addiction and pain management – Chronic pain and addiction often go hand-in-hand, so this program focuses on helping people manage both conditions.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment program – Co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders require specialized care, which this program provides.

Therapists often combine several therapy programs when creating a customized treatment plan for your condition. This treatment should lead you to lasting recovery.

Find Effective Counseling Services at CMAR Today

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we pride ourselves in consistently providing reliable counseling services to our clients. If you are looking for the right Colorado counseling center, do not hesitate to reach out to our professionals for all inquiries about your condition. We utilize scientific evidence to offer different forms of treatment for addiction and mental health conditions.

Call 833.448.0127 today to get started on your road to recovery.

3 Mocktail Ideas for a Sober Holiday Gathering

Posted on by cmarnew

Whether you are just coming out of recovery or have years of sobriety under your belt, the holidays can be a difficult time to stay sober. The holidays mean office and family holiday parties and get-togethers with friends with plenty of alcohol wherever you go. To help you maintain your sobriety, there are plenty of mocktail ideas that make for a tasty drink without alcohol. These ideas will help with your alcohol rehab for a sober holiday.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we want you to have a fun holiday season while maintaining your sobriety. Our alcohol addiction rehab can help you build healthy coping skills for getting through the holidays without relapsing. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our friendly staff about our alcohol addiction rehab and mocktail ideas for delicious non-alcoholic holiday drinks if you need tips for having a sober holiday.

Getting Ready for a Sober Holiday

A lot of patients’ first sober holiday can be the most difficult. The first time heading to a holiday party fresh out of recovery can cause a lot of stress for some as they want to enjoy themselves yet remain sober. As you prepare for the holidays, you can take some simple steps to give yourself the confidence you need to enjoy the party and maintain your sobriety.

  • Refresh your coping skills with therapy sessions through an outpatient program
  • Talk to your sponsor before heading to a party
  • Bring a sober friend
  • Have a plan to leave if your cravings become too much to handle.
  • Host your own sober gathering

If you are at a holiday party and feel your cravings are beginning to take over, it is OK to leave before your ruin all of the hard work you’ve put toward your sobriety. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer online rehab and outpatient addiction treatment programs to help you have a sober holiday.

3 Mocktails Ideas for Sober Holiday Parties

Peer pressure to drink is one of the main driving factors in alcohol addiction, and the simple act of having a glass in your hand can be enough to curb some of your desires to drink. You want to fit in with everyone and not be the only one not drinking.

Here are three mocktail ideas that you can mix and enjoy for your sober holiday party.

1. Alcohol-Free Hot Toddy

This traditional holiday drink is warm and soothing.

  • 7 oz hot black tea
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 lemon wedge

Pour honey, lemon juice, and spices into your favorite mug. Top it off with the hot tea, stir, and garnish with the lemon wedge. This recipe is for 1 mocktail.

2. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

Pomegranate is a flavorful fruit with many health benefits and makes for a tasty mocktail idea.

  • 2 ½ cups seltzer water
  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 lemon twist

Combine pomegranate juice and seltzer in a large punch bowl and mix well. Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon twist. This recipe serves 4.

3. Grapefruit Mock-Mosa

Mimosa’s are a favorite festive drink that everyone will enjoy.

  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup grapefruit juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free honey
  • 1 12-ounce bottle chilled sparkling water
  • Orange, lime, or grapefruit twist for garnish

Combine orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves. Cover and chill for a minimum of two hours so all of the flavors can blend. Pour the juice into four glasses, then stir in sparkling water. This recipe serves four.

Garnish with your choice of citrus peel.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for the Best Alcohol Addiction Rehab for You

Our alcohol addiction rehab program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help you have a sober holiday with helpful tips and mocktail ideas for your sober gatherings. Our online and outpatient treatment programs can help you when you need it, with evening and weekend therapy available. If you need continuing support to help you stay sober during the holidays, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our alcohol addiction rehab.

Peer Support Can Hold You Accountable to Your Recovery

Posted on by cmarnew

Peer support for addiction recovery can be successful in helping those suffering from addiction when individual therapy is not enough. Participants will feel more comfortable around others who have gone through similar struggles and feel more inclined to share their stories. Your deeper connection with others in your peer support group will keep you accountable as they will be encouraging you toward success and help you on bad days.

If you are interested in learning more about peer support for addiction recovery at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, call 833.448.0127 to speak with a therapist and learn how peer support can help you or your loved ones.

Why Does Peer Support for Recovery Work so Well?

We tend to stay close to those who we feel are similar to us. Positive people attract other positive people, just like those who view the world negatively will attract others who share their pessimistic views. Peer support is successful because everyone involved has lived with addiction, including the moderator.

It allows for a more encouraging atmosphere and builds on the participant’s strengths and overall well-being, helping them stay motivated in their recovery.

Peer support can help with a variety of other mental health and social issues, including:

  • Opioid addiction recovery
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Death of a loved one
  • Relationship issues

When you begin your addiction recovery at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, your program will include a combination of individual therapy, peer support therapy, and case management to make sure you are getting the most out of your recovery.

Peer Support Can Keep You Accountable During Your Recovery

When working with your peers in addiction recovery, you will feel more compelled to stay on track. The other participants can give you advice on your recovery and encourage you to stick with the program. You will have more faith in their words as they are living proof that recovery is possible.

Your addiction will only be successful if you are willing to do what’s needed to recover. When first starting peer support therapy, you may feel uncomfortable sharing with others. But as you listen to them tell their stories, you will begin to relate with them and feel comfortable sharing. The more you are around them, the easier it will be to open up and get to the bottom of your addiction.

Benefits of Peer Support

When you are involved with peer support groups to help with your recovery, you will begin to feel the positive effects of working with someone that understands your addiction, including:

  • A better sense of well being
  • Learning how to trust others
  • A better circle of friends
  • Improved self-esteem
  • Learning important coping skills

Although there is no cure for addiction, with a supportive group of peers who understand, recovery and long-term sobriety is possible.

Get Involved to Help Others With Their Addiction Recovery

As the need for peer support for addiction recovery grows, the best leaders will be those who have survived their addiction through peer support and now want to help others in their recovery.

By getting involved with helping others, you are helping yourself build your self-esteem, confidence, and other coping skills. The joy you will feel knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life is a powerful motivator.

Learn How Peer Support Can Help You at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Peer support can be very beneficial to those who are struggling with their addiction recovery. Better case management may be required. Adding peer support therapy can be a suitable form of treatment that you or a loved one needs to recover from their addiction successfully.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the value of peer support for addiction recovery and will assist you in your addiction recovery to ensure life-long health and wellness. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our therapists about starting your road to recovery.

How Community Activities Can Boost Recovery

Posted on by cmarnew

community activities in colorado can help with recoveryFor those in recovery from addiction, finding new healthy hobbies should be a priority. Addiction can cause physical and mental health issues that different activities can help participants recover from. Additionally, addiction can be isolating. Those who are struggling with substance abuse can benefit from connecting with others in recovery in a safe, supportive environment. This is why many addiction treatment centers offer recreational outings and community activities. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, community activities are a way for our patients to connect with others and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.

The Importance of Community in Recovery

We offer community activities for the same reason that we offer group therapy. Addiction thrives in isolation. When you have the support of others who understand the experiences you’ve been through, it’s easier to focus on your recovery.

Other benefits of having a network of support in recovery include:

  • Perspective – You’ll be able to see your struggles in a new light
  • Accountability – Knowing that you’ll be sharing your experiences with others can keep you from relapsing
  • New habits – Your peers in recovery can introduce you to new healthy habits
  • Encouragement – Challenges in recovery are inevitable, but your peers will be able to cheer you on

Don’t overlook the purpose of group therapy and activities that involve others. Instead, lean into the experiences and find out what they can teach you.

Community Activities at CMAR

Many outpatient addiction treatment centers only offer therapy and medication management. However, Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment recognizes that clinical services alone will not help patients heal in body, mind, and spirit. Meaningful social connection and support, however, is a defining element of sustainable recovery. That’s why our recovery center offers opportunities for our patients and alumni to develop a network of support. Recovery groups are one way that those in recovery can get to know each other, as well as alumni events. However, we’re also building more opportunities for recreational activities into our treatment programs.

Hikes with Mike is our newest recurring outing. Clinical director Michael Damioli leads an outing once a month on a weekend into the beautiful Colorado outdoors. During these excursions, the CMAR community can have a chance to connect outside of the clinical setting. Social connections, fresh air, and physical activity are just some of the reasons why we offer these outings.

As we grow our offerings, we’ll continue to involve our alumni. Even after you’ve completed a formal treatment program, maintaining your connections with others in recovery is vital. To prevent relapse, avoid isolating yourself. Instead, stay connected with our treatment center through events, activities, and recovery groups.

CMAR’s Addiction Treatment Programs

We offer high-quality addiction treatment that fits your schedule. With both remote and in-person options, you’ll be able to participate in treatment while keeping up with responsibilities at work and at home. Medication-assisted treatment is highly effective in helping patients focus on working through the underlying cause of addiction without experiencing cravings.

Additionally, we offer dual diagnosis treatment in our Colorado addiction treatment center. Many of those who struggle with addiction also face co-occurring mental health issues, and this approach allows patients to work through both issues simultaneously. Through both individual and group therapy sessions, patients can discover how things like past trauma, a family history of addiction, and even stress from work can make it more difficult to break the cycle of addiction.

Learn more about our programs today. We invite you to connect with our team by calling 833.448.0127 or by reaching out online. If community activities, evidence-based therapies, and the highest quality in clinical care are what you’re looking for, then CMAR can help.

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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.