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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.

The Impact of Mental Health In Addiction Recovery

Many people with substance use disorders also struggle with mental health disorders. Treating both during addiction treatment is critical to ensuring long-term addiction recovery. This is done through dual diagnosis treatment, a specialized program that addresses both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. It works to meet the needs of both aspects of a person’s health, ensuring the best chance at gaining physical, mental, and emotional stability.

When searching for a mental health treatment center near me, look for a program that offers targeted treatment for dual diagnosis. With the right support, people with co-occurring disorders can make the changes necessary for a successful recovery.

How Does Mental Health Play a Role in Addiction Recovery?

During initial assessments for addiction treatment, therapists and doctors look for evidence of underlying mental health conditions. Sometimes, the addiction occurs first, leading to the onset of complex mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Many other times, the mental health problem was there first, and often it fuels the addiction. A person may use drugs or alcohol as a coping strategy for the symptoms they have.

Some of the mental health conditions that can co-occur with addiction include:

  • Anxiety disorders – Characterized by excessive worry and fear
  • Depression – Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and a loss of interest in activities
  • Trauma and PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by traumatic events
  • Bipolar disorder – Alternating episodes of manic and depressive states
  • Schizophrenia – Disorganized thinking, hallucinations, false beliefs

These conditions can create even more obstacles for someone in recovery. If a person’s mental health isn’t addressed during substance abuse treatment, the risk of relapse is much higher. Treating both

In either case, if there are mental health conditions present, treatment of them is critical. For example, if a person suffers from depression, treating addiction without also helping the individual develop healthy coping skills for depression might not promote long-term recovery. The individual is likely to continue to seek out drugs and alcohol to manage his or her depression symptoms. A person who struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder cannot overcome their addiction until they work through the previous trauma.

What Happens in Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

To treat both mental health and addiction recovery, professionals use a treatment called dual diagnosis. This may include several strategies:

  • Use medications to alleviate any mental health imbalances that could cause symptoms.
  • Work through trauma or stressors that lead to emotional turmoil.
  • Utilize medications to manage withdrawal from drugs or alcohol as needed.
  • Working through talk therapy to develop strategies for managing addiction.
  • Overcoming challenges in dealing with mental health, such as developing strategies for managing anxiety.

The goal is to treat both at the same time to ensure a person gains a strong, solid foundation from which to live and work.

How to Know if Mental Health Treatment Is Necessary in Addiction Recovery

It is not uncommon for trained professionals to miss the signs of a mental health disorder and blame those feelings, thoughts, and experiences on addiction. Yet, with well-trained therapists and doctors, it is possible to determine what the underlying cause of addiction is. When co-occurring mental health issues are present, the diagnosis of a dual diagnosis is made. In this case, focus and treatment should be targeted to both the addiction and mental health condition to ensure long-term recovery.

A person may be able to recognize some of these risks themselves. For example, many people use alcohol to minimize their stress or to cope with anxiety. Some use stimulants to get through the challenges of depression. Other times, they feel intense emotions and stress when they stop using drugs and alcohol. Some people also have a predisposed risk of developing mental health conditions if they have a family history of it.

Reach Out for Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Today

A full, comprehensive assessment is the first step for those who seek out care from Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. It outlines exactly what is happening and then creates a treatment plan. That plan may include dual diagnosis for those who have mental health disorders. Our team works closely with each person to ensure they receive the best combination of therapy possible to achieve sobriety.

Mental health is critical to long-term addiction recovery. Through dual diagnosis treatment, like that offered at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, it is possible to embrace real benefits and a healthier life. Ready to get started? Call our compassionate therapists and experienced counselors at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online today.

What Is Bipolar Mania?

Bipolar mania is a mental health condition that is characterized by the presence of a manic episode. This can be an intense mood state, which is often accompanied by extreme behavior and thoughts. People with bipolar disorder experience both manic and depressive episodes, with the manic episodes often alternating between periods of depression.

Bipolar mania can accompany substance use issues as well, which can lead to serious consequences for a person with the condition. A dual diagnosis treatment approach is often necessary to address both the bipolar disorder and any substance use issues as well as any co-occurring mental health conditions. If you’re searching for “dual diagnosis near me,” Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help. Reach out to our team at 833.448.0127 to learn more.

An Overview of Bipolar Mania

Bipolar mania, also referred to as “manic episodes,” are periods of intense emotional highs. During these episodes, those affected may feel unusually energized or elated—this state of mind is often referred to as “euphoria.” Other common signs include restlessness or agitation, racing thoughts, rapid speech, impulsivity or reckless behaviors, poor judgment in decision-making, and increased energy levels. These symptoms can last for days or even weeks at a time.

The exact cause of bipolar mania is unknown. It is believed to be related to genetics and the brain chemistry of those affected. Substance use issues can exacerbate or trigger manic episodes. The condition is also more common in those with a family history of bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Mania

Bipolar mania can manifest itself in different ways for each person who experiences it. Some people may find themselves feeling irritable instead of euphoric during a manic episode; others may experience severe anxiety or depression instead. It’s also important to note that some people may not recognize when they are in the midst of an episode due to their altered mental state—making it difficult for them to seek help on their own accord. Some additional signs and symptoms to look out for include:

  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Grandiose ideas or delusions
  • Talkativeness
  • Excessive spending habits
  • Substance abuse
  • Paranoia
  • Impulsive sexual behavior
  • Risky activities such as gambling or driving recklessly

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

How Treatment Can Make a Difference

One of the most effective treatments for bipolar mania is medication management combined with psychotherapy sessions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication helps manage extreme mood swings while CBT helps patients learn how to better identify triggers for their manic episodes and develop coping strategies for dealing with them more effectively.

Additionally, lifestyle changes such as developing healthy sleep habits and avoiding drugs and alcohol can also be beneficial in managing bipolar disorder over time. Lastly, support from friends and family members is essential in providing emotional stability during manic episodes—so don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Bipolar Mania Treatment

If you think you may be experiencing bipolar mania yourself or know someone who might be struggling with it, it’s important to understand that help is available. With proper medication management combined with psychotherapy sessions like CBT and lifestyle changes such as developing healthy sleep habits—treatment can make all the difference in managing bipolar disorder over time.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery understands the complexities of bipolar mania and is here to help. We’re committed to providing dual diagnosis treatment for individuals struggling with bipolar mania as well as any co-occurring mental health conditions or substance use issues. Contact our team at 833.448.0127 today if you’re ready to get started on your path to recovery. We’re here for you every step of the way.

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.

Making Realistic Addiction Recovery Goals in 2022

Many people will ring in the New Year by celebrating with friends and family, drinking and partying the night away. For those struggling with addiction, a New Year’s resolution to quit substance abuse is a great way to start the new year healthy and sober. To help you achieve your addiction recovery goals, an outpatient addiction recovery program is available to help those who are ready to commit to their addiction recovery.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in all types of drug and alcohol addiction with detoxing and outpatient treatment programs. We include medication-assisted treatment to help with your withdrawal symptoms. Plus, behavioral therapy programs will help you better understand your addiction and what is driving it. To get help with your New Year’s resolution for a sober 2022, call 833.448.0127 today to begin your outpatient addiction recovery program.

Setting Realistic Goals for Your Recovery

Many people will make New Year’s resolutions with high hopes of changing their lives for the better. The most popular resolutions for 2022 include eating healthier, getting enough sleep each night, and joining a gym. With addiction cases on the rise over the last year due to the pandemic and continuing financial hardships, getting sober is a New Year’s resolution many people will be making.

Patients who have never gone through addiction recovery may not understand how difficult addiction recovery can be. They assume that their withdrawal symptoms will end after a few days or weeks, and they are cured. In reality, most treatment programs last 30 – 90 days and require a lifetime commitment to maintaining their sobriety. Many patients will complete a program and continue to attend therapy sessions for years as they continue to feel their cravings once in a while.

Patients who succeed with their addiction recovery understand that recovery will take time and will do everything they can to reach their goals. Patients who are successful with their addiction recovery have realistic goals and commit to:

  • Setting aside quiet time each day for reflection and contemplation
  • Maintain their health through exercise and healthy eating
  • Attend therapy sessions on a regular basis
  • Work on mending fractured relationships
  • Create a sober home environment

Outpatient Addiction Recovery

To help with your addiction recovery goals, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers outpatient addiction recovery programs for patients who are physically and mentally fit. An outpatient addiction recovery program can help patients whose withdrawal symptoms are not as severe and who have a stable home environment. Without a sober home, the road to recovery can be more difficult.

During outpatient treatment, you will work with therapists and your peers to create healthy coping skills that will help you throughout your life. You will learn to recognize your triggers and practice your coping skills with others in the program. Meanwhile, medical professionals will administer FDA-approved medication to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and allow you to focus on your recovery as well as your home and work commitments.

Other benefits of an outpatient addiction recovery program include:

  • A rehab program that fits your schedule
  • A more private rehab experience
  • A tailored treatment program to meet your individual needs
  • More affordability than inpatient programs

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Can Help You with Your Addiction Recovery Goals for 2022

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is a 100% outpatient addiction treatment facility that uses medication-assisted treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients reach their goals for a sober 2022. To help you maintain your sobriety, we include various addiction treatment therapies to help you get a better understanding of your addiction:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Case management and peer support

If you or a loved one want to start 2022 off sober, call 833.448.0127 today to discuss your addiction recovery goals and more information about our outpatient addiction recovery program.

Recognizing World Mental Health Day in October

Each year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is celebrated to bring awareness to mental health illness’s debilitating effect on many people worldwide. Mental health issues affect men, women, and children around the world, and the number of cases increases every year, especially since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, the world needs access to quality mental health rehab centers that can help those who are struggling to cope with mental health issues and substance use disorder regain control.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in treating both mental health and addiction, and we understand the importance of treating the whole person – not just the disease. Our trained team members will build a treatment plan that best suits your needs with our dual diagnosis treatment program. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues and co-occurring substance use issues, call 833.448.0127 today to schedule a consultation with our caring staff.

The History of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day began on October 10th, 1992, by then-Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter to bring more awareness about mental health illness and its effect on people all over the world. On October 10th each year, events and prominent speakers discuss topics related to the theme of World Mental Health Day.

Each year there is a different focus or theme for the day. In 1994, the first theme of World Mental Health Day was Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Throughout the World. Every year the theme focuses on a different area of mental health, such as mental health in the workplace or suicide awareness and prevention, to bring more attention to all areas of this illness.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Help Mental Health Issues

One thing to come out of this awareness is a better understanding of mental health issues and how some symptoms can take the focus off the underlying issues behind the illness. Addiction is a mental health illness that often stems from a traumatic event or has developed as a coping mechanism for mental health issues or buried emotional distress. A detox center will treat the addiction, but not the underlying cause of the addiction. Without additional treatment after detox, patients experience a higher risk of relapse.

A dual diagnosis treatment program simultaneously treats a patient’s underlying mental health issue and the substance use disorder. When patients are able to heal from both the addiction and underlying causes, they experience a significantly reduced chance of relapse.

A dual diagnosis treatment program uses a wide range of holistic and evidence-based therapies such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we believe the best treatment for your mental health issues is not one-sided. We will diagnose your unique condition during your initial consultation and develop a plan based on your personal needs. Each dual diagnosis treatment program is custom-fitted to each patient that comes to us for help. Our dual diagnosis treatment program can help patients with:

  • General anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Bipolar disorder

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for a Mental Health Rehab Center

Thanks to the awareness and education that World Mental Health Day has brought to the world, the negative stigmas associated with mental illness have improved immensely. Today it is recognized and treated as a disease, and treatment is much more accessible to those who are struggling.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our dual diagnosis treatment program can help you with your mental health and addiction struggles, no matter the cause and symptoms. When necessary, we use medication-assisted therapy to help reduce addiction withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on your recovery.

If you would like to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program and our mental health rehab center, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our supportive therapists.

What Kinds of Therapy Are Good for Addiction?

Addiction affects each person differently as it is both a mental health issue and a social one. Peer pressure pushes many of us to smoke or drink well before the legal age, and our society seems to find this acceptable. Addiction therapy programs are available to help you regain control of your life when addiction has taken over. But which program is right for you?

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our addiction therapy programs will help you break free from addiction through individual and group therapy programs that will teach you how to recognize your triggers and develop positive coping skills to help you stay on your sober path. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our caring team members and learn more about our beneficial addiction therapy programs.

Finding the Right Addiction Therapy Programs for You

Addiction is a mental and physical health issue that affects the mind by changing the brain chemistry so that it requires the substance of choice to maintain functionality. When you try to quit, your body starts going into withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can be as minor as a headache and a slight craving to as severe as uncontrollable shivering, muscle pain, vomiting, and much more that will not cease until you satisfy that craving.

Effective addiction treatment therapies will focus on the physical and mental aspects of addiction to help you get a better understanding of your addiction.

Behavior Therapy

The best way to understand addiction is by better understanding your actions and what led to the start of your addiction, and how your thinking patterns and thought processes are affected.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT helps you recognize your negative thoughts and develop new thinking patterns and positive coping skills to maintain your sobriety.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – DBT focuses more on the harmful effects of addiction like suicide and self-harm. DBT can help you accept your negative feelings and begin to change the way you perceive these feelings, and develop positive coping skills.
  • Neurofeedback therapy – This therapy directly affects the brainwaves and tries to normalize them through positive stimulation. Addiction changes your brain chemistry and thought processes, and neurofeedback therapy is very effective in treating addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our certified therapists use these and other forms of behavioral therapy in our addiction treatment therapies to give you a better chance at maintaining your sobriety.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Drugs and alcohol have a physical effect on your brain. The substance you are taking changes your brain chemistry so that it stops producing naturally occurring endorphins that are responsible for your happiness, motor functions, and much more. When you stop, even for a few hours, your body can start craving the substance and will go into withdrawal until satiated.

These withdrawal symptoms can be very debilitating and may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shivering
  • Mood swings
  • Painful muscle cramps
  • Poor sleep
  • Hot flashes
  • Suicidal thoughts

When withdrawal symptoms get in the way of your recovery, medication-assisted therapy can help. These are FDA-approved drugs that can limit painful symptoms, stop your cravings, and reduce the pleasurable effects of your substance of choice.

Benefits of an Addiction Therapy Program

When you begin an addiction therapy program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, you will soon feel all of the amazing benefits of your addiction recovery, such as:

  • A growing sober network that you can rely on
  • A better understanding of yourself and your addiction
  • Fewer emotional outbursts
  • A better outlook on life
  • A growing number of healthy coping skills
  • Better control of your triggers and craving
  • A new sober life

Learn More About Addiction Treatment Therapies at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

When you are ready to get serious about your addiction recovery, or if you know someone who can benefit from our addiction therapy programs, call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Don’t waste any more time suffering needlessly. Call 833.448.0127 today.

September Is National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month happens every September to help raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders that millions of people face every year. The stigma of mental health and addiction has led many people to hide their disorder and needlessly suffer through it alone. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we proudly celebrate National Recovery Month to help raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorders in Colorado.

If you would like to learn more about National Recovery Month and how you can help spread awareness to those around you, or if a friend of yours is struggling with addiction or depression, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our addiction recovery programs and how they are changing lives.

Observing National Recovery Month Every Year

In 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created the National Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues and substance use disorders and celebrate those who recover.

Awareness is just as important as celebrating our residents’ successes to reinforce the positive actions that behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can create. It helps to show that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover when they put in the effort to work on their recovery.

Every September, prevention and treatment centers from all over the country proudly celebrate National Recovery Month to shine the light on how vital treatment and recovery centers are in helping the millions of people struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders every day.

Through our recovery programs at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help anyone ready to get back control of their life. Our support and medical staff will work with each patient and find the right programs and services that will help them in their recovery, including:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Behavioral and mental health services
  • Recovery support services
  • Family and patient education services

Patients will receive a full psychiatric assessment when they start their recovery program. Their progress will be closely monitored and updated as needed to ensure they receive the best recovery treatment for their substance use or mental health disorder.

A Spotlight on Addiction Recovery

This year, the National Recovery Month theme is “Recovery is for everyone: Every person, every family, every community.”

The goal is to show that substance abuse and mental health disorders are a national health crisis affecting everyone regardless of age, sex, or skin color. Programs such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, contingency management, and motivational interviewing are all very effective in addiction recovery by changing thought processes and developing positive coping skills to help stop cravings and self-destructive behaviors.

National Addiction Professionals Day

On September 20, as part of National Recovery Month, this day recognizes and celebrates the hard-working addiction professionals that dedicate themselves to your recovery and love it when their patients walk away happy and sober. If you know any addiction professionals, show them your appreciation on this day and every day after for all of their hard work.

Recovery Programs in Colorado with Your Needs in Mind

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and is ready to make real changes in their lives, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery has the right programs and services that can help with substance use and mental health disorders.

Our medication-assisted therapy program can help with all forms of substance abuse, including alcohol, meth, and prescription pain medication. Our MAT program coincides with addiction treatment therapies such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Case management
  • Peer support

We also can help with mental health disorders with our trauma-informed care and depression treatment programs.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or mental health disorders, please call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our caring staff about how we can help. And don’t forget to thank them for their dedication during National Recovery Month.

How to Help a Loved One Seek Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Treating substance use disorder does not involve a one-size-fits-all approach. The same kind of treatment will not work for everyone. The underlying issues that can lead to substance abuse are hidden deep within us. Simply treating the addiction is not enough. However, a dual diagnosis treatment program can succeed where other single-focused programs fail. Finding the right dual diagnosis treatment center is the first step in finding the help you need for an effective recovery that lasts.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we focus on treating the addiction and the underlying reason behind it simultaneously. If you or a loved one is struggling with their recovery, give us a call at 833.448.0127 and schedule an appointment to see how we can help.

What Is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?

A dual diagnosis treatment program has shown more success with treating opioid and other substance use disorders by treating the mental and physical side effects at the same time.

Those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety attacks will have a harder time staying away from their drug of choice. This can be due to the short-term relief that drugs or alcohol can provide.

In a dual diagnosis treatment program, there are several types of treatments available to treat the physical and mental symptoms of addiction:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Medication-assisted therapy
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Telehealth (virtual) therapy

Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Colorado can help with a complete recovery experience. We understand the difficulties of treating substance use disorder when combined with mental illness. That’s why we build treatment plans specific to our clients to teach them lifelong coping skills to reduce the risks of a relapse.

Helping a Loved One Enroll in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Convincing someone that they need treatment is the first hurdle to get over. Mental illness hides behind many things, and they may think they are under control or “functional.” They may not even be aware of their condition and therefore not even consider seeking help.

How can you tell if you or a loved one needs help from a dual diagnosis treatment program? Some of the signs to look for include:

  • Drinking or drug use begins to affect their work and personal lives
  • Withdrawing away from friends and family
  • Increased mood swings

Family history can play a role in addiction and mental illness, as children of parents who suffer from this disease are more susceptible to struggling with the same issues. Even if you feel like you have everything under control and don’t overuse drugs or alcohol, you can still benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment program. Remember, that OK feeling you get while under the influence is not reality.

  • Learn how to accept how you feel and begin to change it
  • Forming new relationships that will help you with your recovery
  • Increased energy and vitality
  • Gaining strong coping skills for life

The best way to help a friend or loved one understand the benefits of a dual diagnosis treatment program is to show how their actions hurt others. They might not be aware of the effects that their substance abuse has on others. However, by opening their eyes to how they affect others and themselves, they can accept help and begin the road to recovery.

Learn More About Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are committed to your recovery with our dual diagnosis treatment programs. If you or a loved one can benefit from dual diagnosis treatment, contact us today. Our caring therapists will show you how our programs can help you lead a sober and happy life. Contact us 833.448.0127 today and schedule an appointment to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment programs.

CBT Program in Colorado

Many people who struggle with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues like depression or anxiety can benefit from a cognitive-behavioral therapy program (CBT). This type of therapy has helped many get back to living healthy and productive lives. The stigma of needing therapy is long gone as millions in the US suffer from stress and anxiety, leading to more severe problems like depression and suicide.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer CBT programs to help you get back on your feet and build healthy coping skills for sustainable recovery. Our certified therapists will work with you to get to the root cause of your addiction and help you stop turning to drugs and alcohol. When you are ready to help yourself or a loved one with their addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychological treatment with proven results in helping patients deal with a wide range of behavioral issues. These include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Substance abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Marital troubles
  • Social anxiety

If someone is suffering from addiction, it is from an underlying issue and not simply because they want to drink or smoke. The temporary high is a big draw for those looking for an escape. Therapy programs that treat physical addiction often fail because they only treat one side of the addiction.

Benefits of CBT

Through a combination of individual therapy and group sessions, your therapist will work you through finding that first moment that started your addiction by looking at what drove you to this coping device. You might have experienced trauma in the past or might have turned to drugs and alcohol to feel relief from mental health conditions.

When you begin a cognitive-behavioral therapy program and begin dealing with what is driving your addiction, you will start feeling many positive benefits. These include:

  • New coping mechanisms
  • A calmer self
  • Improved communications skills
  • Improved mental clarity
  • New supportive friends that you can count on

The goal of any CBT program is to help you find ways to deal with triggers in a healthy way. These coping skills are helpful tools that you will use throughout your life.

Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Right for You?

Finding the right therapy program can be difficult if you don’t know the underlying issue. You try to quit on your own, only to fail a few days or even months later, sometimes with challenging results as a relapse tends to try and make up for lost time. Your tolerance levels have dropped, but you still think you can handle as much as you once did.

Other treatment centers only focus on the addiction itself and isolate you from your regular life, but don’t do anything to find the root cause of the issue. Their method is to treat the addiction, then send you off to treat the underlying reason for the addiction. This type of single-sided treatment often leads to a half-baked approach to your therapy.

A cognitive-behavioral therapy program will treat both the physical side of addiction and the mental side.

Finding the Right Therapy Program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

When you are ready to help yourself, a friend, spouse, or family member with their addiction, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is available to assist in your recovery. With specialized programs that deal with addiction and mental illness, we can get you healthy and back to a productive life with a cognitive toolkit that will be a powerful shield against the outside world.

We offer telehealth options for those who are unable or uncomfortable leaving their homes, as well as in-person and outpatient programs. If you or someone you care about is suffering from addiction and mental illness, please call 833.448.0127 today and speak with a supportive therapist.

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.