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Importance Of Recognizing The Signs Of Heroin Abuse

Heroin is an illegal opioid that has an extremely high rate of addiction and abuse due to its long-lasting properties. In 2021, more than 1,200 Colorado residents died from a drug overdose, with opioids making up 75% of those deaths.1 If you need help recognizing the signs of heroin abuse, you’ve come to the right place. What you learn today may help save the life of a friend, spouse, or family member.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support individuals who are struggling with heroin addiction and want help stopping the abuse before it is too late. Our dedicated team will welcome you to our discreet facility and create a tailored treatment program that includes medication-assisted treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other proven therapeutic treatments.

For more information regarding our heroin addiction treatment program, call 833.448.0127 today.

Symptoms of Heroin Abuse

When you use heroin, it has an immediate effect on your physical and mental health. It creates a euphoric rush that lasts for several hours and is one of the main reasons why it is so addicting. It affects the delicate chemical balance in your body and, with continual use, will begin to depend on a constant supply.

While some people may seem like they can use small amounts of heroin and not become addicted, the reality is they are. They will tell you they have everything under control, but if they stop, they will experience a number of uncomfortable and painful symptoms along with intense cravings for more heroin.

Short-term symptoms of heroin abuse include:

  • Euphoria
  • Flushed skin
  • Dry mouth
  • Arms and legs feel heavy
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Constricted pupils
  • Slowed breathing
  • Nausea and vomiting

Long-Term Symptoms

Those who continue to abuse heroin will develop a number of long-term symptoms, such as:

  • Physical dependence and addiction
  • Severe flu-like symptoms
  • Intense cravings for heroin
  • Collapsed veins for intravenous users
  • Liver and kidney disease
  • Increased risk of pneumonia and tuberculosis
  • Anti-social personality disorder
  • Sexual dysfunction and increased risk of miscarriage and congenital disabilities

Recognizing the signs of heroin addiction gets easier when you are familiar with the symptoms as well as other signs that indicate a substance use disorder. If you feel a loved one can benefit from our heroin addiction treatment program, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today to begin the recovery process.

Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Abuse

It can sometimes be difficult to recognize if a friend or loved one is abusing heroin. They will go to great lengths to hide any visible signs of abuse that can be hard to spot if you don’t know what to look for.

If you are concerned that someone you know is abusing heroin, here are some of the common signs of a heroin addiction:

Behavioral Signs

Abusing heroin will cause severe behavioral changes that start with becoming more secretive and withdrawing from friends and favorite activities or get-togethers unless those get-togethers involve heroin.

Look for these behavioral signs of heroin abuse if you suspect a loved one has an opioid use disorder:

  • Unexplained mood shifts
  • A lack of motivation
  • Often disoriented and confused
  • Neglecting work, school, or personal responsibilities
  • Frequently feeling depressed or anxious

If you confront someone who is abusing heroin, they will most likely deny the abuse and blame their behavioral changes on something else. Some will react more aggressively or violently, which is a clear indication of a serious drug problem.

Physical Signs

Heroin abuse leaves some tell-tale physical signs, especially for those who inject heroin into the bloodstream. This will leave puncture marks and “tracks” on the arms or legs. Some will even inject heroin in between their fingers and toes to hide these signs.

Other physical signs of heroin abuse include sudden weight loss, a decline in personal hygiene, chronic constipation, and nausea and vomiting. They will also experience changes in their sleep patterns and may sleep excessively or go days without sleeping.

Additional Signs

There are other ways of recognizing the signs of heroin abuse. Look around the home for glass pipes, discarded or unused needles, burnt spoons, rubber tubing, and small plastic bags with a powdery residue.

Discover the Benefits of Heroin Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you recognize the signs of heroin addiction in a friend or loved one, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery has a private location where they can begin healing. Our programs utilize a wide range of medical and therapeutic support that includes:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Family therapy

Discover all of the benefits of our heroin treatment programs by calling 833.448.0127 today or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment and meet our dedicated team.

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Medications That Can Help Break Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction develops quickly and can have serious consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin abuse, there are treatment options available to help break the cycle of addiction. Heroin abuse medication, such as buprenorphine and naltrexone, is prescribed to help reduce the cravings for heroin. These medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, restore normal brain function, and prevent relapse.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medical staff and certified therapists can prescribe heroin abuse medications to help you or your loved one start and remain in recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, we offer effective, evidence-based heroin addiction treatment in Colorado that can help you reach your goals. Call 833.448.0127 today to get started.

Why Heroin Abuse Medication Can Help

Heroin addiction is a serious mental health issue that can have severe withdrawal symptoms no matter how long or how much you take. Even after taking heroin just once, your body forms a powerful craving for the drug and will produce potentially harmful side effects, including:

  • Collapsed veins
  • Lung complications
  • Sexual dysfunction in men
  • Liver and kidney disease
  • Depression and other mental health issues
  • Irregular menstrual cycles for women

The FDA has approved certain medications for heroin abuse to help combat the debilitating side effects of heroin and other opioids. These medications will coincide with a behavioral therapy program to help you better understand where your heroin addiction is coming from and begin to rebuild your life.

Types of Heroin Abuse Medications

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist. It produces a similar high as heroin but with minimal pleasurable effects, helping the patient slowly reduce their cravings. When taken as prescribed, Buprenorphine is safe and effective at reducing pain and your cravings for heroin and other opioids. Buprenorphine can be administered by your regular physician as there is a low risk of abuse or overdose with this medication for heroin addiction. This medication for heroin abuse can also be taken on an outpatient basis, allowing you to continue your daily routine.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a non-opioid that blocks the pleasurable effects of heroin and other opioids. There is little risk of abuse because it binds to the opioid receptors and prevents them from releasing endorphins responsible for the high that you feel with heroin. Over time, your cravings will diminish as your body stops associating heroin with euphoric feelings.

Naloxone

Naloxone is an emergency medication for those who have overdosed on heroin or other opioids. This medication works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body, providing a life-saving reversal of overdose symptoms. An injection or nasal spray can be administered by first responders or a family member in the instance of an overdose.

Suboxone and Vivitrol

The name-brand drugs Suboxone and Vivitrol are both effective in treating heroin addiction. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which helps reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone that reduces cravings for up to four weeks.

What to Expect When You First Arrive at a Heroin Abuse Treatment Center

The team at your heroin rehab center will welcome you in and begin evaluating you right away. A thorough assessment will determine the best course of action in treating your heroin addiction. Addiction often stems from emotional stress or a traumatic event in the past, and your treatment team will help you discover the root cause of your addiction. Heroin abuse medication is always paired with behavioral therapy in order to help you understand the motivations behind your addiction and how to make positive changes.

The most effective approach to heroin addiction treatment is through a holistic lens that may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Case management and peer support

We will monitor your progress during your heroin addiction treatment program and update your treatment program accordingly to provide you with the best possible treatment with less risk of relapse.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Your Best Choice for an Outpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment Program in Colorado

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction and needs the help of a heroin rehab center, we at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can give you the help you need. If you would like to learn more about medication for heroin abuse and how it can help break your heroin addiction, call 833.448.0127 or reach out to our team online today to speak with a member of our supportive staff.

3 Signs You Need a Heroin Rehab Center

Heroin is an incredibly addictive drug, and it’s important to be aware of the signs that someone may be abusing it. Because heroin addiction can develop quickly, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and get someone help as soon as possible. This illicit drug can cause a number of physical and mental health issues, so knowing what to look out for is vital.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our heroin rehab center can give you a fighting chance at recovery through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy. Our heroin addiction treatment program will help you see the devastating effects heroin has on your mind and body and give you healthy coping skills to maintain your sobriety effectively. If you or a loved one is addicted to heroin and wants to quit, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about heroin addiction treatment in Colorado at our center

The Top Signs You Need a Heroin Rehab Center

Heroin addiction is devastating physically, mentally, and socially. Even though you can see and feel the damage that heroin is causing, your brain will continue to push you to use more.

Recognizing the signs of heroin abuse is the first step in overcoming this powerful addiction.

Some of the top signs of heroin abuse or addiction include:

  1. Physical signs – You may think that you have your heroin use under control. Unfortunately, as addiction takes over your body, several physical symptoms may become apparent. These can include confused thinking or disorientation, persistent dry mouth, constricted pupils, nausea, vomiting, constipation, cognitive challenges such as impaired decision-making, and excessive tiredness or drowsiness.
  2. Broken relationships – Heroin addiction can make you do things you would not even consider doing before your addiction took over. While addicted to heroin, people will lie, cheat, and steal from family and friends, even threatening physical harm. Their only goal in life is to get more heroin, and nothing will stop them from getting it. If you notice your relationships are splintered or broken, this may be a sign that heroin addiction has come between you and your loved ones.
  3. Mental health decline – The use of heroin or other substances may be interrelated with other mental health issues. If you identify that you may also be experiencing depression or anxiety, your drug use may be a symptom of a dual diagnosis or combination of mental health and substance use disorder. It is important to understand that neither of these will resolve themselves independently without the support of trained professionals to help you overcome and start on the road to recovery.

While any one of these signs may not indicate that you need a heroin rehab center, the combination should be a sign that you require assistance in a heroin addiction treatment program.

How a Heroin Rehab Center Can Help

One of the most effective approaches to heroin addiction rehab is medication-assisted treatment. MAT combines counseling or behavioral therapies with prescription medications like Suboxone to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment can make it easier to focus on the underlying triggers for heroin abuse, develop new coping skills, and successfully maintain long-term recovery. This approach does not simply swap one drug for another—the medications used in MAT are essential to help reduce cravings and get your brain chemistry back in balance. As your body adjusts to sobriety, you can work with addiction specialists in our heroin rehab center to develop healthier life skills and behaviors.

Benefits of a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

An effective heroin addiction treatment program will include medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy for a well-rounded treatment program. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we will evaluate you when you first arrive and design your heroin addiction treatment program around your individual needs.

A heroin rehab program can help you:

  • Improve your self-esteem and confidence
  • Form healthy coping skills
  • Build a stronger family bond
  • Give you a second chance at life

Our medical staff will administer and monitor your MAT program to decrease your withdrawal symptoms and cravings. At the same time, our trained therapists will work with you to discover the reasons behind your addiction and help you build healthy coping skills that you will use throughout your life to maintain your sobriety.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Effective Heroin Rehab Today

Our staff of trained professionals at our heroin rehab center in Thornton, Colorado, is here to help those fighting heroin addiction using a holistic approach. Our heroin addiction treatment program treats the whole person, not just the disease. Every step of the way, we will be with you and your family, providing the support, guidance, and encouragement that is essential for successful recovery.

If you or a loved one is ready to break free from heroin addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our heroin rehab center.

Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Addiction

The addictiveness of heroin makes it one of the most commonly abused drugs in the U.S. People often turn to drugs like heroin after running out of prescription opioids or as a way to cope with mental health issues. Heroin addiction treatment in Colorado can help you break the cycle of addiction and demonstrate that recovery is possible with the proper treatment and support.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers you a path forward that helps you achieve recovery and break free of your heroin addiction. Call 833.448.0127 today or reach out online to get started.

How Does Heroin Addiction Start?

The path toward heroin addiction starts with developing a dependency. Heroin is an opioid that works by binding to opioid receptors located on different cells in your central nervous system, including your brain. It produces euphoric feelings as a reward to encourage users to continue using heroin to replicate the experience. Once heroin dependency develops, people often take larger quantities of the drug. Long-term heroin use can turn that dependency into an addiction.

Once you end up with a full-blown heroin addiction, imagining your life without the drug can be hard. That’s where you can benefit from receiving treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We understand the complexity of battling substance abuse. We create individualized treatment plans to help clients with their specific issues.

What Are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?

People often gain a sense of comfort from ongoing heroin use. Things around you may seem to slow down, which affects your thinking and movements. You may feel as though you’re in a constant fog. Individuals with a heroin addiction may feel drowsy all the time.

Other common signs of heroin abuse include:

  • Small pupils that look like a black center in your eyes
  • Track marks on the skin
  • Moving between semi-consciousness and full consciousness
  • Constant itching
  • Nausea
  • Flushed skin
  • A feeling of heaviness in arms and legs
  • Dry mouth
  • Vomiting

Over time, you can develop issues like:

  • Insomnia
  • Heart infection
  • Lung issues
  • Mental disorders
  • Gastrointestinal problems

Injecting heroin increases your risk of contracting a virus like HIV or hepatitis through sharing needles or other forms of fluid sharing. You can also end up taking heroin mixed with other substances that are harmful to your system.

The Risk of Heroin Overdose

Heroin overdose is a real and serious danger. The opioid component of heroin is incredibly potent, and the risk of overdose increases when it is mixed with other drugs like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or even opioids such as fentanyl. If you spot the signs of heroin addiction in yourself or a loved one, do not wait to seek professional treatment and get help.

How Can I Treat a Heroin Addiction?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be effective in helping individuals overcome an addiction to heroin. Many people avoid seeking treatment because they fear the effects of heroin withdrawal symptoms, which can include:

  • Moodiness
  • Insomnia
  • Cravings
  • Depression
  • Body aches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Restlessness

Most people start experiencing withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours of their last dose of heroin. The length of time you remain in withdrawal depends on the severity of your addiction. MAT can alleviate many of the symptoms typical to go through heroin withdrawal. That often helps individuals complete a drug treatment program and can help them remain in recovery longer without relapsing.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

Recovery is a lifelong process that requires constant vigilance and maintenance. Successful completion of a rehab program is only the first part of the process. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery gives clients the tools needed to overcome difficult situations that often come up in their lives. We teach clients to apply various techniques to situations that could potentially trigger a relapse.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery believes in taking a whole-body approach to treatment. We evaluate each client to ensure we understand all aspects of their illness. That helps us craft better treatment plans to increase a client’s chances of a positive outcome.

Additional therapies and services offered through Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery include:

Start the process of overcoming your heroin addiction by contacting Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery online or calling 833.448.0127.

Heroin Overdose Symptoms

An overdose is taking a high dosage of a substance that causes harm to the body. People who use drugs such as heroin may get addicted to and become tolerant of the drug. Thus, they may use a higher amount of the drug than their body can handle. Continued drug use may lead to an overdose, which can be fatal. However, early identification of heroin overdose symptoms can prevent further harm and help individuals recover.

If you’re battling an addiction to heroin, start the addiction treatment program ay CMAR today by calling 833.448.0127.

What Are the Symptoms of a Heroin Overdose?

Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs manufactured from the opium poppy plant. Since individuals purchase heroin illegally, they may lack information on the strength of the substance. Also, some sellers mix this substance with other dangerous drugs such as fentanyl. This increases the potency of the drug and the potential side effects.

A person may show various heroin overdose symptoms depending on their usage. For instance, the purity of the drug and the amount taken determine the symptoms one shows. Moreover, using this substance alongside other drugs such as alcohol may affect the signs shown.

What are the symptoms of a heroin overdose? Some of the early signs include:

  • Shallow breathing
  • Weak pulse
  • Blue nails
  • Low blood pressure

Overdosing on heroin can also lead to constipation, confusion, and drowsiness. Other signs of a heroin overdose are gasping for breath, pale skin, and a discolored tongue.

Seeking heroin overdose treatment can help control the effects of the drug. However, if someone does not obtain medical help, they may experience severe heroin overdose symptoms. For instance, one may lose consciousness and experience spasms and seizures. In other cases, a person might stop breathing or experience visual hallucinations. 

Heroin Overdose Treatment

Overdosing on heroin may cause one to fall into a coma, which puts their life at risk. For example, if one vomits while unconscious, they may choke and die. So, it is crucial to obtain emergency medical attention if one suspects a person is overdosing. It’s also important to keep the person awake and get information about the incident. Such information includes the amount of heroin used and if the individual took other drugs.

Medics can treat a heroin overdose using a naloxone antidote. This drug will cause an immediate withdrawal of heroin from the body, leading to withdrawal effects such as stomach pain and diarrhea. Seeking help from an opioid treatment center can promote safety and comfort during withdrawal. 

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Many people who overdose on heroin are already addicted to the substance. Still, depending on their tolerance, one can overdose on the drug the first time they use it. Seeking heroin addiction treatment or a medication-assisted treatment program can help a person stop using the substance and avoid overdosing.

However, withdrawing from heroin can lead to adverse side effects, such as seizures. Therefore, one should detox in a facility that offers medication-assisted treatment. Some of the most common drugs used to reduce heroin withdrawal effects are methadone and buprenorphine.  

During treatment, one can undergo therapy to help them deal with the psychological aspect of addiction. Individual therapy also helps one manage the stress associated with prolonged drug abuse. Some of the therapies used in heroin addiction treatment include;

  • Family therapy
  • Individual therapy treatment
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy 
  • Group therapy

Start Recovering Today at CMAR

Heroin overdose symptoms may escalate and lead to death if one does not get treatment. At CMAR, we provide an outpatient treatment program for heroin addiction. We supplement our addiction treatment with peer support and physical healthcare services. This measure ensures that a person is in a proper mental and physical state for treatment. Contact CMAR at 833.448.0127 or online to start your long-term heroin addiction treatment.

Drug Overdose Symptoms

One of the most dangerous risks associated with drug use is the potential for an overdose. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose can help you prevent a tragedy from happening.

Drug overdoses are actually brain injuries that result when a patient lacks sufficient oxygen supply to the brain. Overdoses may be intentional or unintentional, although the latter happens more frequently. Every time you use recreational drugs (or even prescribed drugs outside their indications), you run the risk of suffering drug overdose symptoms and needing to seek drug addiction treatment. All drugs should be strictly used according to a qualified physician’s prescription. And if you’re struggling with an addiction to opioids, such as heroin or OxyCodone, contact our drug addiction treatment center at 833.448.0127 today.

Why Do Drug Overdoses Happen?

Drug overdoses occur when the dose used exceeds what your body can handle, leading to a dangerous and potentially fatal reaction. One common cause of overdose is when an individual takes multiple drugs at once, such as mixing opioid painkillers with alcohol or taking a combination of illegal and prescribed drugs.

Relapse can also be a factor in overdose. Someone who has been abstinent or clean for an extended period of time may accidentally take too large of a dose if they return to using due to cravings. Medication-assisted treatment can be the key to avoiding this problem, as it helps to control cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. Some medications can also prevent overdoses by blocking the effects of drugs and alcohol.

Common Drug Overdose Symptoms

Common symptoms of drug overdose include:

  • Physiological symptoms – Rapid heartbeat, increased body temperature, dilated pupils, and blue lips or fingertips
  • Respiratory symptoms – Chest pain, difficulty or cessation of breathing, and airway obstruction (gargling or choking sounds)
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
  • Behavioral and neurological symptoms – Confusion, aggression or violent behavior, unconsciousness, and seizures

The signs of drug overdose vary according to the type of drug and body chemistry of the person. Different people may experience various symptoms, even after overdosing on the same drug. If you or anyone else think they may have overdosed on any drug, you need immediate drug overdose treatment. In the longer term, addiction treatment therapy can help you or your loved one beat their addiction.

Opioid Overdose

Opioids are drugs or medications that come from the opium plant. These can induce a euphoric high, but they can be dangerous drugs when taken in large quantities. Signs of opioid overdose include:

  • Extremely dilated or pinpoint pupils
  • Slack or droopy muscles
  • Being awake but unable to talk
  • Pale or clammy skin
  • Slow or erratic heartbeat and breathing

The first thing to do when you suspect alcohol poisoning is to call 911. If you have access to the medication naloxone, use it as quickly as possible. If you need medication-assisted treatment, contact CMAR.

Heroin Overdose

Heroin is a type of opioid that carries the risk of overdose whenever it is used. Common signs of drug overdose from heroin include slow or shallow breathing, looking or feeling spaced out, bluish lips, nails and fingertips, weak pulse, lethargy, confusion, dry mouth, tiny pupils, and unresponsiveness.

Experiencing or watching someone experience a heroin overdose can be frightening, and this overdose can easily turn fatal if not managed swiftly. Always seek emergency medical attention if you suspect someone has overdosed. If you are struggling with opioid abuse, contact our opioid addiction treatment center.

What to Do if Someone Has Overdosed

Many Americans are more likely to die from drug overdose than from motor vehicle accidents. Opioid overdose is currently the most common cause of preventable deaths in the U.S. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to know what to do in the event you come across someone who is showing drug overdose symptoms. If you think you or another person has overdosed, call 911 and stay with the person until the paramedics arrive. Ensure that they stop using whatever drug they’re on and report your suspicions to the emergency line. Someone will guide you regarding what to do as you wait for assistance.

Find Effective Treatment at CMAR Today

If someone you love has recently overdosed on opioids, it is clear that drug addiction treatment is needed. After emergency treatment for drug overdose symptoms, you need to get yourself or your loved one professional drug overdose treatment and rehabilitation therapy. Treatment can help to prevent a relapse and further overdoses.

CMAR is here to provide you with evidence-based substance use disorder treatment in Colorado. Reach out to our team at 833.448.0127 or contact us online to learn more.

3 Signs Your Loved One Is Addicted to Heroin

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

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

Why Is Heroin Addiction so Dangerous?

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

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

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

3 Heroin Addiction Signs That Point to a Growing Problem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 Reasons Why You Should Enter a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

Heroin addiction is a serious mental health disorder affecting millions of men and women in the U.S. annually. It is a fast-acting opioid with a high abuse and addiction rate and creates powerful withdrawal symptoms that can make detoxing alone dangerous. For men and women struggling with addiction, a heroin addiction treatment program can help them through the recovery process with less risk of relapse and overdose.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide safe and effective heroin addiction treatment for men and women struggling with addiction to heroin or other substances. We take the time to get to know each patient’s unique symptoms and severity of the addiction. They take that information and create a tailored treatment program that addresses the physical and mental aspects of their addiction. Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and want help with their addiction recovery.

The Difficulties of Treating Heroin Addiction

Treating heroin addiction can be difficult as men and women who struggle with addiction will go to great lengths to hide it from friends and family. As their addiction grows and tolerance levels increase, they become obsessed with drug abuse and will do anything necessary to get more. This can include stealing from loved ones, lying about their drug use, and threatening violence if someone tries to stop them.

If you are concerned that a friend or loved one is abusing heroin, look for these signs of heroin addiction:

  • Changes in behavior
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Needle or track marks on arms, legs, or in between fingers and toes
  • Paranoia
  • Worsening physical appearance or lack of personal hygiene
  • Finding drug paraphernalia such as burned spoons, needles and syringes, glass pipes, and missing shoe laces

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide men and women in Colorado with safe and effective heroin addiction treatment. We offer a full range of addiction treatment programs using a combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies for a well-rounded treatment experience.

3 Reasons to Enroll in a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

The best form of treatment for heroin addiction involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies. Patients will receive medical support to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while developing healthy coping skills to maintain their sobriety through group and individual behavioral therapy sessions.

Here are three reasons why you should enter a heroin addiction treatment program:

  1. A safer way to detox – Detoxing from heroin addiction can be deadly if patients try to detox alone. Medication is used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, giving patients a chance to focus on their recovery with less risk of relapse.
  2. Gain healthy coping skills – Patients work with behavioral therapists one-on-one to develop healthy coping skills to help them confront the feelings that led to the addiction. During group therapy, they practice these skills with their peers under careful supervision by therapists who will make note of any troubling behavior that needs addressing.
  3. Improved confidence and self-esteem – Patients work with peers during group therapy to practice coming skills and build their confidence. The more they practice these skills, the more confident they become in reaching their goal of lifelong sobriety.

Learn more about how a heroin addiction treatment program can help you by using our online contact form.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Your Top Resource for Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers safe and effective treatment for heroin addiction for men and women from all walks of life. We provide outpatient treatment that combines medication-assisted treatment and various forms of behavioral therapies, such as:

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

Our patients graduate from their addiction treatment program with the skills they need for lifelong, sustainable recovery. For more information about our heroin addiction treatment program, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our compassionate staff about enrolling in our outpatient addiction treatment facility.

Characteristics of a Good Heroin Rehab

Heroin rehab can be a significant struggle if you do not have the proper care to help you through some of the painful withdrawal symptoms. Finding the right heroin addiction rehab center can help you get through your detox and continue your addiction treatment with behavioral and group therapy.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our heroin addiction treatment program can help you get over your heroin addiction with our medication-assisted and behavioral therapy. A certified therapist will develop a treatment program based on your initial evaluation and continue to update your treatment as necessary. If you or someone you love is struggling to beat heroin addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our heroin rehab center in Colorado.

What to Look For in a Heroin Rehab Center in Colorado

If you are struggling with an addiction to heroin and have failed to stop on your own, it is time to look into a heroin rehab center with the right addiction treatment programs for you. Addiction is as unique as the individual that is suffering through it. The right heroin rehab center will understand this and base their treatment according to the individual and their progress through the program.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Evidence-based treatment is scientific-backed evidence of addiction treatment with a proven track record of success that is well documented and researched. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are two evidence-based behavioral treatment options with a high level of success in addiction recovery.

A well-rounded heroin addiction treatment program will include behavioral therapy along with individual, group, and family therapy sessions.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Severe withdrawal symptoms can accompany heroin withdrawal. For this reason, an addiction treatment program may include medication-assisted treatment. This can reduce withdrawal symptoms which can get in the way of your addiction recovery.

The FDA has approved the following drugs to help reduce painful withdrawal symptoms, reduce your cravings, and block the euphoric effect drugs and alcohol have:

  • Buprenorphine
  • Suboxone
  • Naltrexone
  • Naloxone

Evaluation and Case Management

At the time of your enrollment, you will go through an evaluation process to determine the best course of action in your treatment. This might include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family counseling

As you move through the program, your therapist will update your treatment plan depending on your progress. MAT is useful in getting you through your withdrawal symptoms to focus on your recovery but is a short-term solution. In some severe cases, the medication that blocks the euphoric sensations from heroin may be taken long-term with continued support from an outpatient program.

Outpatient Programs

For those who have gone through a detox program or residential addiction treatment and still want help coping with their addiction, an outpatient program can continue their heroin addiction treatment while maintaining a normal work schedule. Patients can attend outpatient programs a few hours each day or week, depending on their treatment, and fits around their busy lives.

Telehealth options can also be available when you cannot make it into a treatment facility.

Heroin Addiction Treatment in Colorado: The Road to Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our heroin addiction treatment center can help you with your heroin rehab with our heroin detox program and outpatient therapy with the best treatment options based on your individual needs. We use a combination of behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to help you continue your recovery from heroin addiction.

Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to speak with one of our supportive therapists about our heroin rehab center and how we can help you begin on the road to recovery.

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.