Opioid Treatment Center Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Top Naloxone Benefits for Opioid Addiction

Posted on June 7, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Naloxone is an opioid addiction treatment medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. One of the top naloxone benefits for opioid addiction is that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain. This action reverses or blocks the effects of other opioids that enter the central nervous system. The drug can prevent fatalities or long-term health problems that arise from an overdose.

The FDA has approved naloxone is approved to prevent overdoses from illicit drugs and prescription medications. Therefore, it is relatively safe to use. The top naloxone benefits for opioid addiction make it a popular medication at our opioid addiction treatment center in Colorado. To learn more about the benefits of this medication, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 or online.

Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based practice for treating addiction to opioids and alcohol. MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. The medications used in MAT act on the same parts of the brain affected by opioids and alcohol, but they do not cause a high or lead to dependence. In addition to minimizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, MAT can help patients make lifestyle changes that will enable them to stay sober in the long run.

MAT is most effective when used in combination with counseling, behavioral therapies, and other resources and services. In addition to increasing the chances of success in recovery, MAT plays an important role in helping people avoid overdose deaths. Overall, MAT is a safe and effective form of treatment that can help people achieve long-term sobriety and significantly improve their quality of life. With access to the right resources, people struggling with addiction can learn to manage their substance use disorder and live healthy, happy lives.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. The drug can prevent overdoses from common opioids, such as:

Oxycodone
Morphine
Valium
Heroin
Hydrocodone
Fentanyl

The drug is designed to block the effects of these other opioids. For instance, when you take morphine, the drug binds to the opioid receptors already in your brain. Binding to the receptors blocks the pain signals from the central nervous system to the brain. As a result, you feel less pain when you take opioids.

Opioids also produce a euphoric effect that produces pleasure. It makes you feel good. If you increase your morphine dosage, you may suffer from an overdose. Naloxone blocks the effects of morphine on the opioid receptors, essentially reversing their effects.

What Are the Top Naloxone Benefits for Opioid Addiction?

There are many benefits of using Naloxone to treat opioid addiction. Some of the most significant benefits are outlined below.

Overdose Prevention

Opioids affect the part of the brain that regulates breathing. When you overdose on opioids, you may experience slowed breathing. A high dosage can cause you to stop breathing and die. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, allowing you to breathe normally once again.

Craving Reduction

You can start to have cravings in as little as six hours after your last opioid dosage. A medication-assisted treatment program is able to reduce your cravings so that you do not relapse.

Reduction of Withdrawal Symptoms

In addition to having cravings, you may experience an array of withdrawal symptoms when you stop using opioids. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, shaking, insomnia, mood swings, high blood pressure, or even seizures. A naloxone treatment program can reduce withdrawal symptoms, making detox more tolerable.

Non-Addictive

Another one of the top naloxone benefits for opioid addiction is that, unlike other opioids, naloxone is non-addictive. Furthermore, naloxone does not work in your body unless there are other opioids present. So, you can’t get high from the drug or use it for recreational purposes.

Take-Home Medication

Some medication-assisted treatments must be monitored heavily. You can only use them inside a treatment center. Naloxone is one of the few drugs that you can use at home without supervision. You can use it when you are experiencing cravings regardless of where you are.

What to Consider Before Taking Naloxone

Although naloxone is an effective treatment in an opioid addiction treatment program, there are some things you need to consider before taking the drug. First, naloxone is not a primary form of addiction treatment. It should not be a replacement for therapy. Second, although naloxone does not have addictive properties, people can abuse it. If you find yourself abusing it, speak with your therapist.

Get Opioid Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

With the right treatment, you have a fighting chance to overcome your addiction. Naloxone may be the key to help you overcome your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. To learn more about the top naloxone benefits for opioids addiction, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 or online. We can help you get on the road to recovery.

Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Addiction

Posted on May 14, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

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

Posted on April 12, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

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.

Top 4 Benefits of a Suboxone Rehab Program

Posted on April 6, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Suboxone is a medication that can be used to curb the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. It can also curb cravings, which helps those in recovery focus on overcoming the underlying causes of substance use disorders. When paired with a structured rehab program, Suboxone rehab can be an effective way to maintain long-term sobriety and avoid relapse. It’s safe, has a low risk of abuse, and can make it easier to focus on therapy and counseling.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery’s addiction treatment programs incorporate Suboxone when appropriate to maximize the effectiveness of a patient’s treatment plan. Our outpatient programs, flexible scheduling options, and highly effective, evidence-based approach to treatment allow us to provide our patients with all the tools they need for lasting recovery from opioid addiction.

Suboxone rehab offers a wide range of benefits, and if you’re ready to begin the road to recovery with a team of addiction treatment specialists on your side, reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today. Contact us at 833.448.0127 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It works by activating opioid receptors in the brain while also blocking them from the effects of other opioids. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing an intense euphoric effect. Suboxone is safe, with a low risk of abuse or addiction. It’s typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive opioid addiction treatment program.

What Are The Benefits of Suboxone Rehab?

1. Successful Treatment Outcomes

In October 2002, the FDA approved the use of buprenorphine alongside behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorders. It was the first opioid dependency treatment drug administered outside structured clinics, including Suboxone treatment centers, due to its high success rate.

If you are addicted to opioid pain relievers, you can reduce the intake of the pills by half through Suboxone treatment. In addition, many experts note that dependency reduces when you stop using Suboxone. Therefore, treating opioid addiction using Suboxone is highly effective when compared to other alternatives.

For a holistic approach, therapists combine this program with several other addiction treatment therapies, including:

Addiction and pain management – If you struggle with chronic pain, it can be difficult to stop using opioids. That’s why pain management programs are a necessary part of opioid addiction treatment.
Mental health treatment programs – Mental health issues can contribute to substance abuse, and addressing them at the same time as the addiction can lead to lasting positive outcomes.
Telehealth program – Patients should be able to access care wherever they are.
Trauma-informed care – Past trauma can be a factor in substance use issues, and trauma-informed care helps patients work through their experiences in a safe, supportive environment.

Maybe you’ve been in treatment for opioid addiction in the past, have relapsed, and don’t know what to do next. The good news is that Suboxone rehab treatment can help you stay away from opioids and promote long-term sobriety.

2. Privacy and Discretion

Many people struggling with addiction fail to seek professional help for fear of judgment. They don’t want to lose their social standing or are afraid of what their friends or loved ones might think. This means that privacy is a crucial component in rehab. A Suboxone clinic allows you to undergo treatment by meeting with a therapist and getting relevant help discreetly.

Our outpatient treatment team can also prescribe the medication and allow you to take it at your convenience, saving you the trouble of burdening family members or the fear of losing your job. A Suboxone treatment center can help you embark on a successful recovery journey.

3. Minimal Side Effects

Not all medications used to treat addiction have minimal side effects, but Suboxone is a safe medication that is well-tolerated by most people. The side effects of Suboxone are usually mild, and when compared to other opioid medications, the risk of addiction is significantly lower.

When taken as prescribed, Suboxone can help you manage withdrawal symptoms while you focus on your recovery.

4. Reduces the Risk of Abuse

When you are trying to break free from opioid addiction, relapsing is always a risk. A Suboxone treatment center reduces this risk by providing you with the medication and monitoring your progress during treatment. It also helps to reduce the temptation of seeking out other drugs, as Suboxone is not an opioid that can be abused.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

At the Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we have a structured Suboxone rehab program to help you successfully overcome opioid use disorder. For permanent recovery from opioid dependency, our therapists first assess your condition before creating a customized treatment plan. We then provide ongoing support during and after treatment to ensure the success of your recovery journey.

If you are ready to take the step toward lasting sobriety, contact us today at 833.448.0127 to learn more about our Suboxone rehab programs.

Integrated Opioid Addiction Treatment

Posted on March 6, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

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

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

What Is Integrated Care for Opioid Addiction?

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

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

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

The Benefits of Integrated Opioid Addiction Treatment

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

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

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

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

Get Started on the Journey to Recovery at CMAR

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

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

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Posted on March 1, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an approach to addiction treatment that involves the use of FDA-approved medications to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. These medications aren’t meant to treat addiction alone but work best in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. Medication-assisted treatment can help to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and decrease the overall severity of opioid and alcohol use disorder symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment can help individuals regain control of their life, reduce potential harm from using drugs or alcohol, and ultimately help them reach sobriety.

This therapeutic approach can be especially helpful for those who have struggled to achieve sobriety through an abstinence-based program. If you’re ready to begin treatment that could change your life, reach out to CMAR at 833.448.0127 today.

Medications Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment

There are several medications that have been approved to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. These medications can be used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for an effective treatment approach.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid medication that is commonly used to treat opioid use disorder. This medication helps to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and ease withdrawal symptoms. It works by binding to certain opioid receptors in the brain, producing a milder effect than other opioids. While some medications contain only buprenorphine, others contain a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, such as Suboxone.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist that works in the brain to prevent the effects of illicit or prescribed opiates. When taken, a person may no longer have the desire to use opiates. Unlike other types of MAT, naltrexone can also be used in helping a person who is in recovery from alcohol addiction.

Naloxone

In some cases, people return to using opioids even after entering treatment. In that event, they may try to use the same level of opioids as they did before treatment, which can lead to overdose and possible death. Those who are taking naloxone, however, will be less likely to suffer an overdose due to the drug’s opioid-blocking effects. Naloxone is available in both injection and nasal spray forms and is most often used by first responders or family members in the event of an opioid overdose.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

One of the most common misconceptions about MAT is that a patient is transferring their addiction from substance to another. However, this is not the case. Doctors prescribe MAT as a short-term solution, not a replacement for opioids. This approach can actually make it easier for those in recovery to focus on long-term goals such as maintaining employment or finding stable housing. Additionally, MAT can help to reduce the risk of relapse and decrease symptoms related to opioid or alcohol use disorder.

Benefits of MAT include:

Reduced cravings – Since addiction medications can help reduce cravings, they can make it easier to focus on recovery goals.
Increased safety – By providing relief from withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings, it is less likely that individuals will turn to harmful substances.
Increased stability – Medication-assisted treatment can provide patients with the stability that they need to focus on their recovery and make lasting lifestyle changes.
Decreased risk of overdose – By providing opioid-blocking effects, naloxone can help to prevent overdoses in those who relapse.
Increased retention in treatment programs – MAT has been shown to increase the chances of staying in treatment programs, which can lead to better recovery outcomes.

When you first start your treatment for addiction, a specialist will assess your addiction and any co-occurring disorders you may have. From there, they can decide if you need MAT and what type is best for you. Treatment can begin as early as detox and continue through rehab. The goal of MAT is to help you stay sober and provide you with the resources and support needed to maintain a successful recovery.

Breaking the Stigma Surrounding MAT

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with medication-assisted treatment. Many people do not understand the purpose of using medications to treat addiction and assume that a person is simply replacing one addiction with another. Fortunately, more and more people are beginning to see the value in MAT as an effective treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorder.

It is important to remember that MAT is just one part of a comprehensive treatment program. When used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT can be a powerful tool in helping individuals manage their addiction and find lasting sobriety.

Learn More About Medication-Assisted Treatment at CMAR

Learn more about MAT at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We offer medication-assisted treatment as a part of our addiction treatment therapies in Colorado. Contact us at 833.448.0127 or reach out online to get started.

How to Help a Loved One with Opioid Addiction

Posted on February 27, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

If your loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s likely a scary and overwhelming time for everyone involved. Opioids have been in the news heavily for the past few decades—and for good reason. They are highly addictive, and overdoses claim many lives each year. The good news is that many lawmakers are taking this epidemic seriously and working to make real change. Furthermore, effective treatments both for opioid overdose and long-term recovery are available. Help with opioid addiction is within your grasp.

If your loved one is struggling and you’re seeking treatment for opioid addiction near you, call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We’re available at 833.448.0127, and you can also reach us by filling out our online form. Our qualified team is standing by to help connect you to the best resources possible.

What Are Opioids and What is Opioid Addiction?

Opioids are synthetic or semisynthetic forms of opiates. Opiates, which people have used in various forms for thousands of years, include heroin, morphine, and codeine. They are derived from or mimic natural substances found in opium poppy plants. In the modern day, well-known lab-created opioids include:

Fentanyl
Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Methadone
Tramadol (Ultram)

Drugs like these act on receptors in the brain, blocking chemical messages that enable one to feel pain. They also affect dopamine and serotonin activity, creating intense feelings of pleasure. Because of their chemical properties, opioids can be an effective medication for acute pain. Thus, doctors may prescribe them for patients who experienced serious injury or surgery. At low doses and over short periods of time, they can have positive therapeutic effects.

Nonetheless, opioids pose grave risks because of their addiction potential. The high many people feel taking opioids can lead them to keep seeking the drug after their prescription has ended. Moreover, the substance is chemically addictive, meaning the brain develops tolerance over time. This means the person using needs greater and greater amounts to achieve the same effect.

Many people who become addicted to opioids first try them through a legitimate pain-management prescription. Others become addicted to using opioids in an illicit context, such as sharing someone else’s prescription or buying from a dealer. Tragically, opioid addiction can result in overdose and death since, at high doses, the drugs suppress breathing and blood pressure.

What Happens in Opioid Addiction Treatment?

In an accredited treatment program for opioid addiction, patients benefit from a number of key services. These include:

Medication-assisted treatment – Using medications like buprenorphine and naloxone, doctors are able to reduce the pain patients often feel during withdrawal from opioids. This allows them to more comfortably rid their bodies of the addictive substance and reduces their chance of relapse. Receiving individualized physician care likewise allows for careful monitoring during recovery.
Individual therapy – After withdrawal, patients benefit hugely from talk therapy that gives them concrete tools for staying sober long term. Especially potent forms of talk therapy for addiction include cognitive-behavioral therapy geared toward reframing self-defeating thoughts. Dialectical-behavioral therapy can also help by incorporating mindfulness, meaning tolerance for one’s emotions.
Family or group therapy – Including a social dimension into recovery can be a game-changer since it reduces the isolation many people with addiction feel. It also builds a strong support network for the future. Family therapy has the added benefit of creating a space for healing from any damage a loved one’s drug use has caused.
Dual diagnosis – During substance abuse treatment, patients should also receive an assessment for any co-occurring mental health concerns. Disorders like ADHD, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder are fairly common among those who abuse opioids. These dual diagnoses help providers effectively treat underlying causes for drug use. They also ensure patients receive the therapies and medications they need for optimal mental health as well as physical recovery.

Get Help with Opioid Addiction Recovery Today at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we’re proud to offer effective treatment for opioid addiction and other forms of substance abuse. Outpatient and telehealth options likewise give our patients great ability to customize treatment and enjoy flexible scheduling. If your loved one is struggling, call us at 833.448.0127 or send us a message online. We’re eager to answer your questions and help your loved one take the first step toward lasting recovery today.

Drug Overdose Symptoms

Posted on February 21, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

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.

Finding the Right Help for Opiate Addiction

Posted on February 20, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Opiates are highly addictive, meaning that those who use them need increasing amounts over time to achieve the same effect. Many people originally take opiates like codeine or morphine because their doctor prescribed them to help manage serious pain. Unfortunately, opiates’ addictive nature poses many risks. Even those who had no intention of using opiates beyond their original prescription often end up doing so because the drug is so habit-forming.

If you’d like to learn more about getting help for opiate addiction near you, call 833.448.0127 or reach out online to talk to a staff member at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We specialize in precisely the type of treatment that’s considered the safest and most effective for opiate recovery.

What Are Opiates and What Makes Them Habit-Forming?

Opiates are a class of drug that occurs in nature, originally derived from the poppy plant. They’re very similar to opioids, which are semisynthetic or synthetic opiates. Opiates’ basic medicinal function is to treat pain or cause sleep. All contain opium or are derived from it. Opiates commonly used both legally and illegally include:

Heroin
Morphine
Codeine

Used in large doses or for an extended period, opiates produce a potent high. This is due to their ability to replace natural brain chemicals, neurotransmitters, which are linked to feelings of pleasure, reward, and habit formation. Unlike neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, however, opiate action creates abnormal messaging throughout the nervous system.

They also make it difficult to feel the same amount of stimulation from pleasurable non-drug-related activities. These activities, which include eating, socializing, and sex, previously represented peak experiences. This feature, in particular, contributes to opiates’ habit-forming nature. Long term, opiates also disrupt natural mood-regulating neurotransmitter production and function. This can lead to symptoms like depression and anxiety when a person stops using the opiate.

Features of Treatment Programs Providing Opiate Addiction Help

Getting professional help is the most reliable way to support opiate addiction recovery and long-term success in sobriety. A treatment program typically begins with medication-assisted detox. This means you or your loved one will receive medication to manage the more challenging withdrawal symptoms. Among these side effects are nausea, temperature fluctuations, vomiting, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal issues, and flu-like symptoms. Your doctor will assess your unique treatment needs, monitor your responses to medications, and adjust as needed. Medications like suboxone or buprenorphine can greatly increase your comfort during withdrawal.

Other key features of opiate treatment include:

Talk therapy administered one-on-one – Cognitive-behavioral therapy is especially useful since it focuses on reframing negative thoughts. It also helps patients identify and manage their triggers.
Dual diagnosis – When appropriate, a dual diagnosis may be given during treatment. This means that providers have identified an underlying mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder in your substance abuse behavior. Providers then work to treat the mental health concern at the same time that they facilitate addiction recovery.
Group therapy – Working with a peer group of others in recovery can help in many ways. It greatly increases patients’ sense of community, accountability, and ongoing support.
Family therapy – This form of treatment involves patients’ loved ones in the healing journey. It allows families to repair damaged relationships and build a strong support system for long-term sobriety.

Learn More About Opiate Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you or your loved one is coping with addiction to opiates, remember you’re not alone. While opiates’ synthetic forms, opioids, get more attention in the news, opiate addiction remains common and gravely serious. The good news is that treatment can be highly effective. Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 or reach out to us online to begin the healing journey today.

Find Out What Pain Management Treatment Is and if It’s Right for You

Posted on December 12, 2022 by cmarnew

Chronic pain can be an underlying factor in what leads to drug or alcohol addiction. This pain may be the result of an accident, injury, or illness. Often, opioids are prescribed to provide pain relief. While these powerful medications are effective in the short term, they can quickly lead to an addiction.

It’s easy to think that what’s prescribed by a doctor must be safe, but opioid use can quickly spiral out of control. Pain management treatment is an option that can help to provide relief without the risk of addiction. By using therapies and medications that are non-addictive, pain can be managed safely. Learn more about addiction and pain management by reaching out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today.

What Is Pain Management Treatment?

Pain management treatment is an approach to pain relief that focuses on both treating and managing pain. It involves a combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes that are tailored to a person’s individual needs.

The medications used in pain management treatment are designed to provide relief without the risk of addiction. They include:

Naloxone – Used to reverse opioid overdose, this medication can help people who are already dependent on opioids to reduce their need for the drug.
Buprenorphine – A partial opioid agonist, this medication is used to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone – This medication helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also blocking the effects of opioids.
Non-opioid pain medications – These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen.

While these medications can provide relief, they are only part of what pain management treatment involves. An effective plan also includes lifestyle changes and therapies to help reduce pain and stress.

Therapy and Pain Management Treatment

Why is therapy important for pain management treatment? Therapy can help people to better understand their pain and figure out what may be causing it. By exploring the underlying causes, it’s possible to create a plan for managing the pain.

Behavioral therapies can help people to manage their pain through relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes. These may include exercise, yoga, meditation, and other forms of self-care. The goal is to create a plan that allows people to live a more fulfilling life without relying on opioids.

How Pain Management Fits into Addiction Treatment

Pain management plays an important role in addiction treatment. Typically, a comprehensive treatment plan will include approaches like medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes.

MAT helps people to cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms in a safe way. By using medications that reduce the risk of addiction, people are able to focus on what’s most important: recovery. Without this focus on pain relief, it can be very difficult to stay in recovery. Working through this underlying pain is an important part of relapse prevention.

Find Pain Management Treatment near You at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand what it takes to manage pain without relying on opioids. Our experienced team of doctors and therapists are committed to helping people suffering from addiction find relief without the risk of an opioid dependency.

We offer a variety of therapies and medications to help people manage their pain in our center, including:

Trauma-informed care – The goal of this approach is to identify and address the underlying causes of pain in a safe environment.
Family support – We believe that family support is an essential part of recovery, and we’re committed to working with families to provide the guidance and care needed for lasting success.
Case management – Legal troubles, housing, and employment can all be barriers to recovery. Our case management team is here to help people navigate these obstacles and find the support they need.

Reach out today at 833.448.0127 to find out what pain management treatment options are available at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Our team is ready to help you start your journey to recovery.