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3 Benefits of Pain Management

The journeys and experiences that can contribute to substance use disorder (SUD) are unique to each individual. A family history of addiction, a traumatic event, or chronic pain can all play a role in developing SUD. Pain management is an important tool for individuals struggling with addiction and can provide multiple benefits to those trying to maintain sobriety. Especially for those struggling with addiction to prescription painkillers, understanding how to manage and cope with chronic pain can be critical.

The addiction and pain management program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can provide a path to long-term recovery. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak to an admissions specialist and get started.

What Is Pain Management and How Can It Help in Addiction Recovery?

Pain management is a treatment approach that aims to alleviate or manage pain in participants. This type of treatment is well-suited for people in addiction recovery because it addresses physical pain without the use of addictive substances. Pain management can offer individuals a safe and effective way to manage pain and improve their overall quality of life.

The Benefits of Pain Management Programs

1. Improved Quality of Life

One of the most significant benefits of pain management is the improvement in the quality of life for participants. Chronic pain can limit a person’s ability to enjoy daily activities, participate in hobbies, and even perform work-related tasks. With pain management, clients can get relief from pain and increase their energy and motivation to enjoy life in a way that was previously not possible.

2. A Reduced Risk of Relapse

Managing pain during addiction recovery can be challenging, particularly for people who are used to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. Pain management can reduce the risk of relapse by providing clients with safe and effective ways to manage their pain. Additionally, pain management can improve an individual’s focus and concentration, which can help them stay engaged in their addiction treatment program.

3. Increased Overall Well-being

Finally, pain management can result in a significant increase in overall well-being for individuals in addiction recovery. Chronic pain can take a significant toll on the body and mind, leading to decreased energy, poor sleep, and low mood. With effective pain management, participants can manage their pain symptoms, get adequate rest, and enjoy improved emotional well-being.

What to Expect in a Pain Management Program

While every program may vary slightly, there are some common elements to pain management programs. Generally speaking, clients can expect the following:

  • A comprehensive assessment of their physical and mental health needs
  • Individualized treatment plans tailored to their individual needs
  • Care coordinated with other healthcare providers involved in their recovery process
  • Education on safe and effective ways to manage pain
  • Referrals to other services or resources that may be beneficial

As part of a comprehensive recovery program, pain management can be an essential part of successful addiction treatment. With the right support and guidance, people in recovery can find relief from physical pain and get back to living a meaningful life.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

If you or a loved one is dealing with addiction and chronic pain, call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today. Our team of professionals can provide an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve long-term recovery and improved quality of life. We understand the importance of managing pain as part of the recovery process and are committed to providing safe and effective treatment services.

Don’t wait any longer to take your first step towards a life free from addiction. Call 833.448.0127 or reach out online today to speak to an admissions specialist and start your journey to recovery.

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

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.

Treating Pain in Patients with Addiction

Treating pain and addiction requires a multi-pronged approach using medication and various types of behavioral and holistic therapy. Each person feels and reacts to pain differently. For people suffering from chronic pain, taking opioid pain medication for an extended period of time can cause serious dependence and addiction. Those who develop an addiction to their pain medication can enroll in an addiction and pain management program to ease withdrawals and cravings while still managing their pain.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with addiction to Fentanyl, Percocet, or other opioid pain medication. We know how difficult life can be when dealing with constant or chronic pain. If not managed properly, pain can cause depression, anxiety, and a severe addiction to pain medication or harder drugs. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to pain medication, call 833.448.0127 or send us a message online for more information about our addiction and pain management program.

The Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Addiction

Opioid pain medication is one of the most prescribed types of medication for treating pain after an accident, surgery, or pain from certain cancers or chronic conditions. It works by binding with opioid receptors in the body and blocks the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the central nervous system. Opioids do have a high risk of addiction and dependence with long-term use and should not be taken for longer than 30 days.

If you are taking opioid pain medication, do not stop taking the medication suddenly, as that will cause withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids that are hard to resist without help. Some of the common signs of opioid withdrawal include:

  • Intense cravings
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • High blood pressure

Working with your doctor to manage chronic pain reduces the chances of forming an addiction, as does staying away from drugs or alcohol while taking the pain medication. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medical experts work closely with each patient to find the right combination of medications to treat the addiction while still providing the appropriate level of pain relief. In addition, they will participate in behavioral therapy to talk about what caused the addiction in the first place.

Best Methods for Treating Pain and Addiction

People suffering from chronic pain and addiction can find support at an accredited addiction treatment center that combines medication and behavioral therapy for a well-rounded treatment experience. Patients will work with a certified therapist in group and private sessions while medical staff administer medications and monitor them for any adverse reactions or increase in pain levels.

Here are some of the best methods for treating pain and addiction:

  • Medication management—Using opioid-based medication to treat opioid addiction is an accepted practice and has shown to be very beneficial in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medical staff will make adjustments to the dosage to find the right combination for maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
  • Behavioral therapy—Therapists will work closely with each patient to uncover the root cause of the addiction and teach them healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms. During group therapy, patients will gain valuable insight from their peers and see how addiction affects everyone in different ways.
  • Family therapy—One important step in the recovery process is to involve family. Parents, spouses, and children will learn all about the damage opioids can cause and how they can help aid in the recovery process. They also get a chance to talk with a therapist to vent any frustrations or anger about the addiction without judgment.

Treating chronic pain and addiction is possible through an accredited treatment program that utilizes medication to manage pain and addiction symptoms.

Treat Chronic Pain at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide outpatient treatment programs for men and women struggling with addiction to opioid pain medication. We can treat chronic pain and addiction simultaneously using medication and behavioral therapy that teaches patients about the dangers of addiction while still managing their pain levels. The types of treatment programs and therapies we offer include:

  • In-person and online outpatient treatment programs
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Pain and addiction management
  • Family therapy
  • Neurofeedback therapy

To discover all of the benefits of our pain and addiction treatment programs, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to speak with our team about enrolling at our addiction treatment center.

The Benefits of Pain Management Programs

What is pain management? This program works with those who live with chronic pain and who are susceptible to opioid pain medication addiction. Chronic pain is characterized as any physical pain in your body that last for more than 12 days. For some people, pain occurs on a daily basis for several years and can seriously impact their mental health and overall well-being. A pain management program works with people who struggle with addiction and dealing with chronic or acute pain after surgery, sports injury, fall, or a car accident.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we work with people from all backgrounds who are in pain and don’t want their addiction symptoms and cravings to return. Our medication-assisted treatment uses medications for treating pain and addiction. As their pain subsides, they will begin tapering off the medication instead of stopping suddenly, which can cause opioid withdrawals and cravings. To learn more about our pain management program, reach out to our knowledgeable staff today by calling 833.448.0127.

What Is Pain Management?

Those who live with chronic pain deal with persistent pain that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Over 50 million people in the US live with chronic pain, with about 20 million living with intense or high-impact chronic pain. In some cases, they take non-opioid pain medication that minimizes some of their pain, but not all of it.

The most common types of chronic pain include:

  • Arthritis or joint pain
  • Back or neck pain
  • Cancer pain near a tumor
  • Migraines
  • Ice pick headaches
  • Testicular pain

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we work closely with each patient to create a thorough treatment program that addresses all of their needs. We discuss all aspects of treatment and answer any questions patients have, such as what pain management is and how it can benefit their recovery.

The Benefits of Enrolling in a Pain Management Program

There are many benefits of working with a doctor or treatment center to help manage their medication and reduce the risk of forming an addiction.  This is especially critical for those who are now sober but worry their symptoms will return if they take opioid pain medication.

Just some of the benefits of a pain management program include:

  • A team of behavioral therapists and medical staff work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that takes into consideration any chronic or acute pain from surgery or a car accident and any previous addiction.
  • Medical staff will administer medications that will reduce their pain without causing any withdrawals or cravings for opioids or alcohol. They will monitor patients for any adverse effects from the medication and adjust their dose for maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
  • As part of a pain management program, patients will participate in behavioral therapy to treat the mental aspect of addiction. Therapists teach patients healthy coping skills for managing stress and their triggers.
  • In addition, most treatment centers offer family therapy to help restore any broken trust or relationships due to the addiction and teach them how to create a supportive home environment.

Pain management is crucial for people who live with chronic pain to lead a productive and happy life without the fear of becoming addicted to opioid pain medication.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Offers Safe Pain Management

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer outpatient treatment for people who are struggling with addiction caused by chronic pain.  In addition to our medication-assisted treatment, patients will participate in various therapy programs, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Co-occurring disorder treatment
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Case management

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call 833.448.0127 or send us a message online today about enrolling in our addiction treatment facility.

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.