Rehab Programs Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

How to Plan for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Posted on June 15, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Addiction is a chronic disease that cannot be cured by simply quitting cold turkey. Those who are struggling with severe addiction might spend anywhere from six to 12 months in an addiction treatment program. For those that repeatedly return to opioids or alcohol after months or years of sobriety, a long-term recovery program will work to finally control your addiction. When you speak with one of our trained therapists, they will give you a complete program overview of what your long-term recovery will look like.

At our addiction treatment center in Colorado, we offer addiction treatment programs that will help you manage your addiction no matter how long it takes. When you are ready to begin, call 833.448.0127 to speak with a therapist about starting a long-term recovery program.

Three Stages of Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Most addiction treatment programs tailor toward the patient’s specific needs, but each treatment plan falls into three stages of recovery. When done correctly, these stages will run simultaneously so you can build healthy coping skills for sustainable recovery.

1. Medically Assisted Detoxification

Depending on how severe your addiction is and what substance you are abusing will determine how severe your withdrawal symptoms can be. Drugs like suboxone and buprenorphine can help ease some of the withdrawal symptoms you will experience while you detox.

Convulsions
Vomiting
Chills and shivering
Hallucinations
Depression

This first stage is physically punishing, and our supportive therapists will help you through this stage until you are ready to move on. Some detox programs can last from three to six months, depending on the severity of the addiction.

2. Rehabilitation Therapy

Once the drugs or alcohol are out of your system, now you will begin the stage of learning about the underlying causes of addiction and how you can avoid relapse in the future. Some of the therapies and programs you might participate in include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that are associated with addiction. This type of therapy helps people learn how to develop healthier coping skills, manage cravings, and recognize triggers in order to prevent relapse.

Multidimensional Family Therapy

Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) combines individual, group, and family interventions. It focuses on the relationships between the addicted person and their family to address underlying issues related to substance use.

Case Management

Case management is a personalized approach to treatment that focuses on the individual needs of the patient. It includes helping patients obtain resources to support their recovery and establishing an appropriate aftercare plan. Case managers provide links between medical, social, legal, and mental health services so that people with substance use disorders can receive comprehensive care.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy addresses the issues that contribute to substance use. This type of therapy helps people identify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their substance use, develop healthier coping strategies, and learn how to recognize triggers for relapse.

3. Continued Support

After you have gone through time in detox and cognitive-behavioral therapy, your support does not stop once you go back out into the world. You won’t be alone while you continue with your long-term recovery program.

Continued care is essential for a successful recovery, and many programs will help in your continued fight against addiction.

Telehealth – Remote counseling sessions can help when you can’t get to your treatment center.
Outpatient group therapy – Building lifelong bonds with those in your group will be a powerful tool to help you maintain your recovery.
Friends and family – Your loved ones want to see you healthy and happy and are there for you to help keep you focused on your goals.

Planning for Long-Term Addiction Recovery at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Before you begin a long-term addiction recovery program, you will need to take care of several things, as your treatment can sometimes take several weeks or months. Financial and personal responsibilities will need to be addressed, so you do not have to worry about them during your treatment program. Some of the things we can help with include:

Power of attorney – Having someone responsible for your affairs while in recovery is crucial if you are responsible for property or a family.
Work responsibilities – Talk with your employer about your recovery and let them know how much time you will need. Many companies will hold your job and may offer financial assistance.
At-home responsibilities – If you are single and have pets, they will need to be cared for. You will want those fur babies happy and healthy when you return.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the difficulties in planning for long-term addiction recovery. We will work with you as best we can to make your time with us productive and life-changing. When you are ready to start your recovery, call 833.448.0127 today to talk to a member of our team.

3 Benefits of Recovery Groups

Posted on June 13, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

If you are addicted to opioids or other substances and are beginning the road to recovery, it can be challenging to face your substance use issue head-on instead of hiding from it. Speaking to a stranger alone is not easy, and the thought of group therapy can keep others away from treatment. However, recovery groups can offer the support you need as you work to overcome addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in individual therapy and group therapy for addiction in a safe and encouraging environment. You are fighting a disease, and there is no shame in that. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please our team at 833.448.0127 and speak with one of our addiction treatment specialists today.

6 Key Benefits of Addiction Recovery Groups

Once you enroll in an addiction recovery group, it may take some time to feel comfortable sharing. However, once you begin to open up, you’ll find that these groups can help you heal.

1. Encouragement From Other Group Members

In one-on-one sessions, the only person encouraging you to interact is your therapist. While individual therapy sessions can be the right setting to work through deeply personal issues, in a group setting, you will be encouraged by everyone to share your story after hearing others in your group share theirs.

Hearing others speak up about their experiences will make it easier for you to follow suit.

2. Opening Yourself up to a New Perspective

You have a strong view of how you see the world and how others see you. However, by telling your story to your group, you hear how others react and give feedback. You will have an easier time trusting them because you know they are in the same boat. This beneficial technique helps you see through your disease and begin to heal.

3. A Sense of Belonging

The stigma of addiction still keeps many people from seeking treatment, leaving them feeling alone and afraid to ask for help. When you share your struggles with others in your group, you form a deep bond that only these shared experiences can build.

By surrounding yourself with your group and interacting with them, you build a powerful shield against your addiction.

4. An Opportunity to Practice New Coping Skills

When you share your story with the group, they can offer suggestions on how to better handle your triggers and thoughts. This is an invaluable opportunity to try out different coping skills in a safe environment before putting them into practice in real-life situations.

5. Receive Positive Reinforcement

Addiction recovery groups allow you to learn from the successes of others. In a group setting, you will receive positive reinforcement from other members when they see how far you have come. This can help to boost your self-confidence and motivate you to continue on your path of recovery.

6. Reduce Stress and Anxiety Levels

By actively engaging in a group setting, your stress and anxiety levels will be reduced. You’ll have the opportunity to form connections with other people going through similar experiences which helps create an emotional support system for yourself.

The Five Stages of Recovery

As you begin the journey to recovery, it can be helpful to know what to expect.

Pre-contemplation – The addiction has negative effects on your life, and you have yet to recognize the problem.
Contemplation – Recognizing the problem is a significant step.
Preparation – Deciding to start a group therapy program can require planning if you need to remain at a treatment center. It’s best to have someone help you prepare.
Action – Following up on your decision and actively working on your recovery takes effort.
Maintenance – After your treatment program ends, it is vital to avoid old triggers until you are more comfortable with your recovery.

A successful addiction recovery group involves action. One of the hardest things to do is openly talk about your disease. Being in a group of others going through the same problem can help make you feel more comfortable opening up.

How Can Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Help You?

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we believe addiction recovery should involve group therapy sessions along with individual therapy to better treat the mental and physical aspects of this terrible disease.

Addiction recovery groups have many beneficial effects on your recovery that you would not get with individual therapy. Once you begin, you will quickly realize the benefits of your group therapy sessions as you start to gain control of your addiction. If you or someone you know is ready to begin the recovery process, call 833.448.0127 today and schedule an appointment.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Posted on May 31, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When you go to the doctor, the focus is often on figuring out what’s wrong. While your doctor only wants to help, taking a clinical approach that seems to ignore what may be happening beneath your exterior can feel impersonal. Those who have experienced trauma can face challenges with their mental health. Trauma-informed care focuses less on fixing the immediate problem and more on understanding everything that led to your current issues. It’s a concept that informs the way everyone at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery helps patients. If you’re looking for trauma-informed care in Colorado, contact us today at 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

When people experience trauma because of neglect, abuse, discrimination, violence, and other adverse experiences, they often turn to risky behavior like drug and alcohol abuse. Someone who comes into the ER because of an opioid overdose may have started using the drugs to get away from memories associated with the experience of trauma.

Using a trauma-informed care approach to individuals seeking treatment for mental health or substance use disorders helps doctors, addiction specialists, and other medical professionals understand more about the experiences that led to a patient’s current state. Trauma therapy makes a big difference to a person when someone tries to understand what happened to them. Some important tenets of trauma-informed care include:

Understanding how much trauma impacts people
Looking at the way trauma affects a person’s ability to achieve recovery
Recognizing signs of trauma in patients and those close to them

Learn how to avoid creating situations that might inadvertently remind patients of past trauma

Understanding the role of resiliency in helping patients move forward

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our doctors and specialists take a trauma-informed care approach while providing treatments for addiction and mental health disorders. We believe that understanding how past experiences have impacted someone’s life is essential to creating an effective treatment plan for recovery.

How Can Trauma-Informed Care Help with Addiction?

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery believes that taking a trauma-informed approach in all aspects of treatment helps our patients achieve better outcomes. Addiction and mental health disorders are complex issues that can’t be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. By taking the time to understand what patients are going through, we can develop more effective approaches to addiction and mental health care.

The main principles that drive trauma-informed care include the following:

Empowering patients – We focus on a person’s strengths and use them to help them progress through treatment
Giving patients choices – Patients respond more positively when they feel they have a choice when it comes to their treatment
Collaborating with patients – Everyone at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery works with the patient and their family to obtain the best outcome
Making patients feel safe – We want patients to feel secure in their environment when they come to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for treatment
Earning the trust of patients – Patients can expect complete transparency and clarity when it comes to the treatments offered at our facility and the kind of care they can expect

It’s important to note, though, that trauma-informed care is not a one-time solution. It’s an ongoing process of understanding and support to help heal trauma.

What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care?

We’ve found that trauma-informed care benefits both patients and the staff at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Those who come to us for help can learn how to rebuild fractured relationships or focus on building new ones with people supportive of a patient’s recovery journey. Trauma therapy is also a chance for you to have a voice regarding getting help for issues driving your addiction or mental health crisis.

Trauma-informed care gives staff the chance to understand our patients’ issues on a deeper level. That helps build trust both ways and makes us more empathetic to the challenges our patients go through as they work to improve their long-term physical, mental, and emotional health.

Some other benefits of trauma-informed care include:

Being able to recognize and respond appropriately to signs of trauma while addressing underlying issues related to addiction or mental health disorders
Creating a safe and supportive environment for patients to feel comfortable with the help they’re getting
Offering different approaches to treatment that can address a wide range of symptoms

Trauma-informed care is the gold standard in modern addiction and mental health treatment. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is proud to offer this approach to all of our patients.

Experience Trauma-Informed Care at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients looking for help with mental health or addiction issues. Treatments and programs offered at our facility include:

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at [Direct] if you want to learn more about how we can become your partner in overcoming problems that may be holding you back in life.

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.

What Happens During the Individual Therapy Process?

Posted on May 10, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When someone seeks out therapy or counseling for addiction, there are many options to choose from. Who delivers it, how it’s accessed, and how it’s approached all differ depending on the type of therapy a person seeks out. If one-on-one counseling is the person’s choice, it is often helpful to know what to expect during the individual therapy process. Learn more about individual therapy in Colorado by calling Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127.

What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy is a type of counseling that is also commonly referred to as psychotherapy or talk therapy. Trained mental health professionals deliver treatment in a safe, confidential, one-on-one setting. During this time, clients can explore their feelings and identify areas that may need work, including beliefs, behaviors, memory influences, or addictions. The overall goal of this type of therapy is to help the client talk through mental health concerns so that they can heal and move toward a healthier life.

Why Choose an Individual Therapy Program?

Psychotherapy has been shown to result in fewer relapses related to common conditions such as moderate anxiety and depression. The right kind of therapy can have long-lasting positive effects. Oftentimes, individual therapy is more effective than rehabilitation drugs or medical treatments alone, and techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are evidence-based, providing further backing to their effectiveness.

The individual therapy process is known to have the following benefits:

Effective for all ages
Continued progress after treatment is completed
Potential reduction of the need for medical intervention
Fewer side effects than with the use of rehabilitative drugs
It may improve the daily functioning of those with mental health disorders
Effective in addressing multiple issues

Individuals entering individual therapy will often be assessed for current symptoms and mental health history. These measures help therapists sculpt effective therapy plans that address relevant concerns.

Types of Individual Therapy

Because each therapist approaches their counseling sessions differently depending on the client’s needs, it can be helpful to understand each type. Some of the most common types of individual therapy include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Existential therapy
Solution-focused therapy
Motivational interviewing
Psychodynamic therapy

Each type of therapy modality will provide unique benefits to those who engage in them. However, some common therapy methods have proven effective for most people.

Three Common Individual Therapies

The main three used in most individual therapy sessions are CBT, DBT, and EMDR.

CBT

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a process that works to assess how a person thinks and behaves to improve the way they feel. It is most helpful for mood disorders, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders. Because of this, it is often the individual therapy method used for those with co-occurring conditions.

DBT

As a newer form of therapy, dialectical behavior therapy helps clients build healthy coping skills. Mindfulness, stress tolerance, and emotional regulation are commonly used during the process.

EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is most commonly used to treat trauma and related disorders. In this process, bilateral stimulation is used to process and remove physical and psychological blockages.

What to Expect During an Individual Therapy Program

Individual therapy is different for each patient. The goals, frequency, duration, and techniques will depend on the client and even the therapist’s preference. Most sessions last between 45 and 50 minutes, occur at least once a week, and last as long as it takes to resolve the issues present.

Psychotherapy begins after the client and therapist determine that it will be the most beneficial option. Afterward, forms to protect patient privacy and share clinical history are typically filled out. Often, the first appointment is used to discuss concerns, history, and goals so that the client and therapist can be on the same page. Through repeated sessions, the therapist and client can build trust and deepen the relationship to cover more ground toward recovery.

How Long Are Individual Therapy Plans?

Depending on the needs of the individual, therapy plans can range from a few weeks to months or even years. The duration of the individual therapy process usually depends on how long it takes for the individual to reach their treatment goals or objectives. However, many individuals find that having ongoing therapy is beneficial as they work through life’s challenges and continue making progress in recovery.

Many people in a rehab setting will engage with their therapist for as long as they are in treatment. This allows them to address any comorbid conditions they may have and work on their triggers, emotions, and feelings to build a foundation for successful recovery.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Your Individual Therapy Needs

When it comes time for individual therapy, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help. We work toward a complete recovery for clients who benefit from our highly accessible options, including remote telehealth, outpatient programs, and neuro-feedback. Visit our website or contact us at [Direct] for more information.

Effective Therapies for Alcohol Addiction

Posted on May 4, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When a person becomes addicted to alcohol, getting help is critical to their health and well-being. While recovery is not always easy, there are many counseling programs geared toward alcohol dependence that can help. Understanding therapy for alcohol addiction can make choosing which type of program to enter easier.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we know how challenging it can be to stop drinking. We offer alcohol addiction treatment in Colorado that can help. Learn more by calling 833.448.0127 today.

What Constitutes Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol-related issues have become some of the most significant public health issues in the United States. While many people might struggle with their drinking at some point in their life, that doesn’t mean they have an alcohol use disorder.

An alcohol use disorder is characterized by the following:

The individual feels like they have to drink – Compulsive cravings mean they can’t control their consumption. The individual is unable to stop drinking once they’ve started, even though they may try.
They can’t control how much they drink – People living with alcohol addiction might be able to limit when they drink to non-working or non-school hours, but once started, they find it hard to moderate the amount of alcohol consumed.
They feel bad when they can’t drink – Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression can occur when someone stops drinking.
They develop a tolerance – To get the same level of satisfaction, people with an alcohol use disorder may need to drink more and more.

For millions of adults, alcohol use turns into an addiction that they must overcome. Fortunately, targeted therapy has been shown to help most people that seek out help for an alcohol use disorder, with many remaining in recovery for the rest of their lives.

How Alcohol Addiction Therapy Can Help

Most therapists utilize various behavioral therapy modalities, and there are many evidence-based treatment options that have proven effective for addiction. Therapy for alcohol addiction helps change a person’s behaviors through education, analysis, planning, tool development, and exposure. These methods are used to accomplish the following:

Education – Understanding behavior, rewards, and consequences can help clients plan and create goals toward recovery.
Analysis – Reflecting on what caused the addictive behavior and what is currently reinforcing it can help clients avoid triggers and relapses.
Tools – Different tools to help clients relax, center themselves, avoid challenging moments, and stay on the path to recovery are explored.
Exposure – Impulses to use are reduced as exposure to situations related to the addiction is worked through.

Every person entering alcohol addiction treatment will benefit from a unique mix of therapies. Addiction treatment specialists conduct thorough assessments to help clients understand their cravings, symptoms, triggers, and goals so they can develop effective therapy plans.

Effective Therapies for Alcohol Addiction

Most often, a combined behavioral therapy approach is used in therapy for alcohol addiction. While 12-step programs are very popular, the focus here is on individual treatment. This can include integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, and other techniques. Below are the most commonly used therapies for alcohol addiction that have proven effective.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is used to reduce behaviors connected to alcohol abuse. By anticipating situations that can trigger use and developing strategies that help clients cope, they can learn to avoid damaging behavior. CBT transfers to real-life situations well and is useful for alcohol use disorders.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT helps clients regulate their feelings, develop tools to cope, and accept their situation. It helps clients deal with intrusive thoughts and overcome them. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing techniques are beneficial. Using DBT reduces recovery dropout rates and is helpful for co-occurring disorders.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

When trauma is involved as one of the main reasons behind alcohol use, EMDR is especially helpful. It reduces the stress that stems from the traumatic memories and targets the symptoms of PTSD. It teaches the brain to reframe the memories as less negative so that the client can cope more effectively.

Motivational Therapy

Motivational therapy is widely used in rehab. It is based on finding the motivation to get treatment, incentives for refusing alcohol as a coping mechanism, and behavioral therapy techniques to ensure recovery. By conducting motivational interviews, doubts surrounding quitting alcohol use are reduced, and positive changes are encouraged. It is especially helpful for alcohol and nicotine addiction.

Other Methods

Other addiction therapy methods might involve yoga, meditation, art or music therapy, wellness and nutrition, contingency management, or family therapy.

Alcohol Addiction Therapy at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, clients can benefit from therapists who vary their treatment approach based on both proven techniques and behavioral insights. Understanding the different ways to treat alcohol use disorder means that we are able to provide a complete recovery to clients. Options such as telehealth and outpatient are available to ensure everyone can get the help they need. Visit our website or contact us at 833.448.0127 for more information.

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.

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.

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.

How Effective Is Drug Rehab?

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

When you are looking for an addiction treatment center for you or your loved one, it is normal to be skeptical about whether a drug rehab program will be effective. While statistics regarding success rates of different rehab centers are good indicators of a drug rehab’s effectiveness, the individual’s commitment to the program matters more. Motivation can come from different places. Those who are reluctant to begin treatment might find the motivation they need from sessions with an experienced therapist. For others, an intervention from loved ones makes a difference. And medication-assisted treatment can help many of those who struggle with addiction reach a place of stability from which to rebuild their lives.

The effectiveness of a drug addiction treatment center also has to do with whether it’s tailored to each patient’s individual needs. If you’re looking for a recovery center that offers behavioral health services, a supportive environment, and highly effective medication-assisted treatment, look no further than Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Reach out to our treatment center today at 833.448.0127 to learn more.

What Makes a Drug Rehab Program Effective?

If you’re looking for effective drug rehab, there are certain factors to consider. These include:

Individualized treatment plans – A successful drug rehab program considers each patient’s individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Medication-assisted treatment – A medication-assisted program utilizes effective medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone to help patients address their physical dependence on drugs and alcohol.
Therapy – Every effective drug rehab program includes individual and group counseling that uses evidence-based strategies to help patients understand their addiction and develop effective coping skills.
Aftercare – Aftercare is essential for effective drug rehab. Aftercare services continue to provide support and resources after a patient completes the program to ensure long-term sobriety.

CMAR’s drug rehab program in Thornton, CO is devoted to effective drug addiction treatment. We assist those in recovery through every step of the process. Our rehab program’s goal is to help a person stop using drugs and restore them as functioning members of a family, workplace, and community. In most cases, the goal of treatment may include helping the individual develop new healthy habits.

How Effective Drug Rehab Programs Support Patients

However, it is crucial to understand that drug addiction treatment is a complex matter made of unique treatment methodologies directed toward different people with varied goals. Therefore, we have to provide individualized treatment programs which treat the unique needs of each individual. An effective rehab program should, at the very least, lead to the following:

Reduced use of the drug
Improvements in employment
Improved mental health status
Improved general health and medical status
Better interpersonal relationships
Improved legal status
Improved education status

We mark the effectiveness of our drug rehab program not only by the rate of abstinence but also by how the patient functions at home, at work, and in the community.

What to Look For in a Drug Rehab Program

Deciding which addiction treatment therapies are best for you or your loved one can be difficult. However, a variety of factors may contribute to the effectiveness of a drug rehab program. These factors include but are not limited to:

Environment – A rehab center in a safe environment that is free from distractions works best for those in recovery. The environment also needs to be supportive and provide a place where patients can open up about the challenges they’ve faced without fear of judgment.
Treatment – A drug rehab program’s ability to custom tailor a treatment plan is instrumental in achieving the best results from every therapy session. Therefore, instead of a one-size-fits-all treatment program, a Colorado bespoke treatment program is undoubtedly more effective.
Support – Support groups play an essential role in facilitating recovery. They remind people of the coping skills they built during treatment and how addiction affected their lives. A rehab treatment program that places an individual as a part of a group is likely to be more effective.
Aftercare – Recovery is a lifelong process that requires those in recovery to be mindful of their thoughts and actions. To achieve long-term abstinence, aftercare is a crucial component in treatment. The chances of someone in recovery relapsing become minimal when we incorporate aftercare into the treatment services.

Look for a rehab center that offers personalized care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Additionally, look for a center that offers behavioral therapies alongside medication-assisted treatment, as this approach can be highly effective. Lasting recovery is possible.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide individualized care designed to meet the multi-dimensional needs of our patients. Our effective drug rehab programs can help you or your loved one reach their recovery goals safely and efficiently.

Find an effective, clinically driven rehab program at our addiction treatment center. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 to schedule an appointment or connect with us online to learn more about your treatment options and to get started on your recovery journey.