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Tag: addiction therapies

How Trauma Influences Addiction

Posted on by cmarnew

Trauma can have a profound impact on mental health, even if the symptoms are not apparent for years. Trauma and addiction are often related. However, many addiction treatment programs don’t take past trauma into account. That’s why, if you’re looking into addiction treatment programs, you should look for one that offers trauma-informed care. Addiction and trauma recovery can happen at the same time when trauma is addressed in a safe, supportive way. Trauma-informed care includes therapies and approaches that are sensitive to the impact of prior traumatic experiences and seek to create a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we will enroll you in a trauma-informed care program that will treat the mental aspect of the trauma along with your addiction treatment. Call 833.448.0127 today for more on trauma-informed care in Colorado.

How Does Past Trauma Affect Addiction?

When someone experiences a traumatic event, it affects the brain in multiple areas. If the trauma happens at an early age, it can affect brain development as the trauma can suppress growth in some regions of the brain. Some trauma treatment programs can help cope with a current trauma, but often this is ignored or covered up by other mental issues, like substance addiction.

There are three areas of the brain that trauma can affect:

  • The hippocampus – This part of the brain is important for forming memories, and it can be suppressed after experiencing trauma.
  • The amygdala – This area of the brain is responsible for fight-or-flight responses, and trauma can cause it to become overactive.
  • The prefrontal cortex – This part helps with decision making, and trauma can make it harder to think clearly.

When you experience a traumatic event, your brain goes into a hyperactive state that suppresses your memory and impulse control. Many people enter a state of shock and cannot react normally, often freezing up and seemingly unable to speak. They are overwhelmed by the event and trying to cope.

Types of Trauma

Trauma can take many forms, from abuse of any kind to the death of a loved one. It can be caused by physical, emotional, or sexual violence; natural disasters; or even witnessing a traumatic event. It’s also possible to experience trauma through indirect means, like hearing about a loved one’s death or bearing witness to a traumatic event without directly experiencing it.

Any kind of trauma can have an effect on mental health and, as a result, addiction. Trauma can lead to feelings of fear and helplessness that drive a person to use drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotions associated with the trauma. If not addressed, this can lead to addiction and other mental health issues. Addiction develops as a result of the brain’s attempt to cope with the impact of trauma, and it can form a vicious cycle.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

In a trauma-informed care program, clients will work with a team of professionals to address the issues caused by trauma. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and focus on addressing the underlying issues rather than just the addiction. The goal of trauma-informed care is to create a safe, supportive environment and guide clients through the healing process.

Therapies used in a trauma-informed care program can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and even family therapy. These therapies will help clients understand their trauma, address any triggers, and learn coping skills to manage symptoms.

In a trauma-informed care program, you will see the impact trauma can have on addiction treatment and the need to focus on more than just one area of concern. With time, the participant will begin to feel the positive effects of a comprehensive treatment.

When you first come in and discuss your addiction and trauma treatment, your therapist will sit down with you and go over the best programs to treat your mental health so you can get over your past trauma and learn to control your addiction.

Find the Right Trauma-Informed Care for You at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand how trauma can affect your addiction and will work with you or your loved ones in their addiction recovery. We provide a safe and encouraging environment that considers the difficulties traumatic events can have on addiction and where you will feel comfortable discussing the trauma driving your addiction.

If you or someone you know is suffering from trauma-related addiction, please call 833.448.0127 or reach out to our team online today and schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.

How to Plan for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Posted on 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.

When to Seek Individual Therapy for Addiction

Posted on by cmarnew

One of the main reasons people do not seek out addiction treatment is because they think they have everything under control. It is only after an accident or significant loss that they realize they have a problem. Individual therapy for addiction can help you better understand your addiction and how you can avoid future triggers and cravings.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our individual therapy programs can help with addiction recovery through our flexible outpatient and telehealth services and behavioral therapy that will give you your best chances at recovery. If you or a loved one is ready to get control of their addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our addiction therapy programs.

Why Individual Therapy Is Beneficial for Addiction Recovery

The main goal of individual therapy for addiction is to better understand how your addiction has changed your thought processes and chemical makeup to where you need the substance to function. Through multiple therapy sessions, you will begin to see where your addiction stems from and create healthy coping skills that will keep your cravings at bay.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a form of therapy where the therapist walks you through understanding your addiction and recognizing the whys and hows behind it. Instead of being told what’s happening, you discover the reasons through support and encouragement from the therapist, creating a stronger belief in your ability to recover.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help individuals recognize their negative thoughts and behaviors and how they are driving their addiction in a never-ending loop. This bad habit started a long time ago, and with the help of your therapist, you can learn how to break your bad habit and create new ones that don’t have you reaching for your substance of choice.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT focuses on changing the individual’s behavior and their home life to make sobriety easier for them. It teaches them several new skills to help manage emotions, create a sense of mindfulness, and help improve broken relationships due to their addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our addiction treatment therapies include motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and many more options, including:

  • Group therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Case management
  • Peer support

We want to help you in the best way possible. As you progress through your therapy, your therapists will continuously update your treatment to ensure positive results.

When It’s Time for an Individual Therapy Program

If you think you are using addictive substances without causing harm to yourself or others, that can be a sign of addiction and dependency. There are several signs to help you recognize that you are not as functional as you might think:

  • You are using more to reach the same high
  • Work and school performance suffers
  • Withdrawing from your friends and family
  • Poor sleep
  • Intense cravings that you cannot ignore

If you are struggling with any of these signs, it is time to call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to help with your addiction treatment.

Addiction Treatment Therapies for Your Recovery at CMAR

Understanding that you need help is just the first step toward recovery. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help you with the second, third, and continuing steps with our addiction treatment therapies and medication-assisted therapy if necessary.

When you come in for your evaluation, one of our therapists will sit down with you, go over your motivation behind your recovery, and determine the best course of action for your addiction treatment. We have flexible treatment options available, including outpatient and telehealth services for those who cannot take time off of work.

When you are serious about your addiction recovery or know someone who can benefit from our programs, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our addiction therapy programs and how they can help you toward a sober life.

What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Posted on by cmarnew

When you are depressed, you want to feel better. And a number of people turn to opioids or alcohol for relief. These substances make them feel better temporarily, and they may begin to associate them as a cure for their depression. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse alongside mental health issues, there are programs specifically designed to help. A dual diagnosis treatment program is the best option for you to get over your addiction by getting to the cause of the original problem.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment programs that will get to the reason behind your substance addiction and help you regain your life from your addiction. To learn more about this approach to addiction treatment, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with a member of our team.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Work

When you first speak with a therapist, they will determine if you need a dual diagnosis treatment program. This type of treatment program is not for everyone and is custom-tailored to the needs of the patient. A dual diagnosis treatment involves treating both mental health issues and dependence on drugs and alcohol.

Many rehab therapy programs fail because they only deal with one aspect of the problem. However, dual diagnosis programs give patients the best chance at long-term recovery.

Treating the Underlying Issue

You can’t stop your trigger for your coping mechanism until you find out what prompts you to reach for it. Many problems start in childhood and involve deep-rooted habits that will make quitting on your own extremely difficult.

Many underlying issues can lead to substance abuse, and you may not even realize it without an outside perspective. Some of the mental health issues that co-occur with addiction include:

  • Depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Those who struggle with these mental health conditions have a higher rate of substance abuse, and the addiction hides the underlying issue. Most singularly focused therapy or rehab programs fail because of this. A dual diagnosis program will include treatment programs to help you get to the bottom of your illness.

Treating the Physical Side of Addiction

Addiction is not a weakness. Instead, it is a mental health issue and a physical issue all on its own. When you begin to view your addiction as a disease, you understand that you can treat it just like any other disease.

As you go through detox, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Vomiting
  • Severe mood swings
  • Muscle pain
  • Tremors

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone help reduce the negative side effects of withdrawal from opioids along with other medications that help with alcohol and nicotine.

Treating individual issues can be difficult on its own. That is why a dual diagnosis treatment program is crucial if you are serious about recovering from your addiction.

Benefits of a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

When you begin a dual diagnosis treatment program, you will receive a mix of one-on-one and group therapy to help you get back on your feet. Some of the benefits of these therapies include:

  • A better understanding of the underlying issue and how to treat it
  • A healthier mind and body
  • New coping mechanisms that you will use for life
  • Renewed energy and motivation
  • New friends to help you stay sober

Recovering from mental illness and addiction will bring about many changes in your life, and the right treatment center can give you the tools you need to maintain your new life.

What to Expect at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

When you begin your treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, you will be treated with the utmost care and respect from our certified therapists and staff. We understand the difficulties of recovering from addiction and treating your mental illness. That is why we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment.

When you are ready to begin your recovery, call our team at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online.

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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.