addiction treatment program Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Breaking the Stigma Associated with MAT

Posted on August 31, 2021 by cmarnew

A medication-assisted treatment program can help patients suffering from addiction withdrawal symptoms to begin the road to recovery. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy are the one-two punch needed for an effective recovery program for addiction treatment for opioid, alcohol, and other substance use disorders.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medication-assisted treatment programs will help your recovery with our outpatient and telehealth services. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about how you or a loved one can break free from the stigma associated with MAT and receive the help you need to get on the road to recovery.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment programs use specific FDA-approved drugs to help individuals who are going through withdrawal or who are working to reach a place of stability. The medications counteract some of the impact drugs or alcohol has on the body by:

Normalizing brain chemistry
Stopping the pleasurable effects of these substances
Reducing physiological cravings
Relieving withdrawal symptoms

There are different drugs available to treat different types of withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction can have harmful effects on your body, including liver damage, increased risk of cancer, and shrinkage of the frontal lobe. Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone help with alcohol addiction and abuse and allow patients to continue their daily lives while working through addiction treatment. They help take the cravings away and reduce severe withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid Addiction

Drugs like heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are all opioids that can have debilitating side effects when abused. The medications used in a medication-assisted treatment program help counteract the side effects and can be taken for several months during treatment without any harmful side effects. These drugs include:

Buprenorphine
Methadone
Naltrexone

Opioid Overdose

If an opioid overdose occurs, naloxone can immediately counter the severe effects of an overdose, including death. Having a naloxone injection nearby can give you the time needed for medical attention to arrive.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the trepidation you may feel about enrolling in a medication-assisted treatment program. Our compassionate therapists will answer any questions about MAT programs and how they can assist you or a loved one in their addiction recovery.

How Medication-Assisted Treatment Program Can Benefit Your Recovery

To enroll in a medication-assisted treatment program, you must also go through behavioral therapy to get to the original cause of your addiction and help you develop the tools needed to help you along in your recovery.

Behavioral therapy teaches you to change negative habits and stop the triggers that make you crave your substance of choice. Along with MAT, each patient will have a custom-made behavioral treatment program to help them with their recovery.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Family therapy
Individual and group therapy
Psychodynamic therapy

Medication-assisted treatment helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms as you work to discover the reasons behind your addiction. Studies have shown that when you do not treat the physical and mental issues that are associated with addiction at the same time, your chances of a relapse increase.

Break the Stigma at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At CMAR, our addiction treatment programs include medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy to give you the best chances of recovery. Why let the stigma of medication-assisted treatment keep you from getting the help you need in your addiction treatment when it is the best option for treating addiction? Addiction is a disease that requires treatment, just like any physical illness.

Our addiction treatment programs take a “whole-person” approach in dealing with addiction treatment. We ensure that our patients feel safe and welcome as we work with them on the road to recovery. Call 833.448.0127 today and verify your insurance to learn more about how a medication-assisted treatment program can help you get control of your life.

How Community Activities Can Boost Recovery

Posted on July 6, 2021 by cmarnew

For those in recovery from addiction, finding new healthy hobbies should be a priority. Addiction can cause physical and mental health issues that different activities can help participants recover from. Additionally, addiction can be isolating. Those who are struggling with substance abuse can benefit from connecting with others in recovery in a safe, supportive environment. This is why many addiction treatment centers offer recreational outings and community activities. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, community activities are a way for our patients to connect with others and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.

The Importance of Community in Recovery

We offer community activities for the same reason that we offer group therapy. Addiction thrives in isolation. When you have the support of others who understand the experiences you’ve been through, it’s easier to focus on your recovery.

Other benefits of having a network of support in recovery include:

Perspective – You’ll be able to see your struggles in a new light
Accountability – Knowing that you’ll be sharing your experiences with others can keep you from relapsing
New habits – Your peers in recovery can introduce you to new healthy habits
Encouragement – Challenges in recovery are inevitable, but your peers will be able to cheer you on

Don’t overlook the purpose of group therapy and activities that involve others. Instead, lean into the experiences and find out what they can teach you.

Community Activities at CMAR

Many outpatient addiction treatment centers only offer therapy and medication management. However, Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment recognizes that clinical services alone will not help patients heal in body, mind, and spirit. Meaningful social connection and support, however, is a defining element of sustainable recovery. That’s why our recovery center offers opportunities for our patients and alumni to develop a network of support. Recovery groups are one way that those in recovery can get to know each other, as well as alumni events. However, we’re also building more opportunities for recreational activities into our treatment programs.

Hikes with Mike is our newest recurring outing. Clinical director Michael Damioli leads an outing once a month on a weekend into the beautiful Colorado outdoors. During these excursions, the CMAR community can have a chance to connect outside of the clinical setting. Social connections, fresh air, and physical activity are just some of the reasons why we offer these outings.

As we grow our offerings, we’ll continue to involve our alumni. Even after you’ve completed a formal treatment program, maintaining your connections with others in recovery is vital. To prevent relapse, avoid isolating yourself. Instead, stay connected with our treatment center through events, activities, and recovery groups.

CMAR’s Addiction Treatment Programs

We offer high-quality addiction treatment that fits your schedule. With both remote and in-person options, you’ll be able to participate in treatment while keeping up with responsibilities at work and at home. Medication-assisted treatment is highly effective in helping patients focus on working through the underlying cause of addiction without experiencing cravings.

Additionally, we offer dual diagnosis treatment in our Colorado addiction treatment center. Many of those who struggle with addiction also face co-occurring mental health issues, and this approach allows patients to work through both issues simultaneously. Through both individual and group therapy sessions, patients can discover how things like past trauma, a family history of addiction, and even stress from work can make it more difficult to break the cycle of addiction.

Learn more about our programs today. We invite you to connect with our team by calling 833.448.0127 or by reaching out online. If community activities, evidence-based therapies, and the highest quality in clinical care are what you’re looking for, then CMAR can help.

Types of Addiction Treatment for Recovery

Posted on May 30, 2021 by cmarnew

There is likely a misconception among many people with addiction issues that all treatment programs are the same. The fact is that there are many types of addiction treatment. There are addiction treatment center programs that also include a wide variety of addiction treatment therapies.

The recovery-oriented treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery includes comprehensive programs and individualized treatment plans.

Common Approaches to Addiction Treatment

There are some similarities and yet some significant differences in the various recovery-oriented treatment programs. The type of program that a person enters depends on the type of drug or drugs that the person is addicted to, whether they also struggle with mental health issues, and whether they need to go through detox.

There is sometimes a misconception that a twelve-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous is a form of addiction treatment. Twelve-step groups provide support, but they are not treatment programs.

Detox is often the first step for many individuals that want or need treatment for their addiction issues. Some people mistakenly think that when they complete detox that they have completed treatment. Detox, in fact, is not a treatment program. It is a process that rids your body of alcohol and other drugs that may be the source of the addiction issues.

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is often used while a person prepares for treatment. Medication-assisted treatment helps to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. For many, this option can lead to long-lasting sobriety.

Outpatient treatment is a highly effective treatment option. There are many successes with outpatient treatment programs. The benefits include:

Being able to continue living at home
Being able to continue working or attending school
Maintaining independence while in recovery
Participation in a variety of addiction therapy programs

Intensive outpatient programs involve spending more time in treatment. An individual in an intensive outpatient program may be required to be at the treatment center for more time each day or for more days of the week compared to those in a regular outpatient treatment program.

Residential treatment involves residing at the treatment center while receiving treatment. People in a residential treatment program take time away from their home, family, job, or other responsibilities to receive treatment for their addiction.

Specialized Treatment Programs and Therapies

Dual diagnosis treatment programs require can help those with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. This type of treatment does not include having an addiction to two or more drugs or having two or more mental health disorders. The criteria are strictly for people with both mental health and addiction disorders.

There are several therapies that might be part of an addiction treatment plan. These include:

Participation in these therapies can help those in recovery build healthy coping skills.

Individual therapy along with group therapy is typically included in most treatment programs. During sessions, patients can build a strong network of support and can work through challenges they’ve faced on the road to recovery.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to Learn More About Addiction Recovery

There is no one type of recovery-oriented treatment that is right for everyone. There are several details about each person’s treatment needs that determine which treatment program and addiction therapies are best for that person. The type of substance they’ve used, the severity of their addiction, and any co-occurring mental health issues can impact their needs for treatment.

We understand the different treatment needs at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Contact us today at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online to learn more about the types of addiction treatment and to start your journey to recovery today.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Colorado

Posted on May 20, 2021 by cmarnew

An intensive outpatient treatment program offers comprehensive services to patients throughout the program. Some people may need details about the difference between outpatient and intensive outpatient programs. It can be helpful to know more about the types of programs that are available at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Learn more about the components and benefits of each option, then reach out to our treatment center today.

What Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment?

Intensive outpatient treatment offers a bridge between the strict controls of an inpatient treatment program and the environment of an outpatient treatment program. These services are often offered to clients that are in need of treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery focuses on providing comprehensive services to every client that needs to start or continue their recovery. Addiction treatment programs help patients recover from their addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other substances. Many of our patients benefit from intensive outpatient treatment. The IOP program that Colorado residents can benefit from most is found at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery.

Some people prefer a single-gender environment for treatment. A men’s rehab program or women’s rehab program can offer a safe, supportive space.

The first step on the road to recovery for many is medication-assisted treatment, which we provide to help patients during withdrawal. Medication-assisted treatment is always paired with behavioral therapies. This combination helps patients focus on their recovery without painful withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Several sources, including research and the results of several studies, point to the benefits of outpatient treatment, and in particular, the benefits of intensive outpatient treatment programs.

Some benefits include:

The ability to offer somewhat flexible services such as to a particular treatment group
Results of studies indicate that intensive outpatient programs often prove more successful compared to inpatient programs
Patients that remain in treatment are more likely to continue their recovery
The benefits of intensive outpatient treatment services continue for a considerable time after patients complete the program
Outpatient treatment is likely to be less expensive than inpatient options

There are several other benefits to completing an intensive outpatient treatment program. One benefit includes including substantial support from treatment team members and from peers. This strong support may not be available in detox or in short-term outpatient treatment programs.

Additionally, the flexibility that is featured in intensive outpatient treatment allows treatment facilities to offer services to specific populations. One example is a men’s treatment program, a program specifically for women or women with children, or one that is specifically targeted to patients with a dual diagnosis.

Another important benefit to this type of treatment is that patients are allowed to continue residing at home or at a sober living home. They do not have to choose between their family or work responsibilities the way that they may have to if considering treatment at an inpatient treatment facility. Patients are allowed to spend time with their families, continue working, or going to school without interruption.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

The first step to start your recovery today is to reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Our caring staff will perform an assessment to determine your treatment needs and the addiction treatment therapies that can help you reach your goals. The next step is to create an individualized treatment program to help you start on the path to lifelong recovery. Through medication, comprehensive support, and evidence-based therapies, you can begin to heal.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our intensive outpatient program. Discover how we can help you start living a life free of addiction.

Choosing the Right Heroin Treatment Program

Posted on May 15, 2021 by cmarnew

The devastating effects of heroin are experienced across the country among those with heroin addiction issues and their family members every day. Heroin can take a substantial toll on the health, well-being, and even the lives of those with an addiction to heroin. A heroin addiction treatment program guides people that have an addiction to the drug through the treatment process and into life-long recovery.

Learn more about what to look for in a heroin treatment program. Then, reach out to a recovery center near you today.

How Heroin Addiction Develops

Heroin is an opioid drug that comes in a number of forms. People typically think of heroin as an injectable drug, but it can also be snorted or smoked. Some people mix heroin with other drugs to feel different effects

People can become addicted to heroin with a single use of the drug. It is highly addictive and incredibly dangerous. Many people use other opioids, such as prescription pain relievers, before turning to heroin. Statistics from several sources indicate that a high number of people that started their drug use did so by abusing prescription drugs. The abuse of prescription drugs occurs when people either misuse their own prescription drugs or they purchase or share prescription drugs. This often leads to the need for oxycontin addiction treatment or treatment for opiate addiction.

Heroin addiction is an epidemic across the U.S. The addiction issues are not limited to a specific age group. Instead, heroin addiction affects individuals of all age groups and across all income levels. The addiction to heroin often leads to overdose visits to the emergency room and to heroin overdose deaths. Fortunately, many people are able to reach out for treatment to help them build a strong foundation for recovery.

The Short Term and the Long Term Effects of Heroin Use

There are a wide variety of effects related to heroin use, even in people that use it for the first time. People that continue to use heroin likely face increased dangers, up to and including death.

Some short-term effects of heroin use include:

Nausea and vomiting
Severe itching
Feelings of heaviness in the arms or in the legs
Flushing of the skin
Mental functioning disturbances
Going back and forth between consciousness and unconsciousness

Some long-term effects of using heroin include:

Experiencing chronic insomnia
Developing liver or kidney disease
Experiencing lung complications such as pneumonia or other illnesses
Collapsed veins after injecting heroin
Infection of the lining or valves of the heart

Some other issues related to the effects of heroin addiction include clogged blood vessels that may cause permanent damage. Some individuals might engage in risky behaviors like unsafe sex or driving while under the influence. A heroin addiction treatment program can help prevent serious negative consequences relating to drug use.

What Can I Expect in a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program?

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery’s team members understand the fears associated with entering treatment for heroin addiction. However, our heroin treatment program is the first step on the road to long-term recovery. During treatment, you’ll rid your body of the drugs and prepares you to start your recovery.

Patients in our heroin addiction treatment program benefit from personalized treatment plans that include comprehensive addiction treatment therapies. Your addiction treatment therapies may include case management and peer support, cognitive-behavioral therapy, a dialectical behavior therapy program, or other therapies.

Contact us at 833.448.0127 to get started on the journey to healing. You can learn to live a life free of heroin or other dangerous drugs. We offer the support that you need when in recovery. Call us today now to learn more about our heroin treatment.

Finding an OxyContin Treatment Program Right For You

Posted on May 12, 2021 by cmarnew

Addiction to OxyContin takes an incredible toll on people and their families. The risk of addiction to this pain reliever affects many thousands of people. Sources show that there are continuing risks to addiction and overdoses related to OxyContin. An OxyContin treatment program offers hope and the opportunity to recover from addiction to OxyContin.

What Are the Risks of an OxyContin Addiction?

Oxycontin was first approved several decades ago for the relief of moderate to severe chronic pain. It is still today recommended for the management of moderate to severe pain. It is considered to be an effective and efficient medication for millions of people across the country who suffer from chronic pain each year.

It did not take long for researchers and medical professionals to realize that there were issues with the misuse and addiction to OxyContin. People that take more of the drug than their prescribed dose, that share the medication with other people, or that sell it to others all risk addiction to the drug. Additionally, it is an abused drug that people often obtain in the streets. When this happens, it is likely as a result of the many people that become addicted to OxyContin and run out before they are able to obtain another prescription or people that were never prescribed OxyContin and take it strictly for illicit purposes.

Studies and surveys show that many people admit to taking OxyContin that was never prescribed to them. They stated that they took it solely to get high on the drug. Millions of people admit to taking OxyContin that was not prescribed for them or that was prescribed for them but that they took more than the dosage instructions.

There are several dangerous effects of OxyContin addiction, including:

Decreased respiration
Experiencing hypothermia
Experiencing a euphoric effect
Changes in the brain
Coma or death

People take OxyContin in ways other than swallowing the whole pill. Some people snort the drug, while other people inject it or combine it with alcohol or other drugs.

The Side Effects of OxyContin Use

Misuse of OxyContin may lead to several side effects that vary from one person to another person that has an OxyContin addiction issue. Some side effects include:

Dizziness or confusion
Increased sensitivity to pain
Increased sleepiness or drowsiness
Profuse sweating or severe itching
Feelings of depression

Over time, OxyContin use and abuse can lead to tolerance, where an individual needs to use more to feel the same effects. One way that an OxyContin treatment program can help you heal is by

Reach Out to Colorado Medication-Assisted Treatment Today

People that think that they can suddenly just stop taking OxyContin are likely in for a surprise. When a person suddenly stops taking a drug that they are addicted to they may experience unpleasant and even dangerous effects of trying to overcome addiction on their own. Going through an addiction treatment program offers those struggling with addiction the best chance at long-term recovery.

OxyContin addiction treatment requires professional staff that have experience in therapy and medication-assisted treatment programs. Treating an addiction to OxyContin also requires qualified addiction treatment specialists that help patients through their personalized treatment program. Services and therapies like case management and cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be included in the treatment program.

Starting the recovery process is not without challenges. When you have the support and treatment options from a comprehensive treatment center, you have the opportunity to have a successful recovery. Reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today to learn more about OxyContin addiction treatment or any of our addiction treatment programs. Contact us today at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online to get started now.

Benefits of Seeking Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Posted on May 10, 2021 by cmarnew

Alcohol addiction takes a serious toll on individual people and on the families of people with an addiction to alcohol. The short-term effects and the long-term effects of addiction of alcohol addiction may have serious effects on the body, on the mental health of someone, and on the overall health of people that are addicted to alcohol. Fortunately, a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program can help people through their recovery and help them learn to live their life without abusing alcohol.

Alcohol Addiction and the Human Body

Alcohol has a profound effect on the body. Although some people may experience different effects when compared to others with alcohol addiction issues, the cumulative effects of drinking can have devastating results.

There are both short-term and long-term effects of alcohol addiction. There are many effects that extend beyond the hangover the next day after drinking alcohol. Many people start the next day by drinking alcohol all over again, likely increasing their risks of serious side effects or engaging in risky behaviors.

Some areas of the body that are affected by an addiction to alcohol include:

Alcohol interferes with the communication pathways of the brain resulting in many difficulties with thinking and the possibility of developing mood disorders
Alcohol addiction takes a severe toll on the liver and can lead to serious health conditions such as cirrhosis or fatty liver
The effects of alcohol addiction on the pancreas may result in the production of toxic substances
The heart is often affected by alcohol addiction and may lead to high blood pressure or stroke or other issues
Alcohol can weaken the immune system and limit the ability to fight off illnesses and disease

Alcohol also contributes to the development of several types of cancers, according to several medical sources and several study results. Some cancers that people addicted to alcohol may experience include breast cancer, esophageal cancer, cancer of the head or neck, colorectal cancer, or cancer of the liver.

Another dangerous effect of alcohol addiction is the fact that many people often use other drugs while drinking alcohol. This increases the severe risks associated with alcohol use. Several sources indicate that there are thousands of alcohol-related deaths every year in the U.S.

The Economic Burden of Alcohol Addiction

There is a tremendous economic burden attributed to people that have an alcohol addiction. It goes much further than drinking away the paycheck and not having money for the drinks for the next day.

Many individuals cannot hold a job because of their alcohol addiction. Costly mistakes may be made when people with an alcohol addiction think that they are still able to continue their employment. The economic burden related to the misuse of alcohol in the U.S. alone extends into billions of dollars in a single year.

Start Your Recovery at a Comprehensive Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

Alcohol addiction treatment involves a variety of treatment steps. The first step is to detox from the alcohol. Ridding the body of alcohol prepares you to start your treatment program.

Take the first step to receive treatment for alcohol addiction at an alcohol rehab Denver location and start your recovery today. Our alcohol addiction treatment program includes an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your treatment needs. Additionally, addiction treatment therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy are often included in the treatment plan.

Start your alcohol addiction treatment today when you contact us at 833.448.0127. Learn how to regain control over your life and learn how to live without the dangerous effects of alcohol addiction. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today.

What to Expect in Recovery-Oriented Suboxone Treatment

Posted on May 5, 2021 by cmarnew

A Suboxone treatment program offers help for individuals struggling with opioid addiction issues. Suboxone, used as part of a medication-assisted treatment program, offers a variety of benefits for patients.

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, helps make the recovery process more comfortable for people that want to regain control over their life and to successfully complete treatment for their addiction issues.

Many people know about addiction treatment programs and have heard of Suboxone treatment for opioid use disorder. There are likely questions that people have about entering a treatment program, including what they should expect when they enter into a Suboxone recovery center program.

What Is Suboxone Treatment?

Thousands of overdoses and deaths related to opioid addiction occur every year throughout the U.S., according to statistics from several sources.

Suboxone treatment is a medication-assisted treatment that helps to make recovery more comfortable for individuals that want to change their lives and learn to live without the devastating effects of opioids. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It is easily administered and known to have been the subject of many studies. Researchers have looked at Suboxone as an effective means of reducing opioid use. Some other factors related to Suboxone, based on research and study results include:

Suboxone reduces opioid use disorder-related symptoms such as drug cravings
Suboxone helps to reduce the opioid withdrawal symptoms
It is shown to be effective in reducing relapse incidents
Studies show that individuals involved in Suboxone treatment programs are less likely to leave treatment
It is proved to be more effective than detox alone

Research shows that Suboxone treatment has been shown to be substantially more effective for many patients compared to when patients receive counseling alone, or when they engage only in counseling that is combined with detox.

What to Expect in a Recovery-Oriented Suboxone Treatment Program

The professional staff at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery understands the difficulties associated with trying to stop the use of opioids and fears associated with entering treatment. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. The treatment staff bases your treatment and other services, such as addiction treatment therapies based on your own individual needs.

The benefits include that participants are less likely to use not only opioids but also cocaine and some other types of drugs. It has also proved safer than some other treatments to manage and reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Learn how to slowly taper off opioids with the benefits of Suboxone. It is important to note that treatment with Suboxone is not substituting one type of opioid for another type of highly addictive opioid. This may be a belief that circulates in some circles, leaving some people to wonder what they can expect in a Suboxone program. Patients receive treatment in a controlled setting that focuses on their own addiction issues and needs as they learn to take back their life and learn to live an opioid-free lifestyle.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today to Learn More

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery focuses on getting their patients through detox, medication-assisted treatment, and into long-term recovery. Our highly-qualified treatment team is experienced in facilitating Suboxone treatment for people that are in need of treatment for their addiction to opioids.

The highly effective Suboxone therapy prepares patients for their long-term recovery, getting them ready for a personalized approach to therapy. We offer ongoing support from our professionals, understanding that Suboxone treatment combined with counseling and continued support offers the best chance for recovery.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 to learn more about Suboxone treatment, to learn about addiction treatment therapies, and to get started on your journey to recovery.

How Buprenorphine Is Used to Treat Heroin Addiction

Posted on April 30, 2021 by cmarnew

Heroin affects the brain and body in ways that can eventually lead to a serious addiction. It doesn’t discriminate, so people from any background can become vulnerable to its effects. Getting the right help can be key to overcoming heroin addiction. Buprenorphine treatment is one way that Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery helps individuals struggling with a dependency on heroin. It’s administered as part of our medication-assisted treatment program as an alternative to taking an abstinence-only approach.

What Is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that produces an effect similar to taking heroin but at a lower level. It’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating individuals diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. Clients at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery typically receive buprenorphine treatment alongside other counseling and behavioral therapies as part of an overall treatment plan for heroin addiction.

Clients receive the medication in tablet form at the recommended dosage once per day. We try and make sure clients receive buprenorphine treatment at the same time each day for consistency. You should never take more than the recommended dosage of buprenorphine to avoid the potential of developing a dependency, similar to the one that you might form with heroin.

How Does Buprenorphine Help with Addiction?

Taking buprenorphine helps clients reduce their need for heroin and other opioids over time. It helps alleviate cravings and can reduce the risk of a client having an overdose. You should stop taking any kind of opioids around 12 to 24 hours before starting buprenorphine treatment. Clients are often in the early stages of withdrawal when they start taking the medication. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can include:

Cravings for heroin
Sweating
Nausea
Abdominal distress
Depression
Agitation
Muscle spasms

The discomfort caused by heroin withdrawal can dissuade people from trying to kick an addiction to heroin. That’s where buprenorphine treatment can make a real difference. Alleviating a client’s withdrawal symptoms can increase their desire to complete a rehab program and continue treatment while in recovery.

Clients work with our addiction specialists and doctors to gradually wean themselves off of buprenorphine treatment. One of the reasons that the drug is popular for use with MAT is that it doesn’t typically cause clients to develop a psychological dependency.

Because each client has different needs when it comes to heroin treatment, everyone should have a choice when it comes to care. While an abstinence-only approach to heroin addiction can work for some, it’s not the path forward for everyone. That’s why Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides a range of treatment options for clients.

What Are the Side Effects of Using Buprenorphine?

You should let your doctor know if you have known allergies to buprenorphine or ingredients used to make buprenorphine. Make sure you fully disclose other substances you may be taking, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, OTC medications, and prescriptions. Doctors need that information to make sure that you won’t have an adverse reaction to buprenorphine treatment.

People receiving buprenorphine treatment may experience the following side effects:

Sweating
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Dizziness
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Tremors
Palpitations
Sleep issues
Muscle pain

Inform your doctor immediately if your symptoms worsen to include respiratory distress or signs that you are developing a dependency. Your physician may adjust your dosage or make other arrangements for treating your heroin addiction.

Receive Buprenorphine Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Our facility offers other treatments and therapies to help clients with addiction issues, mental health disorders, or a combination of the two. Clients get the chance to educate themselves about their addiction and better understand how to manage situations that might cause them to relapse.

If you or a loved one need help to overcome a heroin addiction, reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127.

Does Vivitrol Cure Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

Posted on April 15, 2021 by cmarnew

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) gives rehab centers the ability to provide clients with a treatment option that can help sustain recovery. While it’s mainly used to treat drug addiction, it can also benefit individuals battling an alcohol addiction. Vivitrol treatment involves giving clients an extended-release form of naltrexone. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery believes in the benefits of MAT therapy using Vivitrol.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Vivitrol is a brand-name version of the medication naltrexone. Clients in MAT programs can take the medication as an injectable or in tablet form. Your system must be free of opioids, alcohol, or other toxins before you can start MAT with Vivitrol. That will keep you from experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they begin taking the medication.

People end up attracted to substances for different reasons. Opioids create euphoria feelings by stimulating the opioid receptors in your brain, while alcohol functions as a depressant to your central nervous system. Vivitrol blocks the receptors that typically respond to these substances, so they can’t produce the highs and other expected sensations typically produced when you consume drugs or alcohol.

How Can Vivitrol Help With Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

The FDA first approved the use of Vivitrol for alcohol addiction treatment back in 2010. Individuals who take the drug as part of MAT typically experience fewer cravings, which can help them avoid relapsing. It does the same for individuals working to overcome opioid addiction. The net effect is that people tend to stay in rehab longer, allowing them to absorb the lessons taught in therapy and apply them to their regular life.

Again, your body must be completely free of other substances if you want to experience the full benefits of Vivitrol. If you’re already taking buprenorphine, then the Vivitrol would interfere with the effects of that drug, which might make your withdrawal symptoms worse. Vivitrol stops opioid receptors from bonding with endorphins produced by opioids, making it extremely effective for treating opioid addiction.

Can Vivitrol Cure an Alcohol or Drug Addiction?

Once you become addicted to drugs or alcohol and become sober, you must remain in recovery mode for the rest of your life. While Vivitrol helps clients get through the rehab process with fewer cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it doesn’t cure your addiction issues.

Vivitrol treatment typically works as a complement to other therapies in a client’s treatment plan. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery looks to treat all aspects of a client’s addiction issues. You also get the opportunity to participate in sessions consisting of dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, both of which have benefited clients who come in to treat an addiction.

Many who come to us for help may have underlying mental health disorders. People often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating the symptoms. They may not realize that issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD could exacerbate their addiction problems.

That’s why the staff at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery takes the time to understand our clients so that we understand the full scope of their issues. That allows us to come up with individualized treatment plans to address every aspect of your illness.

Get Help For Addiction at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

While we can’t make promises of miracle cures at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can promise to be there for you during every step of your sobriety journey. The comfort and safety of our clients are one of our top concerns. We work hard to provide you with the resources necessary to live a life free of drug and alcohol addiction.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 if you’re ready to move your life in a more positive direction.