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Choosing the Right Heroin Treatment Program

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

How Naltrexone Is Used to Treat Opiate Addiction

The way that opioids interact with the brain makes opiate addiction difficult to overcome. It used to be that the main approach to helping people with opioid addiction was to have them go through withdrawal before receiving therapy and other forms of treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) takes a different approach. Clients receive medication that alleviates withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids and other substances. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery uses naltrexone as part of the MAT treatment offered at our facility.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug cleared for treating individuals with an opioid or alcohol addiction as part of MAT. It’s available in both a pill and injectable form and can be prescribed by those licensed to give out prescriptions to clients. Unlike other medications often provided through MAT, naltrexone is not an opioid.

Because it’s not an opioid, there’s a much lower risk of clients developing an addiction to naltrexone. You also don’t experience side effects if you decide to discontinue its use. Naltrexone itself can’t help a client overcome an addiction. It’s often used in conjunction with other elements of a client’s treatment plan like dialectical-behavior therapy and dialectal behavior therapy.

How Can Naltrexone Help with Addiction?

People turn to drugs and alcohol because of the feeling of euphoria or relaxation they produce. Opioids specifically bind with opioid receptors in the brain responsible for producing feelings of pleasure. Once your brain starts associating your opioid use with those emotions, you end up with a dependency that can eventually turn into an addiction. Alcohol can have a similar effect on various parts of your nervous system.

Naltrexone blocks the effects produced by drugs and alcohol by keeping the substances from binding with your opioid receptors. That means you don’t experience the highs from opioids or sedated feelings that come with drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Naltrexone also reduces cravings and helps with opiate withdrawal, which can help you get through a treatment program and achieve recovery.

Your system must be completely clear of any toxins associated with drug or alcohol abuse before you start taking naltrexone. Clients should steer clear of using other illegal drugs or drinking while receiving the drug as part of MAT.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Naltrexone?

Some clients do experience certain side effects from naltrexone treatment, including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nervousness
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach troubles
  • Muscle pain
  • Sleep issues
  • Fatigue

Make sure you inform your doctor about any adverse effects of naltrexone treatment. They can adjust your dosage or change you to a different medication. You should only take naltrexone as part of MAT and alongside other programs that provide you with the psychological and social support necessary to overcome your substance use disorder.

Naltrexone treatment can reduce your tolerance for opioids or other substances. Discontinuing your use of naltrexone can leave you more vulnerable to a potential overdose because you overestimate what your system can handle.

Receive Medication-Assisted Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

While naltrexone treatment can make it easier for you to get through a recovery program, it’s not a cure-all for addiction. You must still put in the effort needed to face the underlying issues driving your addiction. Our team of specialists sticks with you every step of the way as you learn to live a life free of substance abuse.

Other programs and services available at our recovery center include:

It’s not too late to change the direction of your life. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery gives clients the chance to overcome addiction and restore their health. Start your new journey today by calling us at 833.448.0127.

The Necessity of Peer Recovery to Successful Addiction Recovery

Long term recovery isn’t something we can achieve by ourselves. In fact, major addiction treatment studies have found a causal link between peer accountability and long-term recovery. Yet most people recovering from addiction (especially opioid-addiction), don’t have access to a peer group that can help them stay the course and remain clean through trying times. Literally 90% of addiction treatment clinics, addiction psychiatry and medicine practices fail to provide even a sing peer-support group. Since these programs and providers are driven to treat from more of a public health perspective, where the singular goal is to reduce harm and increase a single quality of life measure, survival! At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer an evidence-based alternative, which empowers each of our patients to truly recover. Not to simply “survive” but to fully thrive!

 

Peer support generates community between those who share the common bond of being in recovery from chemical dependence, which in turn facilitates the development of meaningful, accountable long-term connection.

 

Learn more at www.Colorado-Recovery.com or call (720) 778-2627.

3 Benefits of Trauma-Informed Treatment for Drug Addiction

When a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, it’s easy to think that willpower alone should be enough for them to overcome it. However, addiction is not a choice; it has been proven to be a chemical change in the brain. For many, past trauma has impacted the way they use drugs or alcohol. Trauma-informed care can help those who are struggling with addiction work through traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping skills for lifelong recovery.

How Addiction Relates to Trauma

Some individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with something deeper. To get through life or trauma they’ve experienced, they numb and self-soothe to overcome feelings and thoughts that have become too burdensome. This helps them disconnect and cope, but all the while, substance abuse causes even more problems. Understanding how addiction relates to survival can help more people recover from addiction. For example, an overwhelming number of adolescents receiving treatment for substance use disorders end up having a history of trauma exposure. This alone points to trauma being a consideration factor when developing treatment plans for those dealing with addiction. It also explains why trauma-informed treatment is so necessary.

How Trauma-Informed Treatment Can Help

Trauma-informed therapy is based on the belief that a person’s substance use can be their way of coping with negative, overwhelming, or intrusive thoughts and feelings. These can be from memories, current situations, or past traumas. With these clients, safety is a high priority for therapists. Clients often experience triggering moments when learning how trauma has played a role in their lives. Through therapy that takes a trauma-informed approach, the therapist helps the client make positive connections, handle situations that have triggered drug use, and create a toolbox of strategies for overcoming trauma and avoiding substance use in the future.

Trauma-informed therapy used for substance abuse disorders involves:

  • A respectful, safe place to do the work
  • An understanding of how mental health-related issues and trauma co-exist with addiction
  • Leading the client to have self-compassion and self-respect instead of shame and guilt surrounding trauma and addiction
  • Creating healthy solutions to the identified problems
  • Finding ways to provide ongoing support

Three Benefits of Trauma-Informed Treatment

There are many benefits of taking this approach, but three stand out as the most helpful:

  1. It provides holistic care
  2. It offers a lower risk of re-traumatization
  3. It uses well-known approaches to therapy

Trauma-informed treatment takes a holistic approach, recognizing that addiction has roots in both chemical and emotional causes. It connects recovery and resilience, trauma and addiction, so that the whole person can be treated. It can be provided in any setting and uses evidence-based information, family engagement, empowerment, and collaboration as its touchpoints for success.

Many people are exposed to trauma on some level or another in their lifetime, but taking a trauma-informed approach allows a therapist who understands how trauma affects a person to have a hand in helping a person through recovery. If someone not as informed on trauma is assisting a person, there can be accidental incidences of re-traumatization. A deeper depth of compassion and sense of safety in trauma-informed therapy helps the client feel more compelled to heal. The extra gentleness provided in these sessions is beneficial for success in recovery.

Trauma-informed treatment uses some of the primary and most evidence-backed methods of treatment available today. Not only is cognitive-behavioral therapy especially effective for co-occurring disorders involving addition and mental health, but EMDR is as well. EMDR uses rapid eye movements to desensitize clients from the negative emotions, detrimental behaviors, and possible stigmas associated with trauma and addiction. It allows clients to process the emotions surrounding their trauma so that they can create healthier behavior patterns.

Trauma-Informed Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, clients can benefit from therapists who take a trauma-informed treatment approach. Understanding the symptoms of trauma, PTSD, and other related issues can help those suffering from a substance use disorder. Options such as telehealth and outpatient meet various needs, and our approaches offer a complete recovery to clients. Contact us at 833.448.0127 for more information.

How Suboxone Is Used to Treat Opioid Addiction

When it comes to addiction, there are many things that a person can become addicted to. From drugs or alcohol to gambling or food, the need for help in treating addiction is real. Even when a person doesn’t abuse drugs intentionally to get high, dependence on a drug to control pain, for example, can lead to addiction. Suboxone can be used in addiction treatment programs to help individuals who are struggling with substance abuse find relief from withdrawal symptoms as they work through the underlying causes of addiction.

What Is Opioid Addiction?

After using opioids to control pain, such as after surgery or for an extended period, it is possible to become dependent on them. Eventually, a person can become addicted to the feeling of relief that opioids bring. Others who are seeking to get high turn to opioids and can eventually become addicted as well. Opioids contribute to over half of all deaths caused by drug overdoses in the United States, so the problem is severe and has become an epidemic.

Common opioids include:

How Is It Treated?

Treating opioid addiction involves several factors. Counseling is often used to help the client cope with the emotions surrounding their pain and learn new strategies, but this alone is not enough. Most of the time, mediated opioid addiction treatment is necessary. Using an opioid replacement therapy strategy, professionals help clients overcome their dependence on the drugs by reducing the withdrawal symptoms that often make it impossible to quit in the first place.

The steps a client typically undergoes, which can occur independently of each other or as a combined process, involve:

  1. Detoxification
  2. Therapy
  3. Medicated treatment
  4. Utilizing ongoing coping strategies

To be the most effective, rehabilitation is encouraged for a period of greater than 90 days. This helps reduce the risk of relapse.

Medicated-Assisted Treatment

During the medicated treatment period, clients are given medicine to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. These medications help without the added adverse effects brought on by opioids. Some drugs also help with cravings experienced during detox. This type of treatment cannot occur without consulting a professional, so it is imperative to seek help. Medications such as Suboxone can reduce the duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is one medication that can be used in the treatment of opioid addiction. It is made up of buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce an individual’s dependence on opioids. It can block the effects of opioids and make an individual in recovery less likely to relapse. It can also help manage chronic pain, which is one reason why some individuals abuse opioids. Suboxone treatment is always complemented by therapy and counseling.

How Does Suboxone Help with Opioid Addiction Treatment?

Suboxone lowers the effects of opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It has a lower potential for abuse than methadone, which is another commonly used medication in opioid treatment programs. Some of the most common opioid withdrawal symptoms that Suboxone can help relieve include:

  • Stomach cramping
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Frequent chills
  • Muscle tension
  • Sleep-related issues
  • Disruptive aches and pains
  • Heart palpitations
  • Intense cravings

Suboxone can be incredibly effective in helping those with opioid addictions maintain recovery long-term.

Opioid Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Getting treatment for opioid addiction is possible at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Here, clients can benefit from therapists who vary their treatment approach based on both proven techniques and medical intervention. Understanding the different ways to treat opioid addiction and how medication can help manage withdrawal symptoms means that we can provide a complete recovery to clients. Visit our website or contact us at 833.448.0127 for more information.

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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.