drug addiction treatment Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Top Naloxone Benefits for Opioid Addiction

Posted on June 7, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Naloxone is an opioid addiction treatment medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. One of the top naloxone benefits for opioid addiction is that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain. This action reverses or blocks the effects of other opioids that enter the central nervous system. The drug can prevent fatalities or long-term health problems that arise from an overdose.

The FDA has approved naloxone is approved to prevent overdoses from illicit drugs and prescription medications. Therefore, it is relatively safe to use. The top naloxone benefits for opioid addiction make it a popular medication at our opioid addiction treatment center in Colorado. To learn more about the benefits of this medication, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 or online.

Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based practice for treating addiction to opioids and alcohol. MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. The medications used in MAT act on the same parts of the brain affected by opioids and alcohol, but they do not cause a high or lead to dependence. In addition to minimizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, MAT can help patients make lifestyle changes that will enable them to stay sober in the long run.

MAT is most effective when used in combination with counseling, behavioral therapies, and other resources and services. In addition to increasing the chances of success in recovery, MAT plays an important role in helping people avoid overdose deaths. Overall, MAT is a safe and effective form of treatment that can help people achieve long-term sobriety and significantly improve their quality of life. With access to the right resources, people struggling with addiction can learn to manage their substance use disorder and live healthy, happy lives.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. The drug can prevent overdoses from common opioids, such as:

Oxycodone
Morphine
Valium
Heroin
Hydrocodone
Fentanyl

The drug is designed to block the effects of these other opioids. For instance, when you take morphine, the drug binds to the opioid receptors already in your brain. Binding to the receptors blocks the pain signals from the central nervous system to the brain. As a result, you feel less pain when you take opioids.

Opioids also produce a euphoric effect that produces pleasure. It makes you feel good. If you increase your morphine dosage, you may suffer from an overdose. Naloxone blocks the effects of morphine on the opioid receptors, essentially reversing their effects.

What Are the Top Naloxone Benefits for Opioid Addiction?

There are many benefits of using Naloxone to treat opioid addiction. Some of the most significant benefits are outlined below.

Overdose Prevention

Opioids affect the part of the brain that regulates breathing. When you overdose on opioids, you may experience slowed breathing. A high dosage can cause you to stop breathing and die. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, allowing you to breathe normally once again.

Craving Reduction

You can start to have cravings in as little as six hours after your last opioid dosage. A medication-assisted treatment program is able to reduce your cravings so that you do not relapse.

Reduction of Withdrawal Symptoms

In addition to having cravings, you may experience an array of withdrawal symptoms when you stop using opioids. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, shaking, insomnia, mood swings, high blood pressure, or even seizures. A naloxone treatment program can reduce withdrawal symptoms, making detox more tolerable.

Non-Addictive

Another one of the top naloxone benefits for opioid addiction is that, unlike other opioids, naloxone is non-addictive. Furthermore, naloxone does not work in your body unless there are other opioids present. So, you can’t get high from the drug or use it for recreational purposes.

Take-Home Medication

Some medication-assisted treatments must be monitored heavily. You can only use them inside a treatment center. Naloxone is one of the few drugs that you can use at home without supervision. You can use it when you are experiencing cravings regardless of where you are.

What to Consider Before Taking Naloxone

Although naloxone is an effective treatment in an opioid addiction treatment program, there are some things you need to consider before taking the drug. First, naloxone is not a primary form of addiction treatment. It should not be a replacement for therapy. Second, although naloxone does not have addictive properties, people can abuse it. If you find yourself abusing it, speak with your therapist.

Get Opioid Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

With the right treatment, you have a fighting chance to overcome your addiction. Naloxone may be the key to help you overcome your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. To learn more about the top naloxone benefits for opioids addiction, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 or online. We can help you get on the road to recovery.

How Effective Is Drug Rehab?

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

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

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

What Makes a Drug Rehab Program Effective?

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

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

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

How Effective Drug Rehab Programs Support Patients

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

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

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

What to Look For in a Drug Rehab Program

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

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

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

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

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

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

Benefits of Committing to an Outpatient Drug Rehab in Colorado

Posted on October 13, 2021 by cmarnew

Addiction recovery is a lifelong pursuit. You will face many triggers throughout your life that will try to push you to abuse opioids, alcohol, or other drugs. To continue to receive the help you need while returning to your everyday responsibilities, consider an outpatient program. A Colorado outpatient rehab center can give you access to all the services and treatment options that will help you maintain your sobriety.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our outpatient rehab center is available to those who can work on their addiction treatment and maintain a busy schedule and for those who have successfully completed a higher level of care such as a residential addiction treatment program or inpatient detox program. To learn more about our Colorado outpatient drug rehab center, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with a member of our caring support staff about enrolling in our outpatient rehab program.

When Is an Outpatient Rehab Program Right for You?

An outpatient rehab center is not right for everyone. Each person will have unique life experiences that contribute to their addiction through emotional distress, a past traumatic event, or other mental health issues. There is no simple cure for addiction, and the best treatment for you will come from your initial evaluation from a clinician. They may suggest an inpatient or outpatient treatment program based on their assessment.

For busy professionals who consider themselves functional or social drug users who feel their addiction is getting out of control, an outpatient treatment program can give them the support they need while keeping up with their busy lives. Patients will attend therapy sessions several hours a week at a drug rehab center or virtually through text messaging, phone, and zoom calls.

For those who have completed an inpatient or residential drug addiction treatment program, an outpatient rehab center will benefit their recovery as they transition back to their personal lives at home or through a sober living home for drug recovery.

Sober Living Homes

Some patients come from a home where they will not get the support they need or cannot trust themselves to live alone and not relapse. For these individuals, sober living homes are available as the next step toward living a sober life outside of a drug rehab center.

Sober living homes offer a community of peers and staff to encourage you to maintain your sobriety as you slowly integrate back into society with powerful coping skills to help you out in public life.

Continuing Drug Addiction Treatment Through Telehealth Services

Suppose you don’t live near an outpatient drug rehab center or your work schedule keeps you away from in-person therapy sessions. In that case, telehealth services are available to maintain your commitment to your therapy and when life gets particularly complicated and you feel a relapse is imminent.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use the latest technologies to connect with patients 24/7. Addiction does not follow a set clock, and your cravings can hit you at any time. Telehealth services will include:

Web-based tools
Texting
Smartphone apps
Telephone services
Videoconferencing

Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Our mission is to help as many Colorado residents as possible with their addiction and mental health treatment. To do this, we provide a holistic approach to your recovery with our outpatient medication-assisted therapy and behavioral therapy programs that may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Neurofeedback therapy
Ground and individual therapy
Family counseling

Your drug addiction treatment program will continuously update as you progress. This ensures that you receive the best drug recovery programs for your needs. To learn more about Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with a therapist about the benefits of an outpatient drug rehab center.

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.

Press Release: CMAR’s Clinical Director Featured in The Mighty

Posted on April 15, 2021 by cmarnew

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CMAR’s Clinical Director Featured in The Mighty

Denver, CO: Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery’s clinical director Michael Damioli has been featured in a recent article from The Mighty.

In their article “Why ‘Harm Reduction’ Could Be a Tool for Managing and Minimizing Drug Addiction,” Damioli offers his perspective on the role of harm reduction and injection sites in addiction treatment. In injection centers, individuals who use illicit drugs like heroin can inject them safely, with medical care and life-saving medications on hand if necessary. These centers are a type of harm reduction, which minimizes pain and risks for those who use various substances.

In Damioli’s view, injection centers and other harm reduction services should be a larger part of the landscape of addiction treatment. His view is that “treating drug users like human beings is the answer to the epidemic and safe injection sites is one step in that direction.” At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, harm reduction techniques are used to help patients on the path to sustainable recovery, and will likely be found in more addiction treatment centers in the future.

About Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: CMAR is Colorado’s only licensed outpatient addiction treatment center that offers integrated medical, clinical, and pharmaceutical services. To learn more, reach out to their treatment center at 855.454.4003 today.

How Buprenorphine Is Used to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

Posted on March 5, 2021 by cmarnew

Addiction is an ongoing epidemic across the world. From illegal drugs and alcohol to food and even prescription drugs, it is possible to become addicted to many things. Whether a person is using with the intent to get high or becomes dependent on a prescription drug, addiction is real, and help is often needed to recover and lead a healthy life. Opioids are among the most widely abused drugs in America, causing over half of the overdose deaths. But recovery is possible. Buprenorphine treatment can be helpful for those who are struggling with opioid use disorder when used in tandem with therapy and counseling.

What Is Opioid Use Disorder?

If an individual uses opioids after surgery and becomes dependent on them, they can become addicted easily. While these medications help reduce pain and are often necessary, they are highly addictive even after a short period. Some people are also aware of the high opioids provide and turn to the drugs for this purpose, eventually becoming addicted.

Common opioids include:

Morphine
Codeine
Oxycodone
Hydrocodone
Oxycontin
Vicodin
Percocet
Fentanyl

Using Medication to Treat Opioid Addiction

While there are many approaches to treating opioid use disorder, such as counseling, this alone is not enough. Medicated OUD treatment is usually necessary. With some medications, clients can overcome their dependence on the drugs by reducing the withdrawal symptoms that often make it impossible to quit in the first place. Buprenorphine is one medication that can be used to manage chronic pain and help those addicted to opioids on their journey to long-term recovery.

Buprenorphine Treatment

Buprenorphine is a partially synthetic drug made in labs. It is used to treat severe, often chronic, pain. It is also effective at helping those with opioid use disorder avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is considered an opioid still because it has components derived from opium poppies.

When a client goes through buprenorphine treatment, they may take sublingual tablets, use patches, or get injections. It is often used to treat pain in those with known histories of opioid addiction because it is considered therapeutic. This is because it delays withdrawal symptoms while addressing cravings for more potent opioids.

Using buprenorphine is helpful because it can reduce the risk of overdose and other health issues related to drug use. It is more readily available and is the first medication to treat OUD that can be prescribed and given in physicians’ offices, which helps increase access to treatment.

Buprenorphine has been used for over two decades and is considered safe and effective. It is quickly replacing the more common methadone to treat OUD, so much so that it is also commonly used to treat babies born with opiates in their systems.

Buprenorphine Treatment Risks

Buprenorphine use must still be monitored because it can cause overdoses. Watching for these signs is important:

Dizziness
Feeling faint
Sedation
Respiratory distress

While addiction liability is low, it can become habit-forming. Signs of abuse include:

Compulsive thoughts regarding buprenorphine
Craving more when doses are lowered
Loss of control of use
Continuing use despite negative consequences

In addition, clients younger than 60 that have no other medical conditions and take no other medications are more likely to experience side effects. However, seniors, children, and those with pre-existing conditions will experience a broader range of side effects. Side effects include:

Difficulty breathing
Sleepiness, dizziness, and the inability to drive
Severe interactions with alcohol
Vertigo, nausea, or headache
Lowered blood pressure
Liver function issues

Buprenorphine Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Effective treatment for opioid addiction can be found at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Our 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 providing a complete recovery to clients. Contact us at 833.448.0127 or reach out online for more information.

Do You Need an Oxycontin Treatment Program?

Posted on November 1, 2020 by cmarnew

Oxycontin is a common gateway drug to heroin. Whether you buy the medication legally or illegally, if dependency develops, seek professional help from an Oxycontin addiction treatment program. Skilled experts, such as the Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, can use innovative treatment methods to help you overcome the pandemic. To learn more about our programs, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127.

The Significance of Oxycontin Treatment Programs

Individuals experiencing chronic pain can use Oxycontin to eliminate the burden and to find the pain relief they’re seeking. However, users must understand the dangers of Oxycontin addiction in CO and take immediate action if they cannot quit.

If you develop a dependency, accepting the problem and checking into rehab will help you avoid severe long-term consequences. The condition starts with enhanced tolerance, whereby you have to increase your dose to achieve the desired effects. Drug dependency can change the way of thinking and put you in trouble. For example, some people can do anything, including stealing, to get money for the drug.

Drug dependency can cause you to lack interest in vital day-to-day activities. In most cases, individuals ignore their responsibilities to look for more drugs. Such issues impact many areas of life, including finances, relationships, and health, leading to legal problems.

Some people think they can use their willpower to deal with the problem, but they often relapse. If you try quitting without following a personalized oxycontin addiction treatment program, you may find yourself suffering from uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The experience can be life-threatening.

What to Expect During Oxycontin Treatment

Drugs have chemicals that alter your brain and body functions. Such changes make it challenging for the user to quit despite understanding the potential harm. Fortunately, rehab centers can use personalized treatment programs and evidence-based therapies for a successful recovery process. Every person is unique and requires an individualized approach. At rehab, you can benefit from many treatment programs, including:

If you’re struggling with Oxycontin addiction in CO, you’ll find that this is a common problem, so you should not battle it alone. The journey to recovery requires guidance and support from professionals who understand your situation. Besides, rehab treatment offers an opportunity to meet peers and share experiences. Therapists focus on helping their clients to recover and achieve their goals.

Oxycontin Addiction Diagnosis and Symptoms

When can you seek help for oxycontin abuse? If you use the drug without a prescription or take a more considerable amount than instructed, this is misuse. Some people may consume it in different ways than what is recommended by their physicians. For example, long-term users try to increase potency by crushing and inhaling the powder form.

Intense craving for the drug when it is not available is a sign of dependency. If you have these issues, consult a rehab professional for an oxycontin treatment program. The most common signs and symptoms of addiction include:

Lack of motivation
Anxiety and depression
Slurred speech
Altered sleep habits
Poor coordination
Enhanced euphoria
Shallow and slow breathing

Oxycontin addiction can lead to a fatal overdose. In such a situation, the person needs emergency medical attention to reverse the effects. Act immediately and call for help if the person shows signs like vomiting, constricted pupils, unresponsiveness, and slow breathing.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Addiction Treatment

Are you struggling with oxycontin dependency? If left untreated, the condition can cause severe health problems, some of which can be fatal. Do not let an avoidable situation ruin your life. Seek help from an oxycontin treatment program where addiction treatment professionals will ensure you achieve permanent recovery. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 for a customized treatment program.

Why Peer-Support Is Necessary In Sustaining Recovery From Opioid-Addiction

Posted on September 6, 2020 by cmarnew

Recovery is not something that can be done alone. In fact, every major treatment-outcome study shows a clear link between peer-support & long-term addiction recovery. Opioid dependence is no exception. Yet unfortunately, over 90% of those receiving treatment for opioid-dependence are granted no access to a supportive peer group. 90% of Clinics (Methadone & Suboxone), addiction psychiatry practices, and addiction medicine practices in Colorado fail to provide even a single peer-support group during an addict’s treatment. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer peer support to help you recover from opioid addiction.

Evidence-Based Alternatives

Clinics and “suboxone doctors” prescribe, dispense, and sometimes provide some case management or counseling, but little more. Why? Because these providers are only trying to help, patients achieve one single outcome: survival. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, on the other hand, we designed a more evidence-based alternative, which seeks to empower each patient to not just survive, but thrive. We want our patients to live happy, productive, socially healthy lives. We want them to use the gift of recovery to live, love, laugh, feel, connect, and so on.

Recovery From Opioid Dependence

Though CMAR certainly integrates first-rate addiction medicine, integrated & comprehensive group therapy programs & individual therapy programs, family therapy programs, and case management, CMAR also provides peer-led support groups. This group creates a community for our patients, all of whom share the common bond of being in recovery from opioid dependence. This group helps create lasting connections, peer-support systems, and accountability. Yet another reason why CMAR is Colorado’s most comprehensive, evidence-based opioid program. Learn more at CMAR or call us at 833.448.0127.