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5 Exciting Group Therapy Activities

Addiction is a mental health disorder that is treatable through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Patients participate in individual therapy sessions along with group therapy activities that are very beneficial in helping patients recover from addiction. A group therapy program also gives patients a chance to see they are not alone in their struggles and gain valuable perspectives from peers from all walks of life.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with addiction to alcohol, heroin, or other harmful substances. When you first arrive at our discreet facility, therapists will perform a full assessment of your health to place you in the right program based on your condition and the severity of your symptoms. For more information about our beneficial group therapy program, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our friendly staff about beginning your addiction recovery.

Why Is Group Therapy Important for Addiction Recovery?

For some men and women, group therapy is a scary proposition. They think that sharing their struggles with others is embarrassing and something you should never do. This unhealthy point of view is why so many people continue to struggle with addiction alone instead of seeking help. Many people are taught to keep their feelings to themselves instead of talking about them and minimizing their effect on their physical and mental health.

Group therapy is important for addiction recovery as it allows patients to gain new perspectives on their struggles and what techniques they use to manage their symptoms. A group therapy program also gives patients a chance to practice coping skills, improve communication skills, and build a strong support network of peers.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer outpatient support for men and women throughout Colorado to aid them in their recovery process. We also offer telehealth options for patients whose schedule makes it hard for them to attend in-person therapy.

5 Exciting Group Therapy Activities to Benefit Your Recovery

Boredom is one of the leading causes of relapse for patients just out of recovery. That is why during a group therapy program, patients will participate in a number of group activities that will benefit their recovery and open their eyes to new interests and hobbies to fill their days.

Here are five group therapy activities that patients will participate in with their peers:

  1. Role-playing – This activity is a great way for others to understand how their addiction is affecting others. Take turns role-playing different scenarios, such as talking about addiction to family or friends and coping with situations that trigger cravings.
  2. Nature hikes – Getting out in nature is very therapeutic and a good way to get some exercise and clear your head. At the mid-point of the hike, sit down in a comfortable spot and have a conversation about the recovery journey or other topics.
  3. Charades – This game is an excellent way to practice expressing yourself non-verbally and a fun way to bond with your peers.
  4. Make a vision board – Create a collage of images and objects that inspire you to reach your recovery goals. Plan a fun sober vacation for you and your peers to celebrate completing the program and reaching your sober goals.
  5. Write a letter to your future self – Write a letter to your future self and share some of the inspirational messages you tell yourself with others in the group.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Offers Beneficial Group Therapy Programs for Addiction Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our patients will participate in group therapy activities that will benefit their recovery now and in the future. We offer a full range of beneficial therapies, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Neurofeedback therapy

Today to the perfect time to stop letting addiction rule your life. Call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form for more information about our outpatient treatment facility.

Finding the Right Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

Group therapy is an important step in the addiction recovery process. It allows men and women to gain a new perspective on the recovery experience from people with different backgrounds and life circumstances. A group therapy program gives patients an opportunity to hone their coping skills and gain confidence in maintaining their sobriety at home and in public. Group therapy is a necessary step for anyone looking to reach their sobriety goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery supports men and women struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Therapists and medical staff will evaluate your current physical and mental health to develop an effective treatment program to meet all of your recovery goals. If you are ready to accept help with your addiction recovery, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to learn how our private outpatient treatment facility is the best place to start your addiction recovery.

How Can a Group Therapy Program Help with the Recovery Process?

For some men and women, sharing their addiction struggles with others is enough to dissuade them from participating in an addiction treatment program. They feel embarrassed and ashamed of their condition due to the stigma of addiction that our society has created. Addiction is a mental health illness that is treatable through the combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy in group and one-on-one sessions.

During group therapy, patients will find that sharing their stories is very therapeutic and can give them new insights into how others face similar struggles. This goes a long way in helping patients realize they are not alone in their struggles, which is a common symptom of substance abuse. They feel the only solution to their problem is through continued substance abuse, especially when they try to quit on their own.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide our patients with a wide range of therapies and programs to aid in their goal of sustainable recovery. Patients will participate in several therapies during private and group sessions where they can develop their coping skills.

What to Expect from Group Therapy

Each person’s experience with addiction treatment is unique and requires a tailored treatment program that includes group and individual therapy. The cause of addiction has a lot to do with behavior, and patients can learn a lot by sharing their stories with others and listening to feedback from a different perspective.

Here is just some of what you can expect during your group therapy program:

  • Separate men’s and women’s group rehab sessions – Group therapy is available in a gender-specific environment. This removes any distractions caused by the opposite sex and allows for open and honest communication.
  • Practice coping skills in a safe environment – Patients can gain confidence in their ability to maintain their sobriety by practicing their coping skills with their peers in a supervised environment.
  • Work on improving communication and relationship skills – Group therapy is also beneficial for teaching men and women how to effectively communicate their feelings. They learn how to calmly express themselves and how to become a better listener.
  • Develop healthy friendships with your peers – The relationships you develop with others in group therapy will become a strong support system to help maintain your sobriety long after you complete your treatment program.

Finding the right group therapy program can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term sobriety.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Providing Men and Women with an Effective Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women from all walks of life through group and individual therapy through our private outpatient treatment center. We offer a wide range of therapies to benefit your recovery process, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Family therapy
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Neurofeedback therapy

For more information about our outpatient group therapy program, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to begin leading a healthy and sober life.

Peer Support Can Hold You Accountable to Your Recovery

Peer support for addiction recovery can be successful in helping those suffering from addiction when individual therapy is not enough. Participants will feel more comfortable around others who have gone through similar struggles and feel more inclined to share their stories. Your deeper connection with others in your peer support group will keep you accountable as they will be encouraging you toward success and help you on bad days.

If you are interested in learning more about peer support for addiction recovery at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, call 833.448.0127 to speak with a therapist and learn how peer support can help you or your loved ones.

Why Does Peer Support for Recovery Work so Well?

We tend to stay close to those who we feel are similar to us. Positive people attract other positive people, just like those who view the world negatively will attract others who share their pessimistic views. Peer support is successful because everyone involved has lived with addiction, including the moderator.

It allows for a more encouraging atmosphere and builds on the participant’s strengths and overall well-being, helping them stay motivated in their recovery.

Peer support can help with a variety of other mental health and social issues, including:

  • Opioid addiction recovery
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Death of a loved one
  • Relationship issues

When you begin your addiction recovery at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, your program will include a combination of individual therapy, peer support therapy, and case management to make sure you are getting the most out of your recovery.

Peer Support Can Keep You Accountable During Your Recovery

When working with your peers in addiction recovery, you will feel more compelled to stay on track. The other participants can give you advice on your recovery and encourage you to stick with the program. You will have more faith in their words as they are living proof that recovery is possible.

Your addiction will only be successful if you are willing to do what’s needed to recover. When first starting peer support therapy, you may feel uncomfortable sharing with others. But as you listen to them tell their stories, you will begin to relate with them and feel comfortable sharing. The more you are around them, the easier it will be to open up and get to the bottom of your addiction.

Benefits of Peer Support

When you are involved with peer support groups to help with your recovery, you will begin to feel the positive effects of working with someone that understands your addiction, including:

  • A better sense of well being
  • Learning how to trust others
  • A better circle of friends
  • Improved self-esteem
  • Learning important coping skills

Although there is no cure for addiction, with a supportive group of peers who understand, recovery and long-term sobriety is possible.

Get Involved to Help Others With Their Addiction Recovery

As the need for peer support for addiction recovery grows, the best leaders will be those who have survived their addiction through peer support and now want to help others in their recovery.

By getting involved with helping others, you are helping yourself build your self-esteem, confidence, and other coping skills. The joy you will feel knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life is a powerful motivator.

Learn How Peer Support Can Help You at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Peer support can be very beneficial to those who are struggling with their addiction recovery. Better case management may be required. Adding peer support therapy can be a suitable form of treatment that you or a loved one needs to recover from their addiction successfully.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the value of peer support for addiction recovery and will assist you in your addiction recovery to ensure life-long health and wellness. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our therapists about starting your road to recovery.

How Community Activities Can Boost Recovery

community activities in colorado can help with recoveryFor 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.

Prosocial Behavior

Prosocial behavior is a crucial element to successful opioid-addiction recovery, but why? Well, on July 1st of this year, a study was published by the Department of Health & Human Services confirming that recovery from opioid addiction demands prosocial behavior. Here, we’ll explain why social interaction and general prosocial behavior so crucial to the recovery process.

Prosocial Behavior And Recovery

Primary to the recovery lifestyle is learning to live in diametric opposition to the addicted life. Since the opioid-addict is chronically insecure, judgmental, and socially isolated, recovery demands self-acceptance, changing antisocial behavior & thinking, & learning to sustain meaningful peer connections.

Group Therapy Benefits

Group therapy offers the perfect environment to learn and practice these prosocial skills by creating a place to both provide education around prosocial behavior and a place to practice and provide peer feedback to evolve prosocial skills. Similarly, peer support settings offer a space to both practice and to “put up a mirror,” learning from the mistakes of those you inherently relate with. This a huge reason why, for example, the pandemic has increased relapse and overdose rates considerably; people are more isolated, and there is a built-in justification to practice antisocial behavior.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Opioid addiction is a difficult disease to recover come, but it’s necessary. As opioids continue to kill more & more American’s, CMAR is here to provide the tools and services, including prosocial behavioral development, to empower our patients to achieve and sustain their recovery from opioid-dependence, other addictions, and all co-occurring mental health. We are Colorado’s most comprehensive opioid-recovery program.

Learn More at www.Colorado-Recovery.com or call 833.448.0127.

VERIFY INSURANCE

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.