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3 Signs Your Loved One Is Addicted to Heroin

Knowing what heroin addiction signs to look for is important to know if you suspect a friend or family member is abusing this dangerous and illegal substance. Heroin can cause a serious addiction that can cause permanent damage and serious medical conditions that can lead to death if not properly treated. For those who are struggling with heroin addiction, a heroin addiction treatment program can ease the withdrawal process and help patients reach their recovery goals.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support individuals who are ready to make a positive change in their lives and stop their heroin abuse. Our outpatient treatment programs are ideal for those who can abstain from taking more drugs with minimal supervision and can meet with therapists at regularly scheduled times. Patients will participate in group and private therapy sessions while receiving medication to minimize withdrawals and cravings. To learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program, reach out to our compassionate team today at 833.448.0127 to schedule an appointment.

Why Is Heroin Addiction so Dangerous?

Spotting heroin addiction signs in a friend or loved one can go a long way toward stopping their heroin use before it causes serious physical and mental harm. Heroin is a synthetic opioid made from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum. It is a fast-acting narcotic that causes a massive release of dopamine that your body can never produce on its own. With continued use, the body begins to crave more of the drug, which causes the natural production of dopamine to cease.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for making you feel happy. It also helps manage coordination, learning, emotional regulation, and other vital functions. After your last dose of heroin, it can take several weeks before your body returns to normal and starts producing dopamine again. During that time, you can experience painful withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings for more heroin.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our team has experience treating heroin addiction and the underlying causes that are fueling it. Patients will participate in medication-assisted treatment to minimize withdrawals and cravings while talking with a therapist in private and group settings.

3 Heroin Addiction Signs That Point to a Growing Problem

Heroin addiction is a serious mental health illness that can kill if not properly treated. It creates personality and behavioral changes and can tear apart families, and make children more susceptible to addiction.

If you suspect a friend or loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, here are three signs of heroin addiction to look out for:

  1. Behavioral changes—Addiction causes self-destructive habits that make the person feel like the only solution to their problem is more heroin. This will cause behavioral changes such as becoming more argumentative or irritable, lying about where they’ve been or who they are with, stealing, and threatening violence. Their desire for more heroin will consume every aspect of their life until they take more.
  2. Physical changes—Depending on how they take heroin, some of the physical signs of heroin addiction include scabs or bruising on the skin, needle marks in between fingers and toes, and extreme weight loss. Other physical signs to look for include burnt spoons, discarded needles, and glass pipes or bongs around the house.
  3. Medical conditions—Heroin abuse can lead to serious medical conditions that include HIV, hepatitis B or C, chronic pneumonia, stroke, heart attack, Septicemia, seizures, and respiratory depression.

Recognizing what heroin addiction signs look like is very important to know if you suspect someone is abusing heroin or other dangerous drugs. Talking to them about their use can show them the harm they are causing to themselves and others and convince them to get help.

Begin to Heal with Heroin Addiction Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our addiction treatment facility welcomes all people who are struggling with an addiction to heroin, meth, alcohol, or other harmful substances. We create an atmosphere of trust and open communication with each patient, so they feel comfortable talking about the issues that led to the addiction and begin to heal. Patients will participate in a number of therapies, such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Trauma therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online contact form today to speak with our caring team about treating heroin addiction.

3 Reasons Why You Should Enter a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

Heroin addiction is a serious mental health disorder affecting millions of men and women in the U.S. annually. It is a fast-acting opioid with a high abuse and addiction rate and creates powerful withdrawal symptoms that can make detoxing alone dangerous. For men and women struggling with addiction, a heroin addiction treatment program can help them through the recovery process with less risk of relapse and overdose.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide safe and effective heroin addiction treatment for men and women struggling with addiction to heroin or other substances. We take the time to get to know each patient’s unique symptoms and severity of the addiction. They take that information and create a tailored treatment program that addresses the physical and mental aspects of their addiction. Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and want help with their addiction recovery.

The Difficulties of Treating Heroin Addiction

Treating heroin addiction can be difficult as men and women who struggle with addiction will go to great lengths to hide it from friends and family. As their addiction grows and tolerance levels increase, they become obsessed with drug abuse and will do anything necessary to get more. This can include stealing from loved ones, lying about their drug use, and threatening violence if someone tries to stop them.

If you are concerned that a friend or loved one is abusing heroin, look for these signs of heroin addiction:

  • Changes in behavior
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Needle or track marks on arms, legs, or in between fingers and toes
  • Paranoia
  • Worsening physical appearance or lack of personal hygiene
  • Finding drug paraphernalia such as burned spoons, needles and syringes, glass pipes, and missing shoe laces

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide men and women in Colorado with safe and effective heroin addiction treatment. We offer a full range of addiction treatment programs using a combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies for a well-rounded treatment experience.

3 Reasons to Enroll in a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

The best form of treatment for heroin addiction involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies. Patients will receive medical support to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while developing healthy coping skills to maintain their sobriety through group and individual behavioral therapy sessions.

Here are three reasons why you should enter a heroin addiction treatment program:

  1. A safer way to detox – Detoxing from heroin addiction can be deadly if patients try to detox alone. Medication is used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, giving patients a chance to focus on their recovery with less risk of relapse.
  2. Gain healthy coping skills – Patients work with behavioral therapists one-on-one to develop healthy coping skills to help them confront the feelings that led to the addiction. During group therapy, they practice these skills with their peers under careful supervision by therapists who will make note of any troubling behavior that needs addressing.
  3. Improved confidence and self-esteem – Patients work with peers during group therapy to practice coming skills and build their confidence. The more they practice these skills, the more confident they become in reaching their goal of lifelong sobriety.

Learn more about how a heroin addiction treatment program can help you by using our online contact form.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Your Top Resource for Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers safe and effective treatment for heroin addiction for men and women from all walks of life. We provide outpatient treatment that combines medication-assisted treatment and various forms of behavioral therapies, such as:

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

Our patients graduate from their addiction treatment program with the skills they need for lifelong, sustainable recovery. For more information about our heroin addiction treatment program, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our compassionate staff about enrolling in our outpatient addiction treatment facility.

Characteristics of a Good Heroin Rehab

Heroin rehab can be a significant struggle if you do not have the proper care to help you through some of the painful withdrawal symptoms. Finding the right heroin addiction rehab center can help you get through your detox and continue your addiction treatment with behavioral and group therapy.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our heroin addiction treatment program can help you get over your heroin addiction with our medication-assisted and behavioral therapy. A certified therapist will develop a treatment program based on your initial evaluation and continue to update your treatment as necessary. If you or someone you love is struggling to beat heroin addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our heroin rehab center in Colorado.

What to Look For in a Heroin Rehab Center in Colorado

If you are struggling with an addiction to heroin and have failed to stop on your own, it is time to look into a heroin rehab center with the right addiction treatment programs for you. Addiction is as unique as the individual that is suffering through it. The right heroin rehab center will understand this and base their treatment according to the individual and their progress through the program.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Evidence-based treatment is scientific-backed evidence of addiction treatment with a proven track record of success that is well documented and researched. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are two evidence-based behavioral treatment options with a high level of success in addiction recovery.

A well-rounded heroin addiction treatment program will include behavioral therapy along with individual, group, and family therapy sessions.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Severe withdrawal symptoms can accompany heroin withdrawal. For this reason, an addiction treatment program may include medication-assisted treatment. This can reduce withdrawal symptoms which can get in the way of your addiction recovery.

The FDA has approved the following drugs to help reduce painful withdrawal symptoms, reduce your cravings, and block the euphoric effect drugs and alcohol have:

  • Buprenorphine
  • Suboxone
  • Naltrexone
  • Naloxone

Evaluation and Case Management

At the time of your enrollment, you will go through an evaluation process to determine the best course of action in your treatment. This might include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family counseling

As you move through the program, your therapist will update your treatment plan depending on your progress. MAT is useful in getting you through your withdrawal symptoms to focus on your recovery but is a short-term solution. In some severe cases, the medication that blocks the euphoric sensations from heroin may be taken long-term with continued support from an outpatient program.

Outpatient Programs

For those who have gone through a detox program or residential addiction treatment and still want help coping with their addiction, an outpatient program can continue their heroin addiction treatment while maintaining a normal work schedule. Patients can attend outpatient programs a few hours each day or week, depending on their treatment, and fits around their busy lives.

Telehealth options can also be available when you cannot make it into a treatment facility.

Heroin Addiction Treatment in Colorado: The Road to Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our heroin addiction treatment center can help you with your heroin rehab with our heroin detox program and outpatient therapy with the best treatment options based on your individual needs. We use a combination of behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to help you continue your recovery from heroin addiction.

Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to speak with one of our supportive therapists about our heroin rehab center and how we can help you begin on the road to recovery.

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.

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.