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3 Benefits of a Vivitrol Treatment Program

To help stop the frequent number of relapses in addiction treatment, Vivitrol and other FDA-approved drugs can help with addiction recovery by easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings so patients can focus on their recovery. A Vivitrol treatment program is a monthly injection that stops the pleasurable effects of alcohol, heroin, and other drugs with zero chance of addiction or withdrawal once you stop taking Vivitrol.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use medication-assisted therapy (MAT) to help reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms so you can concentrate on your recovery and reduce the chances of relapse down the road. If you or someone you love needs the help of a Vivitrol treatment program, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our friendly staff and learn more about the benefits of a Vivitrol treatment program.

What Is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is the brand name for a class of drugs that are useful in treating drug and alcohol addiction. It is a once-a-month injectable extended-release drug that can allow patients to concentrate on their recovery.

Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, is not an opioid agonist like buprenorphine or methadone. You can stop taking Vivitrol without any withdrawal symptoms and zero risks of addiction. Instead of activating the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, naltrexone blocks the receptors, preventing the euphoric feelings and reducing your craving for the drug.

Once your body stops waiting for the external substance to release endorphins and other natural chemicals, your body will slowly begin to produce these chemicals on its own. Using Vivitrol has proven to be highly effective in helping patients with their addiction treatment with fewer relapse occurrences.

Three Benefits of a Vivitrol Treatment Program

Using Vivitrol with an outpatient treatment program that involves behavior and group therapy gives you a better chance at maintaining your sobriety throughout your life.

1. Vivitrol Is Long-Lasting

Vivitrol is one of the longer-lasting MAT drugs approved to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. A single dose can last for 30 days and is administered by a medical professional. As you progress through your Vivitrol treatment program, your therapists will continue to update your program to provide you with the best care possible, leading to abstinence.

2. Zero Risk of Addiction

Vivitrol is a non-narcotic with no chances of addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Patients may feel some side effects, which include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Joint or muscle pain

Compared to the side effects of withdrawal, patients can concentrate on their recovery and get control of their life back.

3. Lower Risk of Relapse

Studies have shown that Vivitrol is very effective in treating drug addiction with fewer chances of relapse when the patient is dedicated to their recovery and follows their addiction treatment program.

The goal of a Vivitrol treatment program is complete abstinence. While no treatment program can guarantee complete abstinence, you have a better chance at staying sober when combining Vivitrol with an outpatient program and a supportive and sober home environment to continue your therapy.

Learn More About MAT for Your Addiction Treatment

When you come into Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for your addiction recovery, we will evaluate your condition and provide you with the best treatment options based on your individual needs. Through our Vivitrol treatment program, our medical staff will handle your medication while you begin working on changing your life for the better.

Your therapy will include programs that will help you get to the root of your addiction through behavioral and holistic therapy:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Case management
  • Peer support

If you or someone you love is ready to commit to their recovery, call 833.448.0127 or complete our online form today to learn more about our Vivitrol treatment program for your addiction treatment.

Breaking the Stigma Associated with MAT

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

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

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

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

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

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

Alcohol Addiction

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

Opioid Addiction

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

  • Buprenorphine
  • Methadone
  • Naltrexone

Opioid Overdose

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

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

How Medication-Assisted Treatment Program Can Benefit Your Recovery

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

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

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

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

Break the Stigma at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

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

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

What to Look For in an Addiction Treatment Center

How do you know if an addiction treatment center is right for you or a loved one? Your first step is to find a treatment facility run by a professional and caring staff dedicated to your recovery as much as you are. The facility you choose should offer outpatient and telehealth therapy options for more accessibility. That can give you the freedom you need to continue your life while working on your addiction recovery.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our addiction treatment programs are tailored specifically to your personal needs. Treatment cannot be one-size-fits-all. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs can help you break free from addiction. We’ll help you reach a place of stability so you can develop the healthy coping skills you need for lifelong recovery. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our treatment programs and how they can help you heal.

Finding the Right Addiction Treatment Center for You

Not all addiction recovery programs are the same. A residential or inpatient treatment facility is not the best option for those who can keep up their responsibilities at work or at home. Instead, many individuals benefit from outpatient care. This flexible treatment option is ideal for those who have a supportive living situation.

Additionally, the underlying causes that may have contributed to substance use issues are as unique as you are. Your addiction treatment center should create a treatment plan with that in mind.

Understanding Your Addiction Through Behavioral Therapy

From an early age, you might have watched our parents drink and have a good time with friends and family. It is no wonder that many individuals associate alcohol with fun before even taking the first sip. Addiction is a mental disease where individuals repeat a task like drinking or taking drugs and cannot stop, even when it begins to affect those around them negatively.

Behavioral therapy is the preferred method of treating addiction and other mental health diseases. It helps you get to the reason behind your addiction so you can better recognize your triggers and learn to avoid them.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment programs involve a combination of medication and behavioral therapy programs. This approach can help patients suffering through long-term withdrawal effects and remain functional while they seek treatment.

These drugs are administered alongside behavioral therapy programs to reduce the dependence on opioids to allow a gradual decline of withdrawal symptoms:

  • Buprenorphine
  • Suboxone
  • Lucemyra

These medications can relieve withdrawal symptoms as well as curb cravings.

Benefits of Enrolling in an Addiction Treatment Center With Varying Treatment Options

Inpatient and residential treatment programs are not suitable for everyone. If you cannot take time off work, an outpatient or telehealth service can still give you the benefits of a residential program. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our behavioral therapy programs can help you root out the causes behind your addiction. The therapies we offer include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family therapy

We offer our behavioral and medication-assisted programs through outpatient and telehealth services for those who need a more flexible addiction treatment program that fits their schedule without sacrificing their recovery efforts.

Learn More About Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

The stigma of addiction can cause many to avoid seeking the treatment they need to continue their recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and are ready to seek the support needed to recover, reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today.

Call 833.448.0127 today to see how a professional recovery program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help you or a loved one begin on the journey to lifelong sobriety. We can help you verify your insurance with us today.

How Naloxone Can Save Lives During Overdose

Opioid overdose is one of the leading causes of most overdose cases in the U.S. A naloxone treatment is the best way to stop the effects of the overdose. The fast-acting naloxone treatment can be administered through injection or nasal spray (NARCAN®) when medical assistance isn’t around.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are available to assist you with your naloxone treatment and prepare you for a potential overdose. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, please call 833.448.0127 to speak with a therapist to learn more about how naloxone for overdoses is an effective treatment.

How Does Naloxone Help Someone Who Is Overdosing?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. When injected, the naloxone binds with the opioid receptors and blocks the effects of the opioids. It can restore normal breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and stop the pleasurable effects that can lead to addiction. The effects are nearly instantaneous and can help the patient survive until medical assistance arrives.

You may experience some side effects after your naloxone treatment, which are relatively mild, including:

  • Injection site soreness
  • Sweating
  • Hot flashes

Some people can experience more severe side effects with an opioid overdose that may include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

Naloxone treatments can last up to 60–90 minutes and are designed as a temporary fix to give you time to seek medical treatment.

Why Should You Be Prepared for an Opioid Overdose?

Opioid addiction can happen to anyone. These drugs are highly addictive and can easily lead to physical dependence. The majority of opioid overdoses occur in men and women between 45 and 49 and follow a doctor’s prescription.

Here are some of the more common reasons for an opioid overdose:

  • Incorrect dosage due to multiple prescriptions/doctors
  • Patients recovering from medical surgery after an overdose
  • Chronic pain relief
  • Former opioid detox patients with a high risk of relapse
  • Previous users with lower tolerances

If you care for someone taking opioids for pain relief or other reasons, it is wise to have naloxone nearby.

How to Recognize Signs of an Overdose Before It’s Too Late

Opioid abuse is so high because of the intoxicating and pleasurable effects that opioids provide. Someone can think if they double or triple their prescription, they will feel that much better. It is crucial to follow the prescription exactly, or you may begin to feel some of the following precursors to an overdose:

  • Intoxication
  • Slurred speech
  • Mental confusion
  • Drowsy or trouble staying awake even in loud environments

If someone you love is at this stage, keep a close eye on them to see if the symptoms worsen. Opioids affect the part of the brain that regulates breathing, and you may think someone is just sleeping it off when they are struggling to breathe or have stopped altogether. As the overdose worsens, so do the symptoms such as:

  • Pale and clammy skin
  • Fingernails and lips turn blue
  • Unable to wake even when shook or pressed down on the chest
  • Pupils are tiny and do not react
  • Shallow breathing and heartbeat

Give them a naloxone treatment and call 911 immediately if the symptoms have progressed and you cannot revive them. Even after receiving a naloxone treatment, they can still be in danger depending on the severity of the opioid overdose.

Learn More About Naloxone Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you or someone you know is currently prescribed an opioid medication and has a history of addiction, be prepared for an accidental opioid overdose by understanding how naloxone can help save a life.

We will make sure you understand your naloxone treatment and answer all of your questions about opioid overdose. Call 833.448.0127 today to talk with one of our therapists about using naloxone for overdoses.

Types of Addiction Treatment for Recovery

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

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

Common Approaches to Addiction Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Specialized Treatment Programs and Therapies

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

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

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

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

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to Learn More About Addiction Recovery

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

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

What to Expect in Recovery-Oriented Suboxone Treatment

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

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

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

What Is Suboxone Treatment?

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

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

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

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

What to Expect in a Recovery-Oriented Suboxone Treatment Program

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

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

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

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today to Learn More

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

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

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

How Buprenorphine Is Used to Treat Heroin Addiction

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

What Is Buprenorphine?

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

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

How Does Buprenorphine Help with Addiction?

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

  • Cravings for heroin
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal distress
  • Depression
  • Agitation
  • Muscle spasms

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

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

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

What Are the Side Effects of Using Buprenorphine?

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

People receiving buprenorphine treatment may experience the following side effects:

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

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

Receive Buprenorphine Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

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

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

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

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.

Does Vivitrol Cure Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

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

How Does Vivitrol Work?

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

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

How Can Vivitrol Help With Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

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

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

Can Vivitrol Cure an Alcohol or Drug Addiction?

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

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

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

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

Get Help For Addiction at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

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

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

Press Release: Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery’s Clinical Director Interviewed for Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery’s Clinical Director Interviewed for Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly

 

Denver, CO: In a recent article in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, Michael Damioli, the clinical director of Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, offers his perspective on the future of telehealth in the field of addiction treatment. 

Medications that can treat opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine, were once only available through in-person inpatient or outpatient treatment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled addiction treatment centers such as Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to open up telehealth treatment options. In Damioli’s view, this will pave the way for more comprehensive telehealth treatment options in the future. 

“The telehealth door has been opened,” Damioli notes. While remote treatment for substance use disorder may have been prompted by the pandemic, telehealth is seen as an option that will only continue to grow in years to come. Even as treatment centers begin to return to in-person sessions, telehealth can help those addicted to opioids continue medication-assisted treatment long-term.

About Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery 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.

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Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

Cortland Mathers-Suter entered the treatment space after his own battle with addiction. He first worked as a peer mentor, before starting clinical work while completing his Masters of Science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he focused on policy and direct practice. Cortland moved to Colorado in 2015 to start his first addiction treatment program, AspenRidge Recovery. Under his tenure, AspenRidge Recovery became a two-location, nationally accredited organization. He has since spent the last two years researching and developing what is now Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR).

According to Cortland, “Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is the most important organization I have had the honor to help build. We’re offering a service that seeks to not only improve the lives of our patients but also evolve how we look at medication-assisted treatment in Colorado entirely. Most individuals receiving medication-assisted care only receive medication and urinalysis. Sure you can call that ‘treatment,’ but you can’t call that ‘recovery.’ Our model is about adding the missing recovery component, and thus affords an opportunity to achieve lasting change for each patient and the industry.”

Cortland and his treatment programs have received numerous honors. These include Colorado Business Magazine’s “GenXYZ” award, the 2020 “Titan 100” award, and his program AspenRidge Recovery was both a finalist for “Best Healthcare Company” and named in the “Company’s to Watch” by Colorado Business Magazine as well. He has been interviewed and quoted by numerous publications for his “addiction expertise”, including News Week, 5280 Magazine, the Denver Post, Elephant Journal, Colorado Biz Mag, and TheRecoverySource.org.

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

Tyler is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked in manufacturing administration for 18 years until he chose to pursue recovery from alcohol addiction, which led him to Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Tyler gained experience in retail, retail pharmacy, and healthcare as a vaccine coordinator for a local Colorado clinic. At the clinic, Tyler discovered that healthcare was the career change he had been looking for. His newfound passion for healthcare, combined with his lived experience with addiction, brought him to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery as an Office Administrator.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University.

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

Simmeren comes to CMAR after several years working admissions in inpatient psychiatry and addiction. A first-generation Colorado Native, Simmeren attended CU Boulder, where she earned a BA in psychology. Simmeren is currently completing her CAC III while working toward her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

According to Simmeren, “I joined CMAR because I believe in the quality and importance of the program whole-heartedly. My goal at CMAR is to guide each prospect who calls CMAR to find the best possible pathway to their recovery”. Simmeren currently lives in her hometown with her dog and cat.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others. Tyler joined the team at CMAR because he believes in the efficacy of comprehensive and patient-centered outpatient treatment. In his free time Tyler enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his newborn son.

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

Kirstin O’Carroll started her career in addiction and mental health services 23 years ago after graduating with an MSW from The Oho State University. Hired directly from an internship program, she served as a case manager and vocational specialist on a community treatment team in Columbus, OH, working to help severely mentally ill adults remain at home and in a community setting. Within the same organization, she later transitioned to clinical assessment and crisis intervention services with children, adolescents, and adults. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of providing empathetic, high-quality care and the need to “start wherever the patient is” with regard to finding the best treatment & solutions for her patients.

After seven years, Kirstin made a career change to diagnostic sales and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as an acute care sales specialist. She is delighted to return “home” to her passion for helping others and believes her new role as community engagement coordinator for CMAR is the perfect alignment of both her clinical and sales skills. When not promoting CMAR, she can be found reading, running, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Dennis and senior canine son Reggie.

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

Thomas is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado and a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in the State of North Carolina with particular expertise in the treatment of chronic Substance Abuse Addiction and Dependency.

Thomas is dedicated to Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling and Therapy for individuals with Substance Use and Mental Health issues and concerns.

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

James Jackman is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been practicing addiction treatment in Colorado since 2015. James is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University Denver. James is a traditional CBT therapist specializing in childhood events that lead to adult addictions.

James has received special training in Family Systems, Inner Child, Maladaptive Schemas, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. James has worked in many treatment settings throughout his career and uses a client-centered treatment approach to help one recover from destructive patterns that facilitate addiction. In addition, James enjoys working with rescue animals and advocates for several local rescue organizations outside of work.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

Megan is a licensed counselor who has worked in various mental health and addiction treatment environments. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and believes in pulling from various therapeutic approaches to best support each individual. Megan received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Concordia College. She relocated from North Dakota to Colorado where she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Denver.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

Maggie Coyle, MS, MA, LPP, LPCC has worked in the mental health and addictions counseling field for the past six years. She has extensive experience in working in the varying levels of mental health and addictions treatment as well as with diverse populations.

She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as primary intervention methods. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling both from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She has also earned a master’s degree in addictions counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Maggie moved from South Dakota to Colorado in June 2020 and is excited to be a part of the CMAR team.

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

Michael Damioli has been passionately working in the fields of addiction treatment and mental health since 2012. He has held a variety of different roles within the addiction recovery space, ranging from peer support to direct clinical practice. Notably, Michael was part of a leadership group that developed a small therapy practice into a nationally branded addiction treatment program, which offers multiple levels of care to recovering professionals. Michael is a strong believer in the family disease model of addiction and has focused much of his clinical work and training on supporting families impacted by addiction. He also specializes in treating individuals suffering from co-occurring chemical and process addictions.

Michael is honored to be leading the clinical care team at CMAR and believes that excellent clinical care begins by simply treating a patient with dignity and respect. Michael is a strong advocate for ethical reform within the addiction treatment field and is excited to promote CMAR as an ethical and thought leader throughout the treatment & recovery industry. Michael earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and is independently licensed as a clinical social worker with the state of Colorado. He holds an advanced post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the Denver Family Institute as well as an advanced certificate in sexual addiction counseling from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals.

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

Dr. Duncan was born and spent most of his early life in California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1987. He is a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed addiction counselor. He has had extensive training and experience throughout his professional career in medical psychology, mindfulness, integrated behavioral healthcare, and substance abuse.

Dr. Duncan is married and has one daughter, a neurologic physical therapist in Los Angeles.

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

Susan has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ICU nurse for nine years, then returned to school and completed her master of nursing and family nurse practitioner degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2007. She practiced pain management for many years before developing her current passion for addiction treatment.

Susan has transitioned her practice to focus entirely on addiction treatment. She has worked in residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Susan most enjoys working with patients one-on-one in a private office to protect their confidentiality and ensure top-rate care. Knowing that addiction can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, Susan continues to strive to make treatment more accessible and confidential.

Whitney-Grant

Whitney Grant

MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, RN, CPN
Medical Provider

Whitney Grant is an experienced family nurse practitioner with experience and expertise in medication-assisted treatment. Whitney earned her BSN at the University of Miami before moving on to achieve a master of science in nursing degree there as well, becoming a nurse practitioner immediately thereafter.

Whitney has since achieved board certification from the ANCC as a family nurse practitioner. After spending her entire formative and educational years in South Florida, Whitney moved to Denver in 2018 to pursue a career as a provider in family practice, sub-specializing in addictions medicine. Whitney has worked under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Moore, CMAR’s medical director, since moving to Denver.

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

Dr. Nathan Moore is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Moore attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA for his undergraduate work and then attended Duke University School of Medicine and obtained his M.D. in 1995. Dr. Moore then came to Colorado and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado’s Family Medicine Program at Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Moore practices primarily at our Aurora location. He provides comprehensive family medicine services and has a special interest in addiction medicine, treating patients with opioid use disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

Dr. Moore is married with three children. He enjoys mountain biking, running, and golf.