mental health Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Posted on May 31, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When you go to the doctor, the focus is often on figuring out what’s wrong. While your doctor only wants to help, taking a clinical approach that seems to ignore what may be happening beneath your exterior can feel impersonal. Those who have experienced trauma can face challenges with their mental health. Trauma-informed care focuses less on fixing the immediate problem and more on understanding everything that led to your current issues. It’s a concept that informs the way everyone at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery helps patients. If you’re looking for trauma-informed care in Colorado, contact us today at 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

When people experience trauma because of neglect, abuse, discrimination, violence, and other adverse experiences, they often turn to risky behavior like drug and alcohol abuse. Someone who comes into the ER because of an opioid overdose may have started using the drugs to get away from memories associated with the experience of trauma.

Using a trauma-informed care approach to individuals seeking treatment for mental health or substance use disorders helps doctors, addiction specialists, and other medical professionals understand more about the experiences that led to a patient’s current state. Trauma therapy makes a big difference to a person when someone tries to understand what happened to them. Some important tenets of trauma-informed care include:

Understanding how much trauma impacts people
Looking at the way trauma affects a person’s ability to achieve recovery
Recognizing signs of trauma in patients and those close to them

Learn how to avoid creating situations that might inadvertently remind patients of past trauma

Understanding the role of resiliency in helping patients move forward

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our doctors and specialists take a trauma-informed care approach while providing treatments for addiction and mental health disorders. We believe that understanding how past experiences have impacted someone’s life is essential to creating an effective treatment plan for recovery.

How Can Trauma-Informed Care Help with Addiction?

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery believes that taking a trauma-informed approach in all aspects of treatment helps our patients achieve better outcomes. Addiction and mental health disorders are complex issues that can’t be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. By taking the time to understand what patients are going through, we can develop more effective approaches to addiction and mental health care.

The main principles that drive trauma-informed care include the following:

Empowering patients – We focus on a person’s strengths and use them to help them progress through treatment
Giving patients choices – Patients respond more positively when they feel they have a choice when it comes to their treatment
Collaborating with patients – Everyone at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery works with the patient and their family to obtain the best outcome
Making patients feel safe – We want patients to feel secure in their environment when they come to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for treatment
Earning the trust of patients – Patients can expect complete transparency and clarity when it comes to the treatments offered at our facility and the kind of care they can expect

It’s important to note, though, that trauma-informed care is not a one-time solution. It’s an ongoing process of understanding and support to help heal trauma.

What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care?

We’ve found that trauma-informed care benefits both patients and the staff at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Those who come to us for help can learn how to rebuild fractured relationships or focus on building new ones with people supportive of a patient’s recovery journey. Trauma therapy is also a chance for you to have a voice regarding getting help for issues driving your addiction or mental health crisis.

Trauma-informed care gives staff the chance to understand our patients’ issues on a deeper level. That helps build trust both ways and makes us more empathetic to the challenges our patients go through as they work to improve their long-term physical, mental, and emotional health.

Some other benefits of trauma-informed care include:

Being able to recognize and respond appropriately to signs of trauma while addressing underlying issues related to addiction or mental health disorders
Creating a safe and supportive environment for patients to feel comfortable with the help they’re getting
Offering different approaches to treatment that can address a wide range of symptoms

Trauma-informed care is the gold standard in modern addiction and mental health treatment. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is proud to offer this approach to all of our patients.

Experience Trauma-Informed Care at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients looking for help with mental health or addiction issues. Treatments and programs offered at our facility include:

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at [Direct] if you want to learn more about how we can become your partner in overcoming problems that may be holding you back in life.

What Happens During the Individual Therapy Process?

Posted on May 10, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

When someone seeks out therapy or counseling for addiction, there are many options to choose from. Who delivers it, how it’s accessed, and how it’s approached all differ depending on the type of therapy a person seeks out. If one-on-one counseling is the person’s choice, it is often helpful to know what to expect during the individual therapy process. Learn more about individual therapy in Colorado by calling Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127.

What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy is a type of counseling that is also commonly referred to as psychotherapy or talk therapy. Trained mental health professionals deliver treatment in a safe, confidential, one-on-one setting. During this time, clients can explore their feelings and identify areas that may need work, including beliefs, behaviors, memory influences, or addictions. The overall goal of this type of therapy is to help the client talk through mental health concerns so that they can heal and move toward a healthier life.

Why Choose an Individual Therapy Program?

Psychotherapy has been shown to result in fewer relapses related to common conditions such as moderate anxiety and depression. The right kind of therapy can have long-lasting positive effects. Oftentimes, individual therapy is more effective than rehabilitation drugs or medical treatments alone, and techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are evidence-based, providing further backing to their effectiveness.

The individual therapy process is known to have the following benefits:

Effective for all ages
Continued progress after treatment is completed
Potential reduction of the need for medical intervention
Fewer side effects than with the use of rehabilitative drugs
It may improve the daily functioning of those with mental health disorders
Effective in addressing multiple issues

Individuals entering individual therapy will often be assessed for current symptoms and mental health history. These measures help therapists sculpt effective therapy plans that address relevant concerns.

Types of Individual Therapy

Because each therapist approaches their counseling sessions differently depending on the client’s needs, it can be helpful to understand each type. Some of the most common types of individual therapy include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Existential therapy
Solution-focused therapy
Motivational interviewing
Psychodynamic therapy

Each type of therapy modality will provide unique benefits to those who engage in them. However, some common therapy methods have proven effective for most people.

Three Common Individual Therapies

The main three used in most individual therapy sessions are CBT, DBT, and EMDR.

CBT

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a process that works to assess how a person thinks and behaves to improve the way they feel. It is most helpful for mood disorders, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders. Because of this, it is often the individual therapy method used for those with co-occurring conditions.

DBT

As a newer form of therapy, dialectical behavior therapy helps clients build healthy coping skills. Mindfulness, stress tolerance, and emotional regulation are commonly used during the process.

EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is most commonly used to treat trauma and related disorders. In this process, bilateral stimulation is used to process and remove physical and psychological blockages.

What to Expect During an Individual Therapy Program

Individual therapy is different for each patient. The goals, frequency, duration, and techniques will depend on the client and even the therapist’s preference. Most sessions last between 45 and 50 minutes, occur at least once a week, and last as long as it takes to resolve the issues present.

Psychotherapy begins after the client and therapist determine that it will be the most beneficial option. Afterward, forms to protect patient privacy and share clinical history are typically filled out. Often, the first appointment is used to discuss concerns, history, and goals so that the client and therapist can be on the same page. Through repeated sessions, the therapist and client can build trust and deepen the relationship to cover more ground toward recovery.

How Long Are Individual Therapy Plans?

Depending on the needs of the individual, therapy plans can range from a few weeks to months or even years. The duration of the individual therapy process usually depends on how long it takes for the individual to reach their treatment goals or objectives. However, many individuals find that having ongoing therapy is beneficial as they work through life’s challenges and continue making progress in recovery.

Many people in a rehab setting will engage with their therapist for as long as they are in treatment. This allows them to address any comorbid conditions they may have and work on their triggers, emotions, and feelings to build a foundation for successful recovery.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Your Individual Therapy Needs

When it comes time for individual therapy, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help. We work toward a complete recovery for clients who benefit from our highly accessible options, including remote telehealth, outpatient programs, and neuro-feedback. Visit our website or contact us at [Direct] for more information.

The Impact of Mental Health In Addiction Recovery

Posted on January 31, 2023 by cmarnew

Many people with substance use disorders also struggle with mental health disorders. Treating both during addiction treatment is critical to ensuring long-term addiction recovery. This is done through dual diagnosis treatment, a specialized program that addresses both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. It works to meet the needs of both aspects of a person’s health, ensuring the best chance at gaining physical, mental, and emotional stability.

When searching for a mental health treatment center near me, look for a program that offers targeted treatment for dual diagnosis. With the right support, people with co-occurring disorders can make the changes necessary for a successful recovery.

How Does Mental Health Play a Role in Addiction Recovery?

During initial assessments for addiction treatment, therapists and doctors look for evidence of underlying mental health conditions. Sometimes, the addiction occurs first, leading to the onset of complex mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Many other times, the mental health problem was there first, and often it fuels the addiction. A person may use drugs or alcohol as a coping strategy for the symptoms they have.

Some of the mental health conditions that can co-occur with addiction include:

Anxiety disorders – Characterized by excessive worry and fear
Depression – Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and a loss of interest in activities
Trauma and PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by traumatic events
Bipolar disorder – Alternating episodes of manic and depressive states
Schizophrenia – Disorganized thinking, hallucinations, false beliefs

These conditions can create even more obstacles for someone in recovery. If a person’s mental health isn’t addressed during substance abuse treatment, the risk of relapse is much higher. Treating both

In either case, if there are mental health conditions present, treatment of them is critical. For example, if a person suffers from depression, treating addiction without also helping the individual develop healthy coping skills for depression might not promote long-term recovery. The individual is likely to continue to seek out drugs and alcohol to manage his or her depression symptoms. A person who struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder cannot overcome their addiction until they work through the previous trauma.

What Happens in Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

To treat both mental health and addiction recovery, professionals use a treatment called dual diagnosis. This may include several strategies:

Use medications to alleviate any mental health imbalances that could cause symptoms.
Work through trauma or stressors that lead to emotional turmoil.
Utilize medications to manage withdrawal from drugs or alcohol as needed.
Working through talk therapy to develop strategies for managing addiction.
Overcoming challenges in dealing with mental health, such as developing strategies for managing anxiety.

The goal is to treat both at the same time to ensure a person gains a strong, solid foundation from which to live and work.

How to Know if Mental Health Treatment Is Necessary in Addiction Recovery

It is not uncommon for trained professionals to miss the signs of a mental health disorder and blame those feelings, thoughts, and experiences on addiction. Yet, with well-trained therapists and doctors, it is possible to determine what the underlying cause of addiction is. When co-occurring mental health issues are present, the diagnosis of a dual diagnosis is made. In this case, focus and treatment should be targeted to both the addiction and mental health condition to ensure long-term recovery.

A person may be able to recognize some of these risks themselves. For example, many people use alcohol to minimize their stress or to cope with anxiety. Some use stimulants to get through the challenges of depression. Other times, they feel intense emotions and stress when they stop using drugs and alcohol. Some people also have a predisposed risk of developing mental health conditions if they have a family history of it.

Reach Out for Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Today

A full, comprehensive assessment is the first step for those who seek out care from Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. It outlines exactly what is happening and then creates a treatment plan. That plan may include dual diagnosis for those who have mental health disorders. Our team works closely with each person to ensure they receive the best combination of therapy possible to achieve sobriety.

Mental health is critical to long-term addiction recovery. Through dual diagnosis treatment, like that offered at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, it is possible to embrace real benefits and a healthier life. Ready to get started? Call our compassionate therapists and experienced counselors at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online today.

How Neurofeedback Therapy Helps with Mental Health Disorders

Posted on April 1, 2021 by cmarnew

When you have a mental health disorder, it can feel like you don’t fit into your own skin. While talk therapy can be critical in helping individuals get to the core of their issues, some people may benefit from alternative forms of treatment like neurofeedback therapy. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides clients with the opportunity to try neurofeedback therapy in the hopes that it provides relief from the symptoms of various mental health disorders.

What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?

The use of neurofeedback therapy goes all the way back to the early 20^th century. It’s a non-invasive procedure that monitors brainwaves using equipment like an electroencephalograph (EEG) to record the brain’s electrical activity. Therapists rely on this data to find irregularities in different areas of the brain and find ways to encourage more positive activity in the organ.

Neurofeedback therapy helps clients by teaching them techniques that help them regulate and boost brain functions. The treatment has proven helpful in providing relief from the symptoms that accompany mental health disorders like ADHD, anxiety, and insomnia.

How Is Neurofeedback Therapy Applied?

Your therapist may recommend that you try neurofeedback therapy if you are dealing with conditions like:

Attention deficit disorders
Birth trauma
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
PTSD
Brain injuries

It’s considered safe to use neurofeedback therapy on children, adolescents, and adults. Clients dealing with issues tied to cognitive loss because of aging can also benefit from the treatment. Neurofeedback therapy can be used in combination with more traditional forms of therapy as part of a client’s treatment plan.

How Does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?

Most people attend neurofeedback therapy once per week, and sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. The number of sessions you attend depends on the severity of your condition. While the average length of treatment tends to be 20 weeks, your therapist may recommend that you attend more sessions per week if they think you might benefit.

Sessions typically start with you having electrodes attached to your scalp that let the EEG machine read and measure your current brain activities in real-time. There are four brain wave types measured during a biofeedback therapy session:

Beta waves — These brain waves move quickly at low amplitude. They measure alertness, arousal, and how much you are cognitively engaged.
Alpha waves — Alpha waves move slower than beta waves at a higher amplitude. They help therapists read your brain’s level of mental coordination, learning, non-arousal, and the mind-body connection.
Theta waves — Theta waves move slower than alpha waves at a higher amplitude. They show your brain’s memory levels, recognizing vivid imagery, subconscious information processing, and awareness of internal signals.
Delta waves — Delta waves move the slowest of all brain waves at the highest amplitude. They produce information around your deep sleep, healing, and regeneration.

What Are the Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy?

While neurofeedback therapy can’t cure mental health disorders, it can help regulate how your brain works to help it function more healthily. Neurofeedback therapy helps your central nervous system reorganize and control different brainwave frequencies. The sessions also help your therapist pinpoint specific places in your brain producing the symptoms of your neurological issues. That information helps them come up with more targeted treatment.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery believes in providing clients with every tool necessary to help them overcome their issues. Neurofeedback therapy can help clients find relief from the symptoms of a mental health disorder that may be holding them back in life.

Other treatments and programs offered at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery include:

You don’t have to continue living life the way you have. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 to get started on a new path.