mental health treatment Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

How Trauma Influences Addiction

Posted on July 13, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Trauma can have a profound impact on mental health, even if the symptoms are not apparent for years. Trauma and addiction are often related. However, many addiction treatment programs don’t take past trauma into account. That’s why, if you’re looking into addiction treatment programs, you should look for one that offers trauma-informed care. Addiction and trauma recovery can happen at the same time when trauma is addressed in a safe, supportive way. Trauma-informed care includes therapies and approaches that are sensitive to the impact of prior traumatic experiences and seek to create a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we will enroll you in a trauma-informed care program that will treat the mental aspect of the trauma along with your addiction treatment. Call 833.448.0127 today for more on trauma-informed care in Colorado.

How Does Past Trauma Affect Addiction?

When someone experiences a traumatic event, it affects the brain in multiple areas. If the trauma happens at an early age, it can affect brain development as the trauma can suppress growth in some regions of the brain. Some trauma treatment programs can help cope with a current trauma, but often this is ignored or covered up by other mental issues, like substance addiction.

There are three areas of the brain that trauma can affect:

The hippocampus – This part of the brain is important for forming memories, and it can be suppressed after experiencing trauma.
The amygdala – This area of the brain is responsible for fight-or-flight responses, and trauma can cause it to become overactive.
The prefrontal cortex – This part helps with decision making, and trauma can make it harder to think clearly.

When you experience a traumatic event, your brain goes into a hyperactive state that suppresses your memory and impulse control. Many people enter a state of shock and cannot react normally, often freezing up and seemingly unable to speak. They are overwhelmed by the event and trying to cope.

Types of Trauma

Trauma can take many forms, from abuse of any kind to the death of a loved one. It can be caused by physical, emotional, or sexual violence; natural disasters; or even witnessing a traumatic event. It’s also possible to experience trauma through indirect means, like hearing about a loved one’s death or bearing witness to a traumatic event without directly experiencing it.

Any kind of trauma can have an effect on mental health and, as a result, addiction. Trauma can lead to feelings of fear and helplessness that drive a person to use drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotions associated with the trauma. If not addressed, this can lead to addiction and other mental health issues. Addiction develops as a result of the brain’s attempt to cope with the impact of trauma, and it can form a vicious cycle.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

In a trauma-informed care program, clients will work with a team of professionals to address the issues caused by trauma. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and focus on addressing the underlying issues rather than just the addiction. The goal of trauma-informed care is to create a safe, supportive environment and guide clients through the healing process.

Therapies used in a trauma-informed care program can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and even family therapy. These therapies will help clients understand their trauma, address any triggers, and learn coping skills to manage symptoms.

In a trauma-informed care program, you will see the impact trauma can have on addiction treatment and the need to focus on more than just one area of concern. With time, the participant will begin to feel the positive effects of a comprehensive treatment.

When you first come in and discuss your addiction and trauma treatment, your therapist will sit down with you and go over the best programs to treat your mental health so you can get over your past trauma and learn to control your addiction.

Find the Right Trauma-Informed Care for You at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand how trauma can affect your addiction and will work with you or your loved ones in their addiction recovery. We provide a safe and encouraging environment that considers the difficulties traumatic events can have on addiction and where you will feel comfortable discussing the trauma driving your addiction.

If you or someone you know is suffering from trauma-related addiction, please call 833.448.0127 or reach out to our team online today and schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.

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.

Signs You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Posted on December 21, 2022 by cmarnew

If you are struggling with addiction and dealing with a mental disorder at the same time, you have co-occurring disorders. Both conditions can have distinct symptoms, making it almost impossible for you to function each day. A dual diagnosis treatment program can help you address your mental health disorder and your addiction simultaneously so that you can find solutions for both.

Dual diagnosis treatment is a form of treatment given by therapists to explore and treat your condition’s underlying causes. If you can learn to manage anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms, you have a greater chance of overcoming your addiction. Looking for “dual diagnosis near me“? Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 to speak with a specialist and find out what treatment options are available.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis treatment involves treating both the mental health condition and addiction simultaneously in order to increase the chances of successful recovery. It is important to note that dual diagnosis treatment focuses on the individual and how their conditions interact with each other.

Some of what you can expect in dual diagnosis treatment includes:

Comprehensive assessments from experts in mental health, addiction, and physical health
Utilizing evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Creating individualized treatment plans that focus on your unique needs
Developing strategies for managing episodes of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
Encouraging better self-care and communication skills
Addressing any underlying trauma that could be contributing to your addiction
Providing lifestyle education and relapse prevention strategies

Dual diagnosis treatment helps you learn how best to manage your mental health and addiction, giving you the tools necessary to start living a healthier and more productive life.

5 Signs You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

1. Every Time You Drink or Take Drugs, You Get Depressed

There’s a reason why people use drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms. They produce feelings of pleasure that keep you coming back. However, these substances will turn on you with continued use. You go from being high to feeling low. If you feel depressed or anxious every time you consume alcohol or take drugs, you may have co-occurring disorders. Addiction can often trigger a mental health issue that requires a mental health treatment center, such as anxiety or depression.

2. Every Time You Get Depressed, You Drink or Take Drugs

When diagnosing you for co-occurring disorders, treatment specialists are often not sure which condition came first. You may suffer from clinical depression or an anxiety disorder. Unable to cope with your condition, you turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. This reaction eventually turns into a pattern and then an addiction.

3. You Experience Multiple Personal Problems

We’ve designed our mental health individual therapy programs to help you manage all aspects of your life that have been affected by addiction. For instance, you may experience multiple triggers, such as:

Conflict in relationships
Financial problems
Health problems
Job loss
Homelessness

Struggling with a behavioral and mental disorder can make it almost impossible for you to function when combined. Regardless of what type of job you have, you will likely lose focus and have difficulty completing tasks. You may exhibit erratic behavior, act inappropriately, or consistently show up late to work. Eventually, your boss will get tired of your behavior and fire you.

You may have reached the point where you have lost everything and hit bottom. An addiction treatment center can help you deal with your losses and rebuild your life regardless of the consequences of your actions.

4. Extreme Mood Swings

Bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by mood swings, is often linked to addiction. If you have bipolar disorder, you may feel extremely happy one day and severely depressed the next. Alcohol or drug use triggers these highs and lows, causing severe mood swings—sometimes on the same day. Your moods can also trigger your addiction. You may use substances when you are feeling really good or in a bad mood or both.

5. Multiple Failed Attempts to End Your Addiction

If you have made promises to end your addiction only to fail time and again, a mental health issue may be what’s causing you to relapse. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can trigger your emotions and cause you to lose control of your actions. The only way to overcome your addiction is through addiction treatment therapies that address all your conditions, not just your addiction.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you are struggling with a mental health issue and an addiction, you can get help for both of your conditions at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We offer a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program to help you get a full recovery. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 to find out more about our mental health treatment programs. We can help you begin recovery with a strong foundation for lasting wellness.

Dealing with Depression During the Winter Months

Posted on December 14, 2022 by cmarnew

If you struggle with depression during winter, you can use some self-care strategies to deal with the situation. If you’re unsure about where to start or what steps you can take to cope with the changing season’s effect on your mood, we are here to help. To help you get on the right track and manage the symptoms, you may want to consider seeking treatment from a rehab center.

Dual diagnosis treatment can help you get to the root of your depression and provide tools for coping with the winter blues. If you’re looking for “dual diagnosis near me,” Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides effective, comprehensive care to help you find balance in your life.

Why Is Depression Common During the Winter?

Depression during winter is linked to a decrease in sunlight, which affects your body’s production of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate your mood, and its production is related to exposure to sunlight. With fewer hours of daylight in winter, people tend to experience a drop in mood.

The long, dark hours of winter can also lead to isolation and loneliness—two factors that are closely linked to depression. You may find yourself struggling with a lack of motivation and loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, as well as difficulty sleeping.

Seeking Treatment for Depression During Winter

If you suffer severe symptoms that affect day-to-day activities, it is advisable to seek a therapist’s assistance. Rehab centers can provide practical tools and strategies to help you build resilience and cope with this disorder during its peak. An expert will evaluate your condition and provide personalized treatment services, including:

Addiction treatment if substance use is a concern
Medication-assisted treatment to reduce symptoms
Case management and peer support
Pain management services

Treatment can also address underlying issues such as trauma, which can worsen depression.

Ways to Cope with Winter Depression

Consider Working Out Regularly

Exercising during winter can boost your energy and make you feel better. Physical activities improve the brain’s serotonin levels which control mood. It is a great way to distract your thoughts from the stress-causing situation and concentrate on positive energy.

Studies reveal that if you perform a thirty-minute exercise routine three times per week, you can alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. If going to the gym seems challenging, opt for working out at home or find engaging physical activities.

Lightbox Therapy

One of the causes of seasonal depression is the lack of exposure to natural sunlight. Fortunately, you can take advantage of other ways to receive the necessary light. Experts concur that lightbox therapy can help.

The sunlight boxes are fitted with fluorescent tubes and produce light with similar benefits to sunlight. A 30-minute exposure to the lightbox every day can help you fight depression symptoms. Many therapists in the US use this technique as an antidepressant for their clients.

Develop Proper Eating Habits

Many people with depression crave carbohydrates and sugar. While it is okay to take your favorite snacks, overeating can affect your health. For example, it can lead to weight gain and unexplained fatigue. Developing a healthy eating plan boosts your body’s metabolism and increases energy levels.

Adopting a healthy diet can serve as a useful depression treatment. Sugary foods can be part of your diet but cut them as much as you can. To develop a healthy diet plan, you can use several strategies, such as:

Minimizing sugary drinks
Watching nutrition labels on pre-cooked foods
Taking low-sugar cereals
Considering high fiber and whole-grain starches
Consuming more vegetables and fruits
Minimizing fats

Learn Coping Mechanisms

You can use simple tricks, like breathing in and out, as a depression treatment. Deep breathing calms your brain and the body. You can do this exercise anywhere, and it can be useful if you do it consistently. Breathing exercises reduce tension in various body parts and help to alleviate anxiety and depression.

Yoga and meditation can also help you feel better. Health experts encourage people to embrace these practices because they understand their health benefits. Try to learn mindfulness, which aims to maintain focus on the current moment and cultivate fulfillment and happiness.

Consult a therapist at a depression treatment center to learn mindfulness, meditation, and other life skills for coping with depression during winter.

Overcome Depression at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

You can use these tips to deal with depression during winter, but if the symptoms persist and become uncontrollable, seek immediate medical intervention. At our rehab center, you will meet skilled and experienced therapists who understand the severe consequences of long-term depression. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 to examine your condition and access innovative treatment techniques for seasonal depression.

What to Look For in a Colorado Counseling Center

Posted on August 30, 2022 by cmarnew

Whether you are battling a substance use disorder, struggling with a mental health problem, or both, a counseling center is the best place to seek help. Through counseling and other forms of talk therapy, you can get an insight into the causes of your condition before embarking on recovery. The program’s primary objective is to help participants manage addiction or overcome toxic and overwhelming feelings for the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Colorado counseling centers can give you the tools and resources you need to change your life for the better. Learn more about what to look for in a counseling center to ensure you’re getting the help you need. Through addiction treatment therapies that focus on your unique needs, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with any challenges that come your way.

Look for a Colorado Counseling Center That Offers Privacy and Confidentiality

Although people have varying needs and goals when attending counseling sessions, everyone values privacy and confidentiality. It is essential to choose a Colorado addiction treatment center that can handle your condition discreetly for a desirable outcome.

Every center underscores the essence of privacy during counseling. Most individuals who need counseling battle issues that they wish to keep private for fear of embarrassment or judgment. An ideal center should assure its clients of the highest level of privacy during and after rehab, according to The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The information that you share with your therapist should not be accessible to third parties. When selecting a counseling center, you need assurance that your information will be kept private.

Accessibility of the Counseling Center

Some counseling sessions, especially during addiction and mental health treatment, may require you to spend some time at the facility for close monitoring. Otherwise, you may need to schedule frequent appointments with your therapist. The latter option requires you to stay where you can manage to make it in time for medical appointments, as suggested by the healthcare provider.

Always consider your needs and whether they align with the location of the counseling facility.

If you are a resident of Colorado, looking for easily accessible Colorado addiction treatment therapies is the right decision. However, traveling from out-of-state to attend counseling in Colorado can also suffice if the rehab center you are going to provides specialized care that you cannot get in your local area.

The Kind of Programs on Offer

The types of programs that the rehab center can offer is another crucial element to consider. Remember, some rehabs do not provide all the programs that you may require for managing your condition. For example, some facilities do not offer outpatient treatment, whereas others lack medication-assisted treatment programs. As such, inquire about the treatment options that a facility has before enrolling.

The treatment of addiction-related disorders is classified into several modalities based on the clear cases that the program can treat. Therefore, you should be able to access various evidence-based programs, such as:

Trauma-informed care program – This modality is designed to help people suffering from PTSD or other forms of trauma.
Depression treatment program – This program helps individuals with depression to identify and manage the triggers of their condition.
Telehealth programs – Convenient, remote access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to a counseling center.
Medication-assisted treatment program – This program uses FDA-approved medications in combination with behavioral therapies to treat addiction.
Addiction and pain management – Chronic pain and addiction often go hand-in-hand, so this program focuses on helping people manage both conditions.
Dual diagnosis treatment program – Co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders require specialized care, which this program provides.

Therapists often combine several therapy programs when creating a customized treatment plan for your condition. This treatment should lead you to lasting recovery.

Find Effective Counseling Services at CMAR Today

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we pride ourselves in consistently providing reliable counseling services to our clients. If you are looking for the right Colorado counseling center, do not hesitate to reach out to our professionals for all inquiries about your condition. We utilize scientific evidence to offer different forms of treatment for addiction and mental health conditions.

Call 833.448.0127 today to get started on your road to recovery.

How to Help a Loved One Seek Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Posted on August 16, 2021 by cmarnew

Treating substance use disorder does not involve a one-size-fits-all approach. The same kind of treatment will not work for everyone. The underlying issues that can lead to substance abuse are hidden deep within us. Simply treating the addiction is not enough. However, a dual diagnosis treatment program can succeed where other single-focused programs fail. Finding the right dual diagnosis treatment center is the first step in finding the help you need for an effective recovery that lasts.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we focus on treating the addiction and the underlying reason behind it simultaneously. If you or a loved one is struggling with their recovery, give us a call at 833.448.0127 and schedule an appointment to see how we can help.

What Is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?

A dual diagnosis treatment program has shown more success with treating opioid and other substance use disorders by treating the mental and physical side effects at the same time.

Those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety attacks will have a harder time staying away from their drug of choice. This can be due to the short-term relief that drugs or alcohol can provide.

In a dual diagnosis treatment program, there are several types of treatments available to treat the physical and mental symptoms of addiction:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Medication-assisted therapy
Individual and group therapy
Family therapy
Telehealth (virtual) therapy

Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Colorado can help with a complete recovery experience. We understand the difficulties of treating substance use disorder when combined with mental illness. That’s why we build treatment plans specific to our clients to teach them lifelong coping skills to reduce the risks of a relapse.

Helping a Loved One Enroll in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Convincing someone that they need treatment is the first hurdle to get over. Mental illness hides behind many things, and they may think they are under control or “functional.” They may not even be aware of their condition and therefore not even consider seeking help.

How can you tell if you or a loved one needs help from a dual diagnosis treatment program? Some of the signs to look for include:

Drinking or drug use begins to affect their work and personal lives
Withdrawing away from friends and family
Increased mood swings

Family history can play a role in addiction and mental illness, as children of parents who suffer from this disease are more susceptible to struggling with the same issues. Even if you feel like you have everything under control and don’t overuse drugs or alcohol, you can still benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment program. Remember, that OK feeling you get while under the influence is not reality.

Learn how to accept how you feel and begin to change it
Forming new relationships that will help you with your recovery
Increased energy and vitality
Gaining strong coping skills for life

The best way to help a friend or loved one understand the benefits of a dual diagnosis treatment program is to show how their actions hurt others. They might not be aware of the effects that their substance abuse has on others. However, by opening their eyes to how they affect others and themselves, they can accept help and begin the road to recovery.

Learn More About Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are committed to your recovery with our dual diagnosis treatment programs. If you or a loved one can benefit from dual diagnosis treatment, contact us today. Our caring therapists will show you how our programs can help you lead a sober and happy life. Contact us 833.448.0127 today and schedule an appointment to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment programs.

Peer Support Can Hold You Accountable to Your Recovery

Posted on July 23, 2021 by cmarnew

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

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

Why Does Peer Support for Recovery Work so Well?

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

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

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

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

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

Peer Support Can Keep You Accountable During Your Recovery

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

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

Benefits of Peer Support

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

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

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

Get Involved to Help Others With Their Addiction Recovery

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

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

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

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

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

How Community Activities Can Boost Recovery

Posted on July 6, 2021 by cmarnew

For those in recovery from addiction, finding new healthy hobbies should be a priority. Addiction can cause physical and mental health issues that different activities can help participants recover from. Additionally, addiction can be isolating. Those who are struggling with substance abuse can benefit from connecting with others in recovery in a safe, supportive environment. This is why many addiction treatment centers offer recreational outings and community activities. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, community activities are a way for our patients to connect with others and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.

The Importance of Community in Recovery

We offer community activities for the same reason that we offer group therapy. Addiction thrives in isolation. When you have the support of others who understand the experiences you’ve been through, it’s easier to focus on your recovery.

Other benefits of having a network of support in recovery include:

Perspective – You’ll be able to see your struggles in a new light
Accountability – Knowing that you’ll be sharing your experiences with others can keep you from relapsing
New habits – Your peers in recovery can introduce you to new healthy habits
Encouragement – Challenges in recovery are inevitable, but your peers will be able to cheer you on

Don’t overlook the purpose of group therapy and activities that involve others. Instead, lean into the experiences and find out what they can teach you.

Community Activities at CMAR

Many outpatient addiction treatment centers only offer therapy and medication management. However, Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment recognizes that clinical services alone will not help patients heal in body, mind, and spirit. Meaningful social connection and support, however, is a defining element of sustainable recovery. That’s why our recovery center offers opportunities for our patients and alumni to develop a network of support. Recovery groups are one way that those in recovery can get to know each other, as well as alumni events. However, we’re also building more opportunities for recreational activities into our treatment programs.

Hikes with Mike is our newest recurring outing. Clinical director Michael Damioli leads an outing once a month on a weekend into the beautiful Colorado outdoors. During these excursions, the CMAR community can have a chance to connect outside of the clinical setting. Social connections, fresh air, and physical activity are just some of the reasons why we offer these outings.

As we grow our offerings, we’ll continue to involve our alumni. Even after you’ve completed a formal treatment program, maintaining your connections with others in recovery is vital. To prevent relapse, avoid isolating yourself. Instead, stay connected with our treatment center through events, activities, and recovery groups.

CMAR’s Addiction Treatment Programs

We offer high-quality addiction treatment that fits your schedule. With both remote and in-person options, you’ll be able to participate in treatment while keeping up with responsibilities at work and at home. Medication-assisted treatment is highly effective in helping patients focus on working through the underlying cause of addiction without experiencing cravings.

Additionally, we offer dual diagnosis treatment in our Colorado addiction treatment center. Many of those who struggle with addiction also face co-occurring mental health issues, and this approach allows patients to work through both issues simultaneously. Through both individual and group therapy sessions, patients can discover how things like past trauma, a family history of addiction, and even stress from work can make it more difficult to break the cycle of addiction.

Learn more about our programs today. We invite you to connect with our team by calling 833.448.0127 or by reaching out online. If community activities, evidence-based therapies, and the highest quality in clinical care are what you’re looking for, then CMAR can help.

Pandemic Blues: How to Deal With Lingering Depression Amid COVID-19

Posted on June 20, 2021 by cmarnew

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some form or another. Many people began working at home instead of spending time in an office. Birthday parties and other celebrations went virtual. No matter how your life was disrupted as a result of COVID-19, if you struggle with depression, you might have found it difficult to maintain your mental health during this time. However, a depression treatment program can help. As the world begins to heal from the effects of the pandemic, you can also find hope through therapy, counseling, and medication.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer depression treatment programs to help you get through the pandemic and come out of it healthier and happier. Reach out to one of our therapists today at 833.448.0127 if you are struggling with depression amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does COVID-19 Make You Depressed?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals and families have had to adapt to changing guidelines to keep themselves and others safe. These changes may have led to feelings of isolation, confusion, or even hopelessness. For those who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, the pandemic may have exacerbated these conditions. While COVID-19 does not cause depression as one of its symptoms, the dramatic changes in the way society lives can contribute to feelings of depression.

Symptoms of Depression

While the symptoms of depression can vary, some of the most common include:

Trouble sleeping
Sudden mood changes
Lack of concentration
Substance abuse
Lack of energy
Sleeping all day

If you are experiencing any of these problems or think you may be feeling depressed, reach out to a depression treatment program today. For those who also struggle with substance use issues, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help.

What to Do if You Are Feeling Depressed

The best thing to do if you are feeling depressed is to reach out to a medical professional. Talk to your doctor or reach out to a depression treatment program. Certain medications can effectively treat depression, and therapy sessions with an experienced healthcare provider can help you develop healthy coping skills.

It can also be helpful to talk to the people in your life about what you’re experiencing. Your loved ones will want to support you as you begin to heal from the effects of depression. You might also find that you have friends and family members who struggle in similar ways. Group therapy and support groups can also provide support for your journey to recovery.

Staying active can help you feel relief from depression. Find a form of movement that you enjoy. This might include yoga, walking, biking, or participating in exercise classes. If you don’t feel comfortable in a group exercise class just yet, try a virtual class or exercise program instead.

One thing to not do while you’re struggling with depression is turn to drugs and alcohol to help you cope. While these substances might provide short-term relief, they can also exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Depression Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are available to help you manage the symptoms of depression effectively with depression treatment programs geared toward helping you through these unusual times. The tools you learn today can help you throughout your life. And if you are also struggling with co-occurring substance use issues, our center can help you on the journey to recovery through therapy and medication-assisted treatment.

If you or someone you know is having trouble getting through the current pandemic, they may be suffering from COVID-19 depression and not even know it. Talk to one of our trained therapists at 833.448.0127 today and start your recovery to a better life.