Telehealth Login

|

(833) 448-0127

Telehealth Login

(833) 448-0127

Tag: naltrexone treatment

3 Benefits of Committing to a Naltrexone Treatment Program

Posted on by cmarnew

Naltrexone is beneficial in helping with alcohol use disorder and opioid withdrawal. The benefits of naltrexone are evident as you go through detoxing and feel the relief from your cravings and allow you to focus on your recovery. A naltrexone treatment program allows you to continue with your addiction recovery until the cravings are no longer intolerable. If you have tried quitting drugs or alcohol in the past and failed, a naltrexone treatment program can give you the assistance you need to succeed in breaking your addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program will reduce your withdrawal symptoms and curb your cravings, giving you a chance to get through your detox and continue with your addiction recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction and is ready to commit to their recovery, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about the benefits of naltrexone and medication-assisted treatment.

How Does Naltrexone Help with Addiction Recovery?

Naltrexone is an FDA-approved non-opioid treatment medication used for alcohol use disorder and opioid addiction. It is non-addictive and does not create withdrawal symptoms like other partial or full agonist medications like methadone and buprenorphine. Naltrexone binds with the opioid receptors and diminishes your cravings, and blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids.

There are two methods of taking naltrexone: a pill form taken once a day and is beneficial for alcohol use disorder. And an extended-release intramuscular injection is given once a month for alcohol and opioid addiction. Currently, only the injection is FDA-approved for medication-assisted treatment programs.

3 Benefits of Naltrexone Treatment Programs

If you have struggled with alcohol or opioid addiction and tried to quit alone, you understand how your cravings can be overpowering and force you to continue despite knowing the harm you are causing. Naltrexone and other FDA-approved drugs are beneficial for use in a medication-assisted treatment program for their ability to block cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Three benefits of naltrexone that will help with your addiction recovery include:

  1. Blocks euphoric feelings – Many patients cannot resist the euphoric high and pleasurable feelings that substance abuse creates. This is why despite being harmful to you physically, some patients are unable to resist. Naltrexone blocks the release of dopamine, so you do not feel its effects.
  2. Eliminates cravings – Since naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, there is no euphoric feeling and therefore no cravings for alcohol or opioids, reducing the risk of relapsing.
  3. Reduces intoxicating feelings – Naltrexone binds with opioid receptors for an extended period of time. If you drink while taking Naltrexone, you will not feel buzzed or drunk as the naltrexone prohibits the release of the chemicals responsible for making you feel high.

Your naltrexone treatment program will coincide with behavioral therapy programs as a medical professional will administer the naltrexone and other FDA-approved drugs. The goal of any MAT program is not to replace one drug with another but to get you off of drugs and alcohol completely.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today to Discover all the Benefits of Naltrexone for Your Addiction Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use medication-assisted treatment alongside behavioral and mental health therapy to help you with your addiction recovery. We offer a wide range of programs that include:

  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Online and outpatient treatment programs
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Recovery support services
  • Behavioral and mental health assessments

Once you can focus on your recovery and not worry about the painful withdrawal symptoms, you will find it easier to understand your addiction and develop healthy coping skills that you will use throughout your life to maintain your sobriety. If you are ready to regain control of your life from addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn about the benefits of naltrexone and how committing to a naltrexone treatment program can help you break free from your addiction.

How Naltrexone Is Used to Treat Opiate Addiction

Posted on by cmarnew

The way that opioids interact with the brain makes opiate addiction difficult to overcome. It used to be that the main approach to helping people with opioid addiction was to have them go through withdrawal before receiving therapy and other forms of treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) takes a different approach. Clients receive medication that alleviates withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids and other substances. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery uses naltrexone as part of the MAT treatment offered at our facility.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug cleared for treating individuals with an opioid or alcohol addiction as part of MAT. It’s available in both a pill and injectable form and can be prescribed by those licensed to give out prescriptions to clients. Unlike other medications often provided through MAT, naltrexone is not an opioid.

Because it’s not an opioid, there’s a much lower risk of clients developing an addiction to naltrexone. You also don’t experience side effects if you decide to discontinue its use. Naltrexone itself can’t help a client overcome an addiction. It’s often used in conjunction with other elements of a client’s treatment plan like dialectical-behavior therapy and dialectal behavior therapy.

How Can Naltrexone Help with Addiction?

People turn to drugs and alcohol because of the feeling of euphoria or relaxation they produce. Opioids specifically bind with opioid receptors in the brain responsible for producing feelings of pleasure. Once your brain starts associating your opioid use with those emotions, you end up with a dependency that can eventually turn into an addiction. Alcohol can have a similar effect on various parts of your nervous system.

Naltrexone blocks the effects produced by drugs and alcohol by keeping the substances from binding with your opioid receptors. That means you don’t experience the highs from opioids or sedated feelings that come with drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Naltrexone also reduces cravings and helps with opiate withdrawal, which can help you get through a treatment program and achieve recovery.

Your system must be completely clear of any toxins associated with drug or alcohol abuse before you start taking naltrexone. Clients should steer clear of using other illegal drugs or drinking while receiving the drug as part of MAT.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Naltrexone?

Some clients do experience certain side effects from naltrexone treatment, including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nervousness
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach troubles
  • Muscle pain
  • Sleep issues
  • Fatigue

Make sure you inform your doctor about any adverse effects of naltrexone treatment. They can adjust your dosage or change you to a different medication. You should only take naltrexone as part of MAT and alongside other programs that provide you with the psychological and social support necessary to overcome your substance use disorder.

Naltrexone treatment can reduce your tolerance for opioids or other substances. Discontinuing your use of naltrexone can leave you more vulnerable to a potential overdose because you overestimate what your system can handle.

Receive Medication-Assisted Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

While naltrexone treatment can make it easier for you to get through a recovery program, it’s not a cure-all for addiction. You must still put in the effort needed to face the underlying issues driving your addiction. Our team of specialists sticks with you every step of the way as you learn to live a life free of substance abuse.

Other programs and services available at our recovery center include:

It’s not too late to change the direction of your life. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery gives clients the chance to overcome addiction and restore their health. Start your new journey today by calling us at 833.448.0127.

CMAR LOCATION

Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin

Programs

What we Treat

MAT Treatment

Our Center

In Network Providers

CARF International Logo

©

2024

CMAR | Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery.

|

Privacy Policy

VERIFY INSURANCE

Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

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

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

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

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

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

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

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

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

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

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

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

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

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

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

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

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

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

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

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

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

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

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

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

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

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

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

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

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

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

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

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

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

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

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

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

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

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

Whitney-Grant

Whitney Grant

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

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

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

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

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

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

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