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Tag: substance abuse treatment

The Stages of Addiction Recovery

Posted on by cmarnew

Addiction recovery is not a simple process, but one that occurs over a period of time through several steps. To achieve sobriety, a person needs to recognize where they are right now, gaining an awareness of what’s happening to them. They may need to work through detox before receiving comprehensive treatment, aftercare, and relapse prevention. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers a thorough process to guide individuals through the various stages of addiction recovery, ultimately leading to the most favorable long-term results. If you need help finding addiction treatment programs near you, call us at 833.448.0127, and one of our team members can help you or a loved one.

Understanding the Complexity of Addiction

While addiction can occur quickly, the damage it does to the brain is significant. It takes time for the brain to relearn and heal. A component of that is physical healing, but the other part is recognizing the challenges of recovery, gaining awareness, and creating a plan to manage the psychological damage that’s occurred. There are several steps or stages a person will go through during the addiction recovery process to achieve these goals.

Precontemplation

During this stage, a person doesn’t recognize there’s a problem and is unlikely to have experienced any type of negative outcome yet. The substance use feels good. In this phase, people often experience one or several of the following:

  • They don’t recognize a problem
  • They don’t have any desire to change
  • They don’t want to be told what to do, and that keeps them using the substance
  • They are overwhelmed by their habits, and that’s made it feel impossible to change
  • The person believes they know the answers as to why substance abuse isn’t a factor for them

Contemplation

At this stage, a person comes to an awareness of the problem, though they have not made a decision to change. They may want it to change but cannot make the commitment to do so. However, they are more likely to want to learn about their options at this stage. This stage can last for years before a person decides to change.

Preparation

At this stage, often, something has changed. They are ready to take action to achieve sobriety. This is where addiction recovery begins to become more real. Many will reach out for help with an assessment at this point.

Action

This is the stage where something happens—they enroll in a detox program or move into a residential treatment program. They engage in some way with treatment for their addiction. They learn the tools and strategies necessary to cope with stress, deal with addiction, and maintain sobriety.

Maintenance

During maintenance, a person continues to receive care, but it is in the form of aftercare. They are working to maintain their sobriety, but this is also where relapse risk is the strongest.

Termination

In this area of recovery, the individual can maintain their sobriety without continual fear of relapse. This is the goal of addiction recovery—to not be weighed down by the addiction itself.

Why Is It Important to Understand Addiction Recovery Stages?

Understanding the stages of addiction recovery is crucial for several reasons:

  • Setting expectations – Knowing what to expect at each stage of recovery can help individuals and their loved ones prepare mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead. It helps one understand that recovery is a process, not an event.
  • Guiding treatment plans – Understanding these stages allows healthcare professionals to develop and adjust treatment plans according to the individual’s progress. Each stage requires different interventions and supports, so knowing where a person is in their recovery can guide the treatment approach.
  • Providing appropriate support – For families and friends, understanding these stages can help them provide the right kind of support when it’s needed most. Each stage presents unique challenges, and being aware of these can help loved ones offer meaningful assistance.
  • Promoting patience and compassion – Understanding that recovery is a process involving various stages can foster patience and compassion, both for the individual in recovery and those supporting them. This understanding underscores the fact that setbacks are part of the journey, not failure.

To effectively and compassionately manage the addiction recovery process and promote a sustainable recovery journey, it is important to have an understanding of the stages of addiction recovery. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide the guidance and support needed to navigate them successfully.

How Addiction Recovery Programs Can Help

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers support for those who are ready to start on the recovery path to achieve long-lasting sobriety. Addiction recovery takes time—for some months or more years. However, our team can offer help and guidance with a range of treatment programs, including:

If you’re looking for addiction treatment programs near you or a loved one, our team can help. We offer discreet and compassionate care, personalized to meet the needs of each individual we work with.

Get the Help You Need at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Understanding the stages of addiction recovery is a key part of addiction treatment. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, addiction recovery starts with a call to our team. Let us help you with each stage of the process, including awareness, detox, and achieving sobriety. With programs such as aftercare and relapse prevention, it is possible to overcome these challenges with our comprehensive programs. Start now by calling 833.448.0127 or connecting with us online.

How Can Medication-Assisted Treatment Help You?

Posted on by cmarnew

Detox can be the most challenging stage of recovery to complete. During detox, you may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, as well as cravings that make detox tough to get through. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help you reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms, giving you a fighting chance to complete detox and move forward into rehab.

Addiction treatment centers in Colorado use MAT in combination with other forms of treatment such as emergency medical care, 24/7 supervision, and a fully licensed medical staff to ensure that you recover safely without relapsing. MAT can also be instrumental in helping you overcome your cravings during the rehab stage of your recovery. To find out more about MAT, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 today.

Learn More About Medication-Assisted Treatment

What is MAT? It is the use of medication combined with other forms of treatment. In most cases, it gives you more control over your recovery by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some forms of medication can reverse the effects of drugs such as opioids, preventing life-threatening overdoses and other side effects.

Although MAT is not a primary form of treatment, it can lighten rehab’s burden by making you more comfortable, normalizing your brain chemistry, and blocking the euphoric effects of certain drugs. Best of all, most medications that we use are non-addictive. So, you do not have to worry about transferring your addiction from one drug to another.

One of the reasons why MAT is so effective is because it treats addiction as a chronic disorder. The goal is to manage your symptoms and cravings over an extended period of time, making it easier for you to focus on other therapeutic methods and build a lasting foundation for your recovery. As you work through the underlying causes of your addiction, you become more likely to maintain your recovery in the future.

What MAT Programs Are Available for Treatment?

There are several different medication types on the market today, many of them approved by the FDA for addiction treatment. Some of the most common medications include:

  • Naloxone – Used to reverse the effects of opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl
  • Naltrexone – Blocks opioid receptors, preventing the euphoric effect of opioids
  • Methadone – Used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Buprenorphine – Used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Disulfiram – Used to create an unpleasant reaction when combined with alcohol

Acamprosate – Used to reduce cravings for alcohol

Each of these medications is used for different reasons and can address the effects of different drugs. When used correctly, they are highly effective in helping you overcome your addiction.

4 Benefits of MAT in Addiction Treatment

There are a number of ways that medication-assisted treatment at an addiction treatment center can help you, including:

Overdose Survival

When you overdose on opioids, your breathing will slow down or stop. This symptom can cause multiple health problems or fatalities. Although opioid addiction treatment centers provide a full medical staff, medications such as naloxone can reduce the effects of opioids and stop overdose. It can be a life-saving medication for many of those struggling with addiction.

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Better Recovery Rates

One of the biggest struggles you may face in a substance abuse treatment program deals with your cravings. MATs are highly effective in curbing your cravings and blocking the effects of opioids and other drugs. In essence, they clear the path of recovery, giving you a better chance of completing your program without relapse.

A Decrease in Criminal Activity

People who use drugs are more likely to commit crimes to continue their addiction. Getting arrested and facing penalties does not always deter users from looking for more drugs. MAT programs are effective in reducing illicit drug use and related crimes. It can help someone who must complete a mandatory addiction treatment program after being charged with drug possession or distribution.

Higher Employment Rates

If your drug habit keeps you from getting and keeping a job, medication-assisted treatment can help. MAT programs help you practice more self-control. As a result, you show up to work on time, get your work done, and perform consistently. You don’t have to worry about losing another job.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Available at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we want to help you overcome your addiction to drugs or alcohol. Our medication-assisted treatment program is able to promote a lasting recovery without addiction. Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 to get started with your treatment program today.

Do You Need an Oxycontin Treatment Program?

Posted on by cmarnew

Oxycontin is a common gateway drug to heroin. Whether you buy the medication legally or illegally, if dependency develops, seek professional help from an Oxycontin addiction treatment program. Skilled experts, such as the Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, can use innovative treatment methods to help you overcome the pandemic. To learn more about our programs, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127.

The Significance of Oxycontin Treatment Programs

Individuals experiencing chronic pain can use Oxycontin to eliminate the burden and to find the pain relief they’re seeking. However, users must understand the dangers of Oxycontin addiction in CO and take immediate action if they cannot quit.

If you develop a dependency, accepting the problem and checking into rehab will help you avoid severe long-term consequences. The condition starts with enhanced tolerance, whereby you have to increase your dose to achieve the desired effects. Drug dependency can change the way of thinking and put you in trouble. For example, some people can do anything, including stealing, to get money for the drug.

Drug dependency can cause you to lack interest in vital day-to-day activities. In most cases, individuals ignore their responsibilities to look for more drugs. Such issues impact many areas of life, including finances, relationships, and health, leading to legal problems.

Some people think they can use their willpower to deal with the problem, but they often relapse. If you try quitting without following a personalized oxycontin addiction treatment program, you may find yourself suffering from uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The experience can be life-threatening.

What to Expect During Oxycontin Treatment

Drugs have chemicals that alter your brain and body functions. Such changes make it challenging for the user to quit despite understanding the potential harm. Fortunately, rehab centers can use personalized treatment programs and evidence-based therapies for a successful recovery process. Every person is unique and requires an individualized approach. At rehab, you can benefit from many treatment programs, including:

If you’re struggling with Oxycontin addiction in CO, you’ll find that this is a common problem, so you should not battle it alone. The journey to recovery requires guidance and support from professionals who understand your situation. Besides, rehab treatment offers an opportunity to meet peers and share experiences. Therapists focus on helping their clients to recover and achieve their goals.

Oxycontin Addiction Diagnosis and Symptoms

When can you seek help for oxycontin abuse? If you use the drug without a prescription or take a more considerable amount than instructed, this is misuse. Some people may consume it in different ways than what is recommended by their physicians. For example, long-term users try to increase potency by crushing and inhaling the powder form.

Intense craving for the drug when it is not available is a sign of dependency. If you have these issues, consult a rehab professional for an oxycontin treatment program. The most common signs and symptoms of addiction include:

  • Lack of motivation
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Slurred speech
  • Altered sleep habits
  • Poor coordination
  • Enhanced euphoria
  • Shallow and slow breathing

Oxycontin addiction can lead to a fatal overdose. In such a situation, the person needs emergency medical attention to reverse the effects. Act immediately and call for help if the person shows signs like vomiting, constricted pupils, unresponsiveness, and slow breathing.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Addiction Treatment

Are you struggling with oxycontin dependency? If left untreated, the condition can cause severe health problems, some of which can be fatal. Do not let an avoidable situation ruin your life. Seek help from an oxycontin treatment program where addiction treatment professionals will ensure you achieve permanent recovery. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 for a customized treatment program.

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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.