therapy Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you are addicted to opioids or other substances and are beginning the road to recovery, it can be challenging to face your substance use issue head-on instead of hiding from it. Speaking to a stranger alone is not easy, and the thought of group therapy can keep others away from treatment. However, recovery groups can offer the support you need as you work to overcome addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in individual therapy and group therapy for addiction in a safe and encouraging environment. You are fighting a disease, and there is no shame in that. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please our team at 833.448.0127 and speak with one of our addiction treatment specialists today.

6 Key Benefits of Addiction Recovery Groups

Once you enroll in an addiction recovery group, it may take some time to feel comfortable sharing. However, once you begin to open up, you’ll find that these groups can help you heal.

1. Encouragement From Other Group Members

In one-on-one sessions, the only person encouraging you to interact is your therapist. While individual therapy sessions can be the right setting to work through deeply personal issues, in a group setting, you will be encouraged by everyone to share your story after hearing others in your group share theirs.

Hearing others speak up about their experiences will make it easier for you to follow suit.

2. Opening Yourself up to a New Perspective

You have a strong view of how you see the world and how others see you. However, by telling your story to your group, you hear how others react and give feedback. You will have an easier time trusting them because you know they are in the same boat. This beneficial technique helps you see through your disease and begin to heal.

3. A Sense of Belonging

The stigma of addiction still keeps many people from seeking treatment, leaving them feeling alone and afraid to ask for help. When you share your struggles with others in your group, you form a deep bond that only these shared experiences can build.

By surrounding yourself with your group and interacting with them, you build a powerful shield against your addiction.

4. An Opportunity to Practice New Coping Skills

When you share your story with the group, they can offer suggestions on how to better handle your triggers and thoughts. This is an invaluable opportunity to try out different coping skills in a safe environment before putting them into practice in real-life situations.

5. Receive Positive Reinforcement

Addiction recovery groups allow you to learn from the successes of others. In a group setting, you will receive positive reinforcement from other members when they see how far you have come. This can help to boost your self-confidence and motivate you to continue on your path of recovery.

6. Reduce Stress and Anxiety Levels

By actively engaging in a group setting, your stress and anxiety levels will be reduced. You’ll have the opportunity to form connections with other people going through similar experiences which helps create an emotional support system for yourself.

The Five Stages of Recovery

As you begin the journey to recovery, it can be helpful to know what to expect.

Pre-contemplation – The addiction has negative effects on your life, and you have yet to recognize the problem.
Contemplation – Recognizing the problem is a significant step.
Preparation – Deciding to start a group therapy program can require planning if you need to remain at a treatment center. It’s best to have someone help you prepare.
Action – Following up on your decision and actively working on your recovery takes effort.
Maintenance – After your treatment program ends, it is vital to avoid old triggers until you are more comfortable with your recovery.

A successful addiction recovery group involves action. One of the hardest things to do is openly talk about your disease. Being in a group of others going through the same problem can help make you feel more comfortable opening up.

How Can Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Help You?

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we believe addiction recovery should involve group therapy sessions along with individual therapy to better treat the mental and physical aspects of this terrible disease.

Addiction recovery groups have many beneficial effects on your recovery that you would not get with individual therapy. Once you begin, you will quickly realize the benefits of your group therapy sessions as you start to gain control of your addiction. If you or someone you know is ready to begin the recovery process, call 833.448.0127 today and schedule an appointment.

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.