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Tag: what is opioid addiction

Finding Help for Opioid Addiction in Colorado

Posted on by cmarnew

Opioid addiction has reached epidemic levels in the United States, and Colorado is no exception. With the rise in opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose fatalities has come a need for more effective treatment options. Breaking free from addiction takes professional help. Addiction is a complex condition, and opioid addiction treatment is an intensive process that requires time, dedication, and patience.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers world-class care for individuals struggling with addiction to opioids such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Through outpatient treatment with a focus on trauma-informed care and medication-assisted treatment, our patients build a foundation for lasting, sustainable recovery.

Reach out to our team today for opioid addiction treatment in Colorado that could change your life. Call 833.448.0127 today to get started.

The Need for Effective Opioid Addiction Treatment in Colorado

Colorado, like many other states, is currently facing a crisis with the opioid epidemic. In 2021 alone, there were nearly 1,300 opioid overdoses in the state, making up 68% of overdoses overall.1 Many people become addicted to opioids through prescription medications or using street drugs such as heroin. Addiction changes the brain’s chemistry, making it extremely difficult to quit using opioids without professional help. Unfortunately, opioid addiction has a high relapse rate, which is why finding effective treatment is so important.

What to Look For in an Opioid Addiction Treatment Program

When searching for an opioid addiction treatment program, there are a few things that you should look for. First, you want to ensure that the treatment program is tailored to your specific needs. Everyone’s addiction is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. You also want to find a program that offers a comprehensive approach to treatment, including evidence-based therapies, medical assistance, and social support.

Here are a few other things to look for:

  • Detox programs – An outpatient detox program is a great way to start the journey into recovery, as it helps individuals get over the initial withdrawal symptoms.
  • Medication-assisted treatment – A medication-assisted treatment program combines counseling with medication such as buprenorphine or methadone to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Aftercare services – Aftercare services such as individual or group counseling, 12-step programs, and relapse prevention can help people stay on track with their recovery.
  • Case management – Case management services provide additional support and ensure that treatment goals are met.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment – When someone has a mental health condition in addition to opioid addiction, dual diagnosis treatment is necessary.
  • Trauma therapy – If past trauma is a factor in addiction, trauma-informed therapy can help address and resolve these issues.
  • Telehealth – Having flexible appointment options such as telehealth can help individuals stay connected to the care they need.

Whether you’re just beginning your search for opioid addiction treatment or are returning to treatment and are looking for a new program, these are all important factors to consider.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment for World-Class Care

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand that addiction is a complex disease that requires specialized care and attention. Our expert medical staff, evidence-based treatments, and dedicated support team are all here to help you reach your recovery goals. We offer medication-assisted treatment that combines medication and counseling to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

We understand that taking the first step toward recovery can be intimidating, but we are here to support and guide you. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, please call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 or reach out to our experienced team online today to schedule an appointment.

Source:

1. KFF – Mental Health in Colorado

How to Help a Loved One with Opioid Addiction

Posted on by cmarnew

If your loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s likely a scary and overwhelming time for everyone involved. Opioids have been in the news heavily for the past few decades—and for good reason. They are highly addictive, and overdoses claim many lives each year. The good news is that many lawmakers are taking this epidemic seriously and working to make real change. Furthermore, effective treatments both for opioid overdose and long-term recovery are available. Help with opioid addiction is within your grasp.

If your loved one is struggling and you’re seeking treatment for opioid addiction near you, call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We’re available at 833.448.0127, and you can also reach us by filling out our online form. Our qualified team is standing by to help connect you to the best resources possible.

What Are Opioids and What is Opioid Addiction?

Opioids are synthetic or semisynthetic forms of opiates. Opiates, which people have used in various forms for thousands of years, include heroin, morphine, and codeine. They are derived from or mimic natural substances found in opium poppy plants. In the modern day, well-known lab-created opioids include:

  • Fentanyl
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
  • Methadone
  • Tramadol (Ultram)

Drugs like these act on receptors in the brain, blocking chemical messages that enable one to feel pain. They also affect dopamine and serotonin activity, creating intense feelings of pleasure. Because of their chemical properties, opioids can be an effective medication for acute pain. Thus, doctors may prescribe them for patients who experienced serious injury or surgery. At low doses and over short periods of time, they can have positive therapeutic effects.

Nonetheless, opioids pose grave risks because of their addiction potential. The high many people feel taking opioids can lead them to keep seeking the drug after their prescription has ended. Moreover, the substance is chemically addictive, meaning the brain develops tolerance over time. This means the person using needs greater and greater amounts to achieve the same effect.

Many people who become addicted to opioids first try them through a legitimate pain-management prescription. Others become addicted to using opioids in an illicit context, such as sharing someone else’s prescription or buying from a dealer. Tragically, opioid addiction can result in overdose and death since, at high doses, the drugs suppress breathing and blood pressure.

What Happens in Opioid Addiction Treatment?

In an accredited treatment program for opioid addiction, patients benefit from a number of key services. These include:

  • Medication-assisted treatment – Using medications like buprenorphine and naloxone, doctors are able to reduce the pain patients often feel during withdrawal from opioids. This allows them to more comfortably rid their bodies of the addictive substance and reduces their chance of relapse. Receiving individualized physician care likewise allows for careful monitoring during recovery.
  • Individual therapy – After withdrawal, patients benefit hugely from talk therapy that gives them concrete tools for staying sober long term. Especially potent forms of talk therapy for addiction include cognitive-behavioral therapy geared toward reframing self-defeating thoughts. Dialectical-behavioral therapy can also help by incorporating mindfulness, meaning tolerance for one’s emotions.
  • Family or group therapy – Including a social dimension into recovery can be a game-changer since it reduces the isolation many people with addiction feel. It also builds a strong support network for the future. Family therapy has the added benefit of creating a space for healing from any damage a loved one’s drug use has caused.
  • Dual diagnosis – During substance abuse treatment, patients should also receive an assessment for any co-occurring mental health concerns. Disorders like ADHD, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder are fairly common among those who abuse opioids. These dual diagnoses help providers effectively treat underlying causes for drug use. They also ensure patients receive the therapies and medications they need for optimal mental health as well as physical recovery.

Get Help with Opioid Addiction Recovery Today at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we’re proud to offer effective treatment for opioid addiction and other forms of substance abuse. Outpatient and telehealth options likewise give our patients great ability to customize treatment and enjoy flexible scheduling. If your loved one is struggling, call us at 833.448.0127 or send us a message online. We’re eager to answer your questions and help your loved one take the first step toward lasting recovery today.

Individual Therapy for Opioid Addiction

Posted on by cmarnew

Opioids are a popular pain medication with a high rate of abuse and addiction due to the euphoric sensations this narcotic produces. Despite the dangers, opioids are still prescribed today for patients with chronic pain or recovering after an accident or surgery. For those who abuse their prescription and form an addiction, individual therapy for opioid addiction is available through an opioid addiction treatment program in Denver, Colorado.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support individuals from all walks of life through our outpatient addiction treatment center. We use a combination of behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatment for a safer and more effective recovery experience. Patients work at their own pace and can continue therapy for as long as necessary to maintain their sober lifestyle. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, reach out to our compassionate staff today by calling 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form for more information about our opioid addiction treatment program.

What Is Opioid Addiction?

Opioids cause a release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible for pain relief and euphoria. With higher doses of opioids, the higher the euphoric feelings, which can be very addictive for those who are depressed or struggle with other mental health illnesses. The more you take, the more your body comes to depend on the narcotic to release any amount of dopamine. When patients stop taking opioids, they will go into withdrawals that can last for several weeks.

If you feel a friend or loved one can benefit from opioid addiction therapy, here are some of the signs of opioid addiction to look out for:

  • Frequent flu-like symptoms
  • Drowsiness
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Having multiple prescriptions from different doctors
  • Taking opioids longer than prescribed

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our therapists have experience working with all types of addiction and will answer all of your questions about what is opioid addiction and what it will take to recover and manage their symptoms.

The Benefits of Individual Therapy for Opioid Addiction

There are many benefits of individual therapy for individuals who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. It gives patients a private space to talk about what led to the addiction and work on developing coping skills to stop the abuse.

Here are some of the benefits of an individual therapy program that patients can experience during their opioid addiction therapy:

  • A tailored treatment experience where therapists focus on the issues that directly relate to each patient’s symptoms and causes of addiction.
  • Patients learn about the devastating effects of opioid addiction and how it affects everyone in their lives.
  • Therapists teach patients healthy coping skills to manage their symptoms and abstain from taking more pills.
  • Patients will participate in medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medical staff will administer medication and monitor your reactions for any adverse effects.
  • Patients regain their self-esteem and confidence in their ability to maintain their sobriety no matter what life throws at them.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Provides Individual Therapy for Treating Opioid Addiction

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our individual therapy for opioid addiction is very effective in helping men and women recover from opioid addiction. Our outpatient treatment programs allow patients to continue their therapy while keeping up with work and personal commitments. We offer a full range of behavioral therapies, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy

Today is the best time to make that call that will change your life for the better. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our compassionate staff to learn how we can help you reach your recovery goals.

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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.