alcohol addiction treatment Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

What You Learn During Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Posted on April 20, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Alcoholism can take so much from you and your future. Yet, in alcohol addiction treatment, you learn how to embrace life and heal again. If you are unsure if you need a recovery program like this or you’re unsure how it can help you, make the call. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are helping people to thrive in treatment. Contact us at 833.448.0127 today to learn how our alcohol addiction treatment near you can help you or a loved one live a healthy, happy life.

What Happens in Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Men and women with alcoholism face several challenges to their health and mental well-being. In alcohol addiction treatment, the goal is to stop the ongoing damage and to start the healing process for both your body and brain. There is a lot to learn to achieve this. After providing an assessment to determine what your needs are, our recovery program in Colorado begins for you. You’ll learn a great deal, including:

Why you have alcoholism
How to manage the underlying causes of alcohol misuse
How drug and alcohol addiction happens
What you need to do to improve your physical health
How to get support for mental health
How to get sober and stay sober long term

That sounds like a lot to learn, and there’s much more. The goal of alcohol addiction treatment is to ensure you have the right skills and tools to make better decisions for your future.

Learning How to Manage Alcoholism in Real Life

There’s no benefit to making alcohol addiction treatment seem easy. It’s a complex process. Once you get your addiction under control with medication, if available to you, the next step is to work with you to heal your brain. We can do that in several ways.

Controlling Negative Thoughts

One of the first steps of alcoholism treatment is controlling negative thought patterns, often leading to poor decisions. You’ll learn to recognize these thoughts as they happen and then how to change them.

Living in the Moment

You’ll learn how to focus on what you can control at the moment. This is an essential concept for many men and women with alcoholism because it can alleviate the stress and anxiety that often drives them to use alcohol.

Communication

You’ll learn how to communicate your needs, thoughts, and concerns. You’ll also learn how to get help when you need it, whether that is from your family or friends or even from a professional therapist.

Live a Sober Life

Another component of alcohol addiction treatment is giving you the tools to build a sober life. There may be relationships to heal or walk away from. You may need help getting back to work. You may need new skills.

How Can Our Colorado Recovery Program Help You?

When you’re faced with the challenges of alcoholism, you need to learn how to overcome them to rebuild your life. Our alcohol addiction treatment program is designed to do that for you. Located in Colorado, our recovery program is an individualized opportunity for you to work on healing your body, mind, and spirit from the damage alcoholism has created for you. We offer a range of programs to help you do that, including:

Our medication-assisted treatment programs also assist you in managing the physical cravings associated with alcohol use disorder. Our recovery program is designed to help you build new skills for living a life of sobriety and enhancing your overall well-being. We provide guidance and support in developing a comprehensive plan to enable you to live a healthier, more productive lifestyle after completing treatment. By utilizing our combination of evidence-based approaches, you can learn how to create new and healthier habits while still managing life’s challenges. Our goal is to help you find balance in recovery.

Invest in Your Future – Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

Alcohol addiction treatment provides you with the comprehensive care you need to overcome your addiction and build a sober future. Alcoholism does not have to limit your future when you truly embrace treatment. Our recovery program in Colorado is designed to give you the tools you need to achieve improvements. To learn more, call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online.

Finding a Treatment Center for Alcohol Addiction in Thornton, CO

Posted on February 6, 2023 by cmarnew

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you are in good company. Millions of Americans grapple with this form of substance abuse. Matters are complicated by the fact that alcohol is legal, easy to obtain, and its use is broadly socially accepted. Sadly, the chemical reality of alcohol is that it is also extremely habit-forming and has numerous serious impacts on physical, emotional, and mental health.

The good news is that, since alcohol addiction has been a widespread concern for decades and even centuries, doctors understand it well. Effective treatment is available to you or your loved one if you’re looking for help regaining sobriety and control of your life. Call 833.448.0127 or contact us online to speak to a staff member from Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We’re located in Thornton, Colorado, on Fox Drive just north of West 88th Avenue. Reach out today for help finding alcohol addiction treatment near you.

Alcohol Poses an Especially Great Danger on Adams County Highways

As a recent news release by the Colorado Department of Transportation makes clear, problematic alcohol use is taking a major toll statewide. According to the Department, deaths due to drunk driving are especially troubling. In 2021, 255 lives were lost in accidents occurring involving DUI. Sadly, that number climbed to 271 in 2022. Adams County, where Thornton is located, ranked highest among all Colorado counties.¹

While the state is, fortunately, addressing the prevalence of DUI through a stricter enforcement period, the core of the issue is, of course, the disease of alcohol use disorder itself. It’s thus key for those living with alcohol dependence to seek professional help through an accredited recovery program like the one at Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment. Through proper care, and safe, monitored recovery, Coloradans can and must bring down the state’s traffic fatality numbers as well as other tragic impacts of alcohol use.

Signs that Alcohol Addiction May Be Present

Alcohol use disorder is a formal diagnosis with several specific requirements and different levels of severity. It’s worth noting that people may also struggle with alcohol dependence, informally called alcoholism, which may not warrant a formal diagnosis. In these cases, some form of treatment may still be advisable. Looking at alcohol use disorder specifically, a patient must have experienced at least two of the following symptoms for at least a year to receive the diagnosis:

Rising tolerance to alcohol with increases in the amount consumed to reach the same effect
Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and nausea when alcohol is absent for even a short period of time
Inability to reduce the amount of alcohol one consumes
Drinking a greater volume or for a longer period of time than intended
Experiencing extended illness as a result of excessive drinking
Loss of concentration because of alcohol cravings
Damage to everyday functioning, such as inability to succeed at school, keep a job, or provide for a family
Ongoing drinking in spite of issues it causes with family and friends
Reduced engagement with activities and hobbies that one used to enjoy
Getting into dangerous situations, such as unsafe sexual encounters or drunk driving, due to intoxication
Drinking even when one realizes it is worsening another health condition or creating negative symptoms like anxiety, blackouts, or depression

What Happens in Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

In a treatment program, alcohol addiction recovery may begin with medically assisted detox. In this first step of recovery, patients benefit from a doctor’s direct supervision and personalized care while their body purges the harmful substance and adapts to functioning without it. Doctors may administer medication that helps patients manage painful withdrawal symptoms during this period.

Next, those receiving alcohol addiction treatment typically engage with a range of services. Peer support can provide accountability and community, give patients concrete examples of how to cope with stress and triggers, and provide a sounding board for how to make amends with those whom their addiction has harmed. Coupled with family therapy, this social therapeutic model can help to heal relationships damaged by alcohol addiction and create a framework for lasting support in sobriety.

Patients coping with alcohol addiction can also strongly benefit from one-on-one therapy. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical-behavioral therapy help patients identify their triggers and learn to reframe negative thoughts. Creating a specific relapse prevention plan can also be a game-changer in the work of individual therapy for addiction recovery. Finally, individual therapy can provide vital dual diagnoses. This means it can identify and address underlying mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder that may be present along with alcohol addiction.

Begin Healing from Alcohol Addiction Today at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you or a loved one is living with alcohol use disorder or another form of alcohol dependence, there’s no need to suffer alone. This health concern, while serious, is also common, and many effective treatments exist. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment today to learn about our effective programs. Our center is located just north of Denver in Thornton, CO, conveniently close to the Thornton Park-n-Ride. Our telehealth options may make it easier still to prioritize your recovery. Call 833.448.0127 or reach out online to learn more about our accredited alcohol treatment center and other programs.

Source:

1. Colorado Department of Transportation – Today CDOT kicks off first DUI enforcement period of 2023

How Does Outpatient Alcohol Detox Work and Is It Right for You?

Posted on July 1, 2022April 30, 2025 by cmarnew

Outpatient alcohol detox offers a safe, flexible, and clinically supervised way to begin recovery—without requiring an overnight stay. For many individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), this approach provides the support they need while allowing them to maintain family responsibilities, work obligations, and life at home. CMAR’s outpatient detox program combines medical oversight, evidence-based medications, and therapy to ensure safety and success.

What Is Outpatient Alcohol Detox?

Outpatient alcohol detox is a structured medical process that allows individuals to stop drinking alcohol while living at home, with regular visits to a clinic or telehealth check-ins. Unlike inpatient detox, which involves 24/7 residential care, outpatient detox is typically best for those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, a strong support system, and stable living conditions.

Key Benefits of Outpatient Detox:

Flexibility: Continue attending work, school, or caring for family.
Affordability: Less costly than inpatient care.
Privacy: Discreet and less disruptive to daily life.
Continuity: Seamless transition into ongoing treatment options at CMAR.

How Does Outpatient Alcohol Detox Work at CMAR?

At CMAR, we understand that no two people have the exact recovery needs. We personalize every outpatient detox plan based on clinical assessments and client goals.

Personalized Assessment and Intake

Your journey begins with a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation. Our team assesses the severity of alcohol dependence, medical history, co-occurring conditions, and social support factors. This determines whether outpatient detox is a safe and appropriate option for you.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

CMAR specializes in medication-assisted treatment for alcohol detox. FDA-approved medications help minimize withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse. Common medications may include:

Naltrexone: Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol.
Acamprosate: Supports brain stabilization during early recovery.
Gabapentin or others: These medications may be used to manage anxiety, sleep, and discomfort.

Our licensed medical providers prescribe and monitor these medications throughout detox and beyond.

Regular Monitoring and Clinical Check-ins

Detoxing at CMAR doesn’t mean going it alone. Our outpatient model includes:

Daily or scheduled in-person check-ins or telehealth visits
Symptom tracking and medication adjustments
Access to clinical support between sessions

This ongoing supervision ensures your safety and allows rapid intervention if symptoms escalate.

Integrated Therapy and Counseling

Detox is as much an emotional experience as it is a physical one. CMAR integrates trauma-informed therapy, dual-diagnosis support, and mental health counseling into our outpatient program. Depending on your needs and stability, therapy sessions may be scheduled during or immediately following detox.

What to Expect Physically and Mentally During Detox

Alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable, which is why structured outpatient detox is so necessary. Symptoms may vary depending on the length and intensity of alcohol use but commonly include:

Physical Symptoms:

Sweating and shaking
Headaches and nausea
Insomnia
Rapid heart rate
Mild tremors

Emotional and Mental Symptoms:

Anxiety or panic attacks
Depression or mood swings
Strong cravings for alcohol
Difficulty concentrating

Outpatient detox at CMAR helps reduce the severity of these symptoms through personalized medication plans and emotional support.

Is Outpatient Detox Right for You?

Outpatient alcohol detox is not for everyone. It is most effective for individuals who:

Have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms
Are medically and psychiatrically stable
Have a reliable support system at home
Are motivated to follow clinical recommendations

If you’ve experienced seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), or severe alcohol withdrawal in the past, inpatient detox may be safer. CMAR will guide you to the right level of care based on your evaluation.

Safety and Supervision in an Outpatient Setting

A common concern is whether outpatient detox is genuinely safe. At CMAR, we take every precaution to ensure safety through:

Daily symptom monitoring
Emergency protocols and referrals
Access to clinicians between visits
Coordinated care with our IOP and MAT programs

We’ve designed our model for clients who require medical detox but prefer the flexibility of staying at home.

How Long Does Outpatient Alcohol Detox Take?

The detox timeline varies by individual but typically follows this range:

Mild Withdrawal: 3 to 5 days
Moderate Symptoms: 5 to 7 days
Extended Care: Up to 10+ days if symptoms persist or underlying issues emerge

Recovery doesn’t end with detox—it’s just the beginning. CMAR ensures you have the tools and support to move forward after your physical symptoms subside.

Transitioning from Detox to Long-Term Recovery

After detox, CMAR supports clients with:

Medication-assisted treatment continuation
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Behavioral therapy and counseling
Case management and relapse prevention planning

We make moving from detox into full-spectrum outpatient care easy with minimal disruption.

Why Choose CMAR for Outpatient Alcohol Detox in Colorado

At CMAR, we provide a comprehensive and compassionate approach to outpatient detox. Here’s what sets us apart:

Expert-led detox with licensed medical and behavioral health professionals
Access to cutting-edge medications and holistic therapies
Integration with long-term recovery services
Flexible scheduling, telehealth, and outpatient convenience

Located in Colorado, we proudly serve individuals across the Front Range who want a recovery that fits their lives.

Start Outpatient Detox Today with CMAR

If you’ve decided to make a change and stop drinking but still want to maintain control over your daily routine and surroundings, consider CMAR’s outpatient alcohol detox program. Our approach is designed to guide you through this critical first step in a safe and empowering manner.

Our outpatient program offers a flexible and supportive environment where you can begin your recovery journey without disrupting your commitments. You’ll receive professional guidance and care tailored to your needs, ensuring you feel supported and in control.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Call or contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive outpatient detox services. Take that courageous step towards recovery and start your transformative journey today!

Tips for Saying No to Alcohol on Thanksgiving

Posted on November 5, 2021 by cmarnew

The holiday season is when most people who struggle with alcohol addiction will relapse as peer and society pressure to drink is very heavy this time of year. To help you with your cravings for alcohol on Thanksgiving and other holidays, enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment program can teach you healthy coping skills so you can say no to alcohol while still enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can help you have a sober Thanksgiving. Our alcohol addiction treatment program can help you discover your triggers and build healthy coping skills to say no to the drink and yes to a sober lifestyle. If the holidays are tough for you to maintain your sobriety, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our caring staff about our alcohol addiction treatment program.

Tips for Having a Sober Thanksgiving

The holiday season is synonymous with drinking. Having alcohol on Thanksgiving is something we learned from watching our parents drink and celebrate with friends and family since we were young. To help you have a sober Thanksgiving and reduce the chances of relapse, follow these tips for having a sober Thanksgiving:

Plan ahead – Prepare yourself mentally for being around alcohol. Remind yourself you don’t need or want alcohol.
Attend a meeting – Attending meetings is a great way to talk about the pressures of staying sober during the holidays and ease your stress.
Host an alcohol-free Thanksgiving – Hosting your Thanksgiving party eliminates being around alcohol and makes staying sober easier. Invite friends from your sober community to join in along with your family.
Let everyone know you are not drinking – Your close family and friends should know that you are sober and want to stay that way. By talking about it, they can help you stay sober.
BYOBeverage – Bring your own non-alcoholic beverage to lessen your temptations and have something to drink at the ready.
Invite a sober friend – Having a sober friend with you will be a big help when everyone around you is drinking. And someone to talk to when cravings are strong.
Call your support team – Your cravings and triggers will always be with you. If you feel an urge to drink, step away from the party and call your support team for reassurance.
Remember your coping skills – Remember the skills you learned during your alcohol addiction treatment program. They are there to help you maintain your sobriety.

Enrolling in an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program

Sober holidays are not an impossibility when you support peers and staff at an alcohol addiction treatment program. An outpatient program allows you to continue with your busy life while attending therapy sessions built around a working professional’s schedule. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you want to have access to treatment programs that can give you the support you need during the holidays. An outpatient alcohol addiction treatment program will include:

Individual and group therapy
Family counseling
Medication-assisted treatment
Case management and peer support
Telehealth programs for virtual support

Enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment program before the holidays begin can help strengthen your resolve on your recovery and practice your coping skills to help ignore your cravings for alcohol on Thanksgiving.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Can Help You Enjoy Your Sober Holidays

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are here to help you cope with the increase in alcohol on Thanksgiving that will be all around you. Office parties, friends gathering at bars, and family get-togethers are trigger points that can lead to a relapse. Our behavioral and medication-assisted treatment programs can help you maintain your sobriety during the holidays.

If you struggle with your sobriety during the holidays, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our friendly and compassionate staff about our alcohol addiction treatment program and how we can help you enjoy a sober Thanksgiving.

Physical Side Effects of Alcohol Addiction

Posted on August 29, 2021 by cmarnew

Alcohol addiction has steadily risen despite the numerous harmful side effects it has on the body. Unfortunately, the effects of alcohol addiction can take a toll in more ways than most people realize. An alcohol addiction treatment program can help you or a loved one learn the dangers of alcohol and help recover from their alcohol addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our alcohol addiction treatment programs can help those suffering the physical side effects of alcohol addiction and are ready to put in the time and work necessary to begin their recovery. Call 833.448.0127 to learn more about the physical effects of alcohol addiction and how we can help you or a loved one begin a life of sobriety.

How Alcohol Affects the Body

One or two drinks a night can steadily increase over time without you realizing it. The harmful effects alcohol has on the brain, heart, and liver are worse than most people realize.

Brain

Slurred speech, memory loss, and poor judgment are just the early stages of cognitive impairment. Long-term abuse changes your brain chemistry and the way you think, possibly leading to permanent brain damage and death.

Heart

Alcohol has an immediate effect on your heart, increasing your heart rate. The more you drink, the more your heart is working and can lead to heart disease, such as:

Cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmia
Stroke
High blood pressure
Heart attack

Liver

Your liver is a filter. It filters the blood from the digestive system and helps filter out toxins before it reaches the bloodstream. Alcohol is a poison, and drinking too much can overwork your liver and damage it. Leading to such diseases as:

Cirrhosis
Steatosis
Alcoholic hepatitis
Fibrosis
Cellular mutation
Pancreatitis

In the U.S., one in three cases of pancreatitis is from alcohol abuse. The pancreas turns alcohol into toxins that affect the pancreas and digestive system and has some painful side effects:

Abdominal pain
Weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Pale colored, oily stools
Back pain
Diabetes

Cancer

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists alcohol as a known human carcinogen. Long-term drinking is behind several forms of cancer, including:

Breast cancer
Esophageal cancer
Liver cancer
Head and neck cancer
Colon cancer

Your body is a machine, and if it is overworked, it will break down over time. Your immune system cannot adequately protect you if it is busy repairing the damage from alcohol poisoning. Illnesses like pneumonia and tuberculosis will affect those suffering from alcohol addiction more than those with a healthy immune system.

Treating the Physical Side Effects of Alcohol Addiction

In some alcohol addiction treatment programs, a detox or inpatient treatment can break the power addiction has over some patients at the start of their treatment. When completed, further treatment can continue as you are just beginning your addiction recovery.

An outpatient treatment program can give those who have completed detox and are ready to continue their work toward recovery. An effective and complete recovery program will include a mixture of behavioral programs designed to weed out the underlying cause of the addiction and help you maintain your sober life.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer several behavioral therapy programs designed to help you with your alcohol addiction treatment that will include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (CBT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Individual and group therapy
Family therapy

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Colorado

At CMAR, Colorado’s only licensed outpatient addiction treatment center, our alcohol addiction treatment programs can help you along your journey to recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with the physical side effects of alcohol addiction and are ready to get control of your life, our certified behavioral therapists will design a tailor-made program for your recovery that will give you the best chance for recovery. Verify your insurance with us to start your journey.

Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our behavioral and medication-assisted treatment programs for alcohol addiction.

Benefits of Seeking Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Posted on May 10, 2021 by cmarnew

Alcohol addiction takes a serious toll on individual people and on the families of people with an addiction to alcohol. The short-term effects and the long-term effects of addiction of alcohol addiction may have serious effects on the body, on the mental health of someone, and on the overall health of people that are addicted to alcohol. Fortunately, a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program can help people through their recovery and help them learn to live their life without abusing alcohol.

Alcohol Addiction and the Human Body

Alcohol has a profound effect on the body. Although some people may experience different effects when compared to others with alcohol addiction issues, the cumulative effects of drinking can have devastating results.

There are both short-term and long-term effects of alcohol addiction. There are many effects that extend beyond the hangover the next day after drinking alcohol. Many people start the next day by drinking alcohol all over again, likely increasing their risks of serious side effects or engaging in risky behaviors.

Some areas of the body that are affected by an addiction to alcohol include:

Alcohol interferes with the communication pathways of the brain resulting in many difficulties with thinking and the possibility of developing mood disorders
Alcohol addiction takes a severe toll on the liver and can lead to serious health conditions such as cirrhosis or fatty liver
The effects of alcohol addiction on the pancreas may result in the production of toxic substances
The heart is often affected by alcohol addiction and may lead to high blood pressure or stroke or other issues
Alcohol can weaken the immune system and limit the ability to fight off illnesses and disease

Alcohol also contributes to the development of several types of cancers, according to several medical sources and several study results. Some cancers that people addicted to alcohol may experience include breast cancer, esophageal cancer, cancer of the head or neck, colorectal cancer, or cancer of the liver.

Another dangerous effect of alcohol addiction is the fact that many people often use other drugs while drinking alcohol. This increases the severe risks associated with alcohol use. Several sources indicate that there are thousands of alcohol-related deaths every year in the U.S.

The Economic Burden of Alcohol Addiction

There is a tremendous economic burden attributed to people that have an alcohol addiction. It goes much further than drinking away the paycheck and not having money for the drinks for the next day.

Many individuals cannot hold a job because of their alcohol addiction. Costly mistakes may be made when people with an alcohol addiction think that they are still able to continue their employment. The economic burden related to the misuse of alcohol in the U.S. alone extends into billions of dollars in a single year.

Start Your Recovery at a Comprehensive Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

Alcohol addiction treatment involves a variety of treatment steps. The first step is to detox from the alcohol. Ridding the body of alcohol prepares you to start your treatment program.

Take the first step to receive treatment for alcohol addiction at an alcohol rehab Denver location and start your recovery today. Our alcohol addiction treatment program includes an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your treatment needs. Additionally, addiction treatment therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy are often included in the treatment plan.

Start your alcohol addiction treatment today when you contact us at 833.448.0127. Learn how to regain control over your life and learn how to live without the dangerous effects of alcohol addiction. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today.