Addiction is a serious disease that affects millions of Americans every year. The withdrawal symptoms that addiction creates can cause serious pain and lead to relapsing with a higher risk of overdosing. Medication-assisted therapy or MAT in Thornton, Colorado, can help reduce the painful withdrawal symptoms and allow you to focus on your addiction recovery. If you seek medication-assisted treatment in Thornton, Colorado, visit Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for your addiction treatment with MAT.
Our MAT program coincides with other treatment programs to give you the best chance at lifelong recovery. Our medical staff will monitor your progress and update your medication accordingly. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our medication-assisted treatment program.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is useful in treating addiction with FDA-approved drugs that counteract the euphoric feelings of opioids and reduce all or some of the painful side effects of withdrawal. MAT will coincide with other therapy programs that will help you better understand your addiction and how it can take over your life.
Your addiction treatment therapy may include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Individual and group therapy
Family counseling
Psychodynamic therapy
EMDR therapy
FDA-Approved Drugs Used in MAT
Since some of these drugs are partial or full opiate antagonists, there is a chance of abuse. MAT is closely monitored by medical personnel while you complete your addiction therapy programs. Some medications used include:
Buprenorphine: This is a partial opioid agonist used in treating opioid addiction and can help reduce pain common with addiction withdrawal. It is safe to take over an extended period when you follow the prescription. It is very effective in addiction treatment with improved recovery rates and better treatment retention.
Suboxone: A combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, this medication cancels out the euphoric effects of opioids and effectively reduces pain from withdrawals. With no more cravings for the drug, you can focus on your recovery with a clearer head.
Lucemyra: A new drug that reduces painful withdrawal symptoms but does not eliminate them like Buprenorphine or Naloxone because it is not an opioid. Therefore there is zero risk of addiction.
Naltrexone: Naltrexone binds with the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the euphoric feelings that opioids and other drugs create, eliminating your cravings. It is also beneficial in helping reduce cravings for alcohol.
Naloxone: This is an opioid antagonist that can reverse an opioid overdose. You can take it as an injection or use NARCAN®, a nasal spray for suspected opioid overdoses.
The shame of drug and alcohol addiction still keeps many people from seeking help. Addiction is a mental health illness that is difficult to get through if you don’t understand what is driving your addiction and how to effectively stop your triggers and craving and allow you to regain control of your life.
Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Your MAT in Thornton, Colorado
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the hardship addiction withdrawal can cause and want to help you with your road to sobriety. When you first arrive at our facility, you will be evaluated by our medical staff and therapists to determine your level of addiction and your individual needs to build an effective treatment program that includes MAT in Thornton, Colorado. We can help you will all kinds of addiction, including:
Opioid addiction
Percocet addiction
Heroin addiction
OxyContin addiction
Alcohol addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with their addiction and are ready to make a positive change in their lives, call us today at 833.448.0127 to learn more about our medication-assisted treatment and how it can help you get control of your life back.
Addiction to heroin, morphine, and other opioids is not easy to break without medical help. A successful addiction treatment program will include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) along with behavioral therapy that can help reduce your cravings and allow you to focus on your recovery. One medication that can help during this process is buprenorphine. If you’re beginning a treatment program, you might have questions about this medication.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medical staff will prescribe buprenorphine if it is determined during your evaluation that you can benefit from this medication to help with your recovery. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn how buprenorphine treatment can help you on the road to recovery.
Can You Develop a Dependency on Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid, and there is a potential for misuse. If someone without an opioid addiction takes buprenorphine, this can lead to them trying a full opioid once the limiting pleasurable effects of buprenorphine are no longer enough to give them the escape they are seeking.
If someone with an opioid addiction begins a buprenorphine treatment program through medication-assisted treatment and they follow the prescription precisely, there is minimal risk of forming a dependency on buprenorphine. Even when abusing buprenorphine, the side effects of opioid addiction will be less than if they are abusing a full agonist opioid, such as Methadone. Some of the side effects you may feel include:
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Insomnia
Trouble concentrating
Despite the low risk of dependency, buprenorphine is still one of the top choices for medication-assisted treatment programs and has a high success rate when combined with behavioral therapy.
How Is Buprenorphine Useful in Treating Opioid Addiction?
The Federal Drug Administration has approved several drugs for reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that can ease painful withdrawal symptoms.
Buprenorphine attaches itself to the mu-opioid and kappa receptors in your brain that are responsible for the pleasurable effects that opioids can produce. It will block other opioids like morphine and heroin from creating an intense high and allow you to reduce your cravings and need for the drug over time. Buprenorphine treatment is one of the most successful partial agonists due to:
Low abuse rate
Lower levels of psychological dependence
Higher dosages do not increase euphoric feelings
A buprenorphine MAT program will closely monitor buprenorphine intake to ensure patients are not attempting to abuse the drug. If this happens, because buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, its limiting effect will prevent the fatal respiratory depression common in overdoses.
Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Buprenorphine and Behavioral Therapy
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction uses buprenorphine along with other FDA-approved drugs like naltrexone, which blocks the pleasurable effects of opioids and alcohol. The combination of these drugs will give you the best chances for success in your addiction recovery.
During your initial evaluation, our medical staff and behavioral therapists will determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs. Alongside your buprenorphine treatment, you will participate in behavioral therapy that will help you find the root cause behind your addiction. Behavioral therapy programs may include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Group and individual therapy
Family counseling
We believe in a whole-person approach to your recovery. As you progress, we will continue to update your buprenorphine treatment program as you start forming positive coping skills instead of reaching for your substance of choice. If you or someone you know is thinking about buprenorphine to help with their opioid addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our supportive therapists about the risk of buprenorphine dependency and how this medication can benefit your opioid addiction recovery.
To help stop the frequent number of relapses in addiction treatment, Vivitrol and other FDA-approved drugs can help with addiction recovery by easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings so patients can focus on their recovery.
A Vivitrol treatment program is a monthly injection that stops the pleasurable effects of alcohol, heroin, and other drugs with zero chance of addiction or withdrawal once you stop taking Vivitrol.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use medication-assisted therapy (MAT) to help reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms so you can concentrate on your recovery and reduce the chances of relapse down the road.
Three Benefits of a Vivitrol Treatment Program
Using Vivitrol with an outpatient treatment program that involves behavior and group therapy gives you a better chance at maintaining your sobriety throughout your life.
1. Vivitrol Is Long-Lasting
Vivitrol is one of the longer-lasting MAT drugs approved to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. A single dose can last for 30 days and is administered by a medical professional. As you progress through your Vivitrol treatment program, your therapists will continue to update your program to provide you with the best care possible, leading to abstinence.
2. Zero Risk of Addiction
Vivitrol is a non-narcotic with no chance of addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Patients may feel some side effects, which include:
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Depression and anxiety
Joint or muscle pain
Compared to the side effects of withdrawal, patients can concentrate on their recovery and get control of their lives back.
3. Lower Risk of Relapse
Studies have shown that Vivitrol is very effective in treating drug addiction with fewer chances of relapse when the patient is dedicated to their recovery and follows their addiction treatment program.
The goal of a Vivitrol treatment program is complete abstinence. While no treatment program can guarantee complete abstinence, you have a better chance at staying sober when combining Vivitrol with an outpatient program and a supportive and sober home environment to continue your therapy.
Who is a Good Candidate for Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is an excellent option for individuals struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction who are motivated to achieve sobriety. Ideal candidates include:
Those who have completed detox and are no longer physically dependent on opioids or alcohol.
Individuals seeking a non-addictive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) option.
Patients who prefer a once-monthly injection over daily medications.
However, Vivitrol is not suitable for everyone. You should not start Vivitrol if:
You have used opioids within the last 7–14 days.
You’ve used methadone or buprenorphine in the last 14 days.
You have a history of liver or kidney disease or hemophilia.
A medical evaluation at CMAR will determine if Vivitrol is the right choice for your recovery journey.
Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Like any medication, Vivitrol may cause side effects. While most are mild and temporary, it’s important to be aware of them:
Common Side Effects:
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Joint or muscle pain
Depression or anxiety
Tips for Managing Side Effects:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce headaches and fatigue.
Eat Small Meals: If you experience nausea, try eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Communicate with Your Medical Team: Inform your healthcare provider about any side effects so they can adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Most side effects subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take for Vivitrol to start working?
Vivitrol begins working immediately after the injection, blocking opioid receptors and reducing cravings.
2. Can Vivitrol be used for long-term treatment?
Yes, Vivitrol can be used for long-term treatment to support sustained recovery.
3. What happens if I relapse while on Vivitrol?
If you relapse, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can adjust your treatment plan and provide additional support.
4. Is Vivitrol safe for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders?
Vivitrol is generally safe, but it’s important to discuss any mental health conditions with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Learn More About MAT for Your Addiction Treatment
Vivitrol treatment offers a powerful solution for overcoming addiction, with benefits like long-lasting effects, zero risk of addiction, and lower relapse rates.
At CMAR, we’re committed to providing personalized care that combines Vivitrol with therapy to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact us today to learn more about our Vivitrol treatment program and start your journey to a healthier, sober life.
A medication-assisted treatment program can help patients suffering from addiction withdrawal symptoms to begin the road to recovery. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy are the one-two punch needed for an effective recovery program for addiction treatment for opioid, alcohol, and other substance use disorders.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medication-assisted treatment programs will help your recovery with our outpatient and telehealth services. Call833.448.0127 today to learn more about how you or a loved one can break free from the stigma associated with MAT and receive the help you need to get on the road to recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment programs use specific FDA-approved drugs to help individuals who are going through withdrawal or who are working to reach a place of stability. The medications counteract some of the impact drugs or alcohol has on the body by:
Normalizing brain chemistry
Stopping the pleasurable effects of these substances
Reducing physiological cravings
Relieving withdrawal symptoms
There are different drugs available to treat different types of withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction can have harmful effects on your body, including liver damage, increased risk of cancer, and shrinkage of the frontal lobe. Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone help with alcohol addiction and abuse and allow patients to continue their daily lives while working through addiction treatment. They help take the cravings away and reduce severe withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid Addiction
Drugs like heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are all opioids that can have debilitating side effects when abused. The medications used in a medication-assisted treatment program help counteract the side effects and can be taken for several months during treatment without any harmful side effects. These drugs include:
Buprenorphine
Methadone
Naltrexone
Opioid Overdose
If an opioid overdose occurs, naloxone can immediately counter the severe effects of an overdose, including death. Having a naloxone injection nearby can give you the time needed for medical attention to arrive.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the trepidation you may feel about enrolling in a medication-assisted treatment program. Our compassionate therapists will answer any questions about MAT programs and how they can assist you or a loved one in their addiction recovery.
How Medication-Assisted Treatment Program Can Benefit Your Recovery
To enroll in a medication-assisted treatment program, you must also go through behavioral therapy to get to the original cause of your addiction and help you develop the tools needed to help you along in your recovery.
Behavioral therapy teaches you to change negative habits and stop the triggers that make you crave your substance of choice. Along with MAT, each patient will have a custom-made behavioral treatment program to help them with their recovery.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Family therapy
Individual and group therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Medication-assisted treatment helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms as you work to discover the reasons behind your addiction. Studies have shown that when you do not treat the physical and mental issues that are associated with addiction at the same time, your chances of a relapse increase.
Break the Stigma at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
At CMAR, our addiction treatment programs include medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy to give you the best chances of recovery. Why let the stigma of medication-assisted treatment keep you from getting the help you need in your addiction treatment when it is the best option for treating addiction? Addiction is a disease that requires treatment, just like any physical illness.
Our addiction treatment programs take a “whole-person” approach in dealing with addiction treatment. We ensure that our patients feel safe and welcome as we work with them on the road to recovery. Call 833.448.0127 today and verify your insurance to learn more about how a medication-assisted treatment program can help you get control of your life.
How do you know if an addiction treatment center is right for you or a loved one? Your first step is to find a treatment facility run by a professional and caring staff dedicated to your recovery as much as you are. The facility you choose should offer outpatient and telehealth therapy options for more accessibility. That can give you the freedom you need to continue your life while working on your addiction recovery.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our addiction treatment programs are tailored specifically to your personal needs. Treatment cannot be one-size-fits-all. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs can help you break free from addiction. We’ll help you reach a place of stability so you can develop the healthy coping skills you need for lifelong recovery. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our treatment programs and how they can help you heal.
Finding the Right Addiction Treatment Center for You
Not all addiction recovery programs are the same. A residential or inpatient treatment facility is not the best option for those who can keep up their responsibilities at work or at home. Instead, many individuals benefit from outpatient care. This flexible treatment option is ideal for those who have a supportive living situation.
Additionally, the underlying causes that may have contributed to substance use issues are as unique as you are. Your addiction treatment center should create a treatment plan with that in mind.
Understanding Your Addiction Through Behavioral Therapy
From an early age, you might have watched our parents drink and have a good time with friends and family. It is no wonder that many individuals associate alcohol with fun before even taking the first sip. Addiction is a mental disease where individuals repeat a task like drinking or taking drugs and cannot stop, even when it begins to affect those around them negatively.
Behavioral therapy is the preferred method of treating addiction and other mental health diseases. It helps you get to the reason behind your addiction so you can better recognize your triggers and learn to avoid them.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment programs involve a combination of medication and behavioral therapy programs. This approach can help patients suffering through long-term withdrawal effects and remain functional while they seek treatment.
These drugs are administered alongside behavioral therapy programs to reduce the dependence on opioids to allow a gradual decline of withdrawal symptoms:
Buprenorphine
Suboxone
Lucemyra
These medications can relieve withdrawal symptoms as well as curb cravings.
Benefits of Enrolling in an Addiction Treatment Center With Varying Treatment Options
Inpatient and residential treatment programs are not suitable for everyone. If you cannot take time off work, an outpatient or telehealth service can still give you the benefits of a residential program. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our behavioral therapy programs can help you root out the causes behind your addiction. The therapies we offer include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Individual and group therapy
Family therapy
We offer our behavioral and medication-assisted programs through outpatient and telehealth services for those who need a more flexible addiction treatment program that fits their schedule without sacrificing their recovery efforts.
Learn More About Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
The stigma of addiction can cause many to avoid seeking the treatment they need to continue their recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and are ready to seek the support needed to recover, reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today.
Call833.448.0127 today to see how a professional recovery program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help you or a loved one begin on the journey to lifelong sobriety. We can help you verify your insurance with us today.
Opioid overdose is one of the leading causes of most overdose cases in the U.S. A naloxone treatment is the best way to stop the effects of the overdose. The fast-acting naloxone treatment can be administered through injection or nasal spray (NARCAN®) when medical assistance isn’t around.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are available to assist you with your naloxone treatment and prepare you for a potential overdose. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, please call 833.448.0127 to speak with a therapist to learn more about how naloxone for overdoses is an effective treatment.
How Does Naloxone Help Someone Who Is Overdosing?
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. When injected, the naloxone binds with the opioid receptors and blocks the effects of the opioids. It can restore normal breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and stop the pleasurable effects that can lead to addiction. The effects are nearly instantaneous and can help the patient survive until medical assistance arrives.
You may experience some side effects after your naloxone treatment, which are relatively mild, including:
Injection site soreness
Sweating
Hot flashes
Some people can experience more severe side effects with an opioid overdose that may include:
Hallucinations
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Naloxone treatments can last up to 60–90 minutes and are designed as a temporary fix to give you time to seek medical treatment.
Why Should You Be Prepared for an Opioid Overdose?
Opioid addiction can happen to anyone. These drugs are highly addictive and can easily lead to physical dependence. The majority of opioid overdoses occur in men and women between 45 and 49 and follow a doctor’s prescription.
Here are some of the more common reasons for an opioid overdose:
Incorrect dosage due to multiple prescriptions/doctors
Patients recovering from medical surgery after an overdose
Chronic pain relief
Former opioid detox patients with a high risk of relapse
Previous users with lower tolerances
If you care for someone taking opioids for pain relief or other reasons, it is wise to have naloxone nearby.
How to Recognize Signs of an Overdose Before It’s Too Late
Opioid abuse is so high because of the intoxicating and pleasurable effects that opioids provide. Someone can think if they double or triple their prescription, they will feel that much better. It is crucial to follow the prescription exactly, or you may begin to feel some of the following precursors to an overdose:
Intoxication
Slurred speech
Mental confusion
Drowsy or trouble staying awake even in loud environments
If someone you love is at this stage, keep a close eye on them to see if the symptoms worsen. Opioids affect the part of the brain that regulates breathing, and you may think someone is just sleeping it off when they are struggling to breathe or have stopped altogether. As the overdose worsens, so do the symptoms such as:
Pale and clammy skin
Fingernails and lips turn blue
Unable to wake even when shook or pressed down on the chest
Pupils are tiny and do not react
Shallow breathing and heartbeat
Give them a naloxone treatment and call 911 immediately if the symptoms have progressed and you cannot revive them. Even after receiving a naloxone treatment, they can still be in danger depending on the severity of the opioid overdose.
Learn More About Naloxone Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
If you or someone you know is currently prescribed an opioid medication and has a history of addiction, be prepared for an accidental opioid overdose by understanding how naloxone can help save a life.
We will make sure you understand your naloxone treatment and answer all of your questions about opioid overdose. Call 833.448.0127 today to talk with one of our therapists about using naloxone for overdoses.
There is likely a misconception among many people with addiction issues that all treatment programs are the same. The fact is that there are many types of addiction treatment. There are addiction treatment center programs that also include a wide variety of addiction treatment therapies.
There are some similarities and yet some significant differences in the various recovery-oriented treatment programs. The type of program that a person enters depends on the type of drug or drugs that the person is addicted to, whether they also struggle with mental health issues, and whether they need to go through detox.
There is sometimes a misconception that a twelve-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous is a form of addiction treatment. Twelve-step groups provide support, but they are not treatment programs.
Detox is often the first step for many individuals that want or need treatment for their addiction issues. Some people mistakenly think that when they complete detox that they have completed treatment. Detox, in fact, is not a treatment program. It is a process that rids your body of alcohol and other drugs that may be the source of the addiction issues.
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is often used while a person prepares for treatment. Medication-assisted treatment helps to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. For many, this option can lead to long-lasting sobriety.
Outpatient treatment is a highly effective treatment option. There are many successes with outpatient treatment programs. The benefits include:
Being able to continue living at home
Being able to continue working or attending school
Maintaining independence while in recovery
Participation in a variety of addiction therapy programs
Intensive outpatient programs involve spending more time in treatment. An individual in an intensive outpatient program may be required to be at the treatment center for more time each day or for more days of the week compared to those in a regular outpatient treatment program.
Residential treatment involves residing at the treatment center while receiving treatment. People in a residential treatment program take time away from their home, family, job, or other responsibilities to receive treatment for their addiction.
Specialized Treatment Programs and Therapies
Dual diagnosis treatment programs require can help those with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. This type of treatment does not include having an addiction to two or more drugs or having two or more mental health disorders. The criteria are strictly for people with both mental health and addiction disorders.
There are several therapies that might be part of an addiction treatment plan. These include:
Participation in these therapies can help those in recovery build healthy coping skills.
Individual therapy along with group therapy is typically included in most treatment programs. During sessions, patients can build a strong network of support and can work through challenges they’ve faced on the road to recovery.
Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to Learn More About Addiction Recovery
There is no one type of recovery-oriented treatment that is right for everyone. There are several details about each person’s treatment needs that determine which treatment program and addiction therapies are best for that person. The type of substance they’ve used, the severity of their addiction, and any co-occurring mental health issues can impact their needs for treatment.
We understand the different treatment needs at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Contact us today at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online to learn more about the types of addiction treatment and to start your journey to recovery today.
Suboxone has become one of the most widely used and evidence-backed medications for treating opioid use disorder. But the success of Suboxone isn’t just about taking a pill—it’s about how the medication is integrated into a comprehensive, recovery-oriented program. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR), our Suboxone treatment isn’t a temporary fix—it’s a personalized, holistic approach to long-term healing.
If you’re considering medication-assisted treatment (MAT), understanding what to expect in recovery-oriented Suboxone treatment is the first step toward taking back control of your life.
Understanding Suboxone and Its Role in Recovery
Suboxone is a combination medication that includes buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high that comes with full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone. Naloxone is included to prevent misuse, particularly by injection.
Suboxone is often part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan, where medication is combined with behavioral therapies, peer support, and recovery planning. Unlike short-term detox programs that remove opioids from the body, Suboxone can be used for long-term stabilization to support individuals through every phase of recovery.
What Makes Treatment “Recovery-Oriented”?
At CMAR, we use the term “recovery-oriented” to describe care beyond symptom control. Recovery isn’t just about stopping drug use—it’s about rebuilding every aspect of life that addiction has impacted.
Recovery-oriented treatment focuses on:
Long-term healing, not short-term solutions
Emotional wellness and mental health support
Relationship and community reintegration
Sustainable coping skills for relapse prevention
Empowering the individual through education and choice
By combining Suboxone with therapy, skill-building, and accountability, CMAR helps patients achieve more than sobriety—we help them rediscover purpose.
What to Expect During the First Phase of Suboxone Treatment
Initial Assessment and Medical Evaluation
The first step in any Suboxone treatment program at CMAR is a comprehensive intake assessment. Our medical team reviews your medical history, substance use patterns, and any co-occurring mental health concerns. We use this information to determine if Suboxone is the appropriate medication and how it fits into your treatment plan.
Induction Phase
Once cleared for Suboxone, you’ll begin the induction phase. This involves taking your first doses under clinical supervision, often in mild withdrawal. Our providers closely monitor your symptoms and adjust the dosage to reduce discomfort and stabilize your condition.
This stage is critical—it sets the tone for how your body responds to Suboxone and provides immediate relief from the physical pain of opioid withdrawal.
Education and Expectations
You’ll also receive education on how Suboxone works, what side effects to expect, how to avoid interactions with other medications, and the importance of consistency. Our expert team ensures you understand every part of your recovery journey.
What to Expect in Ongoing Recovery-Oriented Care
After the initial induction, you’ll move into the maintenance phase, where your recovery becomes more structured and goal-oriented. Suboxone helps reduce cravings, but healing requires more than medication. At CMAR, we help you create a life where opioids are no longer necessary.
Regular Monitoring and Dose Adjustments
Suboxone doses aren’t static. Your medical provider will work with you to assess your symptoms, side effects, and progress. Over time, your dose may be adjusted based on your stability, goals, and readiness for eventual tapering.
Individual and Group Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a required component of our recovery-oriented Suboxone treatment. In individual therapy, you’ll explore the underlying issues contributing to substance use, such as trauma, anxiety, or depression. In group sessions, you’ll connect with peers in recovery, share insights, and build a supportive community.
Many people struggling with opioid use disorder also experience depression, PTSD, ADHD, or anxiety. These co-occurring disorders need to be treated alongside addiction. Our dual-diagnosis expertise allows us to provide integrated care for both mental health and substance use.
Building a Life Beyond Substance Use
Recovery-oriented care means helping patients return to meaningful life roles—whether pursuing education, re-entering the workforce, repairing relationships, or developing hobbies and interests that foster a sense of identity and purpose.
The Role of Behavioral Therapy in Suboxone Treatment
While Suboxone can help stabilize the body, therapy is what transforms the mind. Medication addresses the physiological cravings and withdrawal, but treatment helps rebuild emotional resilience, decision-making, and self-worth.
Behavioral health care in a recovery-oriented model:
Teaches healthy coping mechanisms
Helps reframe negative thoughts and self-beliefs
Supports relapse prevention by addressing high-risk triggers
Encourages the development of long-term goals
Without behavioral therapy, Suboxone becomes just a Band-Aid. With treatment, it becomes part of a sustainable recovery strategy.
How CMAR’s Approach to Suboxone Treatment Is Different
CMAR’s model is built for people who want to reclaim their lives, not just reduce their symptoms. Our outpatient Suboxone program is designed around:
Individualized treatment plans based on each client’s needs and goals
Flexible scheduling, including telehealth options, to fit busy lives
Clinicians trained in trauma-informed and dual-diagnosis care
Long-term support that evolves with your recovery journey
Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. CMAR’s approach adapts to your life, not the other way around.
Duration and Timeline of Suboxone Treatment
There is no fixed timeline for Suboxone treatment. Some individuals may benefit from a short course, while others require maintenance treatment for several months or years. Recovery-oriented care doesn’t rush the process. Instead, we focus on progress over perfection, constantly monitoring signs of readiness for dose reductions or transitions in care.
Suboxone may be gradually tapered under medical supervision when:
The individual has demonstrated sustained stability
Cravings and withdrawal symptoms have subsided
Strong behavioral and emotional supports are in place
The patient expresses readiness and desire to reduce medication use
At CMAR, tapering is never forced or based on arbitrary timelines. It’s done collaboratively, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Common Misconceptions About Suboxone and Recovery
Recovery-oriented treatment often challenges outdated ideas about sobriety. At CMAR, we help patients and families understand that:
Suboxone is not trading one addiction for another—it’s a medical intervention that allows for healing.
Recovery is not defined by abstinence alone but by quality of life, health, and connection.
You can be in recovery while on Suboxone, and for many, that’s when true healing begins.
Stigma surrounding MAT often keeps people from seeking help. We aim to dismantle that stigma by providing compassionate, science-based care that supports long-term recovery.
Start Your Recovery with CMAR Today
Choosing Suboxone is not just about getting through withdrawal—it’s about building a life you’re proud of. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide recovery-oriented Suboxone treatment that treats the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
If you’re ready to take that first step, reach out today. Our expert team will help you understand your options and create a treatment plan that fits your goals, schedule, and needs.
Heroin affects the brain and body in ways that can eventually lead to a serious addiction. It doesn’t discriminate, so people from any background can become vulnerable to its effects. Getting the right help can be key to overcoming heroin addiction. Buprenorphine treatment is one way that Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery helps individuals struggling with a dependency on heroin. It’s administered as part of our medication-assisted treatment program as an alternative to taking an abstinence-only approach.
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that produces an effect similar to taking heroin but at a lower level. It’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating individuals diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. Clients at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery typically receive buprenorphine treatment alongside other counseling and behavioral therapies as part of an overall treatment plan for heroin addiction.
Clients receive the medication in tablet form at the recommended dosage once per day. We try and make sure clients receive buprenorphine treatment at the same time each day for consistency. You should never take more than the recommended dosage of buprenorphine to avoid the potential of developing a dependency, similar to the one that you might form with heroin.
How Does Buprenorphine Help with Addiction?
Taking buprenorphine helps clients reduce their need for heroin and other opioids over time. It helps alleviate cravings and can reduce the risk of a client having an overdose. You should stop taking any kind of opioids around 12 to 24 hours before starting buprenorphine treatment. Clients are often in the early stages of withdrawal when they start taking the medication. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can include:
Cravings for heroin
Sweating
Nausea
Abdominal distress
Depression
Agitation
Muscle spasms
The discomfort caused by heroin withdrawal can dissuade people from trying to kick an addiction to heroin. That’s where buprenorphine treatment can make a real difference. Alleviating a client’s withdrawal symptoms can increase their desire to complete a rehab program and continue treatment while in recovery.
Clients work with our addiction specialists and doctors to gradually wean themselves off of buprenorphine treatment. One of the reasons that the drug is popular for use with MAT is that it doesn’t typically cause clients to develop a psychological dependency.
Because each client has different needs when it comes to heroin treatment, everyone should have a choice when it comes to care. While an abstinence-only approach to heroin addiction can work for some, it’s not the path forward for everyone. That’s why Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides a range of treatment options for clients.
What Are the Side Effects of Using Buprenorphine?
You should let your doctor know if you have known allergies to buprenorphine or ingredients used to make buprenorphine. Make sure you fully disclose other substances you may be taking, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, OTC medications, and prescriptions. Doctors need that information to make sure that you won’t have an adverse reaction to buprenorphine treatment.
People receiving buprenorphine treatment may experience the following side effects:
Sweating
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Dizziness
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Tremors
Palpitations
Sleep issues
Muscle pain
Inform your doctor immediately if your symptoms worsen to include respiratory distress or signs that you are developing a dependency. Your physician may adjust your dosage or make other arrangements for treating your heroin addiction.
Receive Buprenorphine Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
Our facility offers other treatments and therapies to help clients with addiction issues, mental health disorders, or a combination of the two. Clients get the chance to educate themselves about their addiction and better understand how to manage situations that might cause them to relapse.
In their article “Why ‘Harm Reduction’ Could Be a Tool for Managing and Minimizing Drug Addiction,” Damioli offers his perspective on the role of harm reduction and injection sites in addiction treatment. In injection centers, individuals who use illicit drugs like heroin can inject them safely, with medical care and life-saving medications on hand if necessary. These centers are a type of harm reduction, which minimizes pain and risks for those who use various substances.
In Damioli’s view, injection centers and other harm reduction services should be a larger part of the landscape of addiction treatment. His view is that “treating drug users like human beings is the answer to the epidemic and safe injection sites is one step in that direction.” At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, harm reduction techniques are used to help patients on the path to sustainable recovery, and will likely be found in more addiction treatment centers in the future.
About Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: CMAR is Colorado’s only licensed outpatient addiction treatment center that offers integrated medical, clinical, and pharmaceutical services. To learn more, reach out to their treatment center at 855.454.4003 today.
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
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 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
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
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
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.
