Photo of Dr. Amber McGregor, Licensed Professional Counselor in 80216, CO
Dr. Amber McGregor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216
I know finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. I hope to make that easier. I pride myself on my ability to work with persons in a supportive and encouraging setting. I strongly believe in each persons potential and ability to make changes and create happiness. I hold a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology and will meet you at 1st Priority Institute for Better Living where the atmosphere is cheerful and hopeful; optimistic for a better tomorrow:).
I know finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. I hope to make that easier. I pride myself on my ability to work with persons in a supportive and encouraging setting. I strongly believe in each persons potential and ability to make changes and create happiness. I hold a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology and will meet you at 1st Priority Institute for Better Living where the atmosphere is cheerful and hopeful; optimistic for a better tomorrow:).
(720) 802-6622 View (720) 802-6622
Photo of 1st Priority Institute for Better Living, Licensed Professional Counselor in 80216, CO
1st Priority Institute for Better Living
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216
We know finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. We hope to make that easier. We pride ourselves on the ability to work with each person in a supportive and encouraging setting. We strongly believe in each persons potential and ability to make changes and create happiness. Our clinicians are highly trained in a wide array of specialties. At 1st Priority Institute for Better Living the atmosphere is cheerful and hopeful; optimistic for a better tomorrow. We encourage you to dig deep and call today.
We know finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. We hope to make that easier. We pride ourselves on the ability to work with each person in a supportive and encouraging setting. We strongly believe in each persons potential and ability to make changes and create happiness. Our clinicians are highly trained in a wide array of specialties. At 1st Priority Institute for Better Living the atmosphere is cheerful and hopeful; optimistic for a better tomorrow. We encourage you to dig deep and call today.
(720) 740-8949 View (720) 740-8949

Drug Abuse Therapists

How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.

Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?

There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.