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Community Perspectives

As one of the nation’s leading providers of substance use disorder treatments, we’re dedicated to educating patients, families, and medical providers alike. Explore our latest insights to learn more about opioid addiction treatment.

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Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

Opioid Detox at Home: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been using opioids, whether prescription painkillers like oxycodone or illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl, stopping suddenly can feel overwhelming. Withdrawal is often described as one of the most miserable experiences a person can endure, bringing intense physical and emotional symptoms that make quitting on your own incredibly challenging. Many people searching for […]

Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

Why Many Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) Fail Patients and How CMS Can Help

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are designed to help people recover from opioid addiction, yet many patients find themselves frustrated by unnecessary barriers, inadequate care, and a lack of compassion in these programs. Stories from patients switching to Community Medical Services (CMS) reveal common issues: restrictive methadone dosing policies, long waitlists, unnecessary take-home dose restrictions, and […]

doctor holding patients' hands - Why Many Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) Fail Patients and How CMS Can Help
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Why did we choose to become a B Corp, and what does it mean?

At Community Medical Services (CMS), our mission has always been clear: to help those who are suffering from substance use disorders. Every day, we see the pain and struggles experienced by individuals and families affected by this crisis — and every day, we commit ourselves to serving others, by providing compassionate, effective care that helps […]

Methadone Clinic in Lakewood, CO - Community Medical Services
Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

The Impact of Urine Drug Screens on Patient Retention and Social Outcomes at CMS

Urine drug screens (UDSs) are used in opioid treatment programs to help clinicians track patient progress, adjust treatment plans, and address potential risks. At Community Medical Services, we’ve gathered extensive data from UDS results to understand better trends over time and how these results affect other important outcomes, such as patient retention and Social Determinants […]

medical professional holding the hand of their patient
Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

Understanding the Different Types of Opioids and Their Effects

Opioids are a class of drugs that play a crucial role in both medical treatment and substance use disorders. From powerful pain relief in hospitals to the ongoing opioid crisis, understanding the different types of opioids and how they affect the body is essential for patients, healthcare providers, and those seeking recovery from opioid use […]

woman in a counseling session with an addiction counselor taking notes
Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

How SAMHSA’s Final Rule Changes Are Improving Opioid Use Disorder Treatment at CMS

In April 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) implemented its first significant update to opioid treatment regulation in over twenty years. The changes, known as the Final Rule, represent a significant shift in how opioid treatment programs (OTPs) operate across the United States. These new regulations make treatment more accessible and […]

addiction counseling treatment
Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

Dispelling the Myth: Why Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder is Not “Trading One Drug for Another”

When it comes to treating opioid addiction, one of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is merely “trading one drug for another.” This statement, often rooted in misunderstanding, overshadows the significant benefits that medications like methadone and buprenorphine provide to those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). The truth is, […]

addiction counselor supportively holding the hands of their patient
Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

How Long Do Opioids Stay In Your System?

Opioids are a class of medication used primarily to relieve pain. They have a variety of legitimate medical applications and are widely prescribed as a treatment in the United States. But there are also many different types of medications within the class of opioids that have varying degrees of side effects on a patient. These […]

person dispensing pills into their hand
Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

The Positive SDOH Outcomes of Long-Term Substance Abuse Treatment

While any length of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) often yields significant benefits, prior analyses of Community Medical Services SDOH (social determinants of health) data have shown that patients who undergo treatment for a longer period see significantly larger improvements. After compiling SDOH data for nearly two years, we can more accurately analyze the […]

individual in recovery receiving support from an addiction counselor
Dr. Robert Sherrick, Community Medical Services

Why Do We Have Opioids? Medical Benefits, Drawbacks & Misuse

It’s not news to people at this point that we have a major opioid crisis in the United States. Millions of Americans have become addicted to opioids in various forms, causing thousands of deaths from overdoses every year, putting a large strain on our healthcare system, and shattering families with the debilitating symptoms of drug […]

woman dispensing pills into her hand
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