Cocaine Addiction Treatment

April 2, 2014

Cocaine highlighted on a paper

Many people start abusing cocaine because they want to relax or have a good time. They might only think about the positive effects from using the drug, but this means they overlook cocaine’s many dangers. Cocaine is an extremely dangerous drug with a high potential for addiction; addicts often feel hopeless, like no one can help them recover. However, cocaine addiction treatment is available, so recovery is possible with the right help.

Effects of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine is a stimulant that can be snorted, smoked, injected and mixed with other drugs, such as tobacco, marijuana and heroin. This drug may cause any of the following effects:

  • Anxiety
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased alertness
  • Increased pulse and blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability

It may also cause any of the following more serious effects:

  • Paranoia
  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Heart problems, such as arrhythmia and cardiac arrest
  • Stroke
  • Respiratory system complications
  • Death

Seek help to avoid these devastating consequences of cocaine abuse.

How Addictive Is Cocaine?

As the Drug Enforcement Administration explains, people who abuse cocaine can become tolerant to it, which means they need higher doses to feel the same effects. Increased abuse increases the likelihood of addiction, in which the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says users will exude a binge pattern. Binge pattern drug use means using increasing amounts of the drug in short intervals, which can change the structure of the brain by releasing large amounts of dopamine. Addiction can also make users seek the drug despite the consequences, which increases the risk of overdose and death.

Since cocaine addiction is so dangerous, users must seek professional help to recover. The NIDA found that 13 percent of people admitted to rehab in 2007 addressed cocaine abuse, so this widespread problem affects many people. But, cocaine addiction treatment can help people break free from drug abuse.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine addiction treatment occurs in inpatient and outpatient settings. If users enter treatment for a physical dependency, they need to detox under medical supervision, because they will probably experience devastating withdrawal symptoms as they stop using this drug. Medically supervised detox ensures that cocaine addicts withdraw safely while avoiding any life-threatening complications in the process. At this stage, users may be prescribed a medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.

The most common form of cocaine addiction treatment is behavioral therapy, wherein patients work with therapists to learn healthy ways to avoid drug abuse in the future. These therapies can involve Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, motivational plans and group meetings, but the purpose is to focus on learning the reasons behind addiction to stay sober long-term.

Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine addiction is a serious health concern that must be treated by medical professionals. If you or someone you care about struggles with cocaine addiction, give us a call at 615-490-9376. Our team can help you find a treatment program that works best for you.

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