Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine addiction is a serious and complex issue affecting millions of people worldwide. This highly addictive substance can potentially cause severe physical, psychological, and emotional damage to its users and affect all aspects of the individual’s daily functioning. Statistically, cocaine is the second most common drug used by adults, and it is estimated that about 2.6% of the population used cocaine in recent years.

Recognizing the substance use problem is the initial step in the journey to recovery. It is essential for an individual to admit the possibility of a cocaine addiction and to understand that support is necessary to promote long-term recovery. Once the problem has been acknowledged, the subsequent action is to seek guidance from a treatment centre like PROMIS to gain insight into the condition, its effects on your life, and the various treatment options.

At PROMIS, we provide specialised care and unwavering support to help people who are struggling with cocaine addiction achieve lasting recovery.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant that comes from the leaves of the coca plant found in South America. It is processed with other substances to form a powder called cocaine hydrochloride. There are two main forms of cocaine: powder and crack cocaine.

Powder cocaine is often mixed with water and injected, while crack cocaine, which looks like crystals, is usually smoked. Some users mix cocaine with other drugs, like amphetamines, to increase its effects.

Cocaine is illegal and very addictive due to its impact on the brain. It can make users feel very happy, energetic, alert, talkative, and more sensitive to their surroundings. Research shows that using cocaine can lead to various health issues, including heart problems, neurological disorders, and mental health issues like hallucinations and delusions, as well as addiction.

Understanding Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction is a chronic disorder characterised by an uncontrollable desire to consume the potent stimulant drug cocaine despite its harmful consequences. This substance directly affects the central nervous system, causing intense euphoria and increased alertness in users. Over time, repeated use of cocaine leads to changes in the brain’s reward system, making it harder for individuals to experience pleasure without the drug.

As cocaine use increases, the brain becomes less responsive, and the body builds a tolerance, prompting the need for larger doses to feel the same effects. Eventually, the body gets used to having cocaine, and withdrawal symptoms appear when it is not present. This cycle of tolerance and withdrawal makes overcoming addiction difficult.

It is important to note that the severity and complexity of cocaine addiction vary across individuals. Some may develop dependence rapidly after a few uses of a small amount of cocaine, while others might take more extended periods of exposure.

Short And Long-Term Effects Of Cocaine Use

Cocaine has both short-term and long-term effects. This substance acts quickly, which leads to immediate changes in our behaviour. Some of the most common short-term effects may include problems in blood pressure, dilation of pupils, decreased appetite, heightened sexual desire, and restlessness.

In addition, those who use cocaine for a long time can cause their body to get used to it and lead to dependence. When someone stops using it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. This can create a pattern of compulsive use, resulting in various long-term health problems, such as permanent damage to the heart and brain, respiratory failure, psychotic symptoms, addiction, and other mental health conditions.

Causes Of Cocaine Addiction

The exact causes of cocaine addiction remain unknown. However, there are several aspects, such as genetics, environmental, and psychological factors, which make you more prone to developing this condition.

For instance, genetic predisposition significantly affects your vulnerability to developing addiction-related issues. Studies have shown that if you have a family history of substance use problems, then you are more likely to develop cocaine addiction.

Environmental aspects can also contribute to the development of cocaine addiction. Exposure to high-stress environments or social circles where drug use is prevalent may increase your likelihood of experimenting with illicit substances like cocaine.

Psychological influences on cocaine addiction cannot be overlooked either. Those struggling with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD may resort to self-medication through substance abuse as a coping mechanism for their emotional distress.

Signs And Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Generally, cocaine addiction is a complex condition characterised by problematic cocaine use, which causes clinically significant impairment in major areas of life. However, the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction can differ significantly among individuals. They are influenced by factors such as frequency of use and level of physical dependence on cocaine. Other signs and symptoms you may need to watch out for include:

Health Complications

Cocaine is a drug that can seriously harm different parts of the body. Frequent use of this substance can lead to heart problems. It can also narrow the blood vessels in the lungs, which could lead to respiratory issues like pneumonia, tuberculosis, acute respiratory distress, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, cocaine use can also damage the mucous membranes, soft tissues, and cartilage in the nose because of frequent snorting, which may affect the overall sense of smell.

Changes In Appearance

Cocaine use can lead to noticeable changes in your appearance. It can affect your skin, hair, teeth, and muscles, as well as bones. You may also experience various skin issues like dermatitis, eczema, allergies, and even necrosis. Skin infections can also develop and worsen due to a weakened immune system from cocaine use, making it difficult to combat these infections.

Mood And Behavioral Changes

As cocaine addiction progresses, signs of behavioural health and mood changes become clearer. You may experience hyperactivity and intense happiness, which are common effects of the drug. This extreme joy can occur without any clear reason. During these high-energy moments, you may find it hard to stay still, leading to restlessness and an inability to relax.

Another significant change to watch for is your sleeping and eating patterns. Cocaine users often lose their appetite, which can lead to weight loss. You may also feel tired and have dark circles under your eyes due to lack of sleep.

Psychological Indicators

Cocaine can overstimulate the brain and change how its pleasure receptors work. This creates an immediate sense of euphoria, which can lead to addiction. As cocaine use rises, various mental health issues may become more common, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, restlessness, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

We offer a wide range of mental health programmes to suit everyone’s needs. This includes counselling for depression or anxiety, a 24-hour telephone helpline, and a range of workshops.

Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine withdrawal occurs as a result of persistent cocaine consumption. It arises when you have been using cocaine regularly for an extended period, and then you abruptly try to cease its use. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms you may experience include fatigue, inability to feel pleasure, depressed mood, anxiety, and cravings for cocaine.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Various treatment options are available for cocaine addiction, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient programmes that aim to promote long-term recovery.

Detox

Detoxification, commonly referred to as detox, is a process to assist you in managing your body’s responses to cocaine use, including intoxication, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. This phase is often considered the most difficult part of the recovery journey and plays a vital role in a comprehensive treatment plan.

Given the risk of intense withdrawal symptoms that may arise after stopping cocaine use, you will be closely monitored by our healthcare professionals throughout the detoxification process. Once detox is complete, we will evaluate your overall health status and determine whether succeeding treatments can now be recommended.

Residential Rehab

Residential treatment or inpatient rehabilitation provides you with a structured environment to address cocaine use issues. This inpatient rehab program necessitates that you stay at our facility for a duration ranging from several days to months. The treatment program is designed to prepare you for life post-treatment by equipping you with skills to handle triggers and teach you some strategies to prevent relapse.

Typically, residential treatment involves therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy, as well as support groups and relapse prevention education.

Outpatient Treatment

At PROMIS, our outpatient treatment for cocaine addiction offers a balanced approach, allowing you to maintain your regular commitments while receiving treatment. Ideal for those exhibiting mild to moderate addiction signs, our outpatient service ensures they remain integrated into their daily life without requiring round-the-clock monitoring.

Get Cocaine Addiction Treated At PROMIS

Cocaine addiction can be incredibly challenging to manage. However, it is important to know that support is accessible and that recovery is achievable when you seek help from professionals. Our rehab centre provides treatment for a range of substance and behavioural addictions through our comprehensive care.

We don’t just offer a one-size-fits-all treatment plan; we provide holistic care tailored to each individual. Whether it’s managing the initial hurdle of withdrawal symptoms, providing a supportive environment to stop using cocaine or addressing underlying mental health concerns, our dedicated team is here for you every step of the way.

Take that vital first step towards a brighter, drug-free future. Trust PROMIS to guide you there.