How Is Cocaine Addiction Treated?

Addiction is a deadly condition affecting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Cocaine addiction is one of the most common addictions in the United States. Cocaine is highly addictive and can lead to and contribute to mental and physical health problems. If you or someone you know is considering cocaine addiction rehab, here are a few things that you should know about cocaine addiction and how it is treated. 

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an addictive drug that is usually sold in a white powdery form. It is extracted from coca leaves and is believed by users to increase their levels of alertness and energy. Although the drug is most commonly used in the powdered form, it can also be found in a crystallized or liquid form. 

How Is Cocaine Used?

Cocaine can be used in a number of different ways. Some of the ways that the drug can be used include the following:

• It is most commonly inhaled through the nostrils in its powdered form. 
• It can be taken by swallowing or rubbing on the gums.
• It can be smoked in its crystallized form.
• It can be dissolved in water and injected.

Although cocaine can become highly addictive and misused, it is not an illegal drug. Cocaine is a drug that is commonly used as an anesthetic in modern medicine. Therefore, cocaine remains legal for its medicinal purposes. This does not mean that it is completely legal. Individuals can face severe consequences for selling, purchasing, possessing, distributing, and manufacturing the drug. 

How Does Cocaine Addiction Work?

Cocaine works by altering the chemicals in your brain, specifically dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is released when you feel pleasure and happiness. Having dopamine in your brain can be great for your brain and body’s health. However, too much dopamine can lead to aggressive behavior, anxiety, and a lack of impulse control. Cocaine works by sending high levels of dopamine to your brain. This overflow of dopamine can be responsible for the feeling of euphoria and extreme energy that is associated with cocaine use. 

Cocaine addiction occurs when an individual’s body becomes dependent on the drug for the feeling that it provides. Once the body learns to depend on the substance, its tolerance for it rises, and it will need more and more each time to feel satisfied. Like other forms of addiction, people with cocaine addiction have a fixation on the substance that can eventually take over their life.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

If someone you know has a cocaine addiction, signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction can be difficult to spot at first glance. The signs of cocaine addiction can be categorized in four different classes. The classes are impaired control, social problems, risky use, and drug effects. 

Impaired control refers to the urge to use or failure to lower the use of the drug. Another sign of cocaine addiction would be social problems. Social problems would be a lack of interest in relationships or things that mattered before like school and work. Symptoms of social problems include irritability, mood problems, and paranoia. 

When talking about risky use, it is referring to when an individual continues to use the substance despite their knowledge of the damaging effects. Individuals might sneak away to use drugs or try to justify their use of it. Drug effects are the signs of addiction that we might expect. These symptoms include:

• Headaches 
• Loss of smell and/or nosebleeds 
• Seizures 
• Insomnia
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch

While signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction can vary, it is essential to address the addiction before it worsens. 

Types of Treatment Available for Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all—each person’s needs are unique. Fortunately, there are many options available for those struggling with addiction. If you or someone you know needs help with cocaine addiction, don’t wait to seek support. Early intervention can make a significant difference. Here are several ways a cocaine addiction rehab center can guide and support you on the path to recovery.

Detox

The first stage of recovery is detoxing from the addictive substance. It is recommended that detox is done in a safe environment such as a treatment facility. Because of the intense side effects of the process, this is not something that should be done at home.

Adventure-Based Counseling (ABC)

Adventure-based therapy is designed to engage people who are recovering in group activities that teach problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Participants are involved in both daring and relaxing outdoor adventures where they are taught to confront their fears and complete activities that encourage personal growth. Activities include the following:

• Team challenges 
• Wilderness survival courses 
• Adventure camps
• Nature walks
• Bird watching 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy. Patients are prompted to address thoughts and feelings that might have led to their addiction in the first place. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to get to the root of the problem with a goal of finding ways to identify triggers and avoid them. Skills management tasks are completed so that individuals can have the tools for long term sobriety. 

Christian Counseling 

Christian or faith-based counseling is used for individuals who would like to integrate their faith into their treatment program. Christian counseling uses spiritual guidance to treat patients and help them find healing through Christ. Although prayer, worship, and meditation are a large part of this treatment option, evidence-based treatments are also implemented. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and contingency management are also used as a guide in the recovery process. 

Cocaine Addiction Rehab Center in Atlanta, GA

At Inner Voyage Recovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia, we know that anyone can struggle with drug addiction. Addiction does not discriminate, and neither do we. We offer cocaine rehab to residents of Atlanta and its surrounding areas. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, Contact us at Inner Voyage Recovery Center to begin building a solid base for your recovery.