Since it was first extracted from the coca plant in the mid-1800s, cocaine has been used and abused by people seeking a stimulant rush. For many years, experts failed to recognize the harmful nature of cocaine, but now we know it is a dangerous drug. Medical science understands addiction to involve changes to the brain’s reward center. Cocaine is highly addictive and can be lethal. Fortunately, cocaine addiction treatment programs have been evolving for decades, and reputable rehab centers offer highly effective programs for people seeking sobriety.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine dependence and addiction, do not wait. Contact us at Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) by calling us at 888.546.2579 or using our online form. We have staff ready to answer your questions or guide you through the first steps.
What You Need to Know About Cocaine Addiction
Physical dependence is part of addiction and relates to how neurotransmitters are released within the brain. A drug like cocaine introduces a flood of serotonin, dopamine, and numerous other neurotransmitters. Once the brain experiences that artificial surge more than once, it becomes accustomed to it and thus stops releasing its own naturally occurring neurotransmitters. The drug becomes necessary for balancing the brain’s chemistry. That is addiction.
Physical addiction means compulsive use, and if the person does not use the drug, they may suffer withdrawal. Cocaine produces powerful mental as well as physical effects. Those who abuse it crave both. The increased energy, sense of empowerment and accomplishment, and higher self-esteem are part of cocaine’s appeal.
Someone with cocaine addiction enters binge cycles, leading to dangerous side effects, including damage to the cardiovascular system, delusions, and potentially permanent injury to the nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system. Other symptoms of long-term cocaine use include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Decline in hygiene
- Secrecy and lying
- Nosebleeds
- Paranoia
- Uncharacteristic risk-taking behaviors
- Mood swings
- Financial problems
Do you know anyone who shows the following signs of cocaine addiction and abuse? If so, contact our treatment team today at 888.546.2579 to learn about our treatment options.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Approximately 6% of rehab admissions are people who experience cocaine abuse disorder. Treatment for cocaine addiction often incorporates more than one method.
Treatment begins with detox. At PAATC, we recommend residential, medically supervised detox. The process usually lasts about a week. When a safe detox is complete, rehab begins. Rehab for cocaine addiction can be inpatient or outpatient. However, a vital factor in ongoing success is staying in the program for long enough, usually between 30 and 90 days, but sometimes longer.
Currently, we approach cocaine addiction using behavioral interventions. Treatment modalities that work well for cocaine addiction include the following:
- Motivational interviewing: Often the first step in therapy, this technique allows clients to recognize some hard truths and overcome apathy. The process guides the individual to understand how addiction interferes with maintaining relationships and achieving goals.
- Contingency management: A system of rewards for positive choices and behaviors, contingency management retrains the brain when drug use has rewired the reward circuits.
- Group therapy: A supportive network reinforces positive behaviors, encourages honesty with self and others, and holds space for the client experiencing growth, steps forward, and occasional pitfalls.
- Individual therapy: With a compassionate and highly trained therapist, a client can explore relationships, work-related goals, as well as the factors that led to cocaine addiction in the first place.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This is a style of individual therapy with a proven track record with addiction and dual diagnoses. It addresses harmful thought patterns that impede positive change and decision-making.
Additionally, at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge, we use faith-based treatment. For many, using faith as a tool in recovery is life-changing. Tapping into a divine power can sustain them through their recovery. 12-step programs align with faith-based addiction treatment programs and offer a proven process for walking the path of recovery.
Learn More at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge Today
Cocaine addiction is serious, but it does not have to rule your life. When to seek treatment? Now. Don’t wait. Let us help you. Finding the proper treatment is the first step to successful recovery. Our cocaine addiction treatment center will help you achieve your goals. Reach out to us to let us know you need our help. It’s easy. Call 888.546.2579 or use our online form. Our highly professional and compassionate staff is ready to help you find the program that will work best for you.
