Cocaine addiction is a serious disease that can have dangerous effects on a person’s overall health and well-being. Recovering from addiction requires a commitment to manage symptoms and achieve long-term sobriety.
What Is Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine addiction is when a person has a compulsive need to use the drug despite its negative effects. Even if a person wants to quit cocaine, they are physically and psychologically unable to.
This is because the body has gotten used to the drug’s presence, and quitting it can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The brain and body are constantly craving the drug, with the brain’s reward system being significantly disrupted.
The Path To Recovery
Recovery is not an easy journey – many people may find it difficult to reach out for help for different reasons. It’s a process that requires courage and commitment. Taking the first step to recovery is a sign of strength, and it will eventually help address the physical and psychological effects of addiction.
When To Begin Recovery
It’s best to start the recovery journey once you notice the signs of cocaine addiction. Aside from the inability to stop cocaine use despite multiple attempts, recovery should also start if:
- Your physical health has deteriorated. Using cocaine can lead to various health problems, including heart and lung damage.
- Your relationships are suffering. Cocaine addiction can strain relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.
- You’re experiencing financial difficulties. The cost of cocaine can be significant and also lead to financial instability.
Where To Start On The Recovery Journey
There are several resources available for help, whether in-person or online. If you’re struggling with a serious case of cocaine abuse, then it’s best to consult an addiction specialist. They have the knowledge and tools to assess your condition and refer you to a treatment programme to manage your symptoms.
Sometimes, reaching out to friends or family is a good start. They can provide support and encouragement during the early stages of addiction. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous can help you find a community where people are going through the same struggles.
The Stages To Recovery
Here’s what to expect when recovering from cocaine addiction:
Identify The Symptoms Of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction will have some identifiable symptoms, such as:
- Physical symptoms like dilated pupils, weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, rapid heartbeats
- Psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, mood swings, paranoia, and hallucinations
- Behavioural signs that may include prioritising cocaine use over responsibilities and engaging in risky behaviours
Diagnosis
An addiction specialist is trained to diagnose and identify the signs of cocaine addiction in a person. They may use a series of tests that can diagnose the disorder.
For instance, clinical interviews will be conducted as they help determine cocaine use patterns. In some cases, addiction specialists may also interview loved ones to get a better understanding of your behaviour towards cocaine use.
Physical examinations and laboratory tests will also be conducted during a cocaine addiction diagnosis. Mental health assessments can be used to identify any mental health conditions that may contribute to addiction.
Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment
Withdrawal happens when a person dependent on cocaine stops using the drug. It can cause symptoms like fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and agitation. This is a difficult and overwhelming process, but medically supervised detox can help safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
Cocaine Detox
Detoxification is typically the first step of cocaine addiction treatment. During cocaine detox, you’ll be in a safe and supportive setting where a medical professional will oversee your vital signs and withdrawal symptoms.
There are no drugs that currently help with cocaine withdrawal. However, a medical professional can prescribe medication that manages symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
The withdrawal timeline for cocaine use will look different for everyone, depending on the severity of the addiction. In general, you can expect this timeline:
- Crash Phase: This occurs 24 hours to seven days after last use and may include symptoms like intense cravings, irritability, and depression.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS): This phase happens one to two weeks after the last drug use. Symptoms peak, and cravings for the drug intensify.
- Protracted Withdrawal: This happens during the following months after PAWS. It’s when withdrawal symptoms may persist but gradually diminish to the point that it doesn’t affect your daily function anymore.
Physical Recovery
Physical recovery from cocaine addiction will include lots of rest, as the body needs time for restoration. Addiction can take a toll on the body, and rest will help restore energy levels that were lost when a person was abusing drugs.
Proper diet and exercise are also important when it comes to recovering physically. This helps repair physical damage and ensures that the body is supported during the healing process. During treatment for cocaine addiction, medical check-ups may also be conducted to monitor and address any long-term effects of cocaine use.
Mental Recovery
Mentally recovering from addiction means addressing the psychological damage that addiction has caused. Building emotional resilience during recovery can help prevent relapse. During rehab, clients go through different evidence-based and holistic approaches to build healthy coping mechanisms.
Accepting Relapse
Relapse is a normal part of the recovery process – it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed treatment and sobriety. Accepting relapse is part of recovery, and instead of punishing yourself or giving in to guilt, see it as an opportunity to reassess your coping strategies. When you continue seeking support, you regain momentum to continue moving forward.
An Ongoing Process
Remember that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease. This means that it can come back at any time. There is no “cure” for cocaine addiction. Instead, you must develop coping strategies so that you can successfully stay away from the drug. It’s a lifelong commitment, so you need the proper mindset and support to stay focused on sobriety.
Coping Strategies For Long-Term Recovery
A good relapse prevention strategy is essential for long-term recovery. Here are some coping strategies to adopt:
- Find Alternative Hobbies and Activities: Find new sober activities like working out, volunteering, or journaling. You can even have a sober buddy to tag you along while exploring new hobbies to engage in.
- Build a Routine: Building a routine that doesn’t include substance abuse and reducing idle time can help you build good habits and not fall back into addiction.
- Avoid Environments With Cocaine: Making your environment work for you means avoiding places or people that may trigger substance abuse.
- Find Support Groups: Support groups, such as NA, can help you cope with the struggles of reintegrating into daily life after leaving the treatment centre.
- Seek Continued Therapy: Many rehab centres provide regular check-ins and continued therapy to help clients stay sober after treatment.
Where To Get Help For Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Help is available through various online and in-person resources. Consulting with your GP can be a good first step in finding a trusted addiction centre. You may also want to ask your circle for any recommendations.
Finding a trusted addiction centre will provide you with access to professional support and a tailored treatment plan. In the UK, the NHS can connect you with possible recovery addiction centres in your area. They also offer free services to help people struggling with addiction.
Cocaine Rehab And Treatment Options
Going to rehab is one of the best routes to take if you want to overcome substance abuse. Professional help will equip you with the right coping strategies to achieve long-term sobriety. Your treatment plan will be a combination of the following:
- Evidence-Based Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family Therapy, Group Therapy
- Holistic Therapies: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, massages, acupuncture
Here at Sierra Recovery, we offer cocaine addiction treatment that incorporates these therapies and treatment options. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient addiction rehab?
In inpatient rehab, clients stay at a rehab centre 24/7 and receive structured, round-the-clock care. On the other hand, outpatient addiction allows clients to stay at home and go to the facility to receive treatment. The former is recommended for those with severe addictions, while the latter is ideal for those with more manageable addiction symptoms.
Can cocaine addiction cause long-term brain damage?
Yes, cocaine addiction can cause long-term brain damage because it affects neurotransmitter levels. Long-term cocaine users may experience memory loss, reduced attention span, and difficulty in decision-making.
Are holistic therapies effective in treating cocaine addiction?
Holistic therapies complement evidence-based therapies during addiction treatment. They help clients manage stress and emotions so that they don't easily give in to cravings and triggers. Holistic therapies also help improve overall well-being.
