Alcohol Addiction Treatment...
Being addicted to alcohol is a serious disease that impacts millions of people worldwide. At Sierra Recovery, we provide comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment in a compassionate and supporti...
Home
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction is a major public health challenge that has led to substantial societal costs, such as health issues and the expenses associated with treatment. As one of the most widely used illegal drugs worldwide, cocaine carries a severe risk of addiction.
At Sierra Recovery, we provide a comprehensive programme for substance abuse that provides a compassionate and safe environment for clients to find their path to recovery.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine, also known by its street names such as coke, C, snow, crack cocaine, powder, etc., is a substance that is known to enhance levels of alertness, focus, and energy. It falls under the category of stimulants and is derived from the coca plant, which is indigenous to South America.
There are two main forms of cocaine that people misuse, such as water-soluble hydrochloride salt and the water-insoluble cocaine base (or freebase). Users typically inject or snort the hydrochloride salt, which is in powder form. The base form is made by processing cocaine with ammonia or baking soda and water, then heating it to remove the hydrochloride so that the substance can be smoked. The term crack refers to freebase cocaine and comes from the crackling sound it makes when smoked.
Currently, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug, which indicates it has a high potential for abuse but can be prescribed by doctors for certain medical purposes, like local anaesthesia in some surgeries.
How Addictive Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that has a direct influence on your central nervous system (CNS). Cocaine’s addictive qualities largely stem from its impact on the brain’s dopamine pathways. By overwhelming the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of reward and pleasure, cocaine creates a powerful association between the drug and pleasurable experiences, which then contributes to the cycle of addiction to cocaine.
Effects Of Cocaine Use
Cocaine produces feelings of euphoria that can differ significantly depending on how quickly it reaches the brain. When cocaine is smoked or injected, it enters your brain almost instantly and creates a rapid and intense sensation often referred to as a rush. On the other hand, snorting cocaine leads to a more gradual and less intense high, as it takes longer for the substance to accumulate in your brain.
Other effects of cocaine use can include increased alertness, excitement, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. Users often develop a tolerance quickly, requiring larger amounts to feel the same effects. Following the euphoric experience, you may face a crash characterised by mental and physical exhaustion, sleepiness, and feelings of depression that may persist for several days along with a strong urge to use cocaine again. Furthermore, you may also notice an elevated heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, insomnia, and a decreased appetite.
Health Risks Associated With Cocaine Use
Extended use of cocaine may result in serious health issues. On the physical health level, it heightens your chances of heart attacks, respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and infections. Mentally, you may experience anxiety, paranoia, and intense depression, which can disrupt your everyday lives and functions. It is clear that the dangers associated with cocaine use are profound and influence nearly every facet of a person’s life and overall well-being.
Understanding Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is a substance that is frequently misused because of its highly addictive nature, which can lead users to experience feelings of happiness, increased energy, sociability, and heightened alertness. These effects can create a pattern of regular use that may result in addiction.
Many individuals begin using cocaine out of curiosity or due to the influence of friends. However, once they experience the intense pleasure it can provide, they may find themselves using it more frequently. At this point, they might perceive the drug as beneficial, which can lead to subsequent consumption. This increasing tolerance means that users require larger amounts to feel the same effects, perpetuating a cycle of dependency.
Over time, the body adapts to the presence of cocaine, and withdrawal symptoms can emerge when the drug is not consumed. This ongoing cycle of tolerance and withdrawal complicates the journey to recovery from addiction.
Cocaine Overdose
If you use cocaine in large amounts, it leads to an overdose which can be dangerous and life-threatening. Although there are no specific medications available to counteract these effects, healthcare providers typically manage an overdose by administering intravenous (IV) fluids and a range of other medications. It is recommended that you seek help immediately when you notice some signs of a cocaine overdose, such as unusually rapid or slow heartbeat, psychotic episodes, seizures, and fluctuations in body temperature.
Cocaine Withdrawal
When you try to reduce or stop cocaine use, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. You may experience feelings of depression, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. These symptoms can often push you back to using cocaine, even when you want to quit, because your body and brain have become accustomed to the presence of cocaine.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction can manifest in various ways from person to person, yet some shared psychological, physical, and behavioural signs often emerge.
If you notice that you are spending a significant portion of your time seeking out cocaine, have a growing urge to consume larger amounts of cocaine to feel the same effects, struggle to control your use even after trying multiple times, have tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, and experiencing problems in major areas of your life, then you might be developing cocaine addiction.
What Causes Cocaine Addiction?
The exact causes of cocaine addiction are still not fully understood, but research has highlighted various factors that can elevate your risk of becoming addicted to cocaine. These factors may include:
Genetics
If you have a first-degree relative, like a sibling or parent, who struggles with cocaine or other substance addictions, then you may find yourself at a heightened risk of developing similar issues. Studies indicate that children of those with addictions are five times more likely to struggle with addiction themselves.
Trauma
Research and clinical observations show that many people struggling with cocaine addiction have faced difficult childhood experiences, including various forms of abuse whether physical, emotional, or sexual. For those who have endured such trauma, turning to cocaine or other substances can often serve as a coping mechanism to manage the distressing emotions and symptoms that arise from their past.
Early Exposure To Substances
Early drug use is often a significant factor in the development of cocaine addiction. When you come in contact with cocaine during your formative years when your brain is still developing, you become more vulnerable to the intense effects of the drug, This early experimentation can lead your brain to develop unhealthy patterns of cocaine use.
Stress Reactivity
We face various challenges in our everyday lives, and there are numerous ways to cope with them. While some stressors can be managed relatively easily, others may demand more significant effort to navigate. Those struggling with cocaine addiction often share that using the substance serves as a coping mechanism for stress, providing immediate relief, comfort, and a sense of euphoria.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive treatment plan. Here at Sierra Recovery, our cocaine rehab programme focuses on both the psychological and physical aspects of cocaine addiction. It begins with detoxification and medical care to effectively handle withdrawal symptoms, and it will be followed by therapies to uncover and address the underlying issues of addiction. We also provide aftercare programmes to maintain sobriety and promote long-term recovery.
Cocaine Detox
Cocaine detoxification is recommended to be conducted under medical supervision. Detox involves allowing your body to eliminate the drug, which can be a difficult process. Medical professionals help manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety throughout the treatment process.
Residential Treatment
Residential or inpatient care is a treatment option that offers continuous monitoring, supervision, and comprehensive care around the clock. The duration of a residential programme, where you reside at our rehabilitation facility, varies based on several factors, including the severity of your condition and how well you respond to the treatment.
Therapy
Both individual and group therapies are essential in the comprehensive treatment programme for cocaine addiction. Individual therapy provides a safe space to delve into the core factors that contribute to addiction. It also helps you develop healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with cravings. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are some of the most widely utilised approaches for treating cocaine addiction.
In addition, group therapy is also essential in the treatment process because it fosters a sense of community, allowing you to share experiences and provide mutual support throughout your recovery process.
Aftercare
Aftercare is a continuous support designed to assist you in your initial recovery phase, reduce the risk of relapse, and keep you focused on your treatment and life goals. Generally, aftercare includes various interventions and activities aimed at helping you manage the triggers and cravings you might face after completing the treatment.
Benefits Of Treatment For Cocaine Addiction
The benefits of undergoing treatment for cocaine addiction can significantly enhance both physical and mental health. When you undergo cocaine addiction treatment, you have a higher chance of decreasing your cravings, improving physical health, lowering the risk of relapse, and protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the substance. In addition, considering that cocaine addiction can harm personal connections, treatment provides an opportunity to repair these relationships and foster healthy, meaningful bonds with loved ones.
Get Help and Begin Your Cocaine Rehab At Sierra Recovery
If you are facing challenges with cocaine addiction, remember that you are not alone in this struggle. It’s completely normal to feel a sense of overwhelmed, but taking the step to seek treatment or help is crucial for regaining control over your life.
At Sierra Recovery, we truly empathise with the pain and difficulties you are experiencing. Our dedicated team is here to support you in addressing your addiction, focusing on both your physical and mental well-being. Together, we can help you find hope and envision a brighter future. Regardless of where you are on your path, it’s never too late to initiate change.
Explore Other Drug Addiction Treatments
