Cocaine addiction can drastically change someone’s life for the worse. Using this stimulant has serious consequences, so those struggling with addiction must get the support they need to overcome their struggles. Let’s look at how you can help someone with cocaine addiction.
Be There to Listen
Addiction can be extremely isolating, and those struggling with it may feel that there is nobody who understands what they’re going through. One of the most powerful things you can do for someone who is misusing cocaine is to provide a non-judgemental space for them to share their hardships.
Whenever you provide a listening ear, make sure that you let your loved one express their emotions without feeling criticised. In most cases, those who misuse cocaine already know that what they’re doing is wrong. Shaming them won’t do any good, and you should focus on validating their feelings and showing empathy. Let them know you’re there to support them, not judge them.
Know the Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Another way to help someone with a cocaine addiction is to know the symptoms of cocaine addiction yourself. Many people struggling with addiction are good at hiding the fact that they use cocaine. Spotting the small changes in behaviour, mood, and physical appearance can be crucial in recognising the signs of cocaine misuse and offering timely intervention.
Here are some of the symptoms you may want to watch out for:
- Increased energy and alertness
- Mood swings and irritability
- Dilated pupils
- Weight loss
- Secretive behaviour
- Missing obligations and other responsibilities
- Risky decision making
Help Them Build a Healthier Lifestyle
When trying to help someone overcome addiction, you can also help them build a healthier lifestyle. Many people succumb to addiction because of boredom and the lack of healthy activities in their lives. Encouraging healthier habits can help your loved one look beyond addiction and improve overall well-being.
One way to help your loved one build a healthier lifestyle is to encourage regular exercise. Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood. You can explore different enjoyable activities, such as yoga, swimming, or dancing. Exercising together can be a supportive and motivating experience for you and your loved one.
Assist in Removing Triggers
The presence of triggers can make recovery more difficult for people struggling with drug abuse. Triggers can be anywhere from people to places and even emotions. As such, assisting in removing triggers in your loved one’s environment is a big step to helping them recover.
To help remove triggers, you should first help your loved one identify them. Be there to help them reflect on past experiences and identify what has led them to use cocaine before. You can also encourage them to keep a journal where they can write down their feelings whenever they’re tempted to use cocaine.
After learning about your loved one’s triggers, it’s time to help them avoid high-risk environments. Since certain places and situations can trigger cravings, suggesting alternative social settings and helping other sober-friendly events can minimise the possibility of falling back into old habits.
Be Prepared for Setbacks
Recovery is never linear, and you should be prepared for setbacks. When a relapse happens, however, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t equate to failure. Relapse is often a part of someone’s recovery journey, and recognising that it doesn’t erase progress can help your loved one bounce back stronger.
If relapse occurs, it’s best to help your loved one determine what might have caused it. Possible causes may include emotional distress, exposure to triggers, or overconfidence in recovery. Try taking a step back and assess what you can adjust in the aftercare plan, and encourage your loved one to get back on track immediately.
Encourage Professional Help
The best way to help someone with cocaine addiction is to encourage them to seek professional addiction treatment. During rehab, your loved one will have access to therapy and support groups that can help them change their unhealthy habits.
One of the most common therapies used during rehab is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). During this therapy, clients will work with a therapist to identify harmful behaviours and thought patterns that contribute to addiction. They’ll challenge these habits and eventually develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage substance abuse.
Professional treatment is also designed to be personalised so that patients are more engaged. Before your loved one is admitted into treatment, professionals will thoroughly assess their symptoms and medical history to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.
Set Boundaries
Lastly, it’s important to set boundaries. Recovery from cocaine addiction isn’t just about your loved one – it’s also about how you take care of yourself. Empathy burnout is real, and if you don’t protect your mental and emotional health, helping a loved one can quickly get draining.
Remember to set boundaries, always. Don’t give them any financial support for drug use, and don’t make excuses for their behaviour. Let them face the natural consequences of their actions so that they learn their lesson.
It’s also important that you communicate your boundaries. This helps prevent misunderstandings and maintain consistency. With boundaries in place, you and your loved one will better understand the limits of your support and the expectations for their actions.
Get Help for Your Loved One at Sierra Recovery
If your loved one is struggling with addiction, directing them to a treatment centre for help can guide them to long-term recovery. At Sierra Recovery, we’re here to provide professional and comprehensive treatment programmes for those who face cocaine addiction.
Our team knows how difficult it is to overcome the effects of substance abuse. As such, we make it a point to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s needs and goals. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help your loved one live a life free from cocaine addiction.
