Not everyone who uses cocaine develops an addiction that destroys families, careers, and physical health. But many people do. If cocaine abuse is causing problems in your life, quitting on your own might not be an option (otherwise you would’ve quit already). Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and confidence in small amounts. When used in high doses, especially combined with alcohol, opiates, and other drugs, cocaine can be deadly.
If you notice that a person you care about is being aggressive, taking dangerous risks, lying, and letting their responsibilities fall by the wayside, it could be the result of cocaine addiction. A few side effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils, sweating, stomach problems, fits of rage, and nervous tics. Extreme fluctuations in mood, dental issues, and refusal to sleep might indicate an addiction to cocaine or some other stimulant. While cocaine doesn’t have the same reputation as methamphetamine for inducing psychosis, taking cocaine in high doses causes paranoid psychosis. If you are a cocaine user and you just can’t seem to get your life together, try quitting cocaine using a cocaine addiction rehab program.
Why It’s So Easy to Develop an Addiction to Cocaine
Cocaine stimulates the release of dopamine, which is the feel-good substance your brain creates. In addition to causing a sudden burst, the drug also prevents the body from reabsorbing it quickly. This process creates a dopamine glut. As a result, you feel euphoric, strong, and ready to take on the world.
However, there’s a dangerous downside. After using cocaine repeatedly, the brain stops releasing more dopamine unless you have the drug in your system. If your tolerance increases, you will need more of the drug to get the same effects. People who are addicted to coke spend all day and night thinking about it. Without access to the drug, they feel as if they aren’t able to function. While cocaine addiction doesn’t cause physical symptoms of withdrawal, psychological withdrawal without the help of a cocaine detox center often causes people to relapse.
How Does Rehab for Cocaine Abuse Work?
Dealing with the physiological aspect of cocaine withdrawal and abuse is only the first step to recovery at a cocaine addiction rehab. Next, it’s time to begin rehab for the treatment of the psychological addiction. Remember that you’re still in the mindset of needing a substance to deal with life. When you first reached for the cocaine, you liked the way it made you strong, sharp, and energetic.
This desire hasn’t gone away. If you forego drug rehab, you’ll most likely relapse soon. Overcoming the psychological part of the dependency is possible with help. At Crestview Recovery, addiction specialists treat you with modalities such as:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) encourages people to develop healthier thoughts and behaviors associated with substance use disorder and helps them manage their cravings more effectively. During CBT sessions, a therapist or mental health counselor will help the patient explore how their beliefs, thoughts, and behavior contribute to their substance use disorder.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helps individuals identify, understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to addiction. The primary goal of DBT is to teach people how to manage their emotions and respond better in difficult situations where they may be more likely to use drugs.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy focuses on addressing the underlying issues and behaviors associated with substance use disorder. In individual therapy sessions, the counselor will explore the patient’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their addiction. The therapist or mental health counselor will also help them identify triggers and develop strategies for managing cravings more effectively.
Group Therapy
Group therapy helps people in recovery by providing a supportive environment to discuss their struggles and progress. In group therapy sessions, members can share experiences, provide feedback, and offer encouragement to one another. Group therapy also allows individuals to develop healthier coping skills and gain insight into their behavior through the support of peers.
12-Step Recovery
12-step recovery provides support, fellowship, and guidance to those struggling with addiction. The 12 Steps provide individuals in recovery with a framework for understanding the causes of their addiction and finding the motivation needed to stay sober. With this approach, individuals learn how to cope with their cravings and develop healthier behaviors that can replace drug use.
Choosing a Recovery Center
You typically have the option to stay at the facility only during the day or attend rehab part-time. The right delivery method for the modalities depends on a variety of factors. For example, if you have a severe form of addiction, you’ll do better in a partial hospitalization setting. It takes you out of an environment that’s conducive to drug abuse.
Addiction specialists and counselors can treat milder forms of addiction with an intensive outpatient program or a standard outpatient program. However, because these options aren’t ideal for everyone, it’s vital to discuss your plans with an intake specialist. That said, if you realize that the treatment option you selected isn’t working for you, it’s possible to switch.
Find out more about overcoming your cocaine abuse. You don’t have to keep using. The caring team at Crestview Recovery are available to help. Call 866.262.0531 today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
