Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine Addiction—What is it?

Cocaine is an illicit drug or a central nervous system stimulant that increases the number of neurotransmitters called dopamine in the brain to trigger euphoric emotions or extreme pleasure. This drug is so addictive that users can develop the symptoms of addiction even after using it a handful of times. Cocaine is available in two forms: a powder that is snorted; and a rock form called crack.

Smoking cocaine is the most popular method of ingestion, and that 72% of all admission to rehabilitation centers for cocaine abuse involve crack cocaine abuse.

Although the use of cocaine has been stable over the past few years, with the reports presented by NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) indicate that cocaine still remains one of the commonly abused illicit drug seen in association with emergency room visits in the country.

Cocaine Addiction—Signs and Symptoms

Here are some of the many signs and symptoms of a cocaine addiction:

• Use of cocaine longer than the original intention
• Taking cocaine in large quantity
• Unable to stop or cut down cocaine use
• Neglecting responsibilities and obligations
• Using cocaine where it can be dangerous such as driving, watching children or operating machinery
• Preferring isolation
• Continuing the use of cocaine despite of experiencing problems at work or in relationships
• Spending a great deal of time in trying to get cocaine
• Experiencing hyperactivity, insomnia, elation, and extreme talkativeness.
• Experiencing psychosis
• Displaying physical symptoms like frequent nose bleed, runny nose, needle tracks on the arms and legs and sores around the mouth.

Withdrawal Symptoms

These include the following:

• Depression
• Sleepiness
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Lucid and frightening dreams
• Increased appetite
• Hypersomnia or insomnia
• Weight loss
• Mood swings

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Methods

There are two types of treatment options available for cocaine addiction. These treatments are delivered in both inpatient and outpatient facilities. The nature of the treatments can be either of or both in combination—pharmacological and behavioral.

Behavioral Therapies

These therapies are also known as psychosocial treatments. They address motivations, reasons and underlying psychological problems associated with the person abusing cocaine.

One of the most effective behavioral therapies is contingency management. This treatment is basically based on incentives for abstinence from cocaine use like prizes or cash.

Another effective treatment is CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy) that addresses the underlying reasons for substance use and provides help to change maladaptive thinking patterns and behavior that may be contributing to cocaine use.

Pharmacological Therapies

It is medication administered therapy to treat cocaine dependence. The therapy uses medications that mimic the substance of abuse but to a reduced extent. The doses of medication are tapered with time thus weaning the patient from cocaine dependence and helping them to work on abstinence from addiction.