The recreational drug cocaine usually comes in a clean white and pure form and gives a very pleasant effect when used. This makes it seem harmless at first. But did you know that in the year 2020, about 1.3 million people in the US were reported to be suffering from a cocaine use disorder? That’s not all. About 19,000 people reportedly died from a cocaine-related overdose in that same year.
Fortunately, having a cocaine use disorder does not condemn a person to a life of hopelessness. Even if you are addicted to cocaine, it is possible to break free from its chains.
This article provides you with information about cocaine addiction, including the signs and symptoms, and the types of treatment available for it.
Knowledge of Cocaine Addiction
The process of becoming addicted to cocaine often involves several stages and begins with the use of cocaine. When a person uses cocaine, it acts on the brain through certain signals to give a very pleasurable feeling. When people experience this feeling, they end up wanting more of it. So whenever the effect wears off, they find themselves taking it again. Over time, the doses they started with become insufficient to give them the pleasurable feeling they desire, and there is a need to increase the dose. This is known as tolerance.
When a person develops tolerance, and abruptly stops using the drug, it will lead to some adverse symptoms. This is called dependence.
Addiction to cocaine is the collection of behavioral changes associated with cocaine dependence.
Cocaine Addiction Causes
There is only one single cause of cocaine addiction, and that is cocaine use. You cannot become addicted to cocaine unless you use it. However, several factors put a person at risk of abusing cocaine and becoming addicted. Some of them are:
- Addiction to other drugs
- Family history of cocaine addiction
- Being surrounded by people addicted to cocaine
- Physical and emotional abuse
- Genetics
Cocaine Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Drug addictions are commonly associated with various characteristics displayed by the users. It is the same for addiction to cocaine. These cocaine addiction signs and symptoms often tend to be similar to those of other drug addictions.
Some of the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction are:
- An uncontrollable urge to find and use the drug
- Alteration in sleep patterns
- Ignoring other previous sources of pleasure
- Negligence of personal hygiene
- Increased participation in high-risk activities
- Negligence of work
- Negligence of family and social relationships
- Presence of adverse withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to take the drug
Drug Addiction Treatment & Rehabilitation
Addiction to cocaine is usually difficult to treat, and full treatment may even take months. There are also multiple processes involved in treatment for cocaine addictions. These steps include:
Diagnosis
Before the start of treatment, the addiction must be diagnosed. This is done through a combination of the patient’s medical history which may be suggestive of cocaine addiction, and confirming the presence of cocaine in body samples.
Medical Detoxification
In detoxification, the use of the drug is stopped to gradually reduce the amounts in the blood. This often leads to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Medications are also used to control the withdrawal symptoms that ensue.
An ultrarapid cocaine detoxification procedure is available at VIP Vorobjev Clinic, where the body is cleared of the drug in 6-8 hours. The patient is put under anesthesia, which eliminates unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Psychological Therapy
This is necessary for the success of treatment and to prevent relapse, and may include individual or group therapy. Behavioral therapy helps addicts to adopt thoughts and behaviors that would help them prevent a relapse.
Rehabilitation
Addiction often impairs personal and work relationships and functions, so rehabilitation must be done to properly restore their life after treatment.
Concluding Remarks
Cocaine is a very addictive drug, and it can have a very strong hold on people addicted to it. It is always a brave move when an individual seeks cocaine addiction help. The process of treatment is often a long and difficult one, but with determination and the help of professionals, people can break free from it.
VIP Vorobjev Clinic offers top-quality treatment for various addictions. Our doctors and medical staff are available round the clock to help treat people with addictions, in a patient-friendly environment.
So, if you or someone close to you require cocaine addiction treatment, please reach out to us at VIP Vorobjev Clinic so we can help you overcome your addiction.
