Cocaine continues to be one of the most notorious drugs in America for addiction and abuse. While it can be highly psychologically addicting for users who value the rush it gives them, it’s also extremely physically addicting, causing bodily dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. As with all forms of addiction, however, an addiction to cocaine is treatable. There is always a way out of cocaine addiction.
Physical Signs of Cocaine Addiction
The physical signs of addiction to cocaine can include withdrawal symptoms which occur when someone lowers their dose of cocaine or stops taking it altogether. Rather than overtly physical symptoms, these tend to be psychological in nature. Some of the common signs of cocaine withdrawal symptoms are:
- Agitation and restless behavior
- Cravings for the drug
- Depression
- Apathy
- Disorientation
- Fatigue
- Hunger
- Increase in appetite
- Irritability
- Long periods of sleep
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
The cravings and depression experienced during cocaine withdrawal can last for months following cessation of long term heavy use. This makes it all the more important for users who quit to have a support system to ensure a proper recovery takes place.
Treating Cocaine Addiction
Symptoms of cocaine dependence or addiction usually disappear over time. Currently, there are no effective medications for reducing cravings. Some people use alcohol or sedatives to treat their symptoms but this is not recommended because it simply replaces one addiction with another.
Many people who have a cocaine addiction also have a co-occurring disorder, usually a mental illness like depression or ADHD. These co-occurring conditions need to be treated along with the cocaine addiction for treatment to be effective.
Someone who is looking for treatment for cocaine addiction will find a number of options out there. Different options have different approaches. Before selecting a program however, the patient will need to be assessed by a medical professional, to ensure that the treatment they pick is best suited to their needs. There are programs that focus on helping someone maintain a drug free lifestyle, or programs that follow the 12 Steps. There are residential inpatient treatment programs and outpatient facilities. A lot of programs also offer cognitive therapy, which has proven to be quite effective in treating cocaine addiction. A good program will also teach the person how to identify and deal with triggers, so that he is able to understand the underlying reasons behind his use of cocaine and be equipped with coping strategies for the future.
Whatever type of rehab or treatment program you choose to end your addiction to cocaine, rest assured that choosing to seek help is the right move, and the first step toward a life of freedom in recovery.
Serenity Oaks Wellness is a 5-week long treatment program where clients regain their ability to live and restore their confidence in living without drugs and alcohol. We seek to adorn each client with the tools and foundation they need for living a beautiful life of recovery. Call us today for information: 844-720-6847
