Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant that is indigenous to South America. Cocaine has had many uses over the years, even being used in some soft drinks and medicine.
Nowadays, however, cocaine is an illegal substance and is classified as a Schedule II substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
One of the reasons that cocaine fell out of mainstream use is that its use presents dangers. Despite the risks that cocaine presents, many people can become addicted to it, and many will want to know how to stop cocaine addiction.
Luxe Recovery is a world-class treatment center in Los Angeles. We offer treatment to help you or a loved one overcome a variety of substance use disorders, including cocaine.
What is Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine addiction or cocaine use disorder is a behavioral health condition wherein a person is mentally and physically dependent on cocaine. When a person is addicted to cocaine, they won’t be able to control their impulses, and they will use the drug regardless of any consequences they may suffer as a result.
How to Quit Cocaine?
Quitting cocaine will require a person to seek professional help, as people who are addicted will generally be unable to stop using cocaine without professional help. Some of the professional treatment options to stop taking cocaine include:
Detox
Drug Detox is an important part of overcoming drug use. In detox, with the help of medical professionals, a person will purge all the cocaine out of their system. This can lead to cocaine withdrawal symptoms such as lethargy and agitation.
As uncomfortable as the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can be, detox is an essential part of treatment. By purging the body of cocaine, a person can remove its influence and have greater mental clarity moving forward.
Inpatient Care
An inpatient treatment program can be vital for a person with severe addiction. While in inpatient or residential care, a person is in a controlled environment where they won’t have access to cocaine.
While in residential care, a person will also receive various forms of treatment, such as therapy and holistic care. A residential program will also prepare someone for life outside of a treatment center.
Therapy
One-on-one therapy can be an essential element of overcoming substance use disorder as it can teach people who want to address cocaine addiction the tools they will need. During these sessions, a person can understand and address the root cause of their drug use.
By identifying the underlying causes of their addiction, a person can also determine the circumstances in their lives that trigger their cravings.
Therapy can also help a person develop healthy coping skills. These skills can help someone manage their cravings when they are no longer in residential rehab, making the transition into daily life better.
Avoiding Cocaine Use Outside of Addiction Treatment
Cravings for cocaine may continue when a residential treatment program is done. Some of the options to help individuals struggling with addiction include:
Sober Living
Sober living is a program wherein a person lives in a home with others who want to stay sober. While in a sober home, a person will live with some independence. They’ll have to follow house rules, continue their treatment, and be subject to random drug testing, but they will be largely independent.
Sober living programs can help a person transition back into their lives and learn how to live without the use of cocaine. This transitory form of care can help a person return to normal life and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment can be a vital element in addiction recovery. Some people have mild or moderate addiction and will not need the level of care found in residential treatment. Or they may have completed a residential program and need further support to help reduce cocaine dependence.
In an outpatient program, a patient goes to multiple therapy sessions, both individual and group, per week. But they won’t have to live at a treatment center and can schedule these sessions into their day-to-day lives.
Outpatient treatment can offer flexible treatment to a person who is dependent on cocaine and help them overcome their addiction without putting their lives on hold by checking into residential treatment.
Healthy Coping Skills
Regulating emotions can be essential for managing cocaine cravings, which can persist after treatment. When cravings happen, a person can apply healthy coping skills to manage their cravings, and treatment programs help people with this.
One of the main skills taught in treatment is letting clients practice being mindful of the present moment. They can’ ride out’ without acting by focusing on what they can see, hear, feel, touch, or taste when their cravings occur.
Social Support
Another element of helping people who are struggling with cocaine addiction recovery is social support. This is why many treatment plans integrate family therapy, as it helps loved ones participate in recovery.
But support groups also exist. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) are both fellowships that help people who struggle with drug use. Joining these support groups can help a person find a community full of others in treatment.
Effects of Cocaine
There are a few complications that can come with using cocaine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cocaine getting mixed with various substances such as fentanyl contributes to rising overdose deaths.
Another effect of cocaine use is that taking the drug by snorting it, which is one of the most common ways to use, can damage the septum and may result in a person’s nose collapsing.
Cocaine addiction may also isolate a person from the people around them. This is because users prioritize cocaine over spending time with family and friends.
There are also cardiovascular complications to cocaine. Using the drug can increase a person’s heart rate and spike their blood pressure. Over time, this can increase a person’s risk for a heart attack or a stroke.
Let Us Help You Stop Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a drug that can have numerous untoward effects. Many people who use it can lose hope that they won’t ever be able to quit. However, there are many success stories of people who fell prey to addiction and were able to recover successfully.
Quitting cocaine is possible. When a person learns how to stop cocaine addiction, they can overcome their cocaine use and live a life that is free from addiction. At Luxe Recovery, we’re here to provide a safe and compassionate space for you to overcome cocaine addiction.
