Cocaine is the second most commonly used drug worldwide. Despite the number of people who have fallen victim to its ill effects, the use of this substance continues to rise, leading to the prevalence of cocaine addiction. With addiction becoming a serious concern in many parts of the world, it is no longer surprising that governments have made several efforts to keep the number of addicts down.
But not all of the efforts have proven to be very effective and it’s not surprising that most people who are addicted to cocaine find it very difficult to get proper treatment. Fortunately, treatment methods are available to help those who need to overcome cocaine addiction, thanks to rehab centres. This guide explores some of the methods used to deal with this addiction.
Understanding Cocaine and Its Side Effects
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that can be found in powdered form and small and irregularly shaped crystals known as crack. The effects of cocaine on the body start soon after taking the drug and last for about an hour. It causes rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, higher blood pressure and loss of appetite. Other side effects include vomiting, nausea, hallucinations, paranoia and seizures.
Over a prolonged period of use, the user becomes physically dependent on the drug. When withdrawal symptoms start, the user needs to take more of the drug to experience the original effects. Withdrawal can occur within 12 to 48 hours after the last dose. When it does, it causes anxiety, depression and severe craving, making it almost impossible to stop taking the drug.
Cocaine addicts usually go through periods of cocaine use followed by periods of withdrawal. During periods of cocaine use, their bodies develop a tolerance to the effects of the drug, requiring them to take more. This often leads to overdose and can be fatal.
How to Know When One Has Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction develops when people overindulge in the drug. The body develops a tolerance to the effects of the drug, requiring the user to take more. This can lead to physical dependence. It may be time to seek treatment for cocaine addiction when a person feels the need to take cocaine just to get “high” or “feel normal”. Other signs that one may be affected include:
- Lack of control over usage
- Continuous use even when it interferes with the person’s relationships
- Loss of interest in other things in life
- Consistent use of a substance despite knowing it is harmful
- The feeling of guilt after use
A person with such symptoms most likely has a severe addiction, which requires treatment.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment Methods
Many people who are addicted to cocaine use it as part of an impulsive lifestyle that includes partying, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Cocaine addiction is even more difficult to stop when coupled with other addictions.
The addiction treatment methods for cocaine dependence have changed over the years. However, the basic approach stays the same and involves taking steps to manage the problem. Here are some approaches to consider.
Contingency Management
The contingency management program is designed to prevent drug users from taking drugs by rewarding them with incentives for abstinence. The value of such incentives depends on the length of time spent abstaining from substance abuse. For example, someone who has been clean for six years receives a greater incentive than a patient who has been sober for only one month.
A better way to understand this approach is to view it as giving addicts a chance to earn rewards by fulfilling certain activities that prevent them from using drugs. For instance, a person who has been on a contingency contract with a rehab centre and completed a detoxification program will typically receive a stipend that is the equivalent of a week’s worth of cocaine use.
Contingency management is effective when combined with other treatment strategies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
In cognitive-behavioural therapy, a trained psychologist uses an evidence-based technique to help people understand and change the way they think, feel and behave. The ultimate goal of cognitive-behavioural therapy is to help people become more motivated to change, which makes it an effective approach for treating cocaine addiction.
The therapist works with a patient to create a list of triggers that could trigger cocaine abuse, such as a party or an intimate relationship. The therapist teaches the patient how to change such behaviours so that the trigger is not as likely to lead to relapse. The therapist also guides the patient on how to replace the drug use with new activities that will satisfy personal needs.
Even though cognitive-behavioural therapy is useful as part of a comprehensive treatment approach, it is not entirely effective when used as a stand-alone method for treating cocaine addiction.
In-Patient and Out-Patient Treatment
In-patient treatment is an effective treatment approach for cocaine addicts because it involves a combination of detoxification and medical support. This approach is particularly useful for patients who are severely addicted to cocaine and have been using the drug for years. A medical professional helps the patient detoxify and adjust to life without drugs at a rehabilitation centre.
Users who need to overcome cocaine addiction quickly may also benefit from this approach. It is also a helpful option for those who suffer from mental health disorders associated with their addiction.
Outpatient treatment, conversely, provides similar services as inpatient treatment. However, patients who use cocaine as part of an impulsive lifestyle may be more likely to relapse during an outpatient programme. A combination of both treatments may be necessary to overcome cocaine addiction and remain drug-free long-term.
Matrix Model
The matrix model is based on a combination of approaches to helping patients quit using cocaine and stay sober. The main part of the treatment programme involves teaching the patient how to understand and control the symptoms of addiction.
The primary components of this method include 12-step programmes and cognitive-behavioural strategies for controlling cocaine addiction. Correctly implemented, patients can incorporate the appropriate coping strategies for dealing with issues that are more likely to lead to relapse.
Conclusion
Cocaine addiction has been recognised as a serious problem for several years now, especially since the late 90s when most countries increased their war on drugs. In a rising tide of addiction, patients need to know how to get the right help. Individuals who suspect they or a loved one is addicted to cocaine can contact reputable rehab centres to overcome their addiction.
