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Cocaine Treatment | Rehab Advisors
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Cocaine Rehab Centers

Cocaine Rehab Centers

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Cocaine—also known as coke, blow, charlie, powder, and snow—is a highly-addictive stimulant and one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2014, there were 1.5 million active cocaine users around the country—some as young as 12 years old.

Made from the coca plant of South America, cocaine can be injected, snorted, or smoked by users. No matter how people choose to ingest the drug, cocaine abuse can have devastating short- and long-term effects on their health—from nasal damage to erratic behavior to extreme weight loss to death. In addition, if someone is pregnant while abusing cocaine, their child may be born with a host of health challenges including low birth weight and neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Those who are addicted to cocaine need effective cocaine rehab in order to get sober. This page discusses cocaine treatment, as well as what the detox and withdrawal processes are like.

Expert

Ruby B. Johnson
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Cocaine—also known as coke, blow, charlie, powder, and snow—is a highly-addictive stimulant and one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2014, there were 1.5 million active cocaine users around the country—some as young as 12 years old.

Made from the coca plant of South America, cocaine can be injected, snorted, or smoked by users. No matter how people choose to ingest the drug, cocaine abuse can have devastating short- and long-term effects on their health—from nasal damage to erratic behavior to extreme weight loss to death. In addition, if someone is pregnant while abusing cocaine, their child may be born with a host of health challenges including low birth weight and neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Those who are addicted to cocaine need effective cocaine rehab in order to get sober. This page discusses cocaine treatment, as well as what the detox and withdrawal processes are like.

Fast Facts: Cocaine Addiction in America

Between 2014 and 2015, the states that had the most cocaine use among 18 to 25 year olds were:

  • New Hampshire
  • Vermont
  • Colorado
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Arizona
  • Oregon
  • Maine
  • Delaware

(Source:Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

The most effective treatment for cocaine addiction combines pharmacological and behavioral interventions.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Most patients who seek treatment for cocaine addiction are crack users.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

In 2014, 12.4 percent, or 5,856, of overdose deaths were caused by cocaine. (Source:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

In 2015, there were 6,784 cocaine-related deaths around the country. Of these fatalities, 1,899 were female and 4,885 were male. (Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

When people getting rehabilitation for cocaine are given cognitive behavioral therapy, they are more likely to achieve long-term abstinence from the drug.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

After completing cocaine rehab, those who participate in aftercare programs are more likely to abstain from using the drug.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Short-term effects of cocaine use include nausea, irregular heartbeat, paranoia, and irritability. People who use the drug on a long-term basis may experience nosebleeds, restlessness, auditory hallucinations, and severe bowel decay.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

The most effective treatment for cocaine addiction combines pharmacological and behavioral interventions.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Most patients who seek treatment for cocaine addiction are crack users.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

In 2014, 12.4 percent, or 5,856, of overdose deaths were caused by cocaine. (Source:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

In 2015, there were 6,784 cocaine-related deaths around the country. Of these fatalities, 1,899 were female and 4,885 were male. (Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

When people getting rehabilitation for cocaine are given cognitive behavioral therapy, they are more likely to achieve long-term abstinence from the drug.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

After completing cocaine rehab, those who participate in aftercare programs are more likely to abstain from using the drug.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Short-term effects of cocaine use include nausea, irregular heartbeat, paranoia, and irritability. People who use the drug on a long-term basis may experience nosebleeds, restlessness, auditory hallucinations, and severe bowel decay.(Source:National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Between 2014 and 2015, the states that had the most cocaine use among 18 to 25 year olds were:

  • New Hampshire
  • Vermont
  • Colorado
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Arizona
  • Oregon
  • Maine
  • Delaware

(Source:Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Find a Cocaine Rehabilitation Center

If you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine, it is important to get help immediate to prevent overdose (or worse). The most effective cocaine rehabs combine detox, which is designed to get cocaine out of their system, with behavioral counseling that teaches them the lifestyle changes that need to be made in order to prevent a relapse.

What to Expect in a Cocaine Treatment Center

While programs do vary, the process of rehabilitation for cocaine tends to follow the same steps in the same order.

Phase 1:

Comprehensive Medical and Psychological Evaluation

When patients with cocaine addiction enter rehab, medical professionals perform physical and psychological evaluations in order to determine what kind of condition they are in. This helps doctors make decisions about which medications should be used to get the cocaine out of patients’ system, as well as which types of therapy will be most effective for their psychological needs.

During the assessment process, professionals can consider a number of personal risk factors that may have contributed to patients’ addiction. The following are some examples of these risks.

Factors that Impact Cocaine Treatment Plans

Cocaine rehab specialists consider the following factors when developing one’s treatment plan:

  • Use of other drugs. In some cases, people begin abusing cocaine because they have used other drugs. For example, those have used different kinds of stimulants, like Ritalin or nicotine, may seek out stronger drugs in order to satisfy their cravings. As a result of regular use of these gateway drugs, those who try cocaine may get the high they’re looking for and eventually become addicted to it.
  • Family life. A person’s family situation may contribute to becoming addicted to cocaine. People who are experiencing family conflicts can be at risk of abusing cocaine because they want to escape their problems. Also, family factors such as divorce, low supervision, and harsh discipline may contribute to cocaine addiction among young people.
  • Mental health. People who have mental and emotional challenges may turn to cocaine as a way of self-medicating. They may have depression caused by factors such as trauma and abuse, and if they’re not ready to face these issues, cocaine can be a way to forget their troubles and numb the pain.
  • Stress. People have to juggle many responsibilities throughout the day, and they sometimes may not have the strength to cope with all of the stress—or the energy to get everything on their plate done. Some may try cocaine in order to decrease their stress while increasing their energy and after a while, they develop an addiction.

Phase 2:

Cocaine Detoxification

Cocaine withdrawal can be a painful process that occurs when someone’s body is craving the drug after decreasing the amount they use or quitting altogether. When someone is going through withdrawal, they may experience:

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms:
  • Agitation
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle Aches
  • Restlessness
  • Increased Appetite
  • Unpleasant Dreams
  • Nerve Pain
  • Depression
  • Restlessness
  • Chills
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms do not all occur immediately after the last use of the drug. The following table describes the stages of withdrawal and what kind of symptoms may occur in each stage.

Time Since Last Dose Symptoms
1.5 to 3 hours During this phase of cocaine withdrawal, the body crashes. People may experience depression and fatigue, as well as an overall feeling of discomfort.
3 hours to 7 days People experience cravings for cocaine during this time. They may suffer from tremors, nightmares, restlessness, and pain.
7 to 10 days The physical withdrawal symptoms begin to subside in this stage, and people experience emotional effects, like depression.
10+ days Depression may continue during this time. In some cases, physical cravings may be triggered if someone is in an environment that reminds them of what it’s like to use cocaine.
Factors That Influence The Cocaine Detoxification Process

There are several factors that influence the amount of time someone experiences withdrawal symptoms after last using cocaine, as well as the intensity of the symptoms. These factors include:

  • How Long The Drug Was Abused
  • Dose Sizes
  • Dose Purity
  • The Stressors That Contributed To Cocaine Abuse
  • Personal Physiology
  • Co-occurring Conditions
  • Whether The Person Tapered Off From Taking Cocaine Or Stopped Cold Turkey

Phase 3:

Treatment and Rehabilitation for Cocaine Addiction

Although the needs of each patient can differ, generally, treatment at cocaine rehab centers lasts 90 days—whether the patient participates in an outpatient or residential program. For the best results, many patients are encouraged to spend at least 12 months in treatment. The most effective treatment is a combination of medicinal and cognitive-behavioral therapies.

In addition, for long-term results, patients are encouraged to participate in twelve-step programs that allow them to maintain their sobriety, connect with people who are dealing with the same challenges, and adopt healthy habits to cope with stressors that can contribute to cocaine use.

Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medically-assisted treatment (MAT) is designed to help treat substance abuse disorder by alleviating the pain associated with withdrawal while helping to reduce patient cravings. In addition, MAT increases the chances of patients having long-lasting success with their sobriety.

The kinds of medications that are chosen when patients are treated for cocaine addiction depend on their individual needs. The following are examples of medications that may be used during drug treatment and the effects they have on patients.

Medication Used at Cocaine Rehabilitation Centers
Medication Effects
Baclofen
  • Curbs cravings for cocaine
  • Relieves muscle spasms and rigidity
Disulfiram
  • Reduces relapse by blocking the enzymes in the body associated with pleasant feelings during cocaine use
Gabapentin
  • Reduces cocaine cravings
  • Reduces withdrawal symptoms
Modafinil
  • Blocks euphoria caused by cocaine use
  • Reduces lethargy and insomnia that occurs during withdrawal
Propranolol
  • Helps reduce severe withdrawal of cocaine
  • Reduces anxiety and agitation
Topiramate
  • Reduces cravings for cocaine
Vigabatrin
  • Reduces cocaine cravings

What to Do if Someone is Overdosing on Cocaine

Death by overdose is the most serious risk of cocaine addiction. If you believe someone you know and love is experiencing an overdose, do the following before reporting to a cocaine rehabilitation center:

  • 1. Know the Signs of a Cocaine Overdose
  • 2. Seek Immediate Medical Care
  • 3. What to do While Waiting for Help
    • Elevated heart rate
    • Chest pain
    • Panic attacks
    • Nausea
    • Elevated body temperature
    • Sweating
    • Erratic behavior
    • Delusions
    • Seizures
    • Hyperthermia
    • Shock
    • Chills
    • Vomiting
    • Tremors
    • Stroke

  • When someone is overdosing on cocaine, time is of the essence for treatment. Every minute counts in terms of preventing stroke, heart attack, permanent injuries, and death. As a result, when first responders arrive to treat someone having a cocaine overdose, they are tasked with restoring blood flow to the heart and oxygen to the brain, as well as stopping any seizures that may be occurring.

    • Apply a cold compress to their body to prevent their temperature from getting dangerously elevated.
    • Remove clothing that can restrict breathing, like scarves.
    • Move sharp and hard objects from the area that can cause injury, especially if the person is having a seizure.
    • Stay with the person until help arrives and tell emergency responders what drugs were taken.

Q&A With Cocaine Rehab Expert

About Ruby B. Johnson, LCSW, LCDC
About Ruby B. Johnson, LCSW, LCDC

Ruby B. Johnson, has been a clinical practitioner since 2003. Since 2003, Mrs. Johnson has been an adjunct professor, community educator, and advocate. Her areas of practice are substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive sexual behaviors, and attachment disorders. She owns Inamorata LLC (www.inamorata.me) and Johnson Conflict Resolution (www.johnsonconflictresolution.com), and is the CEO and organizer for PolyDallas Millennium© LLC (www.polydallasmillennium.com).

  • Q. How is cocaine addiction different from addiction to other drugs?

    All addictions whether chemical or non-chemical have three criteria: loss of control, compulsive use, and continued using despite the adverse consequences.

    Addiction’s impact on the brain is very similar regardless if it’s chemical or non-chemical. There are two regions of the brain to consider. One is the executive functioning (determining right or wrong, weighing consequences, cost-benefit analysis, etc.). Dependence and craving take part in the primitive region, amygdala and reptilian brain. The disruption to the brain’s functioning create the same loss of control, compulsive use, and use despite adverse consequences.

    Cocaine is ingested by smoking, intravenously, or inhaling. Smoking cocaine, freebasing or crack, has been depicted in media and film as the ultimate dereliction. They are called “crack heads.” Intravenous substance users are viewed as junkies.

    A significant difference is how the individuals who are addicted to cocaine are viewed.

  • Q. How is rehabilitation for cocaine different from that other substances? What are the most effective treatment cocaine treatment centers use?

    Baseline treatment for substance users is talk therapy, support groups, and medication treatment of the mood and physical symptoms. The most effective treatment modality is motivational interviewing. Motivational interviewing allows the person to determine what is going to be the best action for them to reach their goals and what is needed to maintain the change.

    Addiction is a family disease. An often missed aspect of treatment is the family getting healthy along with the person who is the addict.

  • Q. What can someone do to stay clean after completing after attending a cocaine treatment center?

    Here are a few suggestions:

    • Stay away from people, places, and things from using times
    • Establish social connections and support that are drug free
    • Get involved with a twelve-step program or other support group
    • Maintain a schedule that is active and purposeful
    • Develop a regimen that includes healthy eating, good sleep hygiene, and exercise
    • Stay compliant with medication and doctor appointments

    All of these suggestions encourage the person to maintain decreased idol time, healthy goals, and engagement with people who are supportive.

  • Q. How can family and friends help someone addicted to cocaine?

    Don’t enable the addict. Families want to protect the addict from discomfort or consequences. This is not the family’s role. Also, the family needs to seek their therapy and support group.