Cocaine Addiction Rehab
Cocaine is a highly addictive illegal drug that can be very difficult to quit on your own. Ingesting cocaine causes surges in dopamine that begin to drain the brain’s natural supply of this important “feel-good” chemical. This process is what fuels the cocaine addiction cycle.
Cocaine, or “coke,” is typically ingested as a fine, white powder snorted through the nose or rubbed on the gums and absorbed orally. Cocaine can also be cooked into a crystal form, known as “crack,” that is smoked in a pipe.
Without help, cocaine addiction only gets worse — and can be deadly. If you or a loved one is abusing cocaine, it’s a potentially dangerous problem. Learn about the signs of cocaine abuse and what treatment options are available.
Why is Cocaine Addictive?
Dangers of Cocaine Use
Despite its quick and intense high, cocaine carries some significant health risks. As a stimulant, cocaine speeds up bodily functions, like heart rate and brain activity, due to the constriction of blood vessels.
Additional dangers and uncomfortable effects of cocaine misuse may include:
- Blood vessel constriction
- Raised blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Heart irregularities
- Dilated pupils
- Increased body temperature
- Muscle twitches
- Balance issues
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Cardiovascular problems
- Erratic behavior
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations (audio and visual)
- Restlessness
- Cocaine overdose
- HIV and other infectious diseases for people who inject cocaine (shared needles)
Short-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse
The euphoric and energizing effects of cocaine can last from several minutes to over an hour, depending on the amount you use and the method of use — snorting, smoking, or injecting. These short-term cocaine effects also include increased mental alertness and a decrease in appetite.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Long-term cocaine abuse can lead to a range of severe physical and psychological effects. These can significantly impact a person’s health and quality of life. Here are some of the key long-term effects:
- Cardiovascular issues
- Respiratory problems and damage to the nasal passages and sinuses from snorting cocaine over time
- Seizures, headaches, and an increased risk of strokes due to changes in blood flow to the brain
- Reduced blood flow to the intestines, leading to tears and ulcerations
- Weight loss and malnutrition due to the appetite-suppressing effects of the drug
- Mental health issues and cognitive decline
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction side effects can be physical or behavioral. Because the drug is so addictive, it can quickly become your sole focus. Your family, job, finances, and health suffer the consequences. Common signs of a cocaine addiction include:
- Financial issues
- Work or school challenges
- Failing work, school or legally required drug tests
- Feelings of guilt after using cocaine
- Inability to cut back or quit cocaine
- Obsessive thoughts about cocaine
- Increase in cocaine use
- Paranoid thinking
- Memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive issues
- Rapid speech
- Uncharacteristic risk-taking
- Dishonesty
- Criminal activity
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Mood fluctuations
- Anger and irritability
- Violence
- Frequent nose bleeds
Cocaine can also cause intense “crashes” after a cocaine binge. That’s why some cocaine abusers feel severely depressed or anxious after a period of use.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Suddenly stopping or significantly reducing your intake of cocaine can cause withdrawal symptoms. The steep decline in dopamine causes what is known as a “crash,” which can start within a few hours from the last cocaine use.
When you stop using cocaine, you might experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Intense cocaine cravings
- Restlessness
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Agitation and irritability
- Apathy or a significant lack of motivation
- Poor concentration and memory
- Ruminating thoughts
- Inability to feel pleasure
How Do You Treat Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine users are affected psychologically, emotionally, and physically by the continued use of the drug. Cocaine addiction treatment must address all of these issues.
The first step in cocaine recovery is eliminating the substance from your body with a supported medical detox, where medical professionals are with you around the clock to help alleviate intense symptoms. Following detox, you will attend an inpatient or outpatient cocaine addiction rehab program to help you explore triggers and learn healthy coping skills.
Cocaine Addiction Rehab at Vogue Recovery
Cocaine addiction treatment at Vogue Recovery Center blends the latest in addiction medicine with a multidisciplinary approach to provide a customized, goal-oriented experience. We consider your family history, life events, unique stress factors, relationship challenges, and individual patterns and preferences to design a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. If you choose, loved ones can be involved in treatment through our family program or family therapy.
Long-term sobriety can be achieved when cocaine addiction rehab is part of your recovery plan. Studies have shown that comprehensive treatment can reduce drug use by 50-70% when compared to those who don’t seek treatment.
At Vogue Recovery Centers, you will benefit from a full continuum of care that includes several levels of care:
Residential Rehab
Many people need time and space away from life’s usual triggers to begin their recovery. Residential rehab (also known as inpatient treatment) provides structure and support from medical and therapeutic staff while you live on campus with other clients in treatment. Program participants attend individual and group therapy during the day and participate in recovery activities at night.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient treatment for cocaine addiction provides you with ongoing care at a step down from residential treatment. You will live off-campus but still attend intensive group and individual therapy. The time you spend in outpatient treatment depends on the level of outpatient care you receive, and not everyone will require the same treatment plan.
At Vogue, you will have the opportunity to attend these outpatient programs:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – Partial hospitalization programs provide same-day programming as residential treatment, but you live at home while attending.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – An intensive outpatient program is a significant step back into life outside of a treatment setting. These programs usually have day or evening hours so that you can work around your work, school, or home responsibilities.
- Outpatient Program (OP) – Outpatient treatment is the last and least intensive step in treatment. You may meet with a therapist weekly and attend group therapy to support your recovery.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
Ready to Get Help? Get in Touch Today.
Cocaine Treatment at Vogue Recovery
The treatment programs at Vogue Recovery Centers are evidence-based and address the root causes of substance use disorders. We offer both traditional and holistic types of treatments so you can find what best supports your road to recovery.
With locations in Las Vegas and Phoenix, Vogue has compassionate treatment providers who genuinely care about you and your addiction recovery. They are trained in several types of therapy and have helped thousands of people take back their lives from substance abuse.
Don’t wait another day. If you or a loved one is struggling and could benefit from cocaine addiction rehab, contact Vogue Recovery Centers today.
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
