Addiction and Cocaine Detox
Cocaine addiction has been a widespread problem in the United States for decades. This has meant a steady demand for cocaine detox and treatment as well. Fortunately, medical science has made some promising advances in the study and treatment of addiction to cocaine and other drugs in recent years. The more we learn about the brain, the better we understand the mechanism of action of addictive drugs which target the brain’s mesolimbic dopamine system, commonly known as the reward pathway or “pleasure center”.
Treatment for cocaine addiction typically begins with a physical assessment to record any symptoms as well as any effects cocaine abuse has had on the body. The longer cocaine is abused, the higher the chances of damage to the body. The brain, heart, lungs and nasal passages can all be detrimentally affected. During a cocaine detox at TruHealing Centers, the individual clients’ symptoms are considered in designing a treatment protocol to best meet their needs. Medications to alleviate anxiety, fatigue and depression may be part of the plan.
Advantages of Cocaine Detox at TruHealing Centers:
- The safety and security of 24-hour detox nurses on duty for observation.
- Medications to ensure clients are able to sleep and rest comfortably.
- Counseling and therapy are available as soon as the client is willing and ready.
- Careful detox protocol prevents most withdrawal symptoms before they can occur.
- Additional addiction treatment is available at TruHealing Centers for continuity of care.
How Does Cocaine Detox Work?
To understand how cocaine detox works, you must first understand how cocaine works. Cocaine acts in the brain’s reward pathway. This part of the brain is intended, in part, to reward positive stimuli that we need to survive. For example, food, sex, comfort etc. The primary neurotransmitter involved in reward is dopamine. Neurotransmitters like dopamine work by binding to receptors in the brain for a period of time to elicit an effect. Cocaine works by blocking the removal of dopamine, allowing it to accumulate in a higher than usual amount. This is what causes the intense euphoric feelings caused by cocaine use.
Cocaine detox and treatment work, by first removing cocaine from the equation of course. While cessation of cocaine use doesn’t produce powerful physical withdrawal symptoms the way opioid withdrawal can, it has very noticeable effects. The psychological craving for cocaine is powerful and often makes quitting without professional help extremely challenging. This is also why treatment beyond the initial detox phase is so important to staying clear of cocaine for the long term.
Medications in Cocaine Detox and Treatment
Medications are often used to help alleviate psychological withdrawal in the cocaine detox process. They may include beta-blockers like propranolol or short-term use of diazepam to reduce anxiety and restlessness. Medications like baclofen,vtopiramate, gabapentin and modafinil have also shown promise in preventing relapse in chronic users. The goal is to off-set the biological effects of cocaine abuse on the brain by treating symptoms as well as reducing craving. However, psychosocial approaches like mental health therapy and participation in recovery fellowships are almost always at the core of a cocaine relapse prevention strategy.
Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal can Include:
- Craving for cocaine
- Extreme fatigue
- Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Sleepiness
- Paranoia (less common)
How Long are Cocaine Detox and Rehab Programs?
The length of stay for cocaine addiction treatment can vary. Because cocaine doesn’t have pronounced physical withdrawal symptoms like some other drugs, the focus is on treating general listlessness, low energy, depression and/or anxiety in the short term. The most important concern in cocaine addiction treatment is changing the client’s mindset and instilling new coping mechanisms and behaviors to help promote long term recovery and head off relapse. For the majority of clients, it isn’t enough to enter cocaine detox or treatment for a week or so and then return to life as normal.
The threat of relapse always seems to be looming in the background without a complete treatment and recovery experience. At TruHealing Centers our focus is on facilitating transformative change in the lives of our clients. We believe that addiction treatment after detox in one of our residential, PHP or IOP programs is the best way to initiate the change that’s necessary for long-term recovery to take root. We ask that anyone entering cocaine detox simply keep an open mind and consider completing a course of treatment with us to ensure they get the help they need
Detox from Cocaine at TruHealing Centers
The personalized drug detox and addiction treatment at TruHealing Centers is designed to help you or your loved one put their best foot forward. The detox process is the beginning of recovery. Clearing the body of cocaine and other intoxicants and stabilizing the client. This prepares the person for the deeper therapeutic work of recovery which will help them stay drug-free for the long term. TruHealing Centers addiction treatment identifies core issues and applies practical and effective solutions.
But addiction affects more than the person seeking treatment. It also impacts our loved ones. This is why we emphasize the importance of family and social involvement in recovery. Clients at our medical detox facilities receive the highest standard of care available with 24-hour medical supervision and attention to everything from nutritional needs to psychological well-being. TruHealing Centers is more than a healthcare provider. We’re a partner for recovery. We are ready to give you or your loved one everything they need for successful recovery. All that’s needed to begin is enough willingness to try.
You Don’t Have To Go It Alone
If you or a loved one would like more information on dual diagnosis treatment, Truhealing Addiction Services can help! Contact us today to discuss your treatment options with an addiction treatment specialist.
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