Cocaine addiction affects the user physically, socially, emotionally and environmentally. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that treatment is hopeful for a cocaine addict and that many options are available for help. However, treatment for cocaine addiction is complex, and the most beneficial help comes in the form of addressing the whole person in the context of how the individual is impacted by being addicted to cocaine in various life domains.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is an active recovery option that requires a collaborative relationship between the professional and the recovering person. NIDA recommends behavioral or cognitive behavioral treatment for successful recovery from cocaine use. Behavioral treatments focus on skill building and motivating change in the user. This treatment method is short term, usually lasting less than 12 sessions. Within the sessions, the recovering person is taught how to recognize triggers to using cocaine and how choices impact life goals. Homework is likely with this type of treatment to further aid an individual in learning the coping skills for recovery. Behavioral therapy is done on an inpatient or outpatient basis for cocaine recovery.
21-Day Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient programs offer the recovering person time away from access to the drug. Inpatient programs also offer group therapy, education about drug use and individual counseling sessions. The inpatient programs last anywhere from 14 days to 120 days, with the typical treatment being 21 days in duration. Some inpatient programs begin with a five-day detox from the drug and then transition into the recovery portion of the program. Inpatient programs are beneficial for immediate treatment of cocaine addiction, but ongoing outpatient support is essential in longer-term recovery.
Cocaine Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous, or CA, is a recovery program for outpatient self-help. CA treatment offers local and online meetings with peers to share and explore cocaine addiction and recovery needs. CA recommends having a sponsor to turn to during times of stress to prevent relapse. CA follows the tenets of a 12-step program and has a spiritual basis for maintaining recovery from cocaine addiction. CA is most effective in conjunction with a professional plan of recovery, such as counseling for relapse prevention.
