The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that cocaine is a central nervous stimulant that increases the brain chemical dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward. Repeated use of cocaine alters the way the reward system functions in the brain. The long-term changes caused by repeated cocaine use causes cocaine addiction. Although cocaine addiction carries significant consequence to an individual's health and psychological well-being, the draw of continued use often overwhelms intent for entering recovery. Social Work Today explains that substance abusers typically recognize valid reasons to change yet they also find reasons not to change, thus embarking on an endless cycle of ambivalence in dealing with addiction.
Consider Detox Options
Detox from cocaine involves total abstinence from using the drug to purge the body of its intoxicating effects. According to the Addiction Recovery Guide, medical detoxification is an option to consider for cocaine recovery. Medical detox involves the addict staying in a medical facility under staff supervision to manage potential physiological symptoms of withdrawal. Cocaine withdrawal does not always require medical detox as the symptoms are often associated with irritability, depression and anxiety rather than physiological. However, in severe cocaine addiction, physician consultation is suggested to determine the need for medical detox. Social detox is another option available in treatment recovery centers. Drug Alcohol Rehab explains that social detox refers to staying in a supportive facility for a week to 10 days to deter cocaine use, but medical intervention is not necessarily required or provided.
Find Recovery Programs
Recovery programs include short-term residential care, ongoing outpatient and individual counseling. The type of treatment needed for cocaine recovery depends on the individual. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, behavioral treatment interventions are effective for cocaine recovery and relapse prevention. Dealing with cocaine addiction is difficult. Having trained clinical support helps in building tools for beginning and maintaining a successful recovery. Making the decision to enter recovery is a personal decision. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that recognizing the stage of change for a person beginning recovery helps treatment facilities cater the program to the individual.
Begin Support Meetings
Attending meetings with peers who are experiencing similar addiction struggles can offer information, fellowship and support. Cocaine Anonymous meetings are specific to helping a person deal with cocaine addiction and as a means to support the addict in deciding if recovery is right for him. The 12 steps of Cocaine Anonymous is a part of the program and teaches recovery solutions while also encouraging connecting with a sponsor for individualized peer guidance.
Start Changing Habits
Getting rid of paraphernalia is a first step in habit change toward dealing with cocaine addiction. Real Life Addiction notes that cocaine paraphernalia might include razor blades, small spoons or mirrors and straws associated with cutting powder cocaine and snorting the drug. Additional habit changes, such as staying away from drug-using friends, or not visiting locations that are reminders of cocaine use are also a consideration.
References
- Cocaine Anonymous: Tools of Recovery
- Addiction Recovery Guide: Cocaine Addiction
- Social Work Today: Motivational Interviewing with Substance Abusers
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: InfoFacts: Cocaine
- American Academy of Family Physicians: A Stage of Change Approach to Helping Patients Change Behavior
