Cocaine addiction produces both short- and long-term effects, making it a complex addiction to treat and cure. The addiction not only creates biological changes in the brain but involves a number of family, social and environmental factors as well. All of these must be taken into account by the treating physician when devising a patient's addiction recovery plan.
Cocaine Detoxification
Unlike other substances, the detoxification process for cocaine is more psychological than physical. This is because cocaine is water soluble, meaning that the body processes it quickly once it is ingested according to MedFaq. This does not mean that withdrawal symptoms won't occur though.
The Addiction Recovery Guide states that as an addict goes through the detoxification process, he is prone to withdrawal effects such as anxiety and depression. These are due to the toxins and chemicals left in the system, especially after the addict has been on a binge. During the process of detoxification, the addict is generally in a medical facility or rehabilitation center where a physician monitors his condition and ensures his safety. The severity of the symptoms and length of detoxification depends on how long he has been using cocaine and how much he uses.
The Use of Medication
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that while it has developed medications to assist in the treatment of certain addictions, such as alcoholism and addictions to heroin, it has yet to develop a medication that will assist in the treatment of cocaine addicts. However, medications can be used to help relieve the symptoms experienced during the withdrawal process, making it easier for the addict to reach the next step in her recovery.
Among the medications used are anti-depressants such as desipramine, which helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. Bezodiazepines such as Diazepam are also used to treat anxiety, while the Parkinson's medication, amantadine, is used to help reduce the craving for cocaine.
Behavioral Treatments
The goal of behavioral interventions is to help the addict change his attitude toward his drug use, focusing on his individual habits and lifestyle. Not only will the addict need to focus on breaking his addiction but also concentrate on making friends outside of the cocaine community as well as determining what triggers his use. This type of treatment can take place in a residential center or on an outpatient basis, but the key is for the addict to be stable; unless he has his craving for the drug under control, his behavioral treatment will be ineffective.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Another form of behavioral intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, helps the addict identify situations in which drug use may take place, helping her avoid these moments, while teaching her how to cope with any feelings that may spark a desire to use cocaine again. Psych Central states that cognitive therapy is a short-term approach to assisting cocaine addicts in becoming abstinent from use.
Counseling
Those who choose to participate in residential programs will have access to experienced counselors as part of their program, which generally lasts between 6 and 12 months. The most difficult aspect of recovery for cocaine addicts is the guilt and shame felt due to the lying, excessive spending and stealing that may have been associated with their use. Dealing with these feelings and learning to forgive themselves is an intricate part of the addict's recovery. For those who are undergoing treatment on an outpatient basis, a trusted clergyman is someone who can be turned to for counsel.
12-Step Programs
The three main areas of focus in a 12-step program are self-forgiveness, accepting responsibility for your actions and making amends for your behavior. Psych Central states that those who successfully abstain from cocaine attend numerous meetings, especially within the first 90 days. Two of the most infamous include Cocaine Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. At a Cocaine Anonymous meeting, addict's will not only admit they are powerless over cocaine but will then find the support they need to remain drug-free.
