According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1.3 million Americans ages 12 and older begin or continue a cocaine addiction each year. At Malibu Detox, we offer treatment for cocaine addiction and other substance use disorders.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a recreational drug that affects the body’s central nervous system, increasing energy and causing euphoria. It comes from the South American coca plant and was first introduced into the U.S. as a local anesthetic and then as a treatment for depression.
Cocaine is a recreational drug that affects the body’s central nervous system, increasing energy and causing euphoria. It comes from the South American coca plant and was first introduced into the U.S. as a local anesthetic and then as a treatment for depression.Â
There are three kinds of cocaine: cocaine hydrochloride, which is a white powder with additives; freebase, which is a pure version of the drug; and crack cocaine, which is a white or pink crystal extracted from the drug.
Most commonly, people snort powdered cocaine. However, freebasing (smoking it) and injecting the drug are also common.
Crack cocaine is usually cheaper than the powdered version, and it is the most potent version of the drug. The effects of crack cocaine can be fatal.
Cocaine has many street names, including:
- “C”
- Coke
- Blow
- Snow
- Flake
- Powder
- White dust
- Nose candy
Cocaine is a Schedule II drug because of how addictive it is and the many detrimental health effects it has on people who use it.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is an illicit, or illegal, drug. Using it at all is considered abusing it.
Cocaine affects the nervous system by stimulating high levels of dopamine, which is a chemical associated with the brain’s reward system. As such, cocaine is highly addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some of the most common physical signs of cocaine addiction include:
- Fever
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Bloated face
- Restlessness
- Dilated pupils
- Needle marks
- Fast breathing
- Shaking hands
- Bloodshot eyes
- Frequent sniffling
- Sores in the nose
- Decreased appetite
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Frequent sore throats
There are also behavioral signs of cocaine addiction, including:
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Delusions
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Overconfidence
- Increased libido
- Violent behavior
- Excessive talking
- Excessive fidgeting
Cocaine abuse can lead to severe long-term health issues. In particular, it puts a strain on the heart. The most common cause of death for people with a cocaine addiction is a heart attack or stroke.
Overdosing is a common consequence for people with a cocaine addiction, especially for those who engage in chronic cocaine abuse and those who inject or smoke the drug. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that some common signs of cocaine overdose are:
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Delirium
- Tremors
- Paranoia
- Pain in the chest
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased body temperature
Because cocaine is one of the most serious stimulants around, recognizing the signs of an overdose can be crucial.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
When you stop using cocaine, withdrawal symptoms can set in. Your body has learned to function with the drug and does not know how to do so when you stop using. Because the effects of cocaine fade quickly, withdrawal symptoms can set it rapidly.
Some withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Restless behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Slowing of activity
- Increased appetite
- Sleeping problem
The severity of the withdrawal symptoms during cocaine detox can vary greatly depending on how long you have had a drug addiction, what your normal dosage is, and other factors.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Getting help for a cocaine addiction requires that you turn to a cocaine addiction treatment program. At Malibu Detox, we offer the addiction treatment options you need to overcome cocaine addiction.
Medical Detox
It is never a good idea to try to go through the cocaine detox process on your own. Removing the drug from your body is essential, but the withdrawal symptoms and cravings can be so severe that there’s a high risk of a relapse.
We offer medical detox services to treat cocaine addiction and make withdrawal more comfortable. The medications we have available help you avoid the worst withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings so that you can begin focusing on recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment of Cocaine
At Malibu Detox, we offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for cocaine addiction. By providing medications that can curb cravings along with behavioral therapy, we help you focus on overcoming cocaine addiction and not on cravings.
When you start MAT, we perform a full physical and mental health assessment to ensure that we can offer the safe recovery that you need.
MAT helps lower the chances of a relapse.
Residential Treatment for Cocaine
For people with a cocaine use disorder who need 24/7 supervision, our cocaine addiction rehab center offers a residential treatment program. Cocaine addiction treatment is complex, and people with severe addictions require medical supervision as well as therapy to help them overcome the addiction.
The structure and support that a residential program offers are important for helping you build confidence in your own recovery process. You can design and follow a routine that does not focus on your need to use cocaine.
Our team of experts includes physicians, nurses, licensed therapists, psychiatrists, addiction counselors, nutritionists, and more.
Our residential treatment program employs the latest behavioral therapy techniques, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Art therapy
Intensive drug abuse treatment programs like ours also offer dual diagnosis assistance to help you manage mental health concerns that may affect your recovery process.
We can give you the tools you need to find and maintain your sobriety.
Aftercare Programs
After an intensive cocaine addiction treatment, you will need to continue your recovery process in a more relaxed environment. To help you do this safely and with fewer risks of a relapse, we offer aftercare programs.
At Malibu Detox, we provide group therapy, support groups, medication management, introduction to 12-step programs, and much more for those who are farther down the path to recovery.
Start Treatment Today
If you or a loved one has an addiction to cocaine, turn to the team at Malibu Detox for cocaine addiction rehab. We offer the medication-assisted treatment, medical detox, and inpatient services you need.
Don’t let addiction rule your life. Contact us right now to get help.
