• Problems
• How We Help
• Treatment
• Fast Help
• Family Intervention
• Secondary Care
• Accommodation
• Rehab Costs

Treatment of Cocaine Addiction

Types of addictive behaviour can depend on the drug used. Some drugs are believed to be addictive psychologically and physically such as alcohol. Whereas marijuana is believed to be based on a psychological addiction where the user tries to maintain a state-of-mind.

Cocaine addiction is thought to manifest from the chemical reactions of the drug. When taking the substance the user will boost their levels of a brain chemical called dopamine. This produces the short-term effects such as pleasurable feelings, increase in heart rate and dilated pupils. These effects can last for up to 30 minutes and following this there is a dip in positive feelings which may lead the individual to take further cocaine.

With persistent use the brain stops making as much dopamine as normal because of the surplus amount produced by cocaine. This can lead the user to feel constantly irritable and they may develop paranoia and hallucinations. At this stage more cocaine is often taken to counteract the negative effects but the body becomes resistant. This leads to a constant cycle of drug taking and addiction.

Users may snort the drug as a powdered form or they may smoke it in its crystal form as ‘crack’. The drug reaches the brain quicker if it is smoked and this is consequently the method used by those who are craving heavily.

The risks of cocaine addiction can fall in all areas of a user’s life. There is the threat of the immediate and long-term physical effects that can lead to seizures, heart attacks and heart disease. A user may lose self-confidence and develop feelings of anxiety as their dependence on the positive feelings cocaine gives them increases. Relationships and work-life may suffer as the individual becomes compulsive towards the drug which becomes the priority in their life. Legal implications are also a threat because cocaine is classified as a type ‘A’ drug which is the most harmful.

Addicts can be treated by withdrawing from the drug and taking medications that ease this process. Counselling and therapy can follow with individuals benefiting from treatment plans tailored to their needs. Treatment is thought to be more effective if is includes appropriate medication, examines all areas of the addict’s life and reaches beyond the immediate withdrawal period and into the future.