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Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that directly affects the nervous system. Its effects appear almost immediately after use and even a single episode of use can lead to addiction. The drug’s euphoric effects are extremely short-lived, but other natural rewards can trigger craving long after withdrawal symptoms subside. This is part of the reason why cocaine addiction is one of the most difficult drug addictions to beat.

If you or someone close to you is abusing cocaine, it is important that you get professional help. Reach out to Ashwood Recovery near Boise at 888.341.3607 today to learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment programs.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that comes from the leaves of the coca plant. It gets processed into powder, which can be snorted, smoked in a pipe, or dissolved in water and injected. You can also rub it into your gums for a prolonged effect.

Cocaine is incredibly addictive because the drug alters the way neurons communicate inside the brain’s reward center. When you use cocaine, dopamine (the neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of pleasure) floods your brain, which makes you feel amazing. The intense rush from using cocaine is why so many people become addicted to the drug.

The Effects of Cocaine Use: How Does It Work?

The short-term effects of cocaine use include:

  • Increased energy and alertness
  • Decreased need for food and sleep
  • Hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch
  • Feeling of euphoria

These effects generally last anywhere from a few minutes to around an hour.

Cocaine works by causing a buildup of dopamine in your brain, which leads to stronger feelings of pleasure when something good happens. Unfortunately, cocaine also interferes with the way your brain processes dopamine later on. This means you need more and more of the drug to feel this intense rush of pleasure long-term.

Cocaine addiction has many side effects that make it one of the most dangerous addictions out there. Cocaine abuse can affect your relationships, finances, and work. It may also lead to cardiovascular effects like heart attacks or strokes due to constricted blood vessels, increased body temperature (leading to organ failure), and irregular heartbeats.

What Are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

Cocaine addiction frequently appears when an individual starts behaving in ways that are uncharacteristic of their usual self. They may also experience a dramatic change in their physical appearance and performance at work or school.

If you notice the following signs of cocaine abuse in someone, that person may be addicted:

  • Weight loss or gain
  • Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
  • Erratic and extreme mood swings
  • Constant sniffles due to runny nose
  • Snorting and/or hoarseness
  • Burn marks on hands or lips
  • Appearance of dilated (wide open) pupils
  • Changes in energy levels
  • Unexplained absences from work or school
  • Changes in performance at work or school (e.g. declining grades, sudden lack of motivation)
  • Unexpected financial problems (e.g. large amounts of money going towards drug purchases)
  • Secretive behavior (e.g. isolating themselves from friends and family, secret phone calls or texts)

The Importance of Outpatient Addiction Treatment for Cocaine Use

Outpatient addiction treatment for cocaine is often the best treatment option for those who are unable to leave their daily lives and responsibilities. This outpatient addiction treatment can be provided at a hospital or outpatient rehab center, and generally takes place during the day while patients return home at night – although some outpatient centers provide living accommodations. Outpatient drug rehab programs offer a number of addiction treatment therapies, which provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to recovery.

At outpatient rehab centers, patients have the freedom to continue with their normal routines while receiving outpatient drug treatment assistance from highly trained professionals in addiction medicine. Outpatient programs have far fewer hours of required therapy than residential programs do, although outpatient cocaine use treatment can still offer patients the appropriate level of care for their specific needs.

To learn more about the outpatient program at Ashwood Recovery, reach out to our team at 888.341.3607 today.

Learn More About Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Ashwood Recovery

When you suffer from an addiction to a drug like cocaine, it’s normal to feel as though you’re going to be suffering from it forever. You may have heard that cocaine is a really difficult addiction to overcome, or perhaps you’ve tried to stop using it on your own, but you weren’t able to be successful. So many others have had the same experience. However, there are also those who have been able to stop using cocaine very successfully with the right kind of support.

“Once an addict, always an addict” is a myth. And with the proper type of treatment, you too can kick your cocaine addiction for good.

At Ashwood Recovery in Idaho, we’ve had the privilege to help a countless number of people overcome their cocaine addictions. We understand how difficult it can be, but we have the tools you need to be victorious over this addiction. If you would like to learn more about how we can assist you, reach out to us at 888.341.3607 right away.