Cocaine is a powerful drug that stimulates the central nervous system. Those who use cocaine are at high risk of developing a cocaine addiction. Because the rock is so powerful, the risks of recreational use developing into a life-threatening addiction or high. However, those who are addicted already have ample options and opportunity to get treatment, medical and therapeutic help.
Cocaine’s Impact on the Body and the Mind
Cocaine, or coke, is a drug that shows up in many forms. The stroke can’t be smoked, sniff, or swallowed. The moment cocaine enters the human body, this stimulates hits the bloodstream then rushes to brain tissue, changing the chemical make up of the brain.
The cells in our brains release dopamine as a response to experiencing any form of pleasure. Generally, our brains release dopamine in a small burst. This allows our brain cells to collect as much as they can in a few seconds afterward. Whatever isn’t collected is then reused by other brain tissue.
Cocaine interrupts this cycle in two different ways. First off, cocaine inflates the level of dopamine the brain releases. This translates into people experiencing a substantially larger boost of euphoria when they use cocaine. Secondly, cocaine prevents leftover dopamine from getting reused, resulting in prolonged euphoria.
Unfortunately, coke augments the brain’s chemistry in a way that isn’t natural. Yet, the brain can make adjustments to accommodate these changes. As a result, individuals who consistently use cocaine will eventually develop an immunity to its effects. They may eventually become numb to the pleasures of the real world.
Together with the damaging the brain, cocaine will even disrupt all the body tissues it comes into contact with. Cocaine will shrink and constrict blood vessels. Over time, the tissue that needs the blood that these blood vessels bring will starve and die.
The research found in a British Dental Journal implies that the snorting of cocaine causes various issues. These include lesions, tumors, and other harm to the nose, mouth, and palette. This kind of damage requires surgical repair. Swallowing cocaine could damage the intestinal tract, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. Intestines that are starved of blood may become bunched, leading to blocked blood flow. They could also become weak and thin, making it easy for them to burst.
Signs of Cocaine Use
With the understanding that cocaine is a stimulant, those who abuse cocaine generally behave energetically and “revved up”.
They seem to have boundless energy. This can sometimes be confused for a person being naturally energetic. But there’s an underlying element to the energy that will come off a little weird. Also, the individual may appear to be frantic. He or she may express strange thoughts and exhibiting a low level of impulse control.
Withdrawal
A person who is in withdrawal from cocaine will exhibit signs such as:
- Disturbed sleep
- Increased appetite
- Sedation
- Agitation
- Depression
- Fatigue
You can tell if a person relapses when these signs appear and are then replaced by unexplained energy or euphoria.
Choosing a Drug Rehab Facility or Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program
There are various different types of programs available for cocaine addiction treatment. Most addiction treatment programs offer inpatient care. In these settings, the individual seeking treatment lives at the treatment center or facility. This allows individual around-the-clock care and supervision.
Another option is a program that provides outpatient care. It gives the individual the flexibility to work on fighting their addiction while living in their home.
There are quite a few different elements to think about when searching for the best addiction rehab facility. Some may realize they have a high risk for relapse making staying at home impossible. There may be friends or close relatives that may use cocaine. So, the individual seeking help may find it difficult to steer clear of drugs or dealers. And then, there are the cravings to contend with when they see certain people or places.
The inpatient option works well for folks that are like this. Those who are recovering from cocaine abuse might need 24/7 access to support and encouragement. These facilities teach techniques and skills that allow individuals to resist relapse.
Other times friends and family members can provide understanding and support. Those in recovery need motivation from this community in order to remain faithful in treatment and on the path of recovery. These types of individuals who lean hard on the community for the recovery may find the inpatient option too difficult. This may be a situation where choosing an outpatient treatment center would be in their best interest.
However, some people may have tried to recover from cocaine use via outpatient programs but relapsed afterward. In these cases, it may be best to try again in some sort of inpatient program instead. Either way, there are no exact rules on which setting one should have. It simply depends on the individual’s needs.
Working to Prevent Relapse
The risk of relapse is often very high when cocaine use is involved. This is the case even for those who have been sober for years. It means that individuals in recovery must stay connected to resources that help them stay sober. This can include support groups, mental health team, and recovery tools learned while in rehab.
Whichever drug rehab facility a person chooses, it should be in a good enough distance to provide care or have the resources to arrange care in the community to help with recovery after treatment is done.
Living in Recovery
Temptation always present, and the craving to relapse can linger longer than you expect. But that doesn’t mean cocaine addiction is permanent. People can certainly recover from cocaine addiction. That means you can do it, too! If you can put the work in and remain consistent with the routine, you can experience change. Use your community and resources in order to ensure that recovery will be a process that you can conquer.
It all begins with taking the first step toward recovery. It may be challenging, but all you need to do is reach out for help. Contact us here today or call (928) 756-0694 to speak with someone from our facility today! We are ready to help you find your way to a life that is free from cocaine addiction.
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