Originally used in South America, cocaine comes from the coca plant. In the United States and worldwide, cocaine is an increasingly popular illicit drug. Popular in the party culture, cocaine is also used at raves, festivals, and clubs. Because cocaine provides a rush of focus and hyperactivity, it is also a popular performance-enhancing drug. Unfortunately, cocaine is highly addictive and can lead to the use of crack cocaine and other drugs. Cocaine addiction treatment is a safe and effective way to overcome cocaine addiction.
The cocaine addiction treatment program at Atlanta Detox Center provides the perfect environment for people to begin their recovery journey. If you or a loved one is stuck in the endless cycle of cocaine addiction, our team can help. Reach out to Atlanta Detox Center today by calling 470.450.2355 or filling out our online form to find out more about our help for cocaine addiction.
How Drugs Affect the Body and Brain
Like all addictive substances, cocaine alters a person’s brain chemistry. The stimulant speeds up messages from the brain to the body. This hyper-alert state often drives people to use cocaine at parties or stay awake while working. Some people may use cocaine infrequently, but its highly addictive nature can lead many users to get hooked after a few uses.
Signs cocaine use has turned into addiction include:
- Constant craving for cocaine
- Depression and anxiety
- Paranoia
- Suicidal ideations without cocaine
- Isolation
- Flu-like symptoms
When the body becomes dependent on cocaine, they undergo withdrawal when the drug leaves their system. Cocaine enters the bloodstream quickly. This means the euphoric over-stimulation that makes cocaine popular happens almost immediately. The high, however, does not last long. For most people, whether they are smoking, snorting, or injecting cocaine, the effects last twenty minutes or fewer. When cocaine leaves the body, the messages from the brain slow. This can cause slow physical and mental responses. Also, this can lead to mental and emotional crashes and erratic behavior. During withdrawal, users may be a danger to themselves or others.
Over time, cocaine changes brain chemistry and leads to other drug cravings. Snorting cocaine often leads to crack cocaine use. While both take a toll on the brain, they can also damage the body by destroying nasal, gum, and lung tissue. For those injecting cocaine, they may suffer from collapsed veins and an increased risk of diseases from needle sharing. Injecting is the most dangerous method of cocaine use, often leading to an overdose.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine use can start as an occasional social fix and quickly become a habit. A cocaine habit can sometimes be overcome with willpower. Cocaine addiction cannot. However, all forms of cocaine and crack cocaine use should be treated in addiction treatment programs. These programs provide medically assisted detox to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. They monitor a client’s health during detox. Doctors and nurses help clients improve hydration and nutrition for optimal recovery. Simultaneously, psychiatrists meet with clients in individual, group, and family therapy sessions to address the root causes of drug use. Together, these teams of professions can help clients prepare for long-term sobriety.
Begin Recovery in Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Atlanta Detox Center
Cocaine use can be detrimental to the brain and body. Quitting cold turkey at home can lead to relapse, overdose, and even death. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine or crack cocaine addiction, Atlanta Detox Center can help. Our compassionate staff treats dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction. We believe daily stress and past trauma affect addiction. That’s why the Atlanta Detox Center staff helps clients develop stress management tools throughout treatment. Learn more from our team today by completing our online form or calling 470.450.2355.
