Cocaine addiction is a medical disease that causes people to fall into damaging cycles of substance abuse. Early interventions and professional recovery services provide people with the support and tools they need to break the cycle and heal from substance use disorder (SUD). Many individuals and families struggling with cocaine addiction do not know how to get help. Rehabilitation programs provide education, guidance, and a continuum of care, eliminating the guesswork associated with recovery. New Found Life prioritizes helping clients build hope for a happy, sober future. The clinical team teaches clients how to effectively manage cocaine withdrawal. It is a beautiful thing to regain control after living in the shadow of substance abuse.
Understanding Cocaine and Its Effects
Addiction profoundly affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. Understanding the causes, effects, and treatment of addiction can reduce stress and anxiety during detoxification and ongoing recovery. Treatment programs educate clients on the impact of cocaine on the mind and body.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug. People use the drug in multiple forms, including powder and crystallized crack cocaine. Chronic use of cocaine affects the brain and body, especially dopamine pathways in the brain. According to Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, “Cocaine produces its psychoactive and addictive effects primarily by acting on the brain’s limbic system, a set of interconnected regions that regulate pleasure and motivation.” Treatment for stimulant use disorder addresses the side effects of cocaine addiction using evidence-based therapies.
The Impact of Cocaine Use on Mental and Physical Health
Substance use disorders can impact mental and physical health, reducing quality of life. Everyone has different emotional and physical reactions to chronic substance abuse.
Short-term and long-term effects of cocaine use include:
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease or heart attack
- Sleep disturbances,
- Changes in appetite and unintended weight loss
- Muscle aches and pain
Mental health conditions linked to cocaine addiction also affect a person’s health and recovery. Some common mental health issues people with SUD experience include:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Self-harming or risk-taking behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
Treating co-occurring mental health disorders generally involves a combination of therapy, peer support, family therapy, and prescription medications.
What Is Cocaine Withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depressed mood
- Dysphoria
- Suicidal ideation
New Found Life treats symptoms of cocaine withdrawal using therapy and medical support. Cocaine detox programs ensure clients safely transition off cocaine while preparing them for the next stage of the treatment process. Prescribed medications may be necessary to manage severe withdrawal symptoms. The amount of cocaine a person uses and how long they have abused the substance will impact the type and severity of symptoms they experience.
Why Withdrawal Is Challenging
Psychological symptoms, including depressive episodes and heightened anxiety, can cause cravings and intrusive thoughts to worsen. Treatment centers use therapy and other services to address behavioral health issues and emotional distress caused by SUD symptoms. Addressing shame, fear, loneliness, despair, and other feelings experienced during withdrawal assists in recovery by helping people achieve emotional stability.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine?
Withdrawal symptoms can impact both physical and psychological health. Early interventions and professional addiction treatment programs reduce the risk of relapse during withdrawal from cocaine. Below are some common symptoms people experience during the detox process.
Psychological Symptoms
Some of the mental health symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:
- Intense cravings for cocaine
- Depressive episodes or significant worsening of symptoms for co-occurring depressive disorders
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Dysphoria and unusual irritability
- Extreme mood swings
- Sleep disturbances, including hypersomnia and insomnia
- Paranoia
Individuals with dual diagnosis may experience additional emotional instability or increased symptoms related to a co-occurring mental health disorder.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms vary depending on many factors and may include:
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Muscle aches and general physical discomfort
- Other acute withdrawal symptoms
A medical professional supervises detox treatment to ensure clients receive therapy, medications, and other treatments to reduce the severity of physical withdrawal symptoms.
Duration and Severity
Clinicians educate clients and their loved ones about the individual variability in symptom severity and timeline, ensuring they have realistic expectations. Most people experience acute withdrawal that causes intense physical and psychological symptoms for a short period of time, usually a few days to a week. However, some individuals may have protracted withdrawal syndrome (PWS), a condition that causes withdrawal symptoms to linger and fluctuate for a long period of time.
Studies have shown that “stimulants like cocaine and amphetamine do not produce withdrawal symptoms by definition but can manifest with post-use toxicity,” and “the individual will develop marked depression, excessive sleep, hunger, dysphoria, and severe psychomotor retardation, but all vital functions are well preserved.” Depression caused by cocaine withdrawal generally lasts several weeks. Mental health services administration effectively manages these symptoms through therapy and medication.
The Risks and Dangers of Untreated Withdrawal
Chronic drug use and a history of relapse increase the risk of complications during withdrawal. Strong cravings and other severe symptoms may result if people abuse a large dose of cocaine during their last use. Drug addiction treatment at New Found Life uses a whole-person approach to care that considers all factors affecting a client’s well-being during treatment planning.
Individuals with multiple co-occurring substance use disorders can experience severe and even life-threatening complications if they attempt detox without the supervision of medical professionals. For example, individuals who abuse both cocaine and opioids may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage symptoms.
Cocaine dependence and addiction can cause the following dangerous complications during untreated withdrawal:
- Relapse due to overwhelming cravings and other symptoms
- Overdose
- Injury or illness
Professional medical detox and withdrawal management address these concerns and reduce the risk of mental health deterioration during withdrawal.
New Found Life’s Approach to Cocaine Addiction Treatment
New Found Life treats every client with respect, dignity, and compassion. We believe that individuals with SUD deserve access to high-quality treatment tailored to their specific needs and personal circumstances. Our programs reflect this by offering personalized support for withdrawals.
Safe Harbor: Helping You Through Withdrawal
New Found Life offers inpatient and outpatient treatment. The care team offers clinical excellence combined with 12-Step immersion and evidence-based therapies. Medical professionals provide withdrawal management without on-site detox to help clients safely transition off cocaine and other substances. We provide a space where clients can safely recover from withdrawal.
Hope: Life Transformation Beyond Withdrawal
We empower clients by teaching coping skill development using a variety of transformative therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational enhancement therapy. New Found Life offers gender-specific programs and family involvement to support individuals on their recovery journey. Our programs help clients rebuild their self-esteem, strengthen their relationships, and achieve personal or career goals. Individuals recovering from cocaine addiction can successfully transform their lives and regain control of their future.
Happiness: Long-Term Recovery and Wellness
Our programs focus on long-term sobriety using the 12-Step program and peer support groups. Our services promote community integration, alumni involvement, and volunteer opportunities for individuals recovering from cocaine withdrawal. Clinicians also use holistic wellness activities like yoga, meditation, low-stress fitness exercises, and spiritual reflection to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. Our whole-person approach to care supports long-term recovery and overall wellness.
Addressing Health Concerns Holistically
New Found Life addresses mental and physical health conditions alongside addiction treatment. Clinicians coordinate with outside detox centers and healthcare providers to ensure clients receive comprehensive detox and withdrawal treatment. Programs also offer ongoing support for co-occurring mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and trauma. Individuals participating in detox or lower levels of care benefit from simultaneous treatment for dual diagnosis.
Practical Considerations for Treatment at New Found Life
We educate clients and their families to ensure they make educated decisions about their care. Some of the practical choices clients must consider include the type of program they participate in and the degree of family involvement in the treatment process.
Treatment Program Structure
The levels of care we offer include:
- Residential treatment
- Extended care
- Intensive outpatient (IOP) care
- Transitional sober living program
The average length of stay is two months. However, we do offer extended stay options of 12 weeks for individuals who may benefit from additional time in a structured care setting. Clients have a daily routine that includes community responsibilities and life skills training in addition to therapy sessions and 12-Step meetings.
We utilize the 12-Step process to establish goals for treatment, monitoring progress based on the individual’s readiness to take each step. For example, clients must achieve Step 10 readiness to transition into IOP.
Family Involvement and Support
We incorporate families into the treatment process and offer them support through the following:
- Intensive family program
- Weekly family groups
- Zoom family support
- Family therapy
Family often plays a vital role in emotional healing and relapse prevention.
How to Support a Loved One Struggling With Cocaine Addiction
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of potential cocaine addiction can alert family members to the need for professional intervention. Family members concerned about the health of a loved one can educate themselves on the physical, psychological, and behavioral signs of cocaine use or withdrawal. New Found Life provides information, resources, and support to families struggling with cocaine addiction. After seeing a loved one into treatment, family members can continue to show their support and love by providing emotional or practical support. New Found Life offers family therapy and other support services to help families heal and grow together.
Offering Help Without Judgment
How family members and friends talk about addiction and treatment will impact their loved one’s recovery. Using compassionate language and avoiding stigma strengthens relationships. The experts at New Found Life encourage families to openly communicate their love and support to loved ones in treatment.
Navigating Intervention and Treatment Options
Families with loved ones struggling to overcome substance abuse may not know when to seek professional help. The experts at New Found Life provide information and intervention support, ensuring people get the help they need to successfully recover from SUD. Clinicians offer a caring, family-oriented approach in guiding loved ones through the treatment process.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can cause medical complications or other health issues if a person attempts to go “cold turkey” or quit without the support of trained professionals. Detoxification programs offer clients a safe space where they can go through withdrawal under the guidance of experts in mental health and addiction recovery. Medication-assisted treatment and other support services reduce the risk of relapse and help people successfully recover from cocaine abuse. New Found Life uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to treat substance use and mental health conditions. The dedicated care team teaches clients how to develop practical coping strategies for managing symptoms of cocaine withdrawal and SUD. To learn more about how we can help you heal, call (562) 434-4060.