Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs, keeping company with other highly addictive substances like heroin, meth, alcohol, and nicotine. Cocaine addiction can devastate lives and families, but there is hope in overcoming this addiction with one of the top cocaine rehab programs at Rockland Recovery.
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What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that comes from the coca plant, native to South America. People use the leaves of this plant to produce the drug, commonly known on the streets as cocaine. It’s also known by various slang terms such as coke, crack, blow, and nose candy. Cocaine is available either as a fine white powder or as small rocks known as crack cocaine.
When used, cocaine creates a rush of euphoria, boosting mood, energy levels, and alertness. However, the high is short-lived and is followed by a significant “crash.” This crash leaves users feeling exhausted, lethargic, irritable, and depressed, which often leads to the desire for more of the drug to alleviate these negative feelings. This cycle can rapidly lead to addiction.
Surprisingly, about one in four adults in the United States has tried cocaine, making it one of the most commonly used recreational drugs today. The hold that cocaine addiction can have on a person highlights the need for effective, evidence-based treatment programs.
At Rockland Recovery, we provide a detailed and focused approach to treating cocaine addiction. We tailor our programs to meet the individual needs of our clients, helping them build a successful foundation for recovery.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine abuse can lead to severe and harmful effects, both immediately and over time. The clear organization of these effects into lists can help in understanding the full impact of cocaine use.
Short-Term Effects
- Increased heart rate, which can lead to cardiac issues
- Elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Dilated pupils, a common physical sign of cocaine use
- Heightened alertness that can result in anxiety and paranoia
- Erratic behavior, including unpredictable and potentially violent actions
- Panic attack and intense anxiety that can feel overwhelming and frightening
Short-Term Effects
- Cardiovascular problems, as chronic use can weaken the heart muscle and disrupt the vascular system
- Respiratory distress, including difficulty breathing and lung damage from smoking cocaine
- Neurological issues, increasing the risk of strokes, seizures, and persistent headaches
- Mood disturbances, including long-term emotional changes such as depression and irritability
- Paranoia and hallucinations, severe mental health issues that can develop from extended use
- Social and economic decline, with strained relationships, job loss, and financial difficulties common
Signs You Need Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction is a medical condition that should be approached without judgment. At Rockland Recovery, we treat each individual with the utmost respect and dignity as they undergo rehabilitation for cocaine addiction.
Identifying the signs of cocaine addiction can be challenging, especially in the early stages. For instance, someone who has used cocaine recreationally might begin to crave it, seeking it out more frequently, perhaps during weekends. They may also start to associate more with other cocaine users.
The drug’s ability to release feel-good chemicals creates a euphoric feeling, which can quickly lead to dependency. As tolerance to cocaine increases, higher doses and more frequent use are necessary to achieve the same euphoric effect.
The symptoms of cocaine addiction are not just physical; many are psychological or emotional. Here are several key signs to watch for:
- Increasing cravings and a frequent desire to use cocaine
- Severe mood swings, particularly during the comedown after using the drug
- Deceptive behavior concerning the extent of cocaine use
- A shift in social patterns, such as spending less time with friends who do not use cocaine
- Strain on family and personal relationships due to drug use
- Emerging financial problems related to purchasing cocaine
- Uncharacteristic aggressive or violent behavior
- More visible physical symptoms like a runny nose, nasal damage, high blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat
Seek Help for Cocaine Addiction Today
If you or someone you care about is dealing with cocaine addiction, we urge you to reach out for the help you deserve. At Rockland Recovery, our compassionate care coordinators are available around the clock to answer your questions and guide you through the process. You can contact us anytime at 888-299-4833.
You can also reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). They offer a 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). There’s also an online provider directory to help you find a cocaine addiction treatment center in your area.
Get The Help You Need
If you’re looking for information on addiction treatment or mental health care, our team can help. Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7.
Cocaine Addiction Rehab Options at Rockland Recovery
Cocaine addiction is a complex disease influenced by numerous underlying factors. At Rockland Recovery, we adopt a holistic approach to treatment aimed at identifying and addressing the various contributors to cocaine use and addiction to cocaine.
The journey often begins with a medically supervised detox. Detoxification from cocaine can lead to symptoms that require professional management by both physical and mental health experts. For your safety, we strongly advise against attempting detox on your own.
After detox, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges associated with recovering from cocaine addiction. Our program supports the whole person, not just their addiction. We offer a variety of treatment options, including individual therapy, group therapy, mental health counseling, family counseling, and dual diagnosis treatment. Our commitment is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that supports each individual throughout their recovery journey.
Finding Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
When you’re ready to take the first step to addiction recovery, Rockland Recovery is here to help. We offer a specialized approach to treatment for cocaine addiction, and our clinical team brings the highest level of expertise to every area of treatment. Contact Rockland Recovery today at 888-299-4833.
