How is a cocaine addiction treated?
At New Leaf, we understand how a cocaine addiction can take over your life and due to this, offer help and support for those struggling with cocaine addiction at our rehab centre based in Birmingham.
We tailor our innovative treatment programme to address our client's needs— body, mind, and spirit. Your individualised drug rehab program might include detox (if combined with other dependency class substances), individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and a wide array of other treatment services designed to ensure you receive the highest standard of addiction treatment and achieve a sustained recovery.
What is cocaine addiction?
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. With cocaine, the user experiences a euphoric high that heightens the senses, increases energy and mental alertness, and boosts confidence, making them feel more “alive.” This is because cocaine stimulates the brain’s pleasure receptors— dopamine and serotonin.
The effects of the drug can begin to dissipate within an hour, which triggers the desire to use again. This repeated activation of the brain’s pleasure receptors alters the brain’s chemistry so that it “remembers” that feeling of euphoria and associates the drug with that feeling. As a result, the user believes the only way to achieve that sense of well-being again is to use more cocaine. Different forms of cocaine—such as crack—can be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. However, faster absorption also results in a shorter high.
Once the effects of the drug have worn off, the user experiences a “crash” which can lead to severe fatigue and depression, prompting the desire to use again as a way of treating the depression. However, with repeated use the body develops a tolerance to the drug, so more cocaine is required to achieve the same high. Additionally, since cocaine is a stimulant, users will often resort to alcohol or other drugs to “come down” or induce sleep when needed.
Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction often goes unnoticed, but there are common key signs to watch for that can help you recognise cocaine addiction in yourself or a loved one:
Physical & psychological effects of cocaine
The physical effects of cocaine can begin to manifest even after the first use. Initially, the user may experience:
- Dilated pupils
- A manic “rush” of energy
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Fever
Behavioural Signs
- Obsessive Thoughts: Constant fixation on obtaining cocaine.
- Denial: Persistent denial of addiction.
- Loss of Control: Inability to quit without help.
- Isolation: Withdrawing from loved ones.
Physical Signs
- Weight Loss: Significant weight loss due to appetite suppression.
- Dilated Pupils: Often seen during use.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping.
- Restlessness: Inability to find calm.
- Increased Energy: Heightened enthusiasm and rapid speech.
Keep in mind that each person's experience with addiction is unique, but these signs are commonly associated with cocaine addiction. Early recognition is crucial for seeking help.
Risks of Cocaine Addiction
The effects of prolonged cocaine use include:
- Tremors
- Severe weight loss as a result of a decrease in appetite
- Constriction of blood vessels which could eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke
- Sexual dysfunction
- Respiratory problems
- Itching or a sensation of skin “crawling”
Snorting cocaine can damage the sinuses and mucous membranes, causing nosebleeds and eventually a deviated septum. Repeated use also severely impairs the central nervous system, the brain, and cognitive function.
Psychologically, repeated cocaine use can cause panic attacks, severe mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, and erratic behaviour.
Habitual users may even begin to demonstrate personality changes such as schizophrenia.
Cocaine addiction help and treatment
If after reading the above, you think you or someone you know is suffering from a cocaine addiction, contact us at New Leaf Recovery today. We are a rehabilitation centre based in Birmingham offering support, detoxification and other residential rehab services to all substance and behavioural addictions.
Our cocaine addiction treatment is tailored to your individual needs and addiction requirements. Together we will help you turn over a new leaf! Call us today on 0300 999 0330 to start your journey.
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New Leaf offers a complete journey of treatment - from initial detoxification and rehabilitation to ongoing support, including aftercare, family support, and beyond into long-term recovery.
Getting the right accommodation enables us to provide the right backdrop for our recovery methods. Any form of rehabilitation needs to happen in a safe, comfortable, secure and friendly environment.
Why Choose New Leaf
- Medical Detox Unit
- 24 Hour Support
- Accredited Counsellors Included
- Professional, Empathetic staff
- First-hand experience of addiction
- Holistic Alternative Therapies
- Peer Mentor Support
- Resettlement Support
- Reintegration Support
- Aftercare Package Options
- Family Support & Mediation
- Small, Homely Intimate Environment
- Everything included - No hidden costs