Cocaine misuse causes significant and sometimes permanent changes to the brain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “With repeated exposure to cocaine, the brain adapts so that the reward pathway becomes less sensitive to natural reinforcers. At the same time, circuits involved in stress become increasingly sensitive, leading to increased displeasure and negative moods when not taking the drug.” Professional addiction treatment can help individuals and families recover from substance use disorder (SUD) and other co-occurring conditions. Laguna Shores Recovery Center offers comprehensive rehabilitation programs and extended support services.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a drug that alters a person’s mental and emotional state. Some medical professionals use it as local anesthesia. However, most people who experience cocaine addiction use the illicit, street versions of the drug, which are often combined with other substances, including:
- Talcum powder
- Corn starch
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Amphetamine
One of the dangers of misusing cocaine is not knowing what may have been added to it. In addition, some people choose to mix cocaine with other substances like heroin. The combination can cause severe illness, injury, or death. People who misuse substances often have co-occurring disorders and underlying issues that require simultaneous care.
Treatment is only effective when all aspects of a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health are addressed. People can protect themselves from severe adverse reactions by getting help when they notice a problem. In some cases, they are unaware that their behaviors indicate an addiction. An outside perspective can often help them gain self-awareness and ensure they get the help they need. Family members and friends should learn to recognize the signs of cocaine misuse if they have reason to worry their loved one may develop an addiction.
How Can Cocaine Misuse Affect Your Health?
Misusing any substance can harm a person’s overall health. However, some substances are more harmful than others, and cocaine is one of the most dangerous addictive substances. The side effects can cause social conflict and relationship issues. In addition, it can increase the risk of self-harming behaviors. Prolonged cocaine misuse also has an adverse effect on heart health, cognition, and mood.
Clients recovering from cocaine addiction benefit from integrative care and comprehensive support services. In most cases, individuals with SUD related to cocaine have co-occurring mental health issues or additional SUD that must be treated simultaneously. Laguna Shores Recovery Center, one of the best treatment centers, offers a continuum of care to ensure every client receives the level of support they need to recover from substance misuse. The clinical team collaborates with each client and their family to determine the best treatment and continuing care approach.
Warning Signs of Cocaine Misuse
According to NIDA, “Large amounts of cocaine may intensify the user’s high but can also lead to bizarre, erratic, and violent behavior.” Some people report the following:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Anxiety or panic
- Paranoia
- Muscle tremors or twitches
- Vertigo
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Sweating or slight temperature
- Increased sexual activity
- Decreased appetite
- Feeling energized
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting or nausea
Friends and family may notice their loved one acting unusual when under the influence of cocaine. The warning signs of cocaine addiction include:
- Flushed skin
- Unusually enlarged pupils
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Reacting inappropriately to situations
- Disordered thoughts or behaviors
- Increased or inappropriate sexual activity
- Unusual bursts of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic sleep disturbances
A professional medical assessment can provide an accurate diagnosis if you believe you or a loved one may have developed a substance use disorder related to cocaine or other substances. Laguna Shores uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to diagnose clients and create personalized treatment plans to help them recover from SUD.
Treatment Options and Services at Laguna Shores
Many people in treatment programs struggle with cocaine addiction and co-occurring disorders. Treatment varies considerably from person to person depending on the following factors:
- Severity of symptoms
- Personal history of treatment
- Family engagement in recovery
- Type of symptoms
No two people have the same experience. Personalized treatment programs allow the care team and clients to collaborate and find an ideal treatment plan that meets each individual’s unique needs and requirements. The care team uses various assessments to determine the best treatments each client would respond to.
Long-Term Recovery and Continuing Care
Cocaine is highly addictive, and relapse is not uncommon. To help clients avoid relapse, the care team at Laguna Shores offers continuing care plans that meet each client’s specific needs as they transition out of treatment and back home.
Continuing care can do the following:
- Ensure clients remain on track with their recovery
- Provide additional resources for clients with weak support systems
- Motivate clients to continue making positive changes
- Hold clients accountable for their choices
Laguna Shores give clients the resources and knowledge they need to heal from cocaine addiction and build a healthier future for themselves and their families.
Cocaine is one of the most commonly misused drugs and is responsible for many deaths each year. Individuals experiencing cocaine addiction may require a full continuum of care to ensure they recover successfully. Treatment programs allow clients slowly regain independence at a rate that reduces stress and ensures they feel confident in their ability to avoid relapse and maintain positive lifestyle changes. Laguna Shores Recovery Center, a top addiction treatment facility, uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to decrease stress, anxiety, and other symptoms related to cocaine misuse. Clients collaborate with the care team and peers to create a supportive recovery community. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (866) 774-1532.
