What Is Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine is an illicit stimulant sold in powder form, but it is also found as a less expensive but highly toxic subtype, commonly known as crack cocaine. While powder cocaine is typically snorted through the nose or injected with a syringe when dissolved in water, crack cocaine is generally smoked.
Smoking or injecting cocaine enhances its effect, making it more addictive and dangerous.
Smoking crack cocaine is sometimes known as “freebasing.” However, cocaine in freebase form is insoluble and pure, whereas crack cocaine contains additives like baking soda and other potentially illicit compounds.
Because both forms of cocaine are smoked, their effects are experienced immediately.
The severity of cocaine addiction depends upon numerous variables, including a person’s:
- Physiology
- Natural inclination toward addiction behaviors
- The delivery method (whether the drug is smoked, snorted, or injected)
In general, smoking or injecting cocaine delivers an almost instantaneous and intense feeling of euphoria. The effects of snorting tend to be less potent (slightly reducing the likelihood of addiction after initial use).
However, cocaine consumption—regardless of the medium by which it is taken—can lead to severe health consequences even if addiction doesn’t occur. Using any illegal drug can expose you to extremely hazardous additives that might result in overdose, hospitalization, or death.
Anyone with an underlying or undiagnosed heart condition could be especially vulnerable to life-threatening medical complications after initial cocaine use.
If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of cocaine addiction, Beach House offers safe, effective, and medically monitored detox.
What Are Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?
While there are numerous signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction, it can be challenging to recognize the disorder in its early stages.
Unfortunately, the signs can become difficult to ignore if the disorder has progressed for months or years.
The repeated use of cocaine can lead to drug tolerance, requiring higher and higher doses to achieve the desired euphoric result. When a person develops such a tolerance, they might become increasingly preoccupied with acquiring the drug, leading to financial struggles, anxiety, legal issues, withdrawal from family and friends, and neglect of personal and professional obligations.
Do you suspect a loved one could be struggling with a cocaine addiction? Here are a few signs of a potentially serious disorder:
- Sudden bursts of energy
- Uncharacteristically secretive behavior
- Social withdrawal
- Persistent sniffing or runny nose
- Dramatic mood swings
- High-risk behaviors
- Poor impulse control
- Arrests or other legal issues
- Financial problems
- Poor personal hygiene
Although cocaine might not cause the type of physical withdrawal symptoms typically seen with alcohol or opioid withdrawal, it does cause the following common symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Intense depression
- Suicidal ideations
- Paranoia
- Lack of focus or inability to concentrate
- Disturbed sleep patterns
The severity and length of withdrawal symptoms can vary between individuals, but people who have used the drug for years might experience more prolonged symptoms.
People who combine cocaine with other prescription or illicit drugs are at an increased risk of experiencing serious health issues, making cocaine addiction treatments crucial for long-term recovery and wellness.
When Does Cocaine Use Need Immediate Medical Intervention?
Immediate medical intervention may be necessary if someone exhibits severe symptoms of withdrawal use, such as:
- Overdose symptoms like chest pain, seizures, or difficulty breathing
- Signs of a heart attack or stroke
- Severe headache, confusion, or dizziness
- Extreme paranoia or hallucinations
- Sudden change in behavior (e.g., severe agitation or aggression)
- Uncontrollable, extreme, or dangerous behavior
- Suicidal ideation or self-harm
Also, if cocaine is mixed with other substances, there may be increased risks of adverse reactions or medical complications that require urgent medical intervention.
If these warning signs are present, seek immediate medical care or call 9-1-1 for prompt evaluation, detox, and treatment. Emergency care can potentially save lives and lower the risk of severe health risks associated with cocaine use.
The Cocaine Detox Process Explained
While detox is important, rehab and recovery should never stop there because your risk of relapse remains high.
Medically monitored cocaine detox at our medical detox center in Florida is just the first step in comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment.
It should always be followed by behavioral therapy, counseling, and social support to address the underlying issues associated with cocaine misuse. Here is a general overview of the cocaine detox process:
- Assessment—comprehensive physical and mental health evaluation to determine the severity of addiction
- Medical supervision—close monitoring to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety
- Hydration and nutrition—proper food and drink to restore and refuel the mind and body
- Supportive care—counseling and psychological support to cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of withdrawal
- Medication-assisted treatment—if needed, carefully selected medications to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings
- Transition to cocaine rehab—a personalized program of behavioral therapy, individual and group therapy, and more to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction
Once detox is complete, the next critical step is entering an inpatient cocaine rehab program. At Beach House, our programs take a personalized approach to care, depending on addiction severity and other important factors.
How Long Do You Treat Cocaine Addiction?
If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to recover from cocaine addiction,” it’s important to understand the answer is complex—and it’s different for everyone.
The duration of rehab for cocaine addiction varies from a few weeks to several months. It largely depends on factors such as:
- Severity of the addiction
- Length of the addiction
- Presence of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Response to treatment
Recovery is a unique experience, and treatment plans should be tailored and continually monitored to ensure they meet everyone’s individual and changing needs throughout the program.
Treatment for cocaine addiction typically involves a combination of therapies, such as:
- Behavioral health
- Professional counseling
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication
Work with one of our skilled addiction care specialists at our cocaine rehab in Florida to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and challenges.
The Role of Family, Friends, and Community in Recovery
Building a support system with family, friends, and community is a crucial part of recovery from cocaine addiction. Here is what you can do to help your loved one as they journey through recovery:
- Provide emotional support and encouragement
- Create a stable, stress-free environment
- Avoid exposure to people, places, or events that may have cocaine present
- Participate in therapy and support groups
- Set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling behaviors
- Help with things like childcare, transportation, errands
- Encourage and practice healthy lifestyle habits
- Celebrate milestones
- Prioritize self-care and seek support as needed
By actively engaging in these supportive practices, you can help your loved one during recovery and pave the way for continued support and growth.
Continuing Care for Cocaine Addiction Recovery
Once your loved one completes inpatient cocaine addiction treatment, Beach House helps individuals maintain a substance-free life by offering ongoing fellowship, belonging, and encouragement.
Our long-term recovery community may enjoy the following aftercare services for as long as they like:
- Recovery-related peer support and interaction
- Sober events and activities
- Meetings and reunions
- Volunteer opportunities
- Charity events
- Referrals to family therapy and other clinicians
Beach House Center: Our Cocaine Rehab Approach
If you are ready to begin your path toward wellness, we encourage you to take the first step toward recovery with Beach House, a leading cocaine rehab in Florida. Our addiction care specialists, mental health clinicians, and psychiatric and medical care providers are committed to providing customized treatment programs to address your unique needs.
Our commitment to supporting individuals on their recovery journey extends beyond conventional methods.
We believe in a holistic approach to cocaine rehab. We understand that addiction is complex and affects the mind, body, and spirit.
Effective recovery requires a comprehensive, systematic treatment approach. Because extended cocaine use can have serious medical consequences—long-term cocaine misuse can cause a high risk of heart attack and stroke—it is important to be monitored by an experienced team of addiction medical professionals.
Beach House can help you (or your loved one) with proven cocaine addiction treatment programs in Florida. Begin your path toward long-lasting recovery with us:
- Personalized care plans
Our addiction care specialists craft personalized care plans for your unique physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. This approach ensures a more effective recovery process.
- Comprehensive and specialized treatment modalities
In addition to our inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab in Florida, we offer a broad range of specialized therapies, including gender-specific treatment, integrated trauma treatment, biosound therapy, life skills planning, and more.
- Psychological, social, and emotional support
Our team of experienced therapists uses evidence-based therapies to address the emotional impact of addiction, helping individuals understand and overcome underlying issues.
- Lifelong connection and belonging
Our continuing care program helps individuals maintain sobriety through lifelong connection, love, fellowship, and belonging.
We proudly offer safe, effective, and comprehensive cocaine rehab services at our inpatient rehab treatment center in Florida.
Our staff provides personalized and highly effective support throughout the recovery journey. To learn more about our cocaine treatment center, please contact our admissions counselors today.