Cocaine Addiction Treatment: The 5 Best Ways to Achieve Full Recovery Without Relapse
By El Massar Center medical team
Published:
Cocaine addiction shows in a racing heart and raised blood pressure, dilated pupils, loss of appetite and weight, insomnia and tremors. It is treated with five combined approaches: supervised detox, treatment of physical and psychological symptoms, cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy and aftercare.
Cocaine addiction treatment: cocaine is one of the most dangerous drugs, destroying and damaging the brain cells responsible for concentration and memory. So if you are addicted to it, seek cocaine addiction treatment as soon as possible, ideally under medical supervision or at a specialist centre such as El Massar Center.
What Are the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction?
The physical and psychological symptoms of cocaine addiction include the following:
Heart and blood pressure
Your heart rate increases and your blood pressure rises with it, and this can lead to serious complications such as a heart attack or a blood clot.
The pupils
Your pupils dilate, and you may be unable to see clearly or your vision may become blurred.
Appetite and weight
Your appetite gradually decreases and your weight falls with it, and you may lose a lot of weight in a short time.
Sleep
You will not be able to sleep well or may suffer from insomnia, with nightmares and disturbing dreams.
Tremors and convulsions
You may develop tremors or convulsions throughout your body or in your limbs.
Euphoria and intense happiness
After taking a dose of cocaine you will feel intense happiness and great euphoria, as if you are full of energy and vitality.
Aggression and anger
You will have outbursts of anger and agitation from time to time, especially when your body starts sending you signals to give it another dose of cocaine.
Anxiety and stress
Once the drug wears off, you will spend most of your time anxious and tense, which puts you under terrible psychological pressure and leaves you unable to sleep or look after yourself.
Hallucinations and delusions
Drug use can lead to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, which make you see or hear things that are not there or are imaginary.
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How Can You Spot the Signs of Cocaine Use in the Early Stages?
The signs of cocaine use in the early stages include the following:
Activity and movement
You will notice that the person has become more active and lively, moving quickly and full of energy, especially after taking a dose of cocaine.
Sleep
You will find that the person does not sleep well, yet shows no signs of tiredness or exhaustion.
Appetite and weight
The person's appetite decreases and they start losing weight within a short time.
The nose
The person suffers from a runny or blocked nose, which stops them breathing normally.
Overconfidence
You will notice that the person has suddenly become extremely self-confident, with unusual enthusiasm and passion.
Irritability and agitation
You will notice that the person gets agitated or angry at the slightest thing, or over matters that do not warrant anger.
Mood
People addicted to cocaine have severe mood swings: you will find them cheerful and happy, then sad and miserable, which increases their stress and anxiety.
Money
You will find the person spending large sums of money in a short time to buy cocaine, and they may build up debts as a result.
Disappearing
The person may disappear for short periods and then come back.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use on the Brain?
The long-term effects of cocaine use on the brain include the following:
Brain chemistry
Dopamine levels start to fall, leaving you bored or unable to enjoy things, and you will suffer severe mood swings because of an imbalance in serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain.
Cognitive functions
These cognitive functions are damaged, especially those responsible for memory and concentration, leaving you unable to think clearly or make sound decisions.
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Does Cocaine Cause Permanent Damage to the Heart and Blood Vessels?
Yes, cocaine causes permanent damage to the heart and blood vessels, especially when taken in large doses or over a long period, because it puts strain on the cardiovascular system and raises blood pressure every time you use it.
What Causes Cocaine Addiction?
The causes of cocaine addiction include the following:
Genetics
If a relative or family member was or still is addicted to cocaine, you are more likely to become addicted to it too.
Brain chemistry
People with an imbalance in dopamine levels are more inclined to use drugs and become addicted to make up for this deficiency.
Anxiety and stress
If you have been through a difficult period that left you under psychological and nervous strain, living with anxiety and tension, you may be more inclined to use drugs to ease these feelings.
Depression
If you have depression and have not sought help from a doctor, you may use drugs to treat its symptoms.
Friends
If you spend time with bad company, you may use drugs as they do, because they encourage you to, or you may try them out of curiosity until your body becomes used to the drug.
Money
Having a lot of money without awareness can lead a person into drug addiction.
Environment
If you live in an environment full of conflict or one that encourages drug use, you are very likely to become addicted to one or more drugs.
Do the Causes of Addiction Differ Between Teenagers and Adults?
Yes, the causes of addiction differ between teenagers and adults. Teenagers usually start using because of external factors, including bad company, curiosity, and an environment that encourages drug use or in which they do not feel safe.
In adults, the causes of drug use or addiction are usually internal, including negative emotions they cannot handle well or consciously, exposure to life's pressures, and certain psychological or mental disorders.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in the Blood?
How long cocaine stays in the blood varies from person to person depending on several factors, including how long it has been used, but in general it stays for 1 to 2 days after the last dose.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Urine?
This varies from person to person. If you used cocaine for the first time or only once, it stays in urine for 2 to 3 days; with occasional use, for 4 to 7 days; and in cases of addiction, for 10 to 14 days.
How Long Do the Effects of Cocaine Last After the Last Dose?
How long the effects of cocaine last after the last dose varies from person to person depending on how it is taken and how much is used, but in general it is as follows:
Duration of effect after use
When cocaine is snorted, the effect lasts 15 to 30 minutes; when it is injected or smoked, it lasts 5 to 20 minutes.
Does How Long Cocaine Stays in the Body Depend on the Amount Used?
Yes, how long cocaine stays in the body depends on the amount used.
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What Are the Stages of Cocaine Addiction Treatment?
The stages of cocaine addiction treatment at El Massar Center include the following:
Diagnosis and assessment
At this stage you will have a comprehensive medical examination to check your health after addiction and find out how cocaine has affected your body and brain. A drug test will also be carried out at the centre to measure the level of the drug in your body.
The centre will also carry out a number of psychological tests to find out how cocaine has affected your mental and psychological state.
Treatment plan
Once diagnosis is complete, a treatment plan is drawn up for you based on it, including cocaine addiction treatment medicines that help you get through withdrawal with as little pain as possible.
It also includes a diet prepared for you at the centre, which helps boost your immunity and gives you energy and vitality so you get through cocaine withdrawal faster and with less pain.
The plan also includes your psychological rehabilitation after the drug has been cleared from your body, setting out the number of sessions you will have and the techniques used, such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Withdrawal symptoms
This is one of the most dangerous and important stages of cocaine addiction treatment, as the body begins to rid itself of the drug after you stop using it. Withdrawal symptoms appear less than 24 hours after you stop.
These symptoms are both psychological and physical, and you will be prescribed a number of medicines during this stage to ease them.
Psychological rehabilitation
Once the drug has been completely cleared from your body, the centre's psychologist will meet with you over several sessions to rehabilitate you psychologically and behaviourally before you leave, so you can face challenges with wisdom and patience instead of escaping them through drug use.
This stage may take several months, during which a new, more positive identity is built for you, one that is more resilient and better able to deal with life's challenges.
After recovery
At this stage it is best to follow a positive lifestyle to protect your mental and physical health, including a healthy diet and exercise once or twice a week.
In addition, El Massar Center will follow up with you by phone from time to time to check on your health and offer any help you may need.
The centre will also invite you from time to time to attend group therapy sessions, where you can express yourself freely. These sessions offer a high level of safety and privacy, which will make you more self-confident in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Is full recovery from cocaine addiction possible?
Yes, full recovery from cocaine addiction is possible, especially if you receive psychological rehabilitation after recovery so you do not relapse when you encounter a trigger.
When does the body return to normal after stopping cocaine?
How long it takes for the body to return to normal after stopping cocaine varies from person to person depending on how much was used and for how long, and recovery happens gradually, but in general it takes between 3 months and a year.
How can relapse be prevented after recovery?
You can prevent relapse after recovery by cutting ties with bad company, avoiding places associated with addiction, and choosing a specialist addiction treatment centre rather than treating cocaine addiction at home. The centre will provide psychological rehabilitation after recovery so you can deal with life's challenges better without escaping into drug use and addiction, and will follow up with you from time to time to offer help.
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