Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that reacts with the central nervous system to produce a short-lasting euphoria. 

The National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA) revealed that approximately 19,447 people died from cocaine overdose in 2020. 

And although cocaine abuse has gradually reduced over the years, hundreds of thousands of young people under 21 continue to try it out every year, which explains the increased addiction rates for teenagers and young adults. 

The good news, however, is that cocaine addiction can be treated either through inpatient or outpatient programs. 

Read on for an in-depth analysis of cocaine addiction and some of the commonly used treatment methods. 

More About Cocaine And Its Usage

Cocaine, also called coke, snow, crack or blow, is a CNS stimulant that alters the brain’s release and reabsorption of dopamine, thereby resulting in an exhilarating short-term euphoria. 

The stimulant is derived from the coca plant and is often sold as a white powder or crystals popularly known as ‘crack.’ 

Cocaine is one of the most addictive stimulants and can lead to chronic addiction within days or weeks of repeated use. 

And although commonly snorted, cocaine is also smoked (crack cocaine) or used intravenously when dissolved in water. 

The short-lasting euphoria more often than not leads to frequent abuse as users look to prolong the high. 

And as dependence increases, more of the drug is required to stimulate dopamine production in the brain, which translates to increased abuse to achieve the desired ‘high.’ 

Short Term Effects of Cocaine 

Cocaine is a stimulant that’s often abused for its feel-good effect, which, although short-lived, is usually enough to lift a user’s mood or kick-start a party. 

Here are some of the short-term effects of cocaine use: 

• Heightened sensitivity (to touch, sight, and sound)
• Intense happiness 
• Paranoia 

Cocaine interferes with how the brain releases and reabsorbs dopamine, which results in high levels of the neurotransmitter, effectively creating an intense high. 

Once cocaine leaves the body, users experience a sudden ‘crash’ that usually reinforces the impulse to snort or smoke more of the drug to maintain the euphoria. 

Long Term Side Effects of Cocaine 

Long-term cocaine abuse is a risky affair, more so since it interferes with the brain’s function. 

As the body becomes used to cocaine, the brain’s ability to make and release dopamine on its own reduces significantly, which creates an insatiable craving for the drug in order to feel good. 

People battling cocaine addiction often feel inclined to use the drug to self-regulate their pleasurable feelings and avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

Over time, cocaine dependence alters the brain’s motivation and reward circuitry, thereby increasing the risk of permanent brain damage. 

Here are some of the long-term effects of cocaine consumption. 

• Mood problems 
• Lung damage
• Sexual trouble 
• Convulsions and seizures 
• Persistent headaches 
• Heart disease 
• Loss of smell 

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Options 

Inpatient Treatment

Cocaine use disorder is a serious condition that, although hard to overcome, can be treated if an addict seeks professional assistance from a licensed rehab facility.

Fortunately, several inpatient rehabs offer cocaine addiction treatment services.  

Detoxification is usually the first part of addiction treatment and is usually done under 24/7 supervision. 

Fortunately, the cocaine’s withdrawal symptoms aren’t as severe as those of other drugs. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Hostility
• Slowed thinking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts

The advantage of detoxing in an inpatient facility is you’ll receive round-the-clock monitoring as your body adjusts to life without cocaine in the bloodstream.

Moreover, since there are no FDA-approved medications for treating cocaine addiction, your treatment in an inpatient facility will revolve around behavioral and experiential therapy. 

Some of the behavioral theories used to treat cocaine addiction include: 

• Cognitive behavioral theories
• Motivational interviewing
• Family therapy 
• Contingency management 
• Matrix model
• Dialectical behavioral theory

Experiential therapy also plays an important role in cocaine rehabilitation as it promotes holistic healing by helping you resolve past trauma and buried emotions.

Adventure therapy, yoga and meditation, art and music, and animal therapies are examples of experiential therapies that add a hands-on dimension to drug rehabilitation. 

Outpatient Treatment 

An outpatient facility is ideal if you don’t want to interfere with school or work schedules while receiving cocaine addiction treatment. 

Under this program, you (or a loved one) will be attending therapy sessions at the comfort of your home or community residence. 

Your therapist will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the intensity of your cocaine addiction and recommend a program that best suits your unique treatment needs. 

While most therapists prefer the matrix model due to its intensive nature, others might recommend a blend of several therapies to boost the chances of successful outcomes. 

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Cocaine Treatment: Which Is Better? 

Inpatient rehabs are a lot more intense than outpatient facilities, a feature that makes them better suited for treating people struggling with long-term cocaine addiction. 

Inpatient rehab allows you to detox and receive cocaine addiction treatment in a regulated environment under 24/7 supervision, which plays a vital role in relapse prevention. 

On the other hand, outpatient rehabs are recommended for patients transitioning from the more intense inpatient program.

You can start with the partial hospitalization program (PHP) as you phase down to the intensive outpatient program before transitioning to a normal outpatient program. 

Is It Necessary To Seek Cocaine Addiction Treatment? 

It is necessary to seek cocaine addiction treatment to break the harmful behavioral patterns associated with the drug. 

As a powerful stimulant, cocaine can alter your brain’s reward and motivation circuitry, leading to chronic addiction that’s hard to treat and recover from. 

However, by seeking professional addiction treatment as early as possible, you’ll increase the chances of full recovery and lifelong sobriety.

Contact a licensed rehab today to learn more about treatment policies and the therapies used in cocaine addiction treatment.