Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is one of the most widely abused substances in the world and can lead to a range of psychological and physical consequences that result from physical dependence on the drug. Cocaine addiction is often the result of recreational use of the drug at parties or to gain energy or socialize. When this use spirals out of control and addiction becomes eminent and a need for treatment may persist.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Many of the signs or symptoms of cocaine addiction are easily spotted early on. Cocaine addicts will typically stay up late, have increased energy followed by lethargy or sleepy states, and may develop a number of adverse problems in their day to day lives as a result of the addiction including:

• loss of a job as a result of the addiction
• poor productivity followed by periods of increased productivity
• accident or injury while under the influence
• relationship problems that result from cocaine abuse
• financial problems associated with spending too much money on cocaine
• legal problems resulting from getting in trouble while under the influence or being in possession of cocaine

Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine addiction is a serious problem that you should never try to handle alone.

When an individual abuses cocaine for more than a few days there is an increased risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring. Most of the withdrawal symptoms will go away on their own in time but in some cases, these symptoms can persist making it difficult for the addict to stay away from or abstain from cocaine abuse. Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:

• agitation
• increased appetite
• paranoia
• anxiety
• fatigue
• insomnia
• depression

If these symptoms persist for more than a few days or if they become worse, such as in cases where paranoia becomes so severe that the addict acts irrationally, medical attention should be sought immediately. Help is available for those who suffer from cocaine addiction and there are treatment methods to assist with physical and psychological aspects of the addiction.

Treatment Options

Many different methods of treatment for cocaine addiction can be found. The most common methods of treatment include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment and community support. Many cocaine addicts are able to fully recover from their addiction with some community support and an outpatient therapy program that provides them with adequate counseling and therapy for their addiction. Others may require a more intense therapeutic method of treatment such as inpatient or residential care. Regardless of the type of treatment that works best for you, the end result is a life that is free from the struggles and the pressures of cocaine addiction.

Choosing Treatment

If you aren’t sure how to choose the best type of cocaine addiction treatment for your needs, consider these factors:

• cost and your budget, choose a program that you can afford
• insurance, if you have insurance consider choosing a program that accepts your insurance
• location, if you will attend outpatient treatment consider choosing a location that is close to your home or your place of work
• types of therapy provided, consider the many different types of therapy that could be offered including holistic therapy, alternative therapy and even specialty therapies such as art therapy or equine therapy

Cocaine addicts can make a full recovery if they take on the difficult yet very rewarding challenge of seeking and redeeming help. Treatment will teach them how to reduce temptation, prevent relapse and abstain from cocaine abuse for many years to come.