Cocaine is a popular recreational substance due to the effects it has on energy, mood, and motivation. However, the side effects can be severe, especially addiction. Given its dangers, it is imperative to know more about substance abuse treatment and how you can find help at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center. Contact our addiction team today at 855-952-3546 to learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment program.

How Cocaine Affects the Brain and Causes Addiction

Cocaine molecular model made of powder cocaine lines - cocaine addiction treatment program concept image

When cocaine enters the bloodstream, it causes severe changes to the brain’s chemical composition.1
The brain naturally releases dopamine, also known as the happy hormone, and then brain cells pick up dopamine while other brain tissues recycle the rest.2

It is a natural pattern that the brain follows, which cocaine disrupts. This drug boosts the production of dopamine, which means more euphoria and pleasure. Also, cocaine prevents the recycling of dopamine. As a result, the feelings of happiness remain for a more extended period.

That feeling is the reason for cocaine addiction. The brain cannot adjust to the abnormal changes caused by the drug. It makes people who use the drug repeatedly immune to its effects. It can get to the point that users may not even feel anything at all. But the damage is there, and the best solution is to undergo a drug addiction treatment program.

Cocaine does not only affect the brain; its effects encompass the entire body. Snorting, smoking, or injecting cocaine can lead to problems such as:

  • Tumors
  • Lesions
  • Trauma to the nose, mouth, and palette3
  • Intestinal problems

Cocaine addiction can also lead to ruined relationships and various mental health issues. With the extent of this drug’s side effects, finding the best cocaine addiction treatment program in Georgia is crucial. You can trust that with help from medical professionals, you are on the correct path to recovery.

Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

Because of its strong effects on the central nervous system, cocaine has a significant risk of overdose. Cocaine overdose can result in serious health issues, possibly even death. The drug’s capacity to quickly raise blood pressure and heart rate increases the risk of overdosing and increases the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. 

Overdosing on cocaine can also cause severe mental health problems like intense anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations, as well as respiratory failure and seizures. When cocaine is used in excessive quantities or coupled with other drugs, like alcohol or opioids, which intensify its harmful effects on the body, the risk of overdosing is increased even more.

Cocaine use carries a significant danger of overdose despite its euphoric and energizing effects, which emphasizes the significance of harm reduction, preventive measures, and educational efforts. Recognizing the warning signs of cocaine overdose, such as agitation, rapid breathing, chest pain, and confusion, is critical for timely intervention and potentially life-saving treatment. 

In the event of a suspected overdose, it is imperative to seek medical attention right away because prompt treatment can lessen the potentially lethal effects of cocaine intoxication. Furthermore, it is critical to address the root causes of cocaine abuse, such as societal pressures, mental health conditions, and socioeconomic inequalities, to prevent overdoses and foster better outcomes for populations impacted by cocaine addiction.

Cocaine Addiction Program Options

In terms of cocaine addiction treatment, rehab centers offer a wide range of options. At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, we offer various settings and therapies. There is no strict plan for treatment, as it is tailored to the needs and comfort of every client as they go through withdrawal. The standard treatments, however, include:

Cocaine Addiction Therapies

Addiction therapies are also part of the program at our Georgia treatment center. These therapies help to address various concerns related to addiction, particularly its psychological effects. Given that addiction often changes how you live and function, it is important to tackle these areas as part of treatment. We employ several types of therapy in our cocaine addiction treatment program in Georgia.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach for treating cocaine addiction, focusing on modifying thought patterns and behaviors linked to drug use. In CBT, individuals learn to recognize and challenge distorted beliefs and triggers contributing to their cocaine use. Through techniques like cognitive restructuring and skills training, patients develop coping strategies to manage cravings, prevent relapse, and address underlying issues. Tailored to each individual, CBT includes goal setting, problem-solving, and relapse prevention strategies. This evidence-based therapy has shown promise in fostering long-term behavioral changes and promoting healthier lifestyles, aiding individuals in achieving and maintaining abstinence from cocaine.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective treatment for cocaine addiction, particularly beneficial for those grappling with emotion regulation issues and impulsivity. Combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, DBT helps individuals accept and change simultaneously. Through group and individual sessions, clients learn skills to manage distressing emotions, tolerate discomfort without turning to drugs, and improve interpersonal relationships. By addressing underlying emotional vulnerabilities and maladaptive coping mechanisms, DBT promotes sustainable recovery and enhances overall well-being.

Individual & Group Therapy Program

Individual and group therapy programs are integral components of comprehensive treatment for cocaine addiction. In individual therapy, clients work one-on-one with a trained therapist to explore personal triggers, challenges, and goals related to their addiction. Through this focused interaction, individuals develop coping strategies, address underlying issues, and receive personalized support tailored to their unique needs. Group therapy sessions provide additional benefits by fostering a sense of community, peer support, and accountability among participants. In a group setting, individuals share experiences, insights, and encouragement, learning from each other’s successes and setbacks. Together, these therapy modalities offer a holistic approach to recovery, combining personalized guidance with the power of shared experiences to promote lasting behavioral change and sobriety.

Family Therapy Program

Family therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of cocaine addiction by involving loved ones in the recovery process. Through family therapy sessions, clients and their families address communication patterns, set boundaries, and explore ways to support each other during the recovery journey. Family therapy helps identify and resolve conflicts, heal past wounds, and strengthen relationships, creating a supportive environment conducive to long-term sobriety. By involving family members in therapy, individuals receive additional support and encouragement, enhancing their chances of successful recovery and sustained well-being.

Trauma Therapy Program

Trauma therapy is essential in addressing underlying traumas that may contribute to cocaine addiction. By providing a safe and supportive environment, trauma therapy helps individuals process and heal from past traumatic experiences. Therapists use various techniques, such as cognitive processing therapy and somatic experiencing, to help clients release stored trauma in the body and reframe negative beliefs. Through trauma therapy, individuals learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage triggers without resorting to cocaine use. This targeted approach not only addresses the root causes of addiction but also promotes healing and resilience, empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives free from the grip of trauma and addiction.

Even if you do not have a loved one suffering from cocaine addiction, it still helps to know its dangers. It is crucial to know the warnings of drug overdose and addiction. Knowing and understanding these facts is the key to preventing cocaine overdose in the first place. Moreover, it helps to know when someone needs help.

The fact is it is hard to notice that someone has a cocaine addiction. This drug is a stimulant, which means the people who abuse it are energetic and revved up. They have boundless energy, continue to work, and may not seem like anything is wrong with them, but the energy they possess is often a little unusual. It is highly encouraged that anyone who is struggling with an addiction reach out to learn more about our options for drug treatment in Georgia.

Help for Cocaine Addiction Is Available at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center

Unless you know what to look for, you may never realize that your loved one has a cocaine addiction until it is too late. But do not lose hope, as it is possible to overcome substance abuse issues. Cocaine addiction treatment at our Peachtree drug rehab is known for its high success rate. 

Rest assured that you or your loved one is in safe hands at our drug rehab in Georgia. Contact us here or Call 855-952-3546 today to learn more.

 

Sources

  1. NCBI – The Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction
  2. Cleveland Clinic – Dopamine
  3. NCBI – Palate perforation differentiates cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions from granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Take Your Life Back Today!

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a substance abuse problem or mental health issues, the expert medical team at the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center is here to help.