Cocaine is a dangerous and potentially deadly illegal drug. Living with cocaine addiction without receiving professional treatment can be detrimental to an individual’s mental and physical health. Cocaine addiction can negatively affect many different aspects of an individual’s life. A person may use cocaine to gain confidence, increase energy, and create euphoric effects, which can feel good in the short term.
However, those who are living with cocaine addiction will find the consequences beginning to pile up. Fortunately, when people choose to go to treatment, this can help them acquire the skills needed to safely maintain abstinence from cocaine. Professional treatment centers can provide ongoing support every step of the way. A trained therapist can provide guidance that helps a person feel confident in social settings without using addictive substances. Additionally, those who seek treatment can learn to prevent relapses. At 12 South Recovery, people can participate in a relapse prevention program. Ultimately, by learning certain important skills, a person with cocaine addiction can live free of substances long-term.
What Is Cocaine?
As stated in the Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Drug Fact Sheet, cocaine is a powerful stimulant that alters the way one thinks by affecting different areas of the brain. Because of these effects, the drug has the potential to be highly addictive.
Cocaine can be recognized by its white crystal-like powder. The drug is commonly known to be diluted and mixed with various substances before administration. Cocaine can also be used in combination with opiates. This dangerous practice is called “speedballing.”
The origin of cocaine dates back thousands of years. Coca leaves are known to be grown in Peru, Bolivia, and Columbia. Columbia produces approximately 90% of cocaine powder. A majority of cocaine that gets transported to the United States comes from Mexico. The drug is created in remote jungle labs and undergoes a series of chemical changes.
The Negative Effects of Cocaine Addiction
According to the aforementioned DEA fact sheet, this powdered substance can either be injected or snorted once it is dissolved in liquid. “Crack” (a cocaine base) can be smoked with tobacco, marijuana, or by itself to achieve the drug’s desired effects. An individual who uses cocaine may exhibit extreme compulsive and addictive behaviors. For example, a person may binge on the substance until they are met with pure exhaustion.
Even after the first attempt at using cocaine, an individual may not be able to predict or control their continued use. This lack of control results from the fact that cocaine is highly addictive.
Cocaine addiction can significantly interfere with one’s life. This addiction can affect an individual’s relationships and impact their ability to work due to an extreme lack of motivation. Cocaine can also negatively impact one’s mental health. According to a City of New York government publication, NYC Health, the addictive effects of cocaine are a result of an individual’s inability to reabsorb natural dopamine into the brain and nervous system. Because of this lack of dopamine in the brain, an individual will tend to increase the amount they use in order to achieve the desired state of euphoria.
Long-term physical effects of using cocaine may include:
- Irritability and mood disturbances
- Auditory hallucinations
- Intense paranoia
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Respiratory failure
- Seizures
- Panic attacks
- Violent behavior
How Can Relapse Prevention Help?
As stated in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, the different stages of relapse are addressed in relapse prevention therapy. This type of therapy can help a person recognize the signs of a potential relapse.
Emotional, mental, and physical relapse are the three different stages. When an individual dives deeper into mental relapse, their cognitive ability to resist cocaine diminishes. As a result, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the main tool used in relapse prevention. CBT can help individuals with cocaine addiction develop healthy new coping skills that promote long-term sobriety. In relapse prevention therapy, a person can also learn strategies to identify and prevent high-risk situations that can lead to cocaine abuse.
Moving Forward With 12 South Recovery With Cocaine Addiction
Surrendering to professional cocaine addiction treatment may not be the easiest choice to make. Fear of judgment from family, friends, and a dampened reputation may keep a person from moving forward with their decision. Mental health professionals understand this. Some of these professionals may have even been in the same position. The truth is, though, that moving forward in treatment can help a person break cocaine addiction and live a happier and healthier life. Furthermore, a person can follow the stages of relapse prevention to effectively mend broken relationships and establish new positive habits.
Accepting emotional and professional support can be life-changing. What’s more, participating in relapse prevention can help a person stay in control of their life. Relapse prevention therapy with 12 South Recovery can help an individual safely and successfully overcome cocaine addiction. 12 Step Recovery’s staff members understand that relapse prevention is a crucial element in any recovery program.
An important part of relapse prevention is staying dedicated to treatment. Certain triggers can potentially set someone back. Having a plan of action can help a person learn how to respond to intense cravings and initial warning signs of impending relapse. Using the skills learned in relapse prevention therapy outside of treatment can ensure one can successfully move forward from cocaine addiction.
Cocaine is an extremely addictive drug that tricks the brain into “needing” more. Because of the drug’s powerful effects, professional assistance is often necessary for achieving long-term sobriety. At 12 South Recovery, we use proven therapies and an evidence-based approach to addiction and mental health treatment. We understand that relapse prevention plays an important role in helping people maintain abstinence. Our relapse prevention therapy program at 12 South Recovery can give those in recovery a better chance of gaining long-term sobriety and improved well-being. If you or a loved one are facing challenges with cocaine addiction, call 12 South Recovery at (888) 830-8374 to learn more about our relapse prevention program today.
