Potent, addictive, and widely available, cocaine has negatively affected countless users and their families for generations. It was popularized through the 1980s and currently experiencing a resurgence among today’s youth. Currently, cocaine still presents serious risks to one’s physical and mental health. Fortunately, Discovery Place provides individualized, comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment in Nashville.
By knowing exactly what cocaine is, recognizing the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction, and knowing what to expect from cocaine addiction treatment, one can learn to overcome one’s addiction and attain lifelong recovery and wellness. The bottom line is successful recovery from cocaine addiction is possible.
What is Cocaine?
Originally derived from the coca plant of South America—Erythroxylon coca—cocaine has remarkably addictive properties. It is a Schedule II stimulant drug, meaning it contains a substantial risk for abuse. For centuries, the natives of South America chewed on coca leaves for energy and pleasure. Later on, cocaine hydrochloride was extracted from the leaves and used to treat pain during surgery.
Today, cocaine is usually obtained illegally, on the street. There are different forms in which cocaine is produced and used. The powder form is its most widely known form, but there is also the “rock” form of crack cocaine. While the powder form is snorted, crack cocaine is smoked or injected.
No matter what its form, cocaine is dangerous and can lead to addiction. Withdrawal symptoms being especially severe and uncomfortable. The amount and length of use are great factors in the severity and length of cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
The Dangers of Cocaine Use
Like any substance, several risks are taken when using cocaine. As well, the severity of these risks can range from agitation and elevated blood pressure to more traumatic risks, like overdose and death. Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant, meaning it elevates vital functions of the body. Blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, which can lead to a stroke.
Additionally, snorted cocaine can of course lead to a loss of the sense of smell and nosebleeds. Severe lung damage can occur from smoking crack cocaine. To add, injecting cocaine risks the contraction of infectious diseases like HIV. Aside from its physical dangers, cocaine use also tends to exacerbate the severity of mental health disorders that the user may not even be aware of. However, people struggling with cocaine addiction often use the drug compulsively, even after experiencing harmful consequences.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
By recognizing cocaine addiction, one can take the necessary steps to receive appropriate cocaine addiction treatment in Nashville. Unlike such drugs as methamphetamine, the physical signs of cocaine addiction are quire subtle.
A quick analysis of the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction is helpful. Some of the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction include:
- Runny nose or nosebleeds
- Wild mood swings
- Irritability
- Hypertension
- Paranoia
- Risky behaviors when “high” or to obtain more of the drug
- Withdrawal from loved ones and sober friends
- Sudden financial trouble
- Excitability and being talkative
- Quick bursts of confidence
- Possession of cocaine-related drug paraphernalia (rolled-up dollar bills, portable glass surfaces)
While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights many of the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. By recognizing these signs and symptoms, and finding professional help, one can effectively win a fresh chance at living a happy, drug-free life.
Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Once one decides to stop using cocaine, any number of cocaine withdrawal symptoms can occur. How long these symptoms last depends on how the drug was consumed, the age and physical makeup of the user, and other factors. In other words, the severity of cocaine withdrawal symptoms tends to vary from person to person.
Compared to other substances like heroin, benzos, or alcohol, cocaine withdrawal symptoms are not usually life-threatening. However, some people have been known to suffer seizures during withdrawal. However, generally speaking, cocaine withdrawal symptoms are more mental and emotional than physical. Also, they tend to improve after seven to 10 days.
Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Body aches
- Tremors
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Exhaustion
- Trouble concentrating
- Intense cravings for cocaine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
Presently, there are no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cocaine addiction, though researchers are exploring a variety of neurobiological targets. Past research has primarily focused on dopamine, but scientists have also found that cocaine use induces changes in the brain related to other neurotransmitters—including serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, and glutamate.
What to Expect with Cocaine Addiction Treatment
The most effective cocaine addiction treatments available in the U.S. recognize that addiction is a chronic, complex disease, one involving changes in the addict’s brain structure along with many social, familial, and other environmental factors. Therefore, effective cocaine addiction treatment should address the client’s needs in a holistic context.
This means the treatment should address any co-occurring mental health disorders—like depression, anxiety, or trauma—that may have contributed to, or been exacerbated by, cocaine use. Sometimes, these co-occurring mental health disorders require additional behavioral or medical interventions.
Discovery Place Drug Rehab Programs
At Discovery Place, one can expect effective cocaine addiction treatment in Nashville. The team at Discovery Place know what cocaine addiction and treatment involves. They know what it’s like to feel as if cocaine has taken over one’s life, and can guide an addict through the recovery process.
Our drug rehab programs include:
- 30-day rehab program
- Long-term recovery program
- Step-down program
- Continuing care and Aftercare programs
- 12-Step programs
Get Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Nashville, TN Today
Recovering from cocaine addiction is no easy task. It is a challenging, lifelong undertaking with deep and satisfying rewards. Here at Discovery Place, we provide a safe environment to remove the drug and live life without it. Our team strives to provide a safe and healing environment for those looking to lead happier, drug- free lives.
Contact us today to begin your cocaine addiction treatment in Nashville, Tennessee.
