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Cocaine Addiction And Mental Health - Starting Your Recovery Journey
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that has a high potential for abuse. Being an illegal drug, it is sold on the streets and is often mixed with other substances. While distributors will typically cut cocaine with flour or talcum powder to increase profits, it may also be combined with other drugs. This increases the risk of negative effects, including a potential overdose.
If you or a loved one are ready to achieve sobriety and overcome cocaine addiction, a recovery facility will help you every step of the way. You are not alone in this fight—help is available.
The impact that cocaine abuse has on your physical health is serious, but so is the impact this drug has on your mental health. Most clinical studies show high psychiatric comorbidity, especially among crack users. To make crack, cocaine is combined with a substance, usually baking soda, it is then boiled and sold as a solid. This form is highly addictive.
In some cases, users seek cocaine to cope with preexisting mental health symptoms. Prolonged use can worsen these symptoms. In other cases, cocaine use causes users to develop mental health issues, including feelings of depression and psychotic episodes. For example, research shows that mood disorders are present in cocaine addicts 10 to 40 percent of the time. Users also often experience cognitive defects.
Cocaine abuse can take over one’s life, resulting in complete chaos. Although most addicts experience negative effects in terms of their relationships, health, and finances, sadly, many users lose their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, over 19,000 Americans died from a cocaine overdose.
The acute effects of cocaine include an increased heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to lethal heart attacks, even in young otherwise healthy individuals. Some individuals have also experienced strokes and seizures following cocaine use. Long-term, one of the greatest dangers of cocaine use is addiction. Being a highly addictive substance, many users experience strong cravings, seeking more and more cocaine to experience the same high. This will then to withdrawal symptoms, significantly diminishing one’s health and quality of life.
While many users will snort or inhale cocaine, some will opt to melt cocaine into an injectable form. Like any intravenous drug, sharing needles, this includes your risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B. Research shows that over 80% of injection drug users who have been injecting for over 10 years contract hepatitis B. Once you have hepatitis B, there is no cure.
Recognizing that there’s an issue is a significant step towards sustained recovery. Although cocaine is both dangerous and highly addictive, with proper treatment, sustained recovery is possible.
Upon entering a professional treatment center, you will benefit from a highly structured, evidence-based program. An ideal program should be tailored to each individual in terms of their addiction and mental health needs. Programs generally include a wide spectrum of treatment options, increasing rates of success. For example, research shows that the combination of individual therapy and group therapy shows great promise for the long-term treatment of cocaine dependence.
Depending on your circumstances, you may benefit from inpatient or outpatient treatment. Both options are equally effective. The best option for you will be based on your circumstances, past history, and current needs. For example, if you have participated in treatment programs in the past and have continually relapsed, inpatient treatment is highly recommended. In comparison, if you must continue working and do not require 24-hour care, an intensive outpatient treatment program may be best.
When you look for a treatment center to recover from cocaine addiction, make sure to look for one that provides a safe, supportive environment. In addition to evidence-based therapy, keep on the lookout for a center that provides ongoing support, focusing on both your mental and physical health. Ideally, a center’s goal should be to help you develop healthier coping skills, address any underlying mental health concerns, optimize your diet plan, encourage a more active lifestyle, and more. This holistic approach will help you reduce your risk of relapse and boost your quality of life. In the process, you will also learn that you need help mending relationships that have suffered as a result of your cocaine addiction.
We understand that taking that first step is daunting. Whether you wish to avoid withdrawal symptoms or are afraid of change, seeking treatment could save your life. The longer you use, the more complicated your addiction may become.
At Impact Recovery, our goal is to help you overcome this initial hesitation or fear, providing you with an opportunity of a lifetime. Our dedicated team is committed to your success, creating an environment that is free from judgment. Our mission is to help you heal and achieve a higher quality of life. To do so, we will provide you with a customized treatment plan, focusing on your core needs and goals.
No one deserves to live a life riddled with addiction. Our treatment center welcomes you to begin your road to recovery, working towards a healthy, fulfilling life. Please contact our staff to speak about your options or to ask any questions. We’re waiting to hear from you. The first day of the rest of your life could begin today.