Cocaine is a potent stimulant that is highly addictive. Most often used as a recreational drug, it is usually snorted through the nose or applied to the gums in white powder form. The intensity of the ‘high’ it creates is often short-lived and, if you begin misusing cocaine, a tolerance to the drug develops, leading to a need to take more in order to achieve the desired effects.
Symptoms of addiction include an inability to stop using, despite understanding that the drug has harmful effects. The user has a strong desire to take the drug, regardless of the consequences; they may engage in reckless or risky behaviours or act impulsively or with increased energy. Withdrawal symptoms include depression and suicidal thoughts.
Cocaine use can have a destructive effect on your life and the lives of those around you. There are risks to physical and mental health as well as the possibility of death by overdosing on the drug. If cocaine is damaging your relationships, work, financial situation, ability to function in everyday life or physical and mental health, you can get help to stop.
While recovering from addiction is a very difficult process, seeking professional help gives you the best chance of succeeding. A rehab facility gives you access to dedicated, specialised support around the clock and a safe environment free from the negative influences that can reinforce the addiction cycle. You’ll have the medical care and supervision that you need (particularly important during detox), as well as the expertise of specially trained therapists and counsellors.
Although addiction to a stimulant such as cocaine can be difficult to overcome, specialist treatment can help you beat your habit and regain control over your life. When entering rehab, there are two main phases to undergo: detox and treatment.
The detox phase will typically last one or two weeks, although this will vary between individuals and can depend on other addictions or health issues that may also exist.
Once the detox phase is complete, rehab treatment will begin. Again, this will vary between individuals; however, it will usually involve therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling, both on an individual and group basis. Most rehab centres will also offer an aftercare programme to follow rehab, which will help ensure ongoing success in recovery.
Residential rehab is based on you living at the rehab centre for the duration of your treatment, allowing for full-time support from staff and the opportunity to focus on your recovery without any distractions. While many treatment providers advocate for inpatient care as the most effective form of rehab, it might not be suitable for an addict who has work/family commitments. Equally, this form of treatment might not be financially viable.
Outpatient rehab facilities will offer the same range of therapies and treatments as inpatient centres, but on a more flexible basis whereby you attend sessions at set times. This can be helpful for those who have work/childcare commitments that cannot be avoided, or who may still be in a relatively early stage of addiction. It is also a cheaper option.