Cocaine and Crack Addiction Treatment

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that physically alters the chemistry of your brain and your central nervous system. When snorted or injected, it increases the levels of dopamine and releases it, which gives the users feelings of happiness and excitement. As such, cocaine can quickly alter the brain’s dopamine production, leading to addicting habits in order to get those same “high” feelings and effects again. In the powder form, cocaine is called simply cocaine or coke.

What is Crack?

Crack cocaine is cocaine in the rock form instead of the powder form. When the hydrochloride salt in its powdered form (cocaine) is combined with water and another substance (usually sodium bicarbonate), it forms a solid that can be broken into smaller pieces. This rock form is called crack cocaine or more commonly crack. Crack is more commonly smoked, whereas cocaine is snorted or injected. Crack is highly potent because of its intense concentration, and crack addiction can occur after only a few uses.

How to Tell if Someone is Addicted to Cocaine

Those suffering from cocaine addiction will show physical signs as well as lifestyle changes.

Physical symptoms of cocaine addiction include:

• Weight loss
• Dilated pupils
• Runny nose/nosebleeds
• Muscle tics
• Headaches
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Cravings

In addition to these symptoms, people addicted to cocaine will exhibit lifestyle changes, including:

• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Changes in eating patterns
• Lack of hygiene
• Change in concentration and focus
• Risky behaviors
• Mood swings (agitation & enthusiasm)

The severity will depend on the person and how much tolerance and dependence they’ve developed with cocaine. Crack addiction symptoms are similar to those of powder cocaine.

What is the Treatment for Cocaine Addiction and What Does That Look Like at PRC?

Cocaine and crack addiction deals with alterations of brain chemistry and is not easily solved by willpower and stopping the cocaine intake. Treatment options include medication in order to prevent symptoms of withdrawal, counseling, 12 Step Programs, inpatient/residential care.

At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we offer addiction recovery services and specifically treat those suffering from cocaine addiction. Our services include a Residential Treatment,  PHP Day program, Intensive Outpatient program and general outpatient program. Click on each service to learn more about what they entail and how they can help you on a path towards recovery.