COCAINE ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER​

Introduction to Cocaine Addiction​

Cocaine’s use can be traced back to the 15th Century when it was used for medical purposes. Cocaine was then used as surgical anesthesia. While it is still legal to use cocaine for medical purposes, it is rarely done because we know it can lead to cocaine addiction.

Cocaine is a stimulant that comes from the coca plant, commonly found in South America. Cocaine that is purchased illegally is usually mixed with other white powders such as cornstarch and talcum powder to increase potential profits for the sellers. Cocaine can also be mixed with opioids such as fentanyl, which can be a deadly mixture when people don’t realize that’s what they are using.

Similar to other commonly abused drugs, cocaine increases the natural levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in the reward system development, so when we have more dopamine in our brain, we feel good or euphoric. Continuing to use it to get that euphoric feeling is what makes this drug so addictive. Individuals who abuse cocaine may find that subsequent uses of cocaine are not as pleasurable as the first. 

When an individual abuses cocaine long-term, their brain adapts and then needs to have more of the drug to reach the desired euphoric effect. This is also known as developing a tolerance to the drug.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a 2020 study found that an estimated 1.9% of individuals over the age of 12 reported using cocaine in the past year. The same study found that of the 1.9% of individuals who have used cocaine, about 0.5% have a cocaine use disorder.

Research has shown that preteens and teenagers are trying cocaine. A 2021 study found that 1.2% of high school seniors reported using cocaine in the past year, and 0.2% of 8th graders.

When looking at Kentucky, 1,178 individuals received treatment for smoking cocaine in 2020.

Our Cocaine Addiction Treatment Center​

IOP caters addiction treatment to your specific needs. This begins with determining the level of care that would be the best fit for you at this moment. We pride ourselves on being a judgment-free zone, empathetic, and supportive.

We have a residential inpatient program that utilizes evidence-based practices that are proven to be effective in addiction treatment. Our program uses both individual and group therapy.

We offer a partial hospitalization program. With this option, you would be able to stay at home and come to the recovery center for 4 to 6 hours per day, 3 to 5 times per week. 

We offer an intensive outpatient program that allows you to stay at home in the evenings and return to the treatment center for intensive group therapy. The amount of IOP that we have you attend will be specific to your needs.

Cocaine Withdrawal

When someone stops using cocaine abruptly or cuts down on the amount that they use, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms that may be present during cocaine withdrawal can include some or all of the following:

• Cravings to use again
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Agitation
• Lack of pleasure
• Vivid dreams
• Paranoia

While some drugs cause physical symptoms such as vomiting during withdrawal, cocaine does not. Because of this, cocaine withdrawal is not necessarily a health crisis. Some do experience extreme withdrawal that could benefit from medical treatment to help manage the symptoms present. 

Keep in mind that if the person is using cocaine cut with opioids, their withdrawal would likely then include physical symptoms. If opioid withdrawal symptoms are severe, specifically vomiting and sweating, they can lead to dehydration and become a health crisis, warranting medical attention.

Cocaine Behavioral And Physical Changes

Similar to other drugs that can be abused, both physical and behavioral changes are likely to occur when an addiction develops. Individuals who feel as though they need to use it to begin their day are probably dependent on cocaine.

Individuals who use cocaine chronically can experience a variety of health consequences. Cocaine is a stimulant, which means that the person will sleep less. Excessive sleep deprivation can lead to psychotic symptoms, which can include hallucinations and delusions.

Other long-term health consequences vary for the different methods in which cocaine is used. For example, snorting cocaine long-term can lead to nose bleeds, loss of smell, and problems swallowing.

Smoking cocaine can contribute to the development of asthma, respiratory distress, and oral health concerns, and increase a person’s risk for infections such as pneumonia.

Intravenous users are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, Hepatitis B, and C if they are using unsterile equipment. This can also lead to collapsed veins and scarring of the injection sites.

Behavioral changes that can occur with cocaine addiction can look similar to those of other addictions. Individuals may encounter problems at work or school and have strained and challenging relationships with their loved ones and friends. They may encounter legal troubles and engage in more risk-taking behaviors. 

You may notice that the individual has stopped engaging in activities that they used to enjoy. They might not follow through on commitments because they are focused on their next use. You may notice them carrying paraphernalia such as straws or a pipe.

Explore Our Modern Drug Rehab in Louisville

Cocaine Overdose

Cocaine overdoses can occur at any time of use. It doesn’t matter if this is the individual’s first use, hundredth or more. The risk of overdose is higher for individuals who mix their use of cocaine with other substances, especially opioids such as heroin.

Symptoms of a cocaine overdose can include some or all of the following symptoms:

• Increased body temperature
• Increased heart rate
• Chest pains
• Tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

Cocaine overdose can be deadly and should be treated as a health crisis. With the high prevalence of fentanyl and other opioids in cocaine, using Narcan at the time of an overdose may be helpful. It’s difficult for a user to know with 100% certainty what is in the drug they took, so even if a person does not believe that they took an opioid, the only way to truly know would be with a blood test. 

Narcan is an opioid overdose reversal medicine. This can be a life-saving measure if an individual is overdosing on an opioid such as fentanyl. Narcan will not reverse an overdose that is not caused by an opioid.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that 19,447 fatal overdoses in 2020 involved cocaine.

Re-Start Your Life With Our Cocaine Rehab Center in Kentucky​

Many treatment centers talk about individualized care, but true customization means offering a range of flexible options that meet people where they are. At IOP, we’re committed to doing just that, providing services that support recovery while allowing individuals to stay connected to their daily responsibilities.

Outpatient treatment at IOP typically includes a mix of group and individual therapy. Scheduling is tailored to fit your lifestyle, making it a practical option for those managing work, school, or family life while seeking support for addiction or mental health.

Once outpatient treatment is completed, we offer an aftercare program. These services give individuals the chance to stay engaged in their recovery through continued group therapy and support, just on a smaller, more flexible scale. It’s a great way to maintain momentum and stay connected to a recovery community.

Family support is also an essential part of the healing process. That’s why we include a family program designed to help loved ones better understand addiction, the recovery journey, and how to begin their healing. Families often need education and a safe space to process their experiences, too.

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care about, reaching out is a powerful first step. The team at IOP is here to answer your questions and help you explore the options that feel right for you.