Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Houston, Texas
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that is derived from the coca plant. It is a white powder that is very addictive. Cocaine addiction is a serious problem in the United States and the drug is designated as a Schedule II controlled substance due to the risk it poses.
Cocaine detox is the first step in overcoming cocaine addiction. The cocaine detox process can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it is essential for those who want to overcome their addiction. Cocaine detox centers offer medical care and support to help people through the cocaine detox process.
At Luna Recovery Services in Houston, Texas, we offer a comprehensive detox program that includes both medical and psychological support. Our cocaine detox program is designed to help you safely and effectively detox from cocaine so that you can begin your journey to recovery.
What is Cocaine Addiction?
When someone develops cocaine dependence it means they believe that without the presence of cocaine in their system they cannot behave normally. Cocaine dependence occurs as a result of using cocaine over an extended period of time.
When it comes to substance use disorders, dependence is often the first development. Afterward, addiction develops. But, addiction occurs differently for everyone. In some cases, genetics may also play a role in how someone becomes drug dependent.
Cocaine has been designated as a drug that causes extreme risk for addiction, which means that it doesn’t take long for dependence to occur. Cocaine use disorder can develop after just a few uses. This is why cocaine is considered to be a very addictive drug.
Cocaine addiction occurs when changes in brain chemistry happen as a result of cocaine use. These changes make it so that cocaine feels like it’s essential for someone’s survival. The changes in brain chemistry caused by cocaine use lead to cocaine addiction. At this point, the need for professional addiction treatment becomes evident.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Some of the signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse and addiction might include the following:
- Nosebleeds
- Weight loss
- Dilated pupils
- Social isolation
- Talkativeness
- Mood swings
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in appetite and eating patterns
- White powder around nose and mouth areas
- Burn marks on various areas, including hands and lips
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
Individuals who suffer from cocaine or crack cocaine addiction may also exhibit a lack of proper hygiene, financial problems, and risky behavioral changes.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?
Cocaine works by flooding the brain with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. Cocaine prevents dopamine from being recycled, which causes large amounts of dopamine to build up in the spaces between neurons. This creates an amplified feeling of euphoria.
People who use cocaine will often experience symptoms of withdrawal when their brain becomes accustomed to the high levels of dopamine production. The adapted state can be compared with someone who has become immune due to it being overused. This means it will take more and more cocaine to feel the same effects. Without the increased amount, users will feel withdrawals like depression and agitation.
Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Common symptoms of cocaine addiction include:
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily agitated
- Changes in appetite
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Slowed cognitive abilities
- Paranoia
- Cravings for cocaine
Typically, withdrawal from cocaine withdrawal does not include any severe symptoms except for severe depression which can lead to suicidal thoughts. Individuals who suffer from extreme depression related to cocaine withdrawal are more likely to relapse.
Most of the symptoms related to cocaine withdrawal will resolve after a few days, however, some people may experience protracted or prolonged symptoms that can last a few weeks. It’s difficult to determine who will suffer from more severe withdrawal symptoms during cocaine detox but some factors can help medical professionals. These include:
- Length of cocaine addiction
- How cocaine was abused/administered (smoking, snoring, or injections)
- If the individual has a co-occurring or co-morbid condition
- If cocaine was abused along with other substances
- Has the individual previously been through cocaine detox
- Biological factors like age, weight, and gender
Detox specialists will take all of these factors into consideration during an initial detox evaluation to determine the best course of treatment during cocaine treatment and detox. The ultimate goal is to help relieve the individual of cocaine addiction in a safe and comfortable environment, with minimum symptoms of withdrawal.
How to Manage Cocaine Withdrawal During Detox
While cocaine withdrawal symptoms may not be as serious as some substances, it’s still an uncomfortable experience without support. That’s why utilizing the help of a professional detox center is important to overcome cocaine addiction.
A professional cocaine detox will manage the withdrawal process through medications and 24/7 monitored care. This way medical professionals can make modifications to your detox protocol as necessary to mitigate withdrawals.
Some common medications used during cocaine detox include:
- Antidepressants to help with mood swings
- Sleep aids to combat insomnia
- Anti-anxiety medications to ease anxiety and agitation
The length of cocaine detox will vary depending on the individual. However, most people can expect to complete cocaine detox within 7-10 days.
Medications Used in a Cocaine Detox Program
There are no FDA-approved medications that are specific to cocaine detox. Medications commonly used as a cocaine detox and addiction treatment protocol are also used to treat other conditions. These are utilized to help the body adjust to no longer having the presence of cocaine in the body. Effective medications approved for drug addiction treatment include:
Propanol is a beta-blocker that helps with cocaine-induced high blood pressure, anxiety, and mood. This medication can also help reduce the anxiety in some individuals that may be more nervous during detox. Beta-blockers have also been shown to reduce some of the rewarding properties of cocaine, meaning people are less likely to relapse.
Baclofen is a GABA B agonist that can also be utilized as a muscle relaxer. This medication has been shown to help with cocaine-induced anxiety and cocaine cravings. It can also help with some of the other symptoms of withdrawal, such as muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
This medication is typically used to treat seizures, however, it can also help with cocaine withdrawal by reducing cocaine cravings. It works by increasing the levels of GABA in the brain which helps to reduce anxiety and cocaine cravings.
Topiramate is another medication that is typically used to treat seizures but can also help treat cocaine withdrawal symptoms. It has been shown to reduce cocaine cravings and can also help with some of the other symptoms.
Disulfiram is a medication that is typically used to treat alcoholism, however, it can also help treat cocaine addiction. It works by causing negative side effects when alcohol is consumed, and these side effects can also be triggered by cocaine use. This can help to deter people from using cocaine.
Acamprosate is a medication that is typically used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, however, it can also help address cocaine withdrawal. It works by helping to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that are affected by cocaine use.
Modafinil is a medication that is typically used to treat narcolepsy, however, it can also help treat cocaine addiction. It works by reducing the urge to sleep and increasing alertness, which can help to prevent cocaine cravings.
Antidepressants can help treat cocaine addiction because they can help to reduce the depressed mood that often accompanies cocaine withdrawal. By utilizing antidepressants, individuals are less likely to relapse.
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that helps with cocaine-induced anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. This medication can also help with some of the other withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Benztropine is an anticholinergic that helps with cocaine-induced anxiety and paranoia. This medication can also help with some of the other symptoms of withdrawal such as muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Can I Detox From Cocaine At Home?
While cocaine withdrawal is not typically fatal, it can be incredibly uncomfortable. For this reason, self-detoxing from cocaine is not advisable. The safest and most effective way to detox from cocaine is to seek treatment at a professional cocaine detox center like Luna Recovery.
At Luna Recovery, we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that includes detox, individual therapy, group therapy, and aftercare planning. Our goal is to help you overcome cocaine addiction and live a happy and healthy life. If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine addiction, please contact us today to learn more about our cocaine detox program in Texas.
What are the Next Steps After Cocaine Detox?
Once detox is complete, you will be able to move on to the next stage of treatment which is typically an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Cocaine addiction treatment programs will focus on helping you develop tools to abstain from cocaine use in the long term.
After detoxing from cocaine use, individuals can enter one or all of the following drug abuse treatment programs:
- Residential treatment programs
- Outpatient treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
It’s important to understand that cocaine detox is only the first step in an addiction treatment program. While residential and outpatient settings differ tremendously, they both can be effective in treating a substance use disorder. Entering an inpatient or outpatient program is crucial for long-term recovery.
Residential Treatment Programs for Cocaine Use Disorders
Also known as inpatient treatment, a residential treatment program offers individuals the opportunity to live at the facility where they are receiving treatment. So, those who are seeking cocaine addiction treatment can get the help they need while living in a safe, drug-free environment. This can be essential for those who are suffering from severe cocaine addiction treatment.
Outpatient Treatment Programs for Cocaine Use Disorders
Outpatient treatment for cocaine addiction enables people to receive the help they need while living at home or in a sober living environment. This type of rehab program can be helpful for those who have already completed residential cocaine addiction treatment. Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are types of outpatient drug abuse rehab programs.
Therapy for Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Behavioral therapies are typically involved in drug addiction and mental health treatment. When it comes to addressing mental illness and drug problems, many behavioral treatments can help to uncover the underlying contributing factors. Some of the most effective treatments and therapeutic approaches include the following:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Here at Luna Recovery, we offer various addiction therapy services to help those struggling with substance use disorders.
Receive Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Houston, Texas
Breaking free from cocaine addiction is a difficult process. But it is possible to overcome this substance abuse problem with the help of effective treatment methods at a cocaine detox center. So, if you’ve been looking for treatment centers in Houston that offer mental health services and treatment for drug use problems, reach out to us today.
