Cocaine Rehab

Cocaine is a highly addictive illicit substance, and cocaine rehab is the best way out of addiction and the route to sobriety.

What is Cocaine?

Characterised as a Class A controlled substance in the United Kingdom, cocaine is a highly addictive illicit substance, and abuse can lead to cocaine addiction.

Cocaine is a powerful and addictive stimulant drug that is derived from the leaves of coca plants, commonly found in northern and western parts of South America. Chemically, it is known as benzoylmethylecgonine and is classified as a tropane alkaloid. It is often found in a white, crystalline form known as powder cocaine.

At its core, cocaine acts as a central nervous system stimulant. Its chemical structure allows it to interfere with the normal communication processes in the brain, particularly in relation to neurotransmitters like dopamine. This interference creates a build-up of the neurotransmitters, which results in the heightened stimulation and euphoria associated with the drug.

Cocaine also has a history of medical use, where it was once used as a local anaesthetic, particularly in eye, throat, and nose surgeries. However, this is no longer the case in the UK due to the potential risks and dangers.

Why is Cocaine Addictive?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that directly impacts the brain’s reward pathway. It generates an intense sense of euphoria, power, confidence and energy, making it an attractive substance for many. Unfortunately, the use of this substance is also often glamorised, which contributes to its normalisation.

The consequence of the fleeting high associated with cocaine is a detrimental and long-lasting impact on both physical and mental health.

Frequent cocaine use can lead to addiction, a chronic and debilitating disease that alters the brain’s structure and function. The substance essentially takes over the brain’s reward system, creating a compulsive and uncontrollable need for the drug. Cocaine addiction commonly impacts not just the individual’s health but also their relationships, their work or studies, and ultimately, their quality of life.

Cocaine use also blocks the reuptake of dopamine, meaning that you must continue to take cocaine in order to experience normal feelings of happiness and contentment. You also build up a tolerance to cocaine. This means you must take ever more significant quantities of cocaine in order to experience the desired effects.

Cocaine Addiction in the UK

Over recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed a rise in the use of cocaine, driven by increased normalisation and accessibility of this potent substance. This has led to an exponential increase in cocaine-related addictions and health problems that have spread throughout many communities from all walks of life.

Statistics show that the number of deaths directly linked to cocaine use has been on a steady incline over the last two decades in the UK. This data represents real people – from sons and daughters to parents and friends who fall victim to the grip of this dangerous substance.

Cocaine is universally recognised as one of the most dangerous and misused drugs, and its destructive impact extends far beyond physical health. The mental and emotional toll can be equally devastating, ripping apart relationships, causing financial hardship, and inflicting deep psychological wounds that can take many years to heal fully.

The Dangers Associated With Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction is a multifaceted issue with harsh consequences, drastically affecting individuals’ psychological and physical health. As the dependency on this powerful stimulant intensifies, individuals who are using cocaine frequently show signs of substantial alterations in their personalities and behaviour.

One of the significant transformations includes the onset of mental health disorders. For example, users often experience heightened levels of paranoia, marked by an excessive, often irrational fear and distrust. 

The intense presence of anxiety, which can look like persistent worry and restlessness, can also become more apparent as time goes on. 

A particularly severe mental health complication of chronic cocaine use is paranoid psychosis. In this condition, it’s common for people to lose their sense of reality, which can cause them to spiral into a state where their perceptions are grossly misaligned with the world around them. 

Auditory hallucinations, a distinctive symptom, can be exceptionally distressing to experience. This may mean individuals start to hear voices or noises that do not exist, further complicating their state of mental health, often leading them to lose the ability to trust themselves or those around them.

From a physical perspective, the substance is harshly toxic and can lead to severe health complications. For instance, cocaine can cause skin necrosis, leading to tissue death, potentially developing into a lethal infection known as gangrene. This risk is even higher if cocaine is ingested orally, as it can damage bowel tissues, giving rise to potentially fatal ulcers.

In addition, the use of cocaine is also known to place significant strain on the cardiovascular system. It can provoke heart diseases, even causing the heart to enlarge and potentially lead to strokes or cardiac arrests. 

Because of this, many cocaine-related deaths are due to cardiac complications. The threat is also not limited to chronic users – even a first-time user can experience a cocaine-induced cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

With that being said, chronic cocaine users, in particular, still stand at a high risk of enduring catastrophic health events, such as heart attacks or strokes. The repetitive use of cocaine strains the body’s vital systems over time, making such severe outcomes a sad reality for many individuals suffering from this addiction.

The Treatment Process at a Cocaine Rehab Centre

Oftentimes, not knowing what to expect with cocaine addiction treatment can prevent individuals who need help from seeking the support they need to achieve recovery. Below, you’ll find an overview of the treatment process for cocaine addiction.

Please note that the information provided below is a generalised overview, as addiction treatment for cocaine addiction often requires a personalised approach, tailored to the unique needs of the individual.

Step One – The Admissions Process

The first step on your journey to recovery begins with coming to terms with the fact that there may be a problem and reaching out for help. 

At Ocean Recovery, our admissions process is simple and straightforward. You can contact us directly, or a loved one or healthcare professional can contact us on your behalf. 

Our dedicated team of medical professionals and addiction specialists will gather information through a confidential assessment to understand your relationship and experience with cocaine addiction, along with your unique needs. Based on this assessment, a comprehensive, personalised treatment programme will be created.

Step Two – The Withdrawal and Detoxification Process

Next, individuals will start their time at a rehabilitation clinic undergoing cocaine detox. This stage is not exclusive to cocaine addiction treatment, as most individuals who come to rehab for drug abuse will require detox.

The cocaine withdrawal process is a tough but essential step in overcoming cocaine addiction. This period is often characterised by psychological symptoms due to the strong psychological hold of the drug. Physical symptoms are usually less severe compared to other substances, but may still be present during this time.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms often begin with a ‘crash’ phase, where the individual experiences fatigue, increased appetite, and depression.

This is followed by the “withdrawal” phase, marked by irritability, poor concentration, cravings, and agitation. The intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms vary based on factors such as frequency of use, dosage, and individual health condition. Medical supervision is recommended during detox, to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively and minimise the risk of relapse.

At Ocean Recovery, our experienced medical professionals oversee the entire cocaine detox process. They can administer medication as needed to manage withdrawal symptoms, making this difficult phase as comfortable as possible. Detox prepares your body and mind for the next crucial step in your recovery journey – therapy.

Step Two – Comprehensive Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Therapy

After detox, individuals can start working through their comprehensive, personalised treatment programmes, which can include various therapeutic interventions.

Typically speaking, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and group therapy are known to be particularly effective for cocaine rehab. These therapies aim to help you understand the underlying causes of your addiction and develop new coping strategies.

CBT effectively works through treating cocaine addiction, as it helps identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that lead to drug use, which is where effective coping strategies can be developed. Group therapy provides that much-needed supportive environment where individuals can openly talk about their experiences and learn from others who are also working towards recovery, all within a safe and private environment.

Holistic therapy approaches are also often used in cocaine rehab, known to promote the healing of the person as a whole.

This can include engaging in therapy sessions that target the physical and mental wellbeing of the individual, usually through activities such as art and music therapy, yoga, meditation and motivational interviewing sessions, which is a counselling approach that helps with helping individuals to find their motivation for recovery, often referred to as their “why”.

Step Three – Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Programmes

After inpatient cocaine rehab treatment comes to an end, a personalised aftercare programme will be provided.

Leaving the clinic and facing the outside world again can often make people feel very nervous and unsettled, which is why aftercare programmes are so important, especially in the context of relapse prevention.

Aftercare, also known as secondary programmes, provides continued and ongoing support for those who have been through an inpatient cocaine rehab treatment programme. This ensures that individuals are fully supported as they transition back to everyday life, equipped with the skills and resources to maintain their sobriety.

Remember, each step on this journey is just as important as the other, and at Ocean Recovery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We provide free aftercare programmes for every individual who undergoes a cocaine rehab programme at our clinic, which lasts for a full year.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programmes for Cocaine Addiction

With cocaine addiction treatment, it’s not uncommon for those seeking support to have often a dual diagnosis identified during admissions. This is because cocaine often has a significant psychological impact, meaning that it is possible for a mental health condition also to be present and require treatment.

In most cases, seeking professional support at a cocaine addiction rehab is the most effective route for overcoming addiction and managing any co-existing mental health condition. 

Dual diagnosis treatment programmes are specifically designed for individuals who struggle with cocaine addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, with plans developed on a case-by-case basis. These might include conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

This integrated approach recognises that both conditions are interlinked and should be treated simultaneously for successful recovery.

As we mentioned earlier, cocaine addiction treatment therapies may involve cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions, motivational interviewing, and other techniques. However, if a dual diagnosis is identified, individuals may also participate in dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), which is a more intensive form of CBT. This combined approach to cocaine addiction treatment aims to address the root causes of addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve overall mental health.

Dual diagnosis programmes may also offer support services such as housing assistance, job training, and social skills development, as these areas can often be impacted by addiction and mental health disorders.

Talk to Us Today

Now that you understand the different kinds of treatment for cocaine addiction that is out there, it is time to get onto the path of a healthy life and start the rehab process.

At Ocean Recovery, our team can help you decide what your best option is when it comes to cocaine rehab treatment. We can build a tailored treatment plan that is made for your specific needs, helping you to achieve lasting recovery. Call us today on 03301 596 494 or fill out one of our contact forms to find out how our treatment for cocaine addiction can restore a better and healthier you.