Problems with your health, issues at work or school, and shaken relationships with friends and family are only some of the consequences of cocaine addiction. And getting sober on your own is immensely challenging. Thankfully, with understanding, compassion, and support, recovery is not only possible -it is utterly achievable. We Level Up California offers a cocaine addiction treatment program that ensures you receive the support you deserve and the care you need to heal. With our guidance, you stop relying on substances and learn how to handle the issues that have led you to cocaine use in the first place. Reach out to us, and let us help you start living a free, happier life.
Skip To:
About Cocaine Addiction
Normally when we think of drug abuse, the immediate thing that comes to mind is when someone takes drugs every day, several times. But with cocaine addiction, signs can be ambiguous. You do not have to be taking cocaine, or crack cocaine, every day to be addicted to it. A sign of addiction is that you’ve tried to cut down or stop but are unable to. According to the piece ‘Understanding Cocaine’, published by Addictioncenter.com, “Any use of cocaine is considered abuse because it is an illegal substance”.
Even though cocaine is a highly addictive drug, one of its main issues is that it may be hard to recognize an addiction to it. For example, craving cocaine, even if the use or need appears every few days, and ignoring the consequences that come with it are signs of an addiction.
Although addiction manifests clearly physical signs as well, the psychological component is frequently the most difficult to overcome. Regular cocaine users will grow dependent on the drug, meaning they need it to feel normal. As a tolerance grows, withdrawal symptoms will follow when use is stopped. Cocaine addiction can be rather difficult to overcome once it has started. This is so because cocaine erroneously raises the brain’s dopamine levels, therefore rewiring the reward system.
How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Cocaine?
Is there a specific time frame that determines if you are going to become addicted to cocaine or not? How long does it take? It can depend on certain factors such as how often you use cocaine and how much of the drug you use on each occasion. Getting addicted to cocaine depends on various factors but most people who use the drug heavily become dependent within a few weeks of regular abuse.
Various factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing substance misuse issues like medical history, genetics, mental health, environment, and method of use.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for an Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Near You?
Even if you have failed previously and relapsed, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?
In the scientific research, ‘Stress and Cocaine Addiction’ published by the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the author discovers a strong relationship between stress and Cocaine Addiction. Being, stressed is the main factor in people who develop this type of dependence.
Here is what the research says: “Corticosterone seems to be crucial for the acquisition of drug use since self-administration does not occur unless this stress hormone is increased above a critical reward threshold. …Corticosterone and CRH are critical for the stress and cue-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-seeking behavior.
Therefore, cocaine self-administration may represent an attempt to seek out specific sensations, with the internal state produced being very similar to that perceived by individuals who engage in risky, thrill-seeking behavior. During abstinence, exposure to stressors or cocaine-associated cues can stimulate the HPA axis to remind the individual about the effects of cocaine, thus producing craving and promoting relapse.
Stress reduction, either alone or in combination with pharmacotherapies targeting the HPA axis may prove beneficial in reducing cravings and promoting abstinence in individuals seeking treatment for Cocaine Addiction”.
Physical and Mental Health Effects of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction leads to physical health problems such as:
- Heart issues: Cocaine increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes, even in young people without other heart problems.
- Respiratory problems: Snorting cocaine can damage the nasal passages and smoking it harms the lungs, leading to respiratory distress.
- Neurological effects: Cocaine use can cause seizures and headaches, and in the long term, it may lead to brain damage.
Using cocaine affects your mental health as well. It might cause:
- Addiction and dependency: Cocaine causes intense cravings and a strong psychological dependency, making it extremely difficult to quit without help.
- Mood disorders: Regular use can lead to mood swings, depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
- Cognitive impairments: Over time, cocaine can affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions, and remember things.
Cocaine abuse is particularly dangerous because continued use can cause strain on the heart. The most common cause of death of infrequent cocaine users is stroke or cardiac arrest. If you or someone you know is abusing cocaine, get help now.
Get Your Life Back
Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care.
Hotline (855) 695-1160Cocaine Addiction Symptoms
Symptoms of cocaine addiction can be physical, behavioral, and psychological.
Physical symptoms include:
- Increased energy and alertness: Immediately after use, individuals often show unusually high levels of energy and alertness.
- Decreased appetite: Cocaine use commonly results in a reduced appetite, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
- Restlessness: Difficulty sitting still, constant movement, and appearing overly stimulated are common.
- Dilated pupils: A noticeable sign of recent cocaine use is dilated, or enlarged, pupils.
- Nosebleeds: For those who snort cocaine, frequent nosebleeds and nasal congestion are common physical indicators.
Behavioral symptoms:
- Increased risk-taking: Cocaine can lead to risky behaviors, such as reckless driving or unsafe sexual practices.
- Changes in social groups: A shift away from usual friends and activities to associate with other drug users.
- Financial problems: Unexplained borrowing of money or spending large amounts could indicate spending on cocaine.
- Secretiveness or deception: Lying about activities or whereabouts to hide drug use.
Psychological symptoms are:
- Mood swings: Sudden and severe changes in mood, from euphoria to irritability, can be a direct effect of cocaine use or withdrawal.
- Paranoia: Cocaine users often exhibit irrational fears or paranoid thinking.
- Anxiety and depression: Cocaine withdrawal often results in anxiety, depression, and general emotional instability.
How people use cocaine also impacts the potency and duration of the effects. The effects of snorting it are short-lived, lasting approximately 15-30 minutes. Smoking or injecting cocaine is more intense but lasts for an even shorter period, about 5 to 10 minutes. Most cocaine users will dose frequently in order to maintain the desired effects. Injecting the drug poses a higher risk of overdose than snorting.
Cocaine Addiction and Other Drugs
It is usual for people with cocaine addiction to also consume other substances that stimulate the central nervous system. For this reason, many people who consume cocaine on a regular basis, tend to have a dependence on other substances, such as alcohol or marijuana. This is known as poly-drug use and is especially dangerous, as it increases the risk of fatal overdose.
“Cocaine and alcohol are often used together, to the point where alcohol can be a trigger for recovering cocaine users,” states Addictioncenter.com. This is why during rehabilitation it is crucial to stay off of all medicines. The riskiest of all drug combos including cocaine is probably using heroin and cocaine together, or a “speedball.”
Options for Cocaine Addiction Treatment in California
For therapy of cocaine addiction to be successful, the background of polydrug users must be addressed. The National Institute on Drug Abuse declared as much in their publication “Cocaine Research Report.” Cocaine accounted for around 6% of all substance misuse treatment program admissions in 2013. The bulk of people (68 percent in 2013) who seek treatment for cocaine use crack and are probably polydrug users, or those who use more than one drug.
Treatment of cocaine addiction must address this broad context as well as any other co-occurring mental disorders that require additional behavioral or pharmacological interventions because drug addiction is a complex disease involving changes in the brain as well as a wide range of social, familial, and other environmental factors.
Comfortable Facilities & Amenities
High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned California Addiction Center. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.
Addiction Helpline (855) 695-1160Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Onsite Medical Detox Center
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events
Cocaine Detox
The main goal of cocaine detox is to safely manage the removal of cocaine from your system. As your body adjusts to life without cocaine, you might experience some withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
- Feeling very tired
- Having an increased appetite
- Feeling down
- Being irritable
- Having intense dreams
- Feeling paranoid or extremely anxious (in some instances)
Our medical professionals will watch over you during your stay at our cocaine addiction treatment California center. This way, any severe symptoms or problems can be handled right away. You will receive care that might include staying hydrated, getting proper nutrition, and sometimes medications to help ease the withdrawal symptoms and keep you comfortable.
Behavioral Interventions
Many behavioral treatments for cocaine addiction have proven to be effective in both residential and outpatient settings. Indeed, behavioral therapies are often the only available and effective treatments for many drug problems, including stimulant addictions. They include:
- Contingency management
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Therapeutic communities (TCs)
Contingency Management
One form of behavioral therapy that is showing positive results in people with cocaine use disorders is contingency management (CM), also called motivational incentives. Programs use a voucher or prize-based system that rewards patients who abstain from cocaine and other drugs. On the basis of drug-free urine tests, the patients earn points, or chips, which can be exchanged for items that encourage healthy living, such as a gym membership, movie tickets, or dinner at a local restaurant.
CM may be particularly useful for helping patients achieve initial abstinence from cocaine and stay in treatment. This approach has recently been shown to be practical and effective in community treatment programs. Research indicates that CM benefits diverse populations of cocaine users.
Patients participating in CM treatment for cocaine use who also experienced psychiatric symptoms—such as depression, emotional distress, and hostility—showed a significant reduction in these problems, probably related to reductions in cocaine use.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an effective approach for preventing relapse. This approach helps you develop critical skills that support long-term abstinence—including the ability to recognize the situations in which they are most likely to use cocaine, avoid these situations, and cope more effectively with a range of problems associated with drug use. This therapy can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, thereby maximizing the benefits of both.
If you are prone to relapse, CBT is ideal for you. It is a part of our drug rehab in California because it teaches you practical and specific strategies to maintain sobriety. As CBT can be integrated with other therapies, it works well for patients undergoing multiple treatments.
Therapeutic Communities
Drug-free residences in which people in recovery from substance use disorders help each other to understand and change their behaviors—can be an effective treatment for people who use drugs, including cocaine. TCs may require a 6- to 12-month stay and can include onsite vocational rehabilitation and other supportive services that focus on successful re-integration of the individual into society. TCs can also provide support in other important areas—improving legal, employment, and mental health outcomes.
TCs are suitable for you if you require a structured and comprehensive recovery environment. They benefit people who have struggled with addiction for a long time and need a completely drug-free environment to break the cycle of addiction. TCs are also helpful if you need support in multiple aspects of your life, including legal issues, employment, and mental health.
Regardless of the specific type of substance use disorder treatment, it is important that patients receive services that match all of their treatment needs. For example, an unemployed patient would benefit from vocational rehabilitation or career counseling along with addiction treatment. Patients with marital problems may need couples counseling.
Once inpatient treatment ends, ongoing support—also called aftercare—can help people avoid relapse. Research indicates that people who are committed to abstinence, engage in self-help behaviors, and believe that they have the ability to refrain from using cocaine (self-efficacy) are more likely to abstain. Aftercare serves to reinforce these traits and address problems that may increase vulnerability to relapse, including depression and declining self-efficacy.
Scientists have found promising results from telephone-based counseling as a low-cost method to deliver aftercare. For example, people who misused stimulants who participated in seven sessions of telephone counseling showed decreasing drug use during the first 3 months, whereas those who did not receive calls increased their use. Voucher incentives can boost patients’ willingness to participate in telephone aftercare, doubling the number of sessions received according to one study.
Illicit Drug Use in California
From 2018 to 2019, over 1.2 million Californians aged 12 and older were reported to have used illicit drugs. One of the preferred drugs among people is cocaine, usually due to the misconception that it does not cause addiction.
However, using cocaine can make you dependent quickly. If you feel like you are developing an addiction, make sure to reach out to our cocaine addiction treatment California center and get immediate help.
Why Choose We Level Up California Cocaine Addiction Treatment
It is important that you make the best decision when choosing rehab facilities in California. Here is why we are your ideal choice:
- Our location is ideal for recovery. We are in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Also, our recovery center is within easy reach for more than half of the nation’s population surrounding California. This peaceful setting is perfect for your journey to recovery.
- Our therapists are caring and compassionate. You’ll find that our team of substance abuse therapists is not only skilled but also deeply empathetic. They truly understand the challenges of addiction and offer a supportive and caring approach that makes a real difference.
- We use innovative treatment methods. At our center, we use cutting-edge, science-based methods to treat addiction. These innovative approaches are designed to effectively address your needs and support long-term recovery.
- Our staff is top-notch. Our team is made up of licensed, certified, and highly trained addiction specialists. Their expertise and commitment ensure that you receive the best care possible.
- Our facility is private and exclusive. We offer a low staff-to-client ratio in a private and exclusive setting, ensuring you get personalized attention and plenty of space to reflect and heal.
- We provide comprehensive wellness therapies. In addition to traditional treatments, our cocaine addiction treatment California center offers various mindfulness and wellness therapies, such as yoga and meditation. These holistic approaches help improve your overall well-being and integrate body and mind healing.
- Our accommodations and nutrition are first-class. You’ll stay in safe, comfortable, and stylish accommodations. Plus, our world-class nutrition and food services ensure your physical health is well taken care of during your stay.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.
CALL (855) 695-1160End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.
How to Start Our Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program in California
Starting your recovery at our cocaine addiction treatment California center is simple. Here are the steps:
- Initial evaluation: When you contact our California addiction treatment center, an admissions coordinator will conduct a 15-30 minute evaluation to understand your medical, mental health, and substance abuse history.
- Verifying coverage: During your call, we’ll gather the necessary information to check if your health insurance is accepted. We work with most major providers, so there’s a good chance we can use your insurance.
- Flexible payment solutions: If we can’t accept your insurance or if you prefer other payment methods, we will offer you a variety of alternative options to ensure you find a plan that suits your financial needs.
- Personalizing support: After sorting out the details, you’ll be matched with a dedicated treatment consultant. This person will coordinate closely with the treatment facility and staff to ensure your experience is tailored and smooth.
- Coordinating travel arrangements: If you’re traveling from out of town, we’ll arrange your pickup and transportation to ensure you arrive safely at the facility.
- Welcoming you: Upon your arrival, the We Level Up team will welcome you and complete the admission process. This is where your cocaine addiction treatment program California locals rely on begins.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cocaine Addiction
How long does cocaine addiction treatment usually last?
The duration of cocaine addiction treatment can vary depending on the individual’s specific situation and needs. Generally, programs can last from 30 days to 90 days, but longer stays may be necessary for more severe cases to ensure a sustainable recovery.
Can family members be involved in the cocaine addiction treatment process?
Yes, family involvement is often encouraged as it can provide significant support. At our cocaine addiction treatment California center, we offer family therapy sessions and educational programs to help family members understand addiction and how to best support their loved ones.
Are there medications available to help treat cocaine addiction?
Yes, while there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine addiction, there are several medications used off-label to help manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse. These include certain antidepressants and medications used to treat other addictions, which can be effective in reducing cocaine use.
Is there a vaccine that can help with cocaine addiction treatment?
Researchers are developing a vaccine for cocaine addiction, which works by blocking the effects of cocaine in the brain. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to cocaine molecules. This prevents them from entering the brain and reduces the pleasurable effects associated with taking the drug. This is still in the experimental stage and not yet available to the public.
Contact We Level Up CA Today and Reshape Your Future
Cocaine addiction is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up California can provide you, or someone you love, with the tools to recover from cocaine addiction with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by providing you with relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential. Start rebuilding your life today.
Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up California Treatment Center.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 100s 5-Star Reviews
We’ll Call You
Sources
“Health Care Almanac Substance Use in California: Prevalence and Treatment.” California Health Care Foundation, 2022. https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SubstanceUseDisorderAlmanac2022.pdf
Goeders, Nick E. “Stress and Cocaine Addiction.” Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, vol. 301, no. 3, 1 June 2002, pp. 785–789, https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.301.3.785.
“Cocaine Addiction and Abuse – Addiction Center.” AddictionCenter, 2014, www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/cocaine/.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Cocaine. May 2016, https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/1141-cocaine.pdf.