Cocaine is a popular stimulant that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and can cause a rush of energy, alertness, and other pleasurable symptoms. It can also cause paranoia, high body temperature, and high heart rate, and it’s extremely addicting. Understanding what the long-term effects of cocaine abuse can do to you is essential if you or a loved one is abusing the drug. While there’s no cure, there are many cocaine rehab centers to support your full recovery.
Recovery Ranch PA supports clients who are struggling with cocaine addiction and are ready for a new start. Our cocaine rehab program utilizes the top therapeutic techniques for treating the disorder and helping you create several coping skills to manage your symptoms and triggers. You’ll work with a professional therapist in group and private therapy sessions where you’ll talk about your triggers and find new ways to process the emotions and behaviors they bring forth.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse?
Cocaine is a natural stimulant that comes from the coca plant and is mostly grown in western South America. It’s known for its psychoactive effects and is highly addictive. It became popular in the 1980s as a party drug and continues to affect millions of people today. If you take cocaine, you’ll experience a rush of energy, alertness, and attentiveness, as well as many other damaging symptoms.
For long-term cocaine users, it can be very detrimental to their health and can cause serious side effects. To better understand them, here are some of the long-term effects of cocaine addiction:
- Physical side effects – Cardiovascular disease, brain damage, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal damage, kidney disease, and a weakened immune system.
- Psychological side effects – Problems with decision-making, concentrating, and impulse control, severe anxiety, depression, psychosis, addiction, dependence, and social and behavioral problems.
- Other consequences – Abusing cocaine can lead to financial and legal issues, relationship and work problems, and an increased risk of infectious diseases.
If you’re abusing cocaine, you can enroll in a cocaine rehab program. The Ranch PA can create a tailored recovery program for you that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and holistic therapies.
What to Expect When Treating Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine use disorder is a treatable mental health illness that affects millions of people each year. They learn to cope with their symptoms and triggers through medication, behavioral therapy, and life skills training. This whole-person approach allows those who struggle with cocaine addiction to build a healthy and sober lifestyle.
Addiction Education
The first step in treating addiction is learning about it and what it takes to recover. Therapists will cover why addiction is so dangerous and how it affects others in your life. They’ll then discuss your treatment plan with you, review the therapies and medications used, and answer any questions.
Cocaine Detox
Medical staff will administer specific medications based on your individual treatment plan. They’ll monitor you for any adverse side effects and make adjustments to the dosage as necessary. When cocaine withdrawals diminish, they’ll begin tapering you off the medication to avoid any withdrawals.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the best therapeutic methods for treating cocaine addiction and other types of substance abuse. It focuses on the behaviors the addiction creates—cravings and temptations—and teaches clients new behaviors to replace the old ones. They learn how to recognize their triggers and develop healthy coping skills to prevent a relapse.
Other types of behavioral therapy that can help with cocaine addiction include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Relapse prevention therapy
You’ll participate in various behavioral therapies through group and private therapy sessions during your program.
Family Therapy and Peer Support
During group therapy, you’ll have a chance to work with your peers and develop long-lasting friendships. They’ll help you when triggers and cravings return and become a part of a strong support system. Family members can also be a part of your recovery journey. They’ll work with a therapist to work through any lingering issues and learn how to create a stable and supportive living environment.
Connect with The Ranch PA and Start Cocaine Rehab Today
The Ranch PA welcomes all people who are struggling with a cocaine addiction and are ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Our team will welcome you in and run a complete evaluation to determine the severity of the addiction and the reasons behind the abuse. A therapist will work with you to teach you many effective coping skills to manage your symptoms and triggers better.
If you or a loved one is abusing cocaine and ready to quit, complete our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to enroll in our cocaine rehab program.