Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Overview: Cocaine Addiction Treatment In Ontario
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health is here to help those looking for cocaine addiction treatment in Ontario. Our inpatient treatment facility is located just outside of Toronto (GTA). For those unable to join us at our facility for inpatient treatment, we offer 1-on-1 counselling services to those in need of cocaine addiction treatment in Ontario and across Canada.
Table of Contents
Cocaine's Long History
Cocaine is an illegal drug produced from coca leaves. These South American leaves have a long history, they date back to belonging to one of the oldest cultivated plants within the Amazon rainforest.
They were first used by Amazon Rainforest natives. After consuming the coca leaves, these people felt energized. They then used the leaf in religious ceremonies.
The Catholic Church outlawed the coca leaf in 1551 because it threatened Christianity; however, it was still used in regulated settings, especially in the medical field. German chemist Albert Nieman was able to isolate cocaine from the leaf, a process that is used to extract cocaine in today’s age.
Despite the research and debates surrounding the medicinal usage of coca leaves, cocaine addiction always posed risks. Although many believed that cocaine was harmless since it was widely used in the past, it was never truly safe to consume in the first place.
What Is Cocaine and What Does It Look Like?
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant street drug that can develop into dependence with relative ease. While many people believe that cocaine is solely a white, powdery drug, the reality is that there are several additional types of cocaine available. Cocaine use on a long-term basis might result in various undesirable side effects. Frequently, adverse effects are directly tied to the route of delivery. Cocaine, for example, can be inhaled, snorted, or injected. Frequent cocaine snorting might cause problems with swallowing and nosebleeds.
Cocaine Addiction Symptoms
There are a number of signs of cocaine addiction. These can include:
- Using more cocaine than intended
- Unable to stop using cocaine
- Spending money on cocaine even when there is no money to spend
- Neglecting responsibilities in order to use cocaine
- Continuing to use cocaine even though it is causing problems
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Lying about cocaine use
- Stealing to get money for cocaine
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not using cocaine
- Needing more and more cocaine to get the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using cocaine
- Chronic restlessness
- Nosebleeds(from snorting)
- A decline in health and appearance
- Track marks
- Inability to sleep
- Weight Loss
Note: Cocaine addiction can be a challenge to overcome, having a deep understanding of why cocaine is so addictive can help the individual who’s addicted.
What Is Pink Cocaine?
Pink cocaine is synthetic phenylethylamine. Phenylethylamine is a compound that stimulates the central nervous system.
Pink cocaine can induce hallucinations, euphoria, and other LSD-like effects. Drug dealers mix phenylethylamine with other drugs. Pink cocaine contains MDMA, ketamine, and mescaline.
Pink cocaine is not cocaine. South American coca trees produce cocaine. Pink cocaine is lab-made.
The Most Common Physical and Mental Effects of Cocaine
Physical Effects of Cocaine Use:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Increased body temperature
- Constricted blood vessels
- Muscle tremors or twitching
- Seizures
- Abdominal pain and nausea
- Chest pain
Mental Effects of Cocaine Use:
- Euphoria and increased energy
- Heightened alertness
- Irritability and anxiety
- Paranoia and delusions
- Depression and apathy
- Increased sociability and talkativeness
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Aggression and violence
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Inability to concentrate and memory problems.
It is important to note that the effects of cocaine use can vary depending on the method of use, the dose, and the individual’s tolerance. In some cases, the use of cocaine can result in serious health consequences and even death. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, it is important to seek professional help.
Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?
Cocaine is so addictive because it alters the brain’s chemistry in a way that makes it nearly impossible to stop using. There are many factors that contribute to cocaine being so addictive. We’ve summarized them below.
- Cocaine is Rapid-acting
- Highs have a short duration
- Highs precede lows
- As tolerance increases, more cocaine is required to achieve a high
- Cocaine is a gateway drug
- Used frequently with other substances
- It changes the brain’s “reward system” and association with positive reinforcement
Call us today, your recovery starts here.
Cocaine Overdose
An overdose on cocaine happens when an excessive amount of the drug is ingested, inhaled through the nose, smoked, or injected. Overdosing is always a risk while using cocaine because its purity cannot be predicted in advance. This can lead the user to think that he or she can consume a bigger amount of the drug due to poor quality in past circumstances and may overdose if the quality of the substance that they use is increased.
If a cocaine overdose occurs, the individual may need emergency medical care to prevent permanent damage to their brain, heart, liver, kidneys, or other organs. Overdosing on cocaine can be lethal: resulting in fatal heart attack, stroke, or other medical emergencies if not handled.
Is Cocaine A Stimulant or Depressant?
If you discover that a loved one is abusing cocaine, you may wonder whether cocaine is a stimulant or a depressant. First and foremost, it’s important to note that cocaine is, in fact, a stimulant. It speeds up the central nervous system when utilized. The central nervous system is composed of the brain, the spinal cords and all the nerves that are responsible for delivering and receiving signals.
Stimulants can help with focus and alertness in the short term. Cocaine’s invigorating effects can make it hard to wind down and get some shut-eye. Both the heart rate and blood pressure could rise if you take a stimulant. For people with preexisting heart conditions, this can be a major issue.
Cocaine Detox
During the early stages of recovery, withdrawal management may be a challenging obstacle to overcome, and it is a common roadblock for many people coping with addiction. Although not everyone experiences withdrawal, for those who do, it can bring about physical and mental challenges. If you have had a negative experience in the past, you may view it as overwhelming or not worth it. However, we are here to support you and make the process as manageable as possible. We take a client-centered approach in all of our therapies, meaning that we will meet you where you are and be understanding of your emotional and physical state. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the support you need as you work towards regaining your strength and getting well.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Upon admission, we will complete a comprehensive assessment which will allow our team to put together a treatment plan built just for you.
Treatment for cocaine addiction begins with detoxification, followed by counselling and support groups. Medications may also be used to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings. The goal of treatment is to help the person stop using cocaine and return to a healthy and productive life.
At Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as an effective strategy to combat obsessive cravings and behaviours. Cognitive behavioural therapy places great emphasis on developing specific skills that help an individual avoid repeating old behaviours.
This may include understanding prompting factors that lead to the desire to use. This often involves evaluating current emotional states and effectively dealing with emotions without using cocaine.
Skills and education are provided to help the struggling individual understand their addiction and be better prepared to handle situations that may be triggering.
Currently, there is no commonly used medication for the treatment of cocaine dependency. Some symptoms may be treated with various medications if doctors deem them beneficial for their patients.
The treatment for cocaine addiction and concurrent disorders typically involves a combination of different therapeutic approaches.
Inpatient Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Inpatient programs for drug addiction focus on individual and group therapy. An inpatient program is ideal for residents who need a safe and controlled environment. The average length of stay in an inpatient program is between 30 and 90 days.
Counselling for Cocaine Addiction
If an inpatient program is not feasible, SimcoeAddiction and Mental Health offers one-on-one counselling services. This makes it ideal for clients who need to work or have other obligations. Counselling sessions will help you practice skills in real-world settings.
What To Look Out For When Picking A Rehab
If you’re in the process of seeking a rehab center, there are a couple of details you’ll want to inquire about.
It is important for an addiction treatment center to offer a personalized approach that takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of each individual and to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal and recover. An addiction treatment center should offer a comprehensive range of treatment options when treating cocaine addiction, including:
Cocaine Aftercare Treatment
One of the essential components of rehabilitation after being treated for cocaine addiction is the recovery process. At Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we can guarantee lifelong support to all of our graduates.
Conclusion: Considering Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health provides cocaine addiction treatment in Ontario and across Canada. Our inpatient treatment centre is situated outside Toronto (GTA), Ontario, and we also offer a variety of in-person and virtual counselling services.
Call us today, your recovery starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cocaine Addiction
To stop using cocaine, you should consult your doctor or an addiction expert for assistance. You may get support quitting drugs which can include therapy, counselling, and even prescription pills.
Cocaine is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs available. The high that it produces is intense and short-lived, leading users to crave more and more of the drug. As the body becomes used to the drug, it will take more and more to provide the same effects, which may swiftly develop into physical dependency. Additionally, the psychological addiction can be just as strong, as the drug can create a sense of euphoria and well-being that can be difficult to let go of.
Yes, cocaine is highly addictive. The drug substantially impacts the brain’s reward system, releasing high levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation and reward. This dopamine flood creates intense euphoria that can be difficult to replicate through other means. This can lead users to compulsively seek out the drug, even when it may harm them.
Cocaine can be detected in urine for several days after use. An individual’s metabolism, drug use history, and dosing schedule may all affect how long it takes for their drug usage to be detectable. However, the average wait time is around five days.
Cocaine typically stays in a person’s system for a short period of time, usually between 1-4 days. Depending on the methodology employed, residues of cocaine may be identified for up to several weeks after usage.
In most cases, blood testing can reveal cocaine usage anywhere from 12 to 48 hours after the last use. Because cocaine is quickly processed and removed in the urine and other physiological fluids, the detection window for blood testing is narrower than for other kinds of tests, such as urine or hair tests.
The effects of cocaine often only persist for a short amount of time, typically ranging from 15-30 minutes to 1 hour at the most. Different administration routes, such as snorting, smoking, and injecting, may provide varying degrees of strength and duration in the effects. Cocaine’s euphoric “high” has been linked to irrational thoughts, hostility, and nervousness. Cocaine’s effects, which might include increased energy, exhilaration, alertness, and talkativeness, often become apparent within a few of minutes after ingestion.
Cocaine can smell like gasoline, rotten eggs, and cleaning supplies, amongst other scents. Depending on how it was processed or manufactured, cocaine can smell like many other things. Other people have commented that it has a putrid odour, a sickening odour of decaying organic matter. However, cocaine is often cut with other substances, so it’s important to keep in mind that the substances being used to cut cocaine might alter the way it smells. As a result, it may be harder to detect.
To get cocaine out of your system, it has been noted that drinking plenty of water and engaging in exercise may help to speed up the metabolic process and reduce the amount of time it takes for the cocaine to be eliminated from the body. Because it is processed and expelled by the body naturally over time, there is no guaranteed way to “flush” cocaine from your system. Furthermore, the best approach to guarantee that the drug is no longer present in the body is to refrain from consumption.