ASV - Can Cocaine use cause Addiction?
"Thank you! I'm proud of completing the ASV rehab at-home program and staying drug-free for 12 months. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Addiction Solutions Victoria team for helping me get through this challenging time in my life. I'm thankful for their patience and support, which allowed me to overcome my Cocaine addiction. This past year has been filled with highs and lows, but I'm grateful that I have been able to stay sober and achieve goals that I never thought were possible. I'm learning to live free of drugs and feel more empowered daily. I'm looking forward to the future and taking advantage of the new opportunities that come my way. I'm not going to let my addiction define who I am, and I am determined to stay on the path to recovery. I'm so thankful for the second chance at life that I've been given. The best thing about recovering from addiction is having the opportunity to start over and create a healthier and happier life. It's a chance to break free from the cycle of addiction and create a life free from the grip of drugs and alcohol. It's also a chance to build relationships with those around you who have been supportive throughout the process. Finally, it can open up opportunities to explore new interests and passions, allowing you to start living the life you've always wanted. If you are struggling with an addiction, recovery is possible!" - Sarah 2023
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that increases the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels in the brain. This leads to increased energy, euphoria, and heightened alertness. However, these effects are short-lived, and when the drug wears off, the user may feel depressed and fatigued.
Regular use of Cocaine can lead to addiction, a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite negative consequences. This is because Cocaine changes the brain's reward system, causing it to become dependent on the drug to feel good. Over time, the brain may become less sensitive to natural rewards, making it harder to quit the drug. This can lead to addiction and other negative consequences, such as the increased risk of heart attack, stroke and damage to the brain and other organs.
What's the best way to stop using Cocaine?
The best way to stop using Cocaine will depend on the individual, as each person's experience with addiction is unique.
Behavioural therapy can help individuals understand and change the behaviours that lead to drug use. This can include cognitive-behavioural therapy, which allows individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns, and contingency management, which uses rewards to encourage abstinence from drug use.
Medication-assisted treatment can provide the much-needed assistance to quit Cocaine by reducing cravings and alleviating related symptoms. Several medications, such as disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate, are effective for this purpose.
Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide a sense of community and support for individuals in recovery.
Seeking professional care through inpatient or outpatient treatment can be a life-saving approach for those seeking to beat cocaine addiction.
With proper support, individuals are offered an opportunity to free themselves from the grips of substance use and remodel their lives - even if it may require multiple attempts.
Can people fully recover from chronic Cocaine use?
Yes, people can recover from chronic Cocaine use.
Overcoming addiction isn't a simple, linear journey; it's complex and different for everyone. It can involve detoxification to remove toxins from the system, therapy sessions designed to identify underlying issues fueling the substance abuse, and ongoing support networks throughout recovery – all with varying lengths of time, depending on everyone's situation.
While chronic cocaine use can lead to significant changes in the brain that can make recovery more complicated, it is still possible to achieve lasting remission from the addiction with appropriate treatment and support.
Detox, the first stage of recovery, allows the body to rid itself of the drug. This can be challenging as it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and craving.
After detox, therapy and support groups can help individuals understand the underlying factors that led to their addiction and develop strategies to prevent relapse.
It's important to note that recovery is a lifelong process and requires ongoing effort, support, and commitment. Relapse is a common occurrence, and it's not a sign of failure but a sign that treatment needs to be adjusted or that more support is needed.
In summary, while recovery from chronic cocaine use can be challenging, it is possible with appropriate treatment and support.
"Through dedication and hard work, I was able to break free of the chains that bound me - my cocaine addiction. Thanks to ASV's in-home Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Melbourne, I received vital guidance from professionals who believed there is always hope for a positive future without drugs. Now more optimistic than ever, I am grateful to those at ASV whose unwavering support enabled me to take control of my life confidently!" - Jim - Program Graduate - ASV Drugs Rehabs Near Me Program.