Cocaine addiction affects the lives of not just the addicts, but also of people around them. Imagine all the effects of cocaine addiction to accidents, violence, and how it disrupts relationships and families. Such effects are immeasurable. Knowing this, what can be done about cocaine addiction and the people who are affected by it?
Cocaine is a drug that stimulates the body. It can cause the body to increase its production of dopamine. Users of cocaine will feel intense pleasure because of this. Many users find that they don’t feel hungry or sleepy. Some even say that the drug helps them in thinking and being able to perform their tasks better. However, the negative effects of cocaine addiction have more weight compared to these seemingly positive effects of the drug.
Cocaine addiction can cause many psychological effects on an individual who frequently uses the drug. Some of these include paranoia, hallucinations, panic, aggression, anxiety, depression, and abnormal behaviours. The body also suffers from cocaine addiction. Addicts can suffer from stroke, seizures, heart attack, and other bodily discomforts like nausea, headaches, and abdominal pain.
Long-term use of the drug is known to cause the addict to have a weakened immune system. They may also suffer from medical conditions like respiratory diseases, hepatitis, and gangrene of the bowels.
A Different Way of Treatment
Experts say that there’s no cure for drug addiction. However, it can be treated. Every day, the recovering addict will have to face struggles and temptations to use drugs again. It is something that they should battle with on a daily basis.
While, yes, there is no cure, it is important for a person with an addiction to believe that they can get better. It is with this kind of mentality that they can be empowered to work hard and improve themselves.
There’s a saying that goes that for every addict, six other individuals are affected. If such a saying is correct, then if an addict goes into recovery, there are also six individuals who will be positively affected by it. What this means is that recovery is more than medications and going through therapy. It is also about rebuilding connections with others.
Related article: How to Break Free from Cocaine Addiction
Improving Recovering Addicts’ Quality of Life
Most of the responses to drug addiction emphasize treatment. People with drug addiction are assisted in withdrawing from drug use through medication and therapy. Strategies to minimize harm are also being done. There are prescription medications today that recovering addicts can use so that they can begin to wean themselves off from dangerous illicit substances.
These strategies to combat drug addiction are vital. However, what happens to the recovering addicts next? The treatments that addicts receive may be the best. But there are still so many of the drug users who relapse. Their quality of life is low and they face discrimination and social exclusion. It is something that should also be addressed.
Many policymakers and organizations are working towards a different kind of recovery. It is more focused on the area of mental health. This kind of recovery emphasizes the importance of the recovering addict’s quality of life. It is being done so that the recovering individuals can have a holistic rehabilitation. It is not just to end drug use but also to be able to rebuild their lives.
Recovery is a Long Journey
The new movement for treating addiction fully acknowledges that recovery can last for many years. The average length of recovery is about 27 years, according to studies. The aim now is to address issues about the addict’s quality of life. It is done by providing specialized and practical assistance.
For example, individuals can be given training so that they can learn useful skills. They may then be assisted so that they can look for and find employment. Another important skill for them is how they can build relationships with others who can further help them improve their quality of life.
The bottom line of this new movement for recovery is to shift the focus of the treatment as something that depends solely on professional interventions. What the movement wants to do is to have a recovery journey that is a social process.
With it, the recovery process will be able to create conditions that let people recovering from addiction to build connections within their community. It may be a community of recovering individuals who are also on their path to building a life free from drugs.
Finding the Best Rehab Centre
Cocaine addiction is a difficult condition for the person suffering as well as for their loved ones. In finding the best rehab centre, it is important to know if the treatment facility offers holistic methods. It means that the healthcare providers will not only be looking into the physical well-being of the person in recovery but also their mental and social well-being.
It is vital for the recovering individual to find a community where they can be at ease. This community will help them conquer their cocaine addiction by sharing methods that worked for them. Another is by doing group activities that will enhance one’s skills in interacting and cooperating. Having this sense of community is essential in the overall treatment of a drug addict.
What are Your Needs and Goals?
To find a good rehab centre, what should be clear first are the needs and goals of the patient. Each treatment facility has its own specialization. Find one that will suit what you need and can meet the goals that you have set for your treatment.
To determine this, check if the facility has specialists who can handle your type of addiction. Second, if you have other medical or mental health conditions, those should be addressed, too. How long can you commit to inpatient treatment at the rehab? It is something that you should know as well. When talking to the admitting staff of the centre, ask as many questions as you want so that you can better choose the treatment facility that is best for your needs and goals.
Ask Your Doctor
To also know what you need for your treatment during rehab, you can ask your doctor. Chances are high that your physician is knowledgeable of the various rehab centres and which ones can match your rehab goals. The doctor may even contact the rehab facility on your behalf so that he or she can check if what you need can be met by the treatment centre.
Trust the Process
During this time that you and your family are looking for rehab facilities, it is important that you also trust the process. Many people will be willing to help you and allow them to do so. There will be lots of suggestions and recommendations. If you can find the time, consider them and examine them closely. Only then will you be able to know which rehab facility is best suited for you.
Related article: How to Choose the Best Drug Rehab Centre
Takeaway
Cocaine addiction can definitely impact one’s quality of life. An addiction will not only affect your physical well-being but also the social and mental aspects of your life. On your road to recovery, know that many people are rooting for your success. Your loved ones can forgive all the bad things they have experienced because of the addiction. But see to it that you will take this chance to straighten up and do your best to rebuild your life. Your family, friends, and community of recovering individuals have your back.
Are you ready to start your life anew? We’re always here to help. Call our friendly staff at Addiction Rehab Toronto to know more about the services we offer for your successful recovery.
Related article: How to Overcome Cocaine Addiction?
