Cocaine is one of the world’s most addictive drugs. It creates powerful cravings, alters your brain chemistry, and can quickly take over your life. Maryville Integrated Care offers specialized treatment for cocaine addiction as part of our stimulant use disorder program. Our approach includes contingency management, an evidence-based method proven to help people recover from stimulant use.
What Cocaine Does to Your Brain and Body
Cocaine causes a short-lived rush of pleasure and energy. When you take this drug, you may become more talkative, alert, or confident. But these effects wear off quickly, leaving your brain craving more.
Adverse side effects can accompany the euphoria, including:
- Anxiety, paranoia, and irritability
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Restlessness or trouble sleeping
Physical signs of cocaine use can include:
- Dilated pupils
- High blood pressure and rapid heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- Raised body temperature
Combining cocaine with substances like alcohol can lead to violent behavior, overdose, or death.
Long-Term Health Effects of Cocaine
The longer someone uses cocaine, the more damage it can do. Some long-term health risks include:
- Severe fatigue and chronic headaches
- Cardiovascular problems and risk of heart attack
- Seizures and strokes
- Serious weight loss and nutritional deficiencies
- Nosebleeds, sinus infections, or loss of smell from snorting cocaine
- Collapsed veins and infections from injecting cocaine
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
Drug use also increases your chances of developing mental health problems. These conditions often overlap and can make each other worse.
Warning Signs of Cocaine Addiction
You might be struggling with cocaine addiction if:
- You constantly feel an urge to use more, even if it causes problems
- It takes larger amounts to feel the same effect
- Attempts to quit lead to emotional distress or unpleasant symptoms
- Your responsibilities, relationships, or health are suffering
Why Professional Detox Is So Important
Withdrawing from cocaine can cause powerful drug cravings, sadness, mood swings, and even suicidal thoughts. Quitting cold turkey with no medical help can endanger your health, which is why you need withdrawal symptom management.
Maryville’s medically supervised detox program helps you stop using cocaine in a safe, supported environment. Our trained staff will monitor you around the clock and provide FDA-approved medications to ease your symptoms. Once your body is stable, you can move directly into residential or outpatient treatment.
How We Treat Cocaine Addiction
Maryville Integrated Care’s outpatient program uses a proven treatment method called contingency management. This approach gives positive rewards for healthy behaviors, like staying sober or attending therapy. It builds motivation and reinforces progress, which is beneficial for people with stimulant addictions.
Your tailored treatment plan may include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Mental health support for co-occurring conditions
- Peer recovery specialists
- Relapse prevention tools
- Family education and counseling
- Telehealth services
- Placement in sober living
Cocaine addiction is a serious health risk. Maryville Integrated Care offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment that helps our clients break free from addiction and move forward with their lives. Reach out today to learn more.
