How does cocaine abuse look in real life? Those who have become physically dependent typically prioritize cocaine over everything else in their life. Individuals who are struggling with cocaine addiction may prioritize cocaine over work, school, significant others, children and even their own health. Physically addicted individuals may continue to use cocaine even if they have had legal consequences of their cocaine use.
Cocaine addiction is a substance abuse disorder characterized by a problematic pattern of cocaine use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two symptoms occurring in a 12 month period.
The above criteria was taken from the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). If you or a loved one meet two or more of the above criteria, there may be a cocaine abuse disorder present.
Treatment for cocaine typically happens over a period of 3-12 months based on the needs of each individual. Many cocaine dependent individuals may need detox as their first stop due to withdrawal symptoms they experience when they cease using cocaine but might not be necessary depending on dosage. Detox for cocaine typically lasts between 2-7 days. There is typically no treatment in detox as the purpose of detox is to get the patient medically stabilized and prepared to be able to participate in treatment.
After detox, many cocaine addicts choose to enter residential (ie inpatient) rehab for cocaine use disorder. Inpatient cocaine treatment typically lasts 28 days or longer. During residential cocaine treatment, clients undergo assessments by professional counselors and physicians and participate in group and individual counseling sessions. Many clients continue to experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms in residential cocaine treatment and those symptoms are assessed and treated in our monitored treatment center environment.
Following residential treatment for cocaine, many clients enter “partial hospitalization” or “day treatment.” Day treatment for cocaine use disorder is typically conducted Monday-Friday for about 6 hours per day (30 hours per week) consisting of group and individual therapy. Clients in a day treatment program typically see a psychiatrist on a regular schedule to continue monitoring of post-acute withdrawal symptoms and other medical issues. Clients will participate in day treatment for 1-4 weeks following residential treatment. Clients at the day treatment level of care may live at their own residence or in a sober living home.
Following day treatment, the next level of care is intensive outpatient (IOP). At IOP level of care, clients participate in group therapy 3 hours per day 3 days per week (9 hours per week of group therapy) and may continue seeing their individual therapist and psychiatrist as needed. Clients at intensive outpatient level of care may live at their own residence or in a sober living home.
Alcohol and drug testing is an important component of treatment and should be performed at all levels of care.
If you or a loved one suffers from a cocaine use disorder, NorthStar Transitions can help! Please click HERE to verify your insurance and an admission representative will contact you within 24 hours to counsel you on the available treatment options and insurance coverage.
At NorthStar Transitions, we know it can be challenging to navigate the real world after rehab. Alumni programs are a great way to stay connected with your peers and find the support you need to maintain lifelong sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact or call us today at 303-625-6335 to learn more about our recovery solutions and how they can help.
