Treatment Methods for Cocaine Detox
Although recent years have shown a decline in cocaine use, there is still a national problem with cocaine addiction and abuse. Most cases of cocaine addiction cannot be solved quickly or easily. Inpatient detox is highly recommended although there are outpatient options. In order to understand all of your treatment options, you first must understand the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal and then you should examine the different methods of treatment.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
According to the New York Times, the majority of the symptoms related to cocaine withdrawal are:
- agitation
- restlessness
- depression
- slowed activity
- increased appetite
- depression
- suicidal thoughts and feelings
- unpleasant dreams
- intense cravings
Although severe, most of these symptoms are not deadly. This is not to say that cocaine detox is pleasant or easy by any means.
Treating Cocaine Withdrawal in Detox
Treating cocaine withdrawal in detox is a delicate process. Most people choose inpatient therapy to help reduce the risk of relapse and have onsite care. It is said that cocaine cravings are very intense during detox and if available there is a good chance that you will use to alleviate the symptoms.
New medications
Although there are no medications specifically approved for cocaine detox, there are some that are proving to be useful. New research is being conducted on each of several different medications according to the National Library of Medicine. These medications are:
- baclofen – a GABA B agonist commonly used as a muscle relaxant
- Tiagabine – a GABAergic medication currently in clinical trials
- Topiramate – a medication that is proving useful in the prevention of relapse
- Disulfram – often used in treatment for alcohol addiction, it shows promise for relapse prevention
- Modafinil – originally a treatment for narcolepsy, this is another drug shown in studies to prevent relapse
- TA-CD – this is the new cocaine vaccine that is currently in testing
All of these medications are currently being studied for both safety and effectiveness against the cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Most doctors will prescribe supportive medication for cocaine addiction. Medications like antidepressants, mild stimulants, and sometimes antipsychotics are useful for withdrawal even though they do not stop it completely.
Counseling
As of now, counseling is still one of the most effective ways to treat cocaine addiction and withdrawal. The reasons for starting cocaine use vary but for the most part the reasons for continuing are very similar. Many people report that they use cocaine because they enjoy the way that it makes them feel the first time that they use it.
This indicates unhappiness and dissatisfaction with their life circumstances and an addiction to the dopamine and energy rush that cocaine provides. Counseling helps to identify the source of the dissatisfaction whether it is a mood disorder or a stressful situation in life.
Finding Treatment Methods for Cocaine Detox
These and other treatment methods are easy to find. You can find help by calling 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?). We can guide you through the difficulties of cocaine detox.