Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Medication Successful in Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is an extremely powerful central nervous system stimulant. Up to 75% of the people who try cocaine become addicted to it. The Stop Cocaine Addiction website reports well over 2 million cocaine addicts in the U.S., and only 25% of those who try to quit will succeed without outside help. Cocaine addiction is a chronic relapsing disease that is the result of changes in the brain and the uncontrollable need to obtain the drug.
Cocaine Addiction Tied to the Brain’s Pleasure Center
Cocaine has a direct and immediate affect on the pleasure center of the brain which produces euphoria and feelings of being hyper-energized. The “high” quickly fades, and within 30 minutes the desire or craving to use the drug again returns. Repeat use of cocaine results in increased tolerance and the need to use more of the drug in order to achieve the same feelings.
Cocaine Addiction Relapse Easily Triggered
The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that repeated use of cocaine causes disruptions in the brain chemistry responsible for the regulation of mood and pleasure. Strong cravings for cocaine can be triggered by a memory associated with past use, even when it may be months to a year since it was last used. With memories at every corner, the need to use cocaine becomes too strong to resist. Help is available from cocaine addiction medical professionals.
Depression Common Psychological Withdrawal Symptom
Very often the attempt to stop using cocaine fails because of the psychological withdrawal experienced. There is no true medical detox for cocaine addiction as the drug is water soluble and leaves the body fairly quickly. Developing depression is a common, often overwhelming occurrence during cocaine withdrawal which often pushes an addict to use cocaine to relieve their depression.
Dual Treatment Highly Successful for Cocaine Withdrawal
The psychological withdrawal, depression, and the memories that trigger relapse can be successfully treated by a trained expert in cocaine addiction withdrawal. Very often a dual method such as a medication regime in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, closely monitored by your addiction psychiatrist has the best success. Dr. Hege does not provide CBT, but can recommend someone who does.
Medications Prescribed for Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Prescribed medications for cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include Disulfuram to help reduce the degree of cocaine cravings, and N-acetyl-cysteine as a nutritional supplement. Dependending on your evaluation, other medications may be used to help reduce fatigue, help relax muscular tension, help stabilize your moods or work to reduce cocaine’s euphoric effects (i.e., modinifil, baclofen, naltrexone, Topomax).
Atlanta Cocaine Addiction Withdrawal Psychiatrist
Dr. Darvin Hege, M.D. is a well recognized authority on successfully treating cocaine addiction and the associated withdrawal symptoms such as depression, violence, insatiable hunger, irritability and aggression, overwhelming fatigue and disturbed sleep patterns. Contact us today for an evaluation.