Did you know that according to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.3 million Americans met the criteria for cocaine addiction within the 12 months before the survey? But recovery is possible, and you’re not alone. Whether you try to help yourself or need professional center help, understanding the challenges and diving into them for quitting cocaine is the first step to having a healthier, happier life. Let’s explore and find the answer to how to stop cocaine addiction. Are you ready?
How to Stop Cocaine Addiction?
Whether you have been using cocaine regularly or taking it occasionally, you are putting yourself at a serious physical and mental health risk.
If you want to stop your cocaine addiction, first, you have to know some information about cocaine. If you indeed wish to stop your cocaine addiction, seriously, keep reading to find the secrets.
Why Do Some People Continue Taking Cocaine?
Unfortunately, when you take cocaine, you have a temporary feeling of euphoria, followed by a sharp drop in dopamine.
It caused many people to continue taking cocaine regularly because they wanted to continue this exciting experience.
But there is a red flag here: if you take cocaine regularly, you lose your natural ability to produce pleasure, and your brain is addicted to cocaine to create pleasure and exciting experiences.
Ultimately, it’s the sign of cocaine addiction. Unfortunately, it will affect your mental health.
What Are the Side Effects of Cocaine?
When you take cocaine, you will send a high level of dopamine to the part of the brain that controls pleasure, so when you are high, you might do something you normally wouldn’t, like engaging in risky behaviors.
You can see the effect of taking cocaine starts quickly after you take a dose. If you try to smoke immediately after, the pleasant feeling you experience will be multiplied many times over.
Honestly, some of the side effects of taking cocaine depend on how to use it.
Short-term effects of cocaine
- Increased energy and alertness
- Euphoria (intense feelings of happiness)
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased appetite
- Increased body temperature
- Restlessness and irritability
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Tremors and muscle twitches
- Nausea
- Erratic and violent behavior
- Panic attacks
- Headaches
Long-term effects of cocaine
- Addiction and dependency
- Cardiovascular problems
- Lung damage
- Nasal passage damage
- Cognitive decline
- Memory loss
- Higher risk of seizures
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Reduced blood flow causing ulcers and intestinal tears
- Due to suppressed appetite.
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Strained relationships
- Job loss
- Financial difficulties
But the good news is you can quit and stop cocaine addiction; we are here to help.
How to Stop Using Cocaine Safely
The majority of people try to stop cocaine addiction on their own, but it can be perilous for your health, so you need the help of a professional health care center.
They can monitor the process of quitting and make sure that you are not at risk of any side effects of cocaine addiction.
But it doesn’t mean you can’t stop cocaine at home. When you enter the detox phase, you need a specialist doctor. This doctor can visit you at home, or you can be admitted to a treatment center.
In the following paragraphs, you can find three ways to stop cocaine addiction.
Professional help
You are not alone in this journey. First, keep in mind that overcoming addiction is not just about quitting cocaine or any drugs. It is also about creating new ways of life.
You may face severe challenges in this journey, but with professional help, you can overcome them when you keep going.
Note: Research shows that emotional support and empathy from family can significantly speed up the recovery process.
Avoid Triggers
Identifying and stopping using the trigger is the crucial point to stopping cocaine addiction. The critical thing in this way is to be honest with yourself, okay?
You have to control all feelings and behaviors that push you to cocaine use. It’s not easy, but mindful meditation can help you to quit cocaine. Go to a calm place, sit comfortably, focus on your breath, and say inspiring words.
Set a Realistic Goal
If you want to have a healthy life and mind and stop cocaine addiction, set a realistic goal for yourself, which means by goal visualization, you can create a picture of your future life.
On the other hand, you’re battling your mind, which has become addicted to cocaine and its short-term pleasures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping cocaine addiction requires a lot of patience and time. You cannot stop it quickly, but you can completely get rid of it. This article shows the critical point about using and stopping cocaine addiction. Remember, you can’t have a healthy life without mental health. Commit to stopping all drug use for a healthier life.
FAQ
1. What is the first step to stop cocaine?
The first step is to find a professional healthcare center.
2. What treatments are available for cocaine addiction?
Nowadays, you can find a modern treatment for quitting cocaine addiction, but in a professional healthcare center, decide which treatment method is best for you.
3. How can I control withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms can be controlled through medical methods and healthy lifestyle changes (like proper nutrition, exercise, and communication).
4. What are the signs of cocaine addiction?
Signs include erratic behavior, extreme excitability, paranoia, loss of appetite, overconfidence, dilated pupils, inability to sleep, and dangerous behavior like uncontrolled sex and excessive anger.
5. How can I prevent relapse after quitting cocaine?
You need to see a therapist, avoid triggers, and make a healthy lifestyle. Please be honest with yourself and avoid dangerous behaviors.
