Cocaine
Addiction and Drug Treatment
There are mainly two chemical forms of cocaine: the hydrochloride
salt and the freebase. The hydrochloride salt is in a powdered
form and dissolves in water; it can be injected to the vein
or inhaled through the nose, while Freebase is a compound
and is smokable.
Medical consequences of chronic cocaine and crack addiction include bizarre,
erratic, and violent behavior; users may experience tremors,
vertigo, muscle twitches, paranoia, or, with repetitive
doses, a toxic reaction may be felt. In exceptional instances,
sudden death can occur at the first use of cocaine or unexpectedly
thereafter.
Sharing of injection equipment or fluids can lead to some
of the most severe consequences of cocaine abuse - infections
with epatitis B, HIV, and a host of other blood-borne diseases.
Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest
or seizures followed by respiratory arrest.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Keeping a check on health hazards, several narcotic organizations
have shown extensive efforts and developed treatment programs
to overhaul the widespread abuse of cocaine.
Since Cocaine abuse and addiction involves biological changes
in the brain as well as a myriad of social, familial, and
environmental factors, its treatment is complex, and must
address a variety of problems. Therefore, Cocaine treatment
program often needs to take care of all psychobiological,
social, and pharmacological aspects of the patient.
Pharmacological Approaches
Presently, there are no medications available to treat cocaine
addiction exclusively. However, voluntary organizations
have been aggressively hunting for a solution on cocaine
treatment and medications. Because of mood changes experienced
during the early stages of cocaine abstinence, antidepressant
drugs have been shown to be of some benefit. In addition
to the problems of cocaine overdose medical treatments are
being developed to deal with the acute emergencies resulting
from excessive cocaine abuse.
Behavioral Treatments
Behavioral therapies have been found to be effective for
cocaine addiction and other drug problems, including both
residential and outpatient approaches. However, integration
of both types of treatments is suggested, as it is vital
to match the best treatment procedure to meet the needs
of the patient.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is another approach. It plays
an important role in the development and continuation of
cocaine abuse and dependence. It endeavors to help patients
to recognize, avoid, and cope with situations in which they
are most likely to use cocaine.
For
More Information on Cocaine Addiction
and A Free Professional Consultation Call
800-559-9503
Anytime Day or Night.
|
