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Cocaine is among the most addictive recreational drugs in the world. After just one hit, many individuals quickly progress to repeated use. Unfortunately, even a single dose of the drug can have life-threatening consequences, and repeated use can lead to cocaine addiction and result in physical and mental health problems.
The good news is that there’s hope for those living with cocaine addiction. At FHE, our addiction specialists provide expert support and individualized treatment plans to help clients gain freedom and reclaim their lives.
What Causes Cocaine Cravings?
For those in recovery, cocaine symptoms and cravings are some of the biggest roadblocks to long-term success. If not managed properly, cravings can lead to relapse. Understanding what causes these urges is the first step toward overcoming them.
The Brain’s Response to Cocaine Use
According to a 2023 study, cocaine addiction changes how the brain works, especially when it comes to decision-making, motivation, and pleasure. It causes a rush of feel-good chemicals in the brain. After even limited use, the brain gets used to this rush and stop producing these chemicals on its own. As a result, the individual only feels “normal” when they’re using cocaine.
Another symptom of cocaine use is impaired judgment. Individuals may have trouble recognizing when a behavior is risky or when the reward won’t outweigh the risk. The brain no longer responds appropriately to undesirable outcomes, disappointment, or danger.
The chemical dependency, along with the impaired ability to evaluate risks, help explain why cocaine cravings are so strong and why professional help is often necessary to break the cycle.
Emotional and Environmental Triggers
Aside from the changes that cocaine causes in how the brain functions, cravings often arise from emotional and environmental triggers. For many, stress, anxiety and depression prompt cravings for cocaine as a form of escape.
On the other hand, celebrations and moments of joy can cause cravings for those who used cocaine to enhance positive experiences or used the drug to elevate their moods during happy times.
Even certain people, places and routines associated with past use can trigger cravings. These triggers can crop up unexpectedly, making it important for individuals to have a plan for managing cravings.
Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Physical cravings are often most intense during the cocaine withdrawal timeline. Symptoms of stopping cocaine use can include fatigue, irritability, and an intense desire for the drug. These withdrawal symptoms typically peak within the first few days after the last use but can last several weeks, especially without support.
Short-Term Strategies to Manage Cravings
While cocaine cravings can come on quickly and feel overwhelming, there are practical strategies individuals can use to handle them in the moment. These strategies don’t replace professional detox and treatment, but they can help reduce the intensity of cravings and empower the individual throughout the cocaine withdrawal timeline.
Distraction and Grounding Techniques
One of the most effective ways an individual can handle cocaine symptoms and cravings is to shift their focus. Cravings typically pass within 30 minutes or less, so finding a way to ride it out can make a significant difference.
Some effective distraction and grounding techniques may include:
- Using grounding exercises such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique
- Practicing deep breathing or meditation
- Participating in hobbies that keep your hands busy, such as drawing or puzzles
- Journaling to express emotions and identify patterns
- Engaging in rewarding creative outlets, such as art or music
- Spending time with supportive friends or family
Physical Self-Care Practices
For many people in recovery, cravings are the strongest when their bodies are stressed, tired, or otherwise not functioning at their best. Taking care of one’s physical health should be the first line of defense against cravings.
Self-care practices include:
- Eating a nutrient-dense diet on a regular schedule
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding caffeine and sugar crashes
- Engaging in regular physical activity such as walking, weightlifting, or yoga
- Creating a calming environment at home
Avoiding Known Triggers
Especially after the first few weeks of cocaine addiction recovery, individuals often recognize some of the emotions, places, people, or scenarios that trigger cravings. By understanding and avoiding known triggers, they may be able to handle those situations more effectively.
For example, especially early in the cocaine withdrawal timeline, it may be best for individuals to steer clear of people and places they associate with drug use. It’s also a good idea to remove any objects or reminders of the drug from their home and car. They may also consider putting an app on their phone that monitors behavior and blocks risky content that could trigger cravings.
Long-Term Treatment Options for Craving Reduction
While short-term strategies can help individuals manage their cocaine cravings as they crop up, long-term recovery requires a more comprehensive approach. Professional treatment focuses on changing the individual’s thought patterns, healing the brain and building constructive coping skills to reduce the risk of relapse over time.
Behavioral Therapies
Professional therapy is among the most effective strategies for treating cocaine addiction, with research showing the positive effect cognitive behavioral therapy has on those in the early months of recovery. This method of therapy helps individuals see the relationship between how they think, what they believe, and how they behave. Once individuals understand how their thought patterns lead to drug use, they can learn practical coping strategies and reduce the emotional triggers behind their cravings.
A similar therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, combines some of the techniques used in CBT with mindfulness practices. The goal of this therapy is to help individuals find the balance between acceptance and change.
Both behavioral therapy methods typically include a mix of one-on-one sessions and group therapy.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment can be a powerful tool that maximizes an individual’s prospects of long-term recovery. While there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating cocaine addiction, MAT can still play a role in an individual’s recovery. In some clinical settings, certain medications are used to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and address co-occurring mental health conditions.
At FHE, MAT plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs, considering factors such as the severity of their addiction, personal health history, and any co-occurring disorders they have.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Programs
Structured treatment programs provide a safe environment for those in addiction recovery, ensuring consistent support and access to a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. Residential addiction treatment programs are ideal for those with severe cocaine addiction, while outpatient addiction services are appropriate for many with more manageable conditions and support at home.
Building a Support System for Recovery
While only the individual living with cocaine addiction can decide to begin on the road to recovery, much of their success depends on building a strong support system. Whether it’s family, friends, mental health care professionals, or their peers, surrounding oneself with people who encourage sobriety helps reduce feelings of isolation and helps them stay on track.
The Role of Family and Friends
Loved ones can play a vital role in recovery by offering encouragement and helping to create a substance-free environment. Attending family counseling sessions and support group meetings can help friends and family members learn about their loved ones’ addiction and learn about ways to set healthy boundaries and expectations.
Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups can be an invaluable resource for those on the journey to recovery. 12-step programs such as Cocaine Anonymous and evidence-based approaches such as SMART Recovery provide peer accountability and give individuals the opportunity to give and receive support. They also offer a setting for sharing experiences and learning from one another’s coping strategies, preventing feelings of isolation.
Ongoing Professional Support
Regularly meeting with a mental health care professional is vital for long-term success. During therapy sessions, individuals can further develop coping skills and receive ongoing encouragement and accountability. Additionally, rehab programs such as those at FHE offer comprehensive aftercare services to help individuals transition back to their daily lives while still receiving support.
While cocaine cravings can be difficult to manage, there are practical short- and long-term strategies to help them stay on their path to recovery. At FHE Health, we combine traditional individual and group therapy and cutting-edge neuroscience-based treatments to provide holistic care. To get help or to learn more about our approach to recovery, contact us today.
