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The rehabilitation programs offered at Crescent Moon Recovery help individuals suffering from substance use disorders (SUDs) involving cocaine and other substances by providing a stabilizing environment for healing and growth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “drug overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by nearly 9%, with almost 16,000 Americans dying in 2019″ alone. If you or a loved one struggles with cocaine misuse, you are not alone, and Crescent Moon Recovery is here to help. 

What Is Cocaine? 

Cocaine is a Schedule II drug made from the leaves of certain cocoa trees. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Cocaine is a powerfully addictive substance that can alter brain structure and function if used repeatedly.” Although there are legitimate medical uses for cocaine, most SUDs involve illegally obtained versions of the drug. Legal cocaine is highly regulated and can only be prescribed by a medical professional. 

The type of cocaine misused will play a role in what kind of symptoms manifest and the severity of side effects. Many people who abuse illegal cocaine are unaware that it is often mixed with other stimulant drugs or substances that can be harmful and potentially lethal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “In 2019, 76% of overdose deaths involving cocaine also involved an opioid.” 

Cocaine misuse can lead to serious injury, illness, or death. If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine addiction, it is essential to immediately get help from a trained professional. Understanding the risk factors and signs of substance misuse can make it easier for you to recognize when to get help for yourself or a loved one who may be struggling with addiction.

Common Risk Factors 

Anyone who misuses cocaine can develop a tolerance, become addicted, or develop mental health problems. Some risk factors for SUDs involving cocaine include: 

  • Trauma 
  • Peer pressure 
  • Chronic stress 
  • Family history of substance use or mental health disorders 
  • Genetics
  • Severe illness or injury

Risk factors do not necessarily indicate that someone is misusing cocaine or other substances. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, and these risks are not proof of misuse. However, individuals with multiple risks are more likely to experience severe, long-term, or permanent symptoms and side effects of SUD. 

The Physical and Mental Side Effects of Cocaine Misuse 

Cocaine misuse can lead to severe mental and physical side effects that interfere with treatment. Cognitive and behavioral issues are most common and can interfere with your ability to focus on treatment and therapy, hindering the rehabilitation process. Side effects of cocaine misuse and withdrawal include the following: 

  • Decreased ability to withstand stressors
  • Uncharacteristic outbursts of anger and frustration 
  • Auditory hallucinations 
  • Paranoia 
  • Irritation and restlessness 
  • Psychosis 
  • Increased risk of contracting infectious diseases 
  • Organ damage 
  • Brain damage 
  • Increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues 
  • Loss of appetite leading to severe weight loss 
  • Increased risk of seizures 
  • Increased risk of developing Parkinson’s or other diseases that affect motor function 

In the previously mentioned article, NIDA reported that “Studies suggest . . . a wide range of cognitive functions are impaired with long-term cocaine use—such as sustaining attention, impulse inhibition, memory, making decisions involving rewards or punishments, and performing motor tasks.” The damage is permanent and progressive in some cases, leading to deterioration and sometimes death. 

Every year thousands of people misuse cocaine despite the many dangers. 

Cocaine and Self-Medicating to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders 

Although some use cocaine to achieve recreational highs, many individuals diagnosed with SUD attempted to self-medicate and treat symptoms causing them emotional or physical pain. Self-medicating with cocaine is incredibly harmful and usually only provides temporary relief followed by more severe symptoms and worse physical and mental health. Treatment programs can take longer for some co-occurring disorders, especially those requiring prescription medication.

At Crescent Moon Recovery, we use a holistic approach to care which means we look beyond the disease to treat the individual and the underlying causes of any active disorders. Understanding the motivation and unconscious connections that lead to self-medicating can make it easier to avoid relapsing after treatment. 

Some of the most common reasons people misuse cocaine include: 

  • Coping with the side effects of traumatic events or related mental health issues 
  • Toxic home environment 
  • Chronic or acute stress 
  • Relationship issues 
  • Pressure at work or school 
  • Physical pain 
  • Emotional distress

Environment and self-esteem play a significant role in the development of SUDs involving cocaine. Rehabilitation programs provide a structured, safe environment where you can learn skills and techniques that increase your self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-confidence. Improving self-efficacy through therapeutic exercises and skill development decreases the risk of relapse and makes it easier to transition to continuing care. The clinicians at Crescent Moon Recovery use various personalized treatment modalities to help you achieve and maintain sobriety. 

Common Co-Occurring Disorders 

Many individuals in recovery have co-occurring mental health disorders or physical conditions like chronic pain. Some dual diagnoses are directly caused by substance misuse. However, sometimes co-occurring issues may contribute to the SUD, or they may develop independently. Regardless of the root cause, dual diagnoses can still affect treatment and ongoing recovery in numerous ways, including: 

  • A broader range of triggers 
  • More intense cravings 
  • Severe mood swings or emotional disturbances 
  • Difficulty maintaining focus during treatment 
  • Symptoms like anxiety and depression
  • Difficulty establishing and maintaining new healthy routines 
  • Ambivalence about treatment and recovery

Co-occurring disorders require simultaneous treatment during rehabilitation to ensure that progress does not get lost after the program ends. The integration of multiple treatment methods will allow the participant to increase self-awareness and work through the underlying issues that contributed to the SUD. 

Integrative treatments combine psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and other therapeutic tools to provide relief and emotional stability. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Together with early detection, integrated treatment can improve outcomes and quality of life for people with co-occurring disorders,” including:

  • Reduced or discontinued substance use
  • Improvement in psychiatric symptoms and functioning
  • Increased chance for successful treatment and recovery for both disorders
  • Improved quality of life
  • Decreased hospitalization
  • Reduced medication interactions
  • Increased housing stability
  • Fewer arrests

Our holistic approach integrates multiple methodologies into the individualized treatment we offer program participants.

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Treatment for Cocaine Misuse and Dual Diagnosis 

The admissions process at Crescent Moon Recovery includes a comprehensive assessment of current and past SUDs and mental health disorders. We use that information to ensure all program participants receive treatment that meets their current needs and anticipates future issues we can address using preventative education. 

According to NIDA, “An important goal of prevention is to change the balance between risk and protective factors so that protective factors outweigh risk factors.” Learn more about Crescent Moon Recovery’s prevention services by visiting our Treatment Programs page.

Evidence-based treatments often provide the best outcomes for individuals with dual diagnoses. We tailor our programs to address the unique needs of each participant. Symptom management ensures emotional stability during the treatment and recovery process. Some of the best treatment options for cocaine misuse include:

  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) 
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 
  • Contingency management (CM) 
  • Peer support 
  • Community-based self-help groups 

Long periods of cocaine misuse can interfere with the brain’s reward centers, creating unique challenges during rehabilitation. Therapy that involves tangible rewards like vouchers has been shown to work for treating addictive behaviors caused by cocaine. 

Research has also found that sober living communities are an excellent environment for overcoming the issues faced by individuals recovering from this type of SUD. According to NIDA, “Therapeutic communities (TCs)—drug-free residences in which people in recovery from substance use disorders help each other to understand and change their behaviors—can be an effective treatment for people who use drugs, including cocaine.” Crescent Moon Recovery can help you access local sober living communities and other resources to help you stay on track after completing our program. 

Everyone reacts to treatment in different ways. Some people respond better when evidence-based methods are combined with alternative therapies. The holistic therapies we offer for SUD and dual diagnoses include: 

  • Yoga
  • Breathwork
  • Mindfulness 
  • Music therapy

Overcoming Addiction Through Personalized Care

Crescent Moon Recovery focuses on providing a holistic, personalized treatment experience. We give participants control over their recovery goals and progress by doing the following: 

  • Collaborating with the participant during every stage of rehabilitation 
  • Openly communicating to ensure we understand the preferences and needs of each participant 
  • Giving regular update reports to determine progress 
  • Using a trauma-informed approach to care 
  • Providing alternatives to accommodate any cultural, religious, or personal traditions 

Participants dictate the speed and direction of their recovery as our expert clinicians guide them through the treatment process. We believe personalized care provides the best outcomes for individuals with SUD and co-occurring conditions. 

Common Misconceptions and Stereotypes 

Misinformation and stereotypes in the media contribute to the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding SUD. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to educational information on the realities of substance misuse and only know what they have seen on television or heard from friends. Misinformation can be deadly in the case of cocaine and other dangerously addictive substances. People may avoid getting help or misidentify the cause of mild and severe symptoms. A delay in reaching out for medical assistance can be deadly in some instances.

A few common stereotypes and misconceptions about SUD include: 

  • Addiction is a choice 
  • Only poor people struggle with addiction 
  • Cocaine misuse makes people violent and dangerous
  • Addiction can be controlled 
  • Treatment is worse than the disease 

All of the misinformation listed above does not reflect the real-life struggle millions of people face every day. Stop the spread of misinformation by educating yourself and your community about cocaine misuse.

Aftercare Services to Avoid Relapse 

Relapse prevention is an essential tool for individuals in recovery. We provide our program participants with resources and services designed to make the treatment process and transitions between levels of care smooth and seamless.

The outpatient services we provide ensure program participants feel supported and have access to all the necessary resources to maintain abstinence and emotional stability. For individuals recovering from cocaine misuse, the aftercare often includes individual and family therapy.

Aftercare plans often incorporate the following: 

  • Creating a crisis safety plan 
  • Steps for continuing to build and strengthen your support system
  • Preventative strategies for avoiding relapse
  • Referrals to doctor and therapist offices 
  • Information on community-based recovery groups and programs 
  • Information on local self-help groups includes 12-Step meetings 
  • Assistance applying for housing, financial, or job placement services 

Successful long-term sobriety involves remaining an active part of the recovery community while pursuing activities that lead to healing and personal growth. You are not alone. The men and women at Crescent Moon Recovery are here to help you recover from cocaine addiction. 

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Conclusion:

Crescent Moon Recovery provides comprehensive, personalized treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders involving cocaine and other substances. To learn more about our programs or to speak with an intake specialist today, you can call our office at (714) 464-8474.

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