Taking the initiative to seek cocaine rehab in Boston is the initial and most critical move toward recovery. After admitting to being addicted to cocaine, the only way to progress is to move forward. Treatment for Cocaine addiction commonly consists of detox and therapy within a professional rehabilitation program. These programs give an individual a much higher chance of successful recovery, even though psychological dependence on Cocaine is a grave issue that is hard to conquer.
This article focuses on the side effects of cocaine use, the dangers of untreated cocaine addiction, and the many treatment options available.
What is Cocaine Addiction?
Reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicate that roughly 15 percent of individuals in the US have used cocaine. This narcotic is also referred to as coke, snow, yayo, and blow. It is highly addictive, and it is illegal to consume within the United States. Cocaine is a stimulant, meaning it boosts alertness and energy levels. It has an impact on the neural pathways in the brain, causing people to have the sensation of being chatty, energetic, and ecstatic. Even after trying cocaine a few times, it is possible to become addicted to it very rapidly.
Dependence on a substance can come in two forms: physical, where the body yearns for the drug, and psychological, where the user’s brain is enticed by the drug’s effects. Cocaine can be taken in a range of ways, including snorting it or shooting it into a vein. It can even be heated and inhaled in the form of crack cocaine. It does not take long for addiction to set in, regardless of the method employed.
Side Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine temporarily has an activating effect on the body, regardless of its short duration. This is because it boosts the amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. This increase in dopamine leads to a sense of pleasure and contentment. Cocaine causes the dopamine in the brain to increase, making the user experience a state of euphoria. It stops the reuptake of serotonin, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine, which allows a greater quantity of these neurotransmitters to remain in the brain and excite the nearby nerve cells.
This further intensifies the pleasurable feeling of euphoria. Taking cocaine also prevents the desire to sleep or eat. Some users report that cocaine elevates their cognitive abilities and makes them process tasks more quickly. The feelings that cocaine produces are often craved by those who have taken it. Other side effects of cocaine use include:
- Paranoia
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Aggression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Feelings of invincibility
- Participation in risky behaviors
Who is at Risk of Becoming Addicted to Cocaine?
Substance abuse does not discriminate against any race, religion, or creed. But why is it that some individuals seem to be more susceptible to developing cocaine addiction than others? It turns out that various elements such as heredity, surroundings, and age can significantly increase the odds of cocaine addiction. These risk factors are explored below.
Genetics
Addiction can’t be attributed to a lack of self-control or a deficit in morals. The brain’s chemical composition when one is addicted is not the same as that of a person who is not addicted. This is why some people can smoke cigarettes recreationally while others need to use them on a daily basis. Hereditary factors are a crucial risk element when it comes to addiction.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that up to half of the risk of addiction to alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs can be traced back to genetics. If you have family members who have battled addiction, you are more likely to be susceptible to an addiction like cocaine use disorder as well.
Environmental Factors
Environmental variables can increase the probability of someone becoming addicted. If a child or adolescent is lacking parental attention, they may be more likely to take risks, such as experimenting with alcohol and drugs. People who have gone through mistreatment or neglect from their parents can turn to drugs to cope with their emotions. Peer pressure is another hazard factor for addiction, particularly among young people. Even when it is not direct or aggressive, the urge from peers to be accepted can generate an atmosphere of testing with substances, which can result in an addiction.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Medical professionals use the phrase “dual diagnosis“ to refer to a person who suffers from both a substance addiction and a mental health disorder, such as depression. Mental health issues can raise the likelihood of developing an addiction and, likewise, addiction can exacerbate the symptoms of a mental health condition. This can become a spiraling cycle where addiction gets worse over time and can have serious outcomes. People may think that taking drugs or drinking alcohol can temporarily lessen symptoms of depression, but in reality, it can create more problems in the long run.
Method of Use
The likelihood of developing an addiction to certain drugs is higher than others, and the way you use them can also up the odds. When drugs are taken into the body by smoking or injection, they bypass the liver and other organs that would normally filter them, and go directly into the bloodstream and the brain. This increases their addictiveness.
Dangers of Untreated Cocaine Addiction
Habitual consumption of cocaine can lead to a multitude of physical issues. In some cases, the harm done to the body due to cocaine or crack cocaine misuse can be reversed; however, long-term misuse may result in permanent repercussions. Treating long-term difficulties can cause a lifetime of medical troubles, hospital and doctor appointments, and medical expenses. The following are common effects of long-term, untreated cocaine abuse:
Cardiac Issues
Right after taking cocaine or crack cocaine, one can experience high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and a constriction of blood vessels in the brain and around the body. This is usually associated with an increased sense of energy, tension, unease, and suspicion. If someone chronically abuses these drugs, it can cause major harm to the cardiovascular system, including the formation of blood clots, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, a stroke, or even a heart attack.
Sinus Damage
Cocaine abuse can lead to harm of the mucous membranes inside the nose, as the dry environment and lack of blood supply can cause the soft tissues to deteriorate and die. This will leave the septum, the cartilage that divides the nasal cavities, exposed, and it too will eventually die, forming a hole. This is known as septal perforation and can cause nasal collapse, leading to breathing problems. In some cases, plastic surgery can be used to fix the issue, but not always. Similarly, long-term cocaine abuse can lead to palatal perforations in the upper palate of the mouth, although this is not as common.
Respiratory Issues
Inhaling cocaine through the nose can damage the mucous membranes of the sinuses, which can spread to the throat and upper respiratory tract. Smoking cocaine is more likely to cause major respiratory complications. The blood vessels in the lungs shrink, the walls of the alveoli stop oxygen from entering the bloodstream effectively, and the capillaries that carry oxygen to other body parts can be obliterated. People who use crack cocaine can develop a consistent cough, an increased chance of developing pneumonia or tuberculosis, sudden respiratory distress, asthma, and pulmonary edema.
Brain Damage
When blood vessels become narrowed, the brain is not supplied with as much oxygen as it needs, leading to potential brain damage. Furthermore, this constriction of blood vessels can cause an aneurysm due to the harm done to the walls of the vessels that feed the brain. Other effects of cocaine or crack cocaine on the brain include stroke, seizure, and a decrease in brain size.
Why Cocaine Rehab in Boston is Important
Cocaine addiction has a detrimental impact not just on the user, but also on those around them; therefore, reliable rehabilitation centers are essential in order to achieve a positive outcome. These facilities are intended to help individuals struggling with cocaine addiction to get their lives back on track. They provide a multitude of services, such as therapy and counseling. If you are dealing with a cocaine addiction, it is important to select a high-quality rehab center in order to get the necessary aid in overcoming the problem and resuming a normal life. Most reputable rehab centers hire highly skilled counselors and medical professionals to assist cocaine users in ending their damaging behavior.
It can be challenging to encourage someone addicted to cocaine to go to a rehabilitation center, yet this form of dedicated treatment is often beneficial. When you enter rehab, it becomes much easier to stop using cocaine since you will be in a drug-free environment for an extended period of time. This helps people to manage the challenges that come with quitting. These rehabs are especially effective for those who have difficulty functioning in social situations. Additionally, if you have been abusing cocaine for a long time, you should seriously consider attending a drug rehab center as cocaine is notoriously to quit on your own.
Types of Cocaine Rehab
When it comes to treating cocaine addiction or abuse, there are several approaches a person can take, depending on their level of care. There are a wide variety of addiction treatment and substance use programs available. If you or someone you love is ready to seek help for cocaine misuse, it is essential to find an appropriate type of treatment. It is recommended to look for a program that provides personalized care and takes into account all of your needs. Being aware of the various types of substance abuse treatment programs can motivate you or a loved one to take the first step on the road to long-term sobriety and recovery.
Detox
The process of a person’s body getting rid of toxins is called detoxification. During this period, people may endure difficult or even hazardous cocaine withdrawal signs and symptoms, which makes it vital to undertake a supervised detox. Medical direction can help an individual stay secure during the duration of detox.
Inpatient Rehab
People who opt for inpatient or residential addiction recovery treatment spend their nights in an accommodating facility. The stay may last for 28 days, 30 days, 60 days, or an extended period of 90 days, depending on their individual needs. The program consists of medication management, individual and group counseling, dual diagnosis treatment, and aftercare plans.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient treatment is a substance abuse program that permits individuals to come to the treatment center to obtain care while still living at home. These plans require individuals to fulfill a certain number of hours each week at the outpatient facility, which depends on the degree of support a person requires. Outpatient treatment facilities could include individual and group therapies, sober living accommodations, and employment assistance.
How Much Does Cocaine Rehab in Boston Cost?
The price of treatment depends on a lot of personal and provider aspects. The services you receive and how long they last will have a significant impact on the expense of treatment; this is largely determined by personal characteristics such as the magnitude of your addiction, the drug(s) used, your insurance plan, if your facility is in-network or not, and so on.
There are various degrees of substance abuse treatment ranging from intensive to minimal. In some cases, more thorough services or higher levels of care can be pricier than less intensive services or lower levels of care – however, insurance often partially covers even the most extreme levels of addiction treatment, depending on the facility and policy. To learn exactly how much to anticipate paying, contact treatment facilities directly so that they may verify your insurance.
Cocaine Rehab in Boston
East Coast Recovery recognizes that picking the right rehab program is essential if someone you know or you are looking to conquer a cocaine habit and better their health. If you or somebody close to you needs help with cocaine addiction, get in touch with East Coast Recovery. At our Cohasset treatment center, we provide personalized treatment plans to cater to the requirements of all our customers.
East Coast Recovery provides a broad selection of treatment services, from intensive outpatient care, partial hospitalization services, and aftercare to therapeutic and holistic treatment solutions. Our evidence-based and multi-disciplinary approaches are designed to help individuals address the physical, mental, and psychological issues connected to cocaine addiction.
Reach out to the professionals at East Coast Recovery to find out more about the programs and services we offer. You don’t need to fight cocaine addiction on your own anymore. We’ll be with you throughout the whole journey.
