Cocaine Detox

The objective of detoxification is to assist the cocaine addict in ending the use of the drug as quickly and safely as possible, in a supervised environment. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily substitute another drug (such as methadone) which has fewer side effects.

Cocaine Treatment

Following cocaine detox, treatment (or rehabilitation) is a multi-faceted process. Most treatment center programs provide group and individual counseling, attention to health and nutritional matters, stress management and coping skills guidance, along with some form of behavioral modification.

Group counseling can help the patient become aware of the behaviors and belief systems that foster addiction. The patient can also develop strategies to cope with cravings, avoid drugs and prevent relapse.

Individual counseling helps rebuild the self-esteem of the recovering cocaine addict, who has more than likely caused havoc in his or her own life, as well as the lives of friends, family and others. Once clarity begins to return, the patient can work toward reestablishing trust and honesty in close relationships.

Another aspect of treatment in most rehabilitation programs involves participation in a self-help group such as Narcotics Anonymous. This 12-Step model was first introduced in 1939 as a component of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Over the last half-century, it has helped millions of alcoholics, addicts and others with compulsive diseases move out of addiction and into a productive, satisfying life.