How to Stop Taking Cocaine – Advice from Addiction Recovery Experts

Published by John Gillen | Last updated: 23rd February 2023

How to Stop Taking Cocaine – Advice from Addiction Recovery Experts

Cocaine, known as ‘coke’ or crack cocaine is one of the most addictive illegal substances out there. Down to its highly addictive tendencies, reducing consumption or withdrawing from cocaine can be very challenging.

Although tough to complete, withdrawing from cocaine is a must if long-term quality of life is aimed for. Without stopping cocaine abuse, addiction is very likely to develop, carrying the commonly experienced negative associations.

From physical health problems, focusing on cardiac functions, to chronic mental health issues, correlating with depression and anxiety, severe risks are linked to even short-term cocaine consumption.

Many individuals abusing cocaine will struggle to understand the severity of their reality. Many will believe that recovery will be impossible. Others will, unfortunately, live up to the stigma and stereotype of an addict.

It is however important to note that this life doesn’t have to continue. Putting a stop to cocaine consumption and addictive behaviours is possible with professional guidance, addiction treatment and the inclination to recover.

Here we answer the question of ‘how to stop taking cocaine?’, by providing advice from our addiction experts here at Cassiobury Court. See the importance of withdrawing from cocaine, sooner than later, along with the range of addiction treatments, accessible through our rehab centre.

 

The dangers of ongoing Cocaine Abuse

Short-term cocaine consumption can cause significant physical and psychological damages. Yet, the greatest concern is the high probability rates of developing an addiction.

As cocaine is a highly addictive drug, for the majority of individuals who abuse it, an addiction diagnosis is very likely. Additionally, as cocaine consumption is now normalised, more and more people are abusing the drug, failing to see its risks.

However, there are many dangers of ongoing cocaine abuse, with a strong focus on cognitive functions and mental health. Developing an addiction of any sort can be very challenging on an individual’s mental health. Susceptibility to the likes of depression, anxiety, paranoia and mood disorders is high. However, by combining this with the use of cocaine, susceptibility can increase by threefold, causing significant cognitive adaptations.

Here users are likely to experience changes to their mood, behaviour, outlook, associations, actions and decisions; all down to cocaine abuse. In turn, through these changes, it is likely that a user’s quality of life will plummet, causing financial and legal problems, health concerns, career disruptions and breakdown in relationships.

If you’re currently abusing any drug, we urge you to continue reading this blog, sharing advice on how to stop taking cocaine for the better. Without following professional guidance, the strength and complexity of cocaine addiction will continue to control your life, brain and future.

 

Why is it difficult to stop taking Cocaine?

Withdrawing from cocaine can be challenging. With this in mind, it is important that you understand that recovery will be a long-term commitment. It is however a worthwhile commitment to pursue, by living a life without cocaine.

Reducing or stopping cocaine consumption is difficult as the drug causes significant stimulation in the brain. Once it’s consumed, even for the short-term, dopamine is produced, a strong chemical influencing happiness, positivity and energy. Unfortunately, this level of dopamine cannot be produced organically in the body.

With this in mind, as cocaine is a short-lived drug, which also blocks the maintenance of dopamine in the brain, users will continue to abuse the drug, in order to achieve those similar feelings of happiness.

Although it is a stimulant, stimulating chronic adaptations in the brain, it is a depressant, deterring organic happiness levels. As a result of this, ongoing cocaine consumption must take place in order to block out negative, depressing feelings, memories and experiences.

This is how cocaine addiction develops over the long-term, making it very difficult to stop consumption. As a psychological reliance is placed on cocaine, to feel happy, to escape from commonly associated mental health issues, a long-term road of addiction, overdose risks or even life-limiting threats is likely, without rehabilitation.

 

How to stop taking Cocaine for the long-term?

‘How long does it take to stop cocaine addiction?’ and ‘how to stop taking cocaine for the long-term?’ are two common questions we get asked. It’s important to note that rehabilitation can unfortunately take some time, especially when considering the psychological impact of cocaine abuse. Addiction recovery is a long-term commitment. However, initial recovery can be achieved through a comprehensive rehab programme.

The most effective steps to stop taking cocaine will begin with acknowledging your problem. We understand that this step will be challenging, especially if you’re struggling with denial or the clouded effects of addiction. However, identifying that an unhealthy habit is present is a must.

From here, self-help tips will be encouraged, by reaching out for the support of loved ones, by preparing yourself mentally for a time of rehabilitation, by considering the support of addiction specialists.

These steps will help you stop taking cocaine, by increasing your readiness to recover through rehab.

 

Treatment for a Cocaine Addiction

Once you’ve completed initial preparation steps, treatment for cocaine addiction will be available through our centre here at Cassiobury Court. To motivate cocaine withdrawal, a detox programme will commonly be encouraged at the beginning of rehab. It’s important to note that 24/7 care will be required while detoxing, as chronic withdrawal symptoms are likely to be experienced. As cocaine is highly addictive, it will take some time for the body and mind to adjust.

As a cocaine addiction is a severe psychological dependence an intervention will be required. Therapy sessions, cognitive behavioural therapy, holistic therapy and a structure treatment programme will likely be required.

This is the first step to help you stop taking cocaine. Professional addiction treatment can influence your withdrawal from cocaine while preparing for future sobriety.

Yet, you can ensure that long-term recovery can be achieved:

  • By maintaining a positive and healthy lifestyle
  • By avoiding high-risk situations
  • By adopting a new outlook on cocaine abuse
  • By increasing your physical activity and wellbeing commitments
  • By surrounding yourself with positive family members and friends
  • By continuing ongoing rehabilitation services

Through this commitment, you’ll adopt a reality without cocaine abuse.

‘How to stop taking cocaine?’ is a commonly asked question, which we’ve hopefully addressed above. If you do however require greater support or advice, our expert team is here for you. Reach out for a free and confidential chat.

 

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/cocaine-use-and-its-effects#1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234239

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/how-does-cocaine-produce-its-effects

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John Gillen

John Gillen - Author Last updated: 23rd February 2023

John Gillen is a leading addiction treatment expert with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment methods for individuals throughout the UK. John also co-authors the book, The Secret Disease of Addiction, which delves into how the addictive mind works and what treatment techniques work best.