Cocaine is a highly addictive drug with long-term health effects. Because it directly affects the nervous system, its effects appear almost immediately after using the drug. The addiction follows suit when users continue to chase this immediate but short-lived high. With regular use of the drug, a user’s tolerance can increase – meaning they need more of the drug, and more frequent use, to feel the effects they desire. Rehab facilities offer several substance abuse treatment programs such as detox, drug and alcohol rehab, dual diagnosis treatment programs for co-occurring disorders, Vivitrol treatment, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Finding a cocaine rehab in Washington is imperative to ridding your body of cocaine and managing the withdrawal symptoms for a healthy recovery.
Rehab For the Long-term Effects of Cocaine
Rehab for cocaine addiction depends on what stage of addiction the person is in and how much damage the drug has already done to their body. Cocaine abuse can have lasting effects on three main areas of your body – your heart, sinuses, and respiratory system. Some effects are temporary, and some are permanent, but they are all serious. Professional medical help is needed to overcome these symptoms of prolonged drug use, ideally at an inpatient treatment facility where one can receive around-the-clock monitoring and care.
Here are some of the long-term effects of cocaine abuse:
Heart
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Vasoconstriction in the brain and throughout the body
- Blood clots
- Pulmonary embolism
- Stroke
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Angina
- Tachycardia
- Heart attack
Sinuses
- Damage to the mucous membranes in the nose
- Septal perforations
- The collapse of the nose structure
- Breathing problems
- Palatal perforations
Respiratory System
- Mucous membrane damage
- Blood vessels in the lungs constrict
- Alveolar wall destruction
- Destruction of capillaries that carry oxygen to the rest of the body
- Chronic cough
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Acute respiratory distress
- Asthma
- Pulmonary edema
- Eosinophilic pneumonitis
Signs Of Cocaine Abuse
Finding a substance abuse treatment program is essential to rehabilitating from cocaine addiction as soon as possible. Addiction is a strain on the person’s whole life, affecting the psychological, financial, and social aspects of their life. If you or a loved one have difficulty identifying the signs of cocaine abuse, some things may signal that the person may be addicted.
Common signs of addiction include:
- Secretive behavior
- Weight loss or gain
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Extreme mood swings
- Burn marks on hands or lips
- Constant sniffling
- Snorting or hoarseness
- Dilated pupils
- Extreme highs and lows in energy levels
- Missing work or school
- Poor grades or poor performance reviews
- Financial problems
Treatment Programs For Cocaine Abuse
If you or someone close to you is battling a cocaine addiction, getting professional substance abuse help is the smartest thing you can do. When it comes to cocaine rehab in Washington, you have various choices, so seek out a treatment program today in your area. Do your research, tour facilities, get referrals, and ask a lot of questions.
Some treatment facilities may suggest medications as part of cocaine addiction treatment. It can assist people in trying to stop using and stay off of it for the long term. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved three medications to treat cocaine addiction specifically. They are:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Ondansetron (Zofran)
- Bupropion SR (Zyban)
Cocaine addiction is one of the most difficult drug addictions to overcome. Addiction is also often accompanied by a co-occurring mental health disorder. To successfully treat and overcome both conditions, get treatment at a facility that offers a dual diagnosis treatment program. Equipping the necessary tools to manage addiction will help you live a long and healthy life.
