If you or a loved one are battling an addiction to cocaine, it’s important to get help as soon as possible to avoid the dangerous long-term effects of cocaine use. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that directly affects the nervous system. Once users feel the immediate high, they can quickly become addicted. The constant chasing of the high creates the vicious cycle of addiction. A user’s tolerance increases the more they use the drug, and it becomes harder and harder to stop it. Getting help through a dedicated cocaine addiction treatment program is the safest and most effective way to rid yourself of your dependence on drugs – meaning you need more of the drug, and more frequent use, to feel the desired effects. Palo Verde Wellness can help with addiction treatment in San Diego and Orange counties.
Long-term Effects of Cocaine Use
Professional medical help is needed to deal with the long-term effects of cocaine use. Drug treatment facilities exist for this purpose. At the same time, there are many treatment options, including inpatient treatment for those that require 24/7 monitoring and outpatient treatment to provide more flexibility in balancing everyday life responsibilities.
Cocaine use can wreak havoc on your heart, respiratory system, nose, mouth, and skin, depending on how the drug is ingested. Here are some of the long-term effects of cocaine abuse:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Angina
- Heart attack
- Compromised mucous membranes and damage to nostrils when the drug is snorted
- Breathing problems
- Constricted blood vessels in the lungs
- Damaged capillaries
- Chronic cough
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Asthma
- Pulmonary edema
Any one of these effects can be life-threatening, and cocaine addiction can prompt several of these to occur together severely and negatively impacting health.
Finding Cocaine Addiction Treatment
If you or someone close to you is battling a cocaine addiction, getting professional substance abuse is the key to finding sobriety. You may need guidance finding treatment in your area, and seeking the help of doctors or other medical professionals you trust can be invaluable. The professionals at addiction treatment facilities can answer any questions about what addiction treatment looks like and the different options available to you or a loved one. Do your research, take tours, ask questions, and call on those who may have a recommendation.
Depending on the treatment facility, medication may be used as a cocaine addiction treatment. It can assist people who are highly addicted in stopping their addiction and preventing relapse. The three most common FDA-approved medications used specifically for this purpose are:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Ondansetron (Zofran)
- Bupropion SR (Zyban)
Other treatment approaches rely on a more holistic approach through evidence-based behavioral and experiential therapies. Cocaine addiction is one of the most difficult drug addictions to overcome, and each person’s addiction is an individual experience.
Learn More About How Palo Verde Wellness Treats Cocaine Addiction
Admitting that you need help and asking for help is hard when battling an addiction. You may be ashamed or even confused about how to stop using cocaine or other substances. When you or a loved one can recognize the signs of addiction and understand the long-term effects of drug use, it makes seeking treatment a little easier.
At Palo Verde Wellness, we are committed to helping clients find sobriety through our new treatment facility in Palm Springs, California. We offer outpatient treatment options as well as a sober living home. Clients can easily go between both facilities with the transportation provided on our picturesque campus.
Give our caring, compassionate, and professional team a call to help you address any questions or concerns about cocaine addiction treatment. Give us a call today at 760-209-6683.