How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Can Help with Cocaine Addiction
It is not uncommon for those with cocaine addiction to also struggle with a mental health disorder. Some people use cocaine as a way to self-medicate a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which can lead to dependence or addiction. Cocaine abuse can also lead to developing mental health disorders. For these cases, dual diagnosis is critical for successful long-term recovery. Here we will dive deeper into how dual diagnosis treatment can help with cocaine addiction.
Understanding Cocaine Addiction and Its Effects
Cocaine is an intense, psychoactive compound with strong addiction potential. It can be snorted, injected, or smoked. Often, cocaine is portrayed in the media as the drug of choice of the rich and famous, making it appear as a glamorous drug. However, the short-term and long-term effects of cocaine can lead to severe mental and physical health problems. It is highly addictive, with many users consuming it in a binge and crash pattern. This type of behavior can lead to cocaine addiction, which is a chronic, relapsing disorder caused by changes in brain structure and chemistry.
Usually, cocaine is sniffed or snorted, which is quickly absorbed through the nasal tissue and into the bloodstream. Crack cocaine is usually heated in a pipe and then the vapors are inhaled. Both can also be dissolved in water and injected into the bloodstream.
Cocaine stimulates high levels of dopamine to be released into the areas of the brain that control pleasure. This creates feelings of energy and alertness. Some short-term effects of cocaine include:
- Happiness
- Awake and energetic
- Restlessness
- Decrease hunger
- Talkativeness
- Decreased fatigue or sleepiness
- Sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight
- Racing heartbeat
- Anger or violent outbursts
Once the effects have worn off, people experience a comedown or crash. As the high subsides, individuals can feel anxious, depressed, irritable, exhausted, a runny nose, confused, headaches, and body aches and pain. There are many long-term side effects with continued abuse, such as:
- Cardiovascular damage, including heart attacks and high blood pressure.
- Damage to the nasal passages, including a deviated septum or septum collapse.
- Changes in neurotransmitter production and absorption, lead to mood disorders.
- Malnutrition from decreased appetite.
- Decreased cognitive function such as issues with decision-making, problem-solving, and memory.
What is Dual Diagnosis? An Overview
Dual diagnosis is when someone has both a substance use disorder (SUD) and one or more mental health disorders. Either disorder can cause the other and other disorders can exacerbate the other. Dual diagnosis treatment can be challenging, but recovery is possible with the right treatment. The first step is to accurately diagnose a dual diagnosis so the person can receive integrated treatment. Recovery programs that treat both disorders simultaneously offer the best chance at successful, long-term recovery. Treatment can include behavioral therapy, medication, inpatient care, or support groups.
The Connection Between Cocaine Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
Sometimes, individuals with a mental health disorder will use substance abuse, such as cocaine, to self-medicate their symptoms. Substance abuse can worsen these symptoms, leading to further substance abuse and creating a vicious cycle. Cocaine and other drugs can also cause profound changes to the brain structure and chemistry, which can trigger or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that can have many short and long-term effects on the brain. Over time, cocaine changes the way the brain works causing the brain to adapt to the presence of the drug and lead to dependence. Cocaine use disorder can cause people to develop co-occurring disorders and vice versa. The most common co-occurring disorders seen in cocaine addiction include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- ADHD
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
For individuals struggling with mental health disorders and substance use disorders, dual diagnosis treatment is often the best option. Recovery programs that incorporate dual diagnosis will treat substance abuse and any co-occurring disorders simultaneously. If a person is using cocaine to deal with mental health issues and only their addiction is treated, the underlying cause (mental health disorder symptoms) will still be present after treatment, and they are likely to relapse.
Dual diagnosis treatment will not only help individuals overcome addiction, they will also learn healthier coping skills and tools to manage their mental health disorder. Treatment is more effective, and the chance of relapse significantly decreases. People who receive dual diagnosis will also experience a better quality of life as they learn to manage negative symptoms related to both mental health disorders and substance abuse.
Integrated Treatment Approaches for Dual Diagnosis
Integrated addiction treatment acknowledges the interconnectedness of substance use disorders and mental health, providing comprehensive treatment approaches that address both disorders simultaneously. By combining evidence-based treatments with holistic interventions, individuals with co-occurring disorders have the best chance at success. Programs will be personalized for each individual and aim to treat the root causes of both disorders. Treatment can include medication, individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, diet and exercise, support groups, and inpatient care.
Key Components of Effective Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs
Effective dual-diagnosis treatment programs will address all co-occurring disorders simultaneously and address how they affect one another. The best programs will be based on evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Clinicians may also use medication management to help individuals manage their symptoms while they learn coping skills through group and individual therapy. For comprehensive treatment programs to be successful, they must be personalized for each patient. Mental health and addiction affect each person differently, so effective treatment must be individualized to meet their needs. Holistic therapies such as art therapy, yoga, nutritional therapy, and exercise therapy can greatly complement recovery programs as they help address the body, mind, and spirit of addiction to mental health disorders.
The Role of Therapy in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Therapy is a fundamental component of dual diagnosis treatment. Evidence-based therapies such as CBT and DBT are commonly used. They can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that have contributed to their disorders. Through therapy, individuals will learn coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms and prevent relapse. They can also understand the root causes of their addiction and how mental health plays a role. Therapy can also help to improve communication and interpersonal skills, so individuals can maintain healthy relationships which are vital for recovery and overall well-being.
How WhiteSands Treatment Can Help with Dual Diagnosis and Cocaine Addiction
WhiteSands Treatment is a network of addiction treatment centers throughout Florida with dual diagnosis programs. Our clinicians can diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders that may present alongside cocaine addiction. Programs are available to individuals with a primary diagnosis of substance use disorder with a co-occurring mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Every recovery program as WhiteSands is personalized to each patient. We will create a treatment plan that will help give you the best chance at long-term recovery. Patients can access a full continuum of care including medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare programs. At WhiteSands we help patients create and live the healthy life they envisioned, free from the grasp of substance dependence and addiction.
If you would like to learn more about our dual diagnosis programs or if you are ready to get started with treatment, please give us a call today at (877)855-3470 to speak to an addiction specialist.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
