In 2021, there were over 32,500 overdose deaths involving stimulants, which include cocaine and methamphetamine. Considering that cocaine is one of the most expensive illicit drugs available, you might think you’re safe from this statistic, as you only use it occasionally.
However, all it takes is one accidental overdose for it to be fatal. And cocaine use can have an adverse effect on your life as well. Before you know it, you’ve gone down the slippery slope of addiction.
Cocaine addiction can be difficult to handle. However, it’s never completely hopeless. Here are the various ways you can get into recovery and turn your life around.
Acknowledge the Problem
One of the hardest parts of addiction is admitting you have a problem. You might think that you’re only using cocaine recreationally, but in reality, it may be completely out of control.
Have you noticed that your friends and/or family have been pointing out that you have a cocaine issue? Then you’ve probably been in denial about it.
It’s important that you’re honest with yourself about the addiction and the impact it’s having on your life. It can be a harsh and ugly truth, but it’s a vital step toward recovery you can’t skip.
Try Quitting on Your Own
Once you’ve acknowledged that you have a cocaine addiction, it’s possible to quit on your own. It definitely won’t be easy, and it’ll entail being proactive about a lot of the following sections.
Considering that you may have both a physical and mental addiction to cocaine, don’t feel bad if you can’t quit without outside help. We’ll cover what this entails later on.
Build a Strong Support Network
It’s true that quitting cocaine is solely on you, but having the right environment can make all the difference. After all, if you don’t have some personal cheerleaders, the path to sobriety can feel lonely and tedious.
Not to mention, if you’re still spending time with people who party hard, this can set you back severely. They may not understand your desire to get sober, and may pressure you to delay quitting or to use again.
It’s best if you surround yourself with family, friends, and other loved ones who understand and support your journey. Let them know about your goals and seek their encouragement and assistance throughout the process to have the best chances of success.
Join Support Groups
What if you don’t have anyone you can count on to support your decision? Or maybe your loved ones are supportive, but you feel like they just don’t understand what it’s like to struggle with substance use disorder.
In that case, joining local support and recovery groups can be beneficial. For example, you can try Cocaine Anonymous (CA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which host regular meetings.
In these meetings, you’ll meet other individuals who are actively dealing with addiction issues or have overcome them. You’ll all get to share experiences and receive support from one another.
Hearing success stories and witnessing similar struggles to yours can make the recovery process less daunting. Plus, you’ll walk the path with others who will celebrate with you when you get sober.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can result in long-lasting benefits, and we’re not only talking about staying off of drugs. You’ll look and feel healthier, and with newfound energy and zest for life, you’ll live life to the fullest.
If this sounds challenging, then have peace of mind that it doesn’t take drastic changes. Doing things differently here and there slowly can add up to wonderful benefits.
For instance, you can get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. In addition, do activities you enjoy, such as hobbies or sports.
Not only can these things make you feel good, but they’ll distract you from cravings too. As a result, the chances of relapse will go down.
Avoid Triggers and Risky Situations
Knowing your triggers will be the key to preventing relapses. By defining them, you’ll be able to avoid them and take yourself out and away from situations that can drive you to use again.
Identify and avoid people, places, or situations that can trigger your cravings. In some cases, this means you need to cut ties with certain individuals or make changes to your social environment.
It can be heartbreaking to drop friends, but keep in mind that if they don’t support your sobriety, they aren’t real friends.
Go to Therapy
Many people are surprised to learn this, but people with substance use disorder often have other mental health disorders too. In fact, drug addiction often results from self-medication with substances.
By getting into therapy, you might find that you have an unaddressed mental health issue. Together, you and your therapist can work to get to the root cause of your cocaine addiction, which can then alleviate triggers.
Even if you don’t have a comorbid mental health issue, therapy is still beneficial. Professional therapists can help you develop coping mechanisms and teach you effective strategies for managing cravings and triggers.
Try Alternative Therapies
Adding alternative therapies in conjunction with traditional therapy can have excellent results. These allow you to focus more on holistic healing, which complements the physical and mental aspects of recovery.
Many people find alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises enriching and rewarding. Not only do they reduce stress, but they also help diminish cravings so you stay on track.
Seek Professional Treatment
All of the above advice is fantastic for recovery, but in many cases, they’re not enough. While therapy counts as a type of professional treatment, the most effective way to recover from cocaine addiction is to get into drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
In many facilities, they have detox programs that assist you in withdrawing from the unpleasant effects of getting off substances. After that, you can continue with inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Inpatient Treatment
With inpatient treatment, you’ll live full-time at the rehab center. This immerses you completely in recovery, which can raise your chances of success, especially since you’ll be in a positive environment. The main drawbacks are that it can be highly disruptive to your normal everyday life, and it can be pricey.
In this type of rehab, you’ll attend both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as alternative therapies. The professionals will be trained and experienced in handling alcohol and drug addiction, so you’ll receive the most effective treatment. In addition, there will be qualified medical staff on the premises, and they can monitor your progress and prescribe medications if needed.
Outpatient Treatment
You’ll receive basically the same care in outpatient treatment as you do with inpatient rehab. However, the main difference is that you won’t live at the facility. Instead, you’ll make appointments to come attend your therapy sessions and take medications as needed.
Many people find this type of rehab more convenient, as there’s minimal disruption to their everyday lives. For example, you won’t have to take shifts off or arrange for childcare.
Outpatient treatment is typically more affordable too. Since you won’t have to sleep over at the center, nor will you have to eat or use the amenities, these things are reflected in the lower prices.
Create a Relapse Prevention Plan
Whether you beat your cocaine addiction on your own or with assistance from a rehab center, it’s important to have a relapse prevention plan afterward. Keep in mind that it’s ok to relapse, and that it’s completely normal.
So if it happens, don’t beat yourself up too much for it. Dust yourself off, and focus on a brighter future.
The plan should include identifying triggers, developing strategies to cope with cravings, and implementing healthy habits and activities to replace your drug use. It can be a good idea to work with your therapist or counselor to develop a solid relapse prevention plan.
Get Help for Your Cocaine Addiction
Dealing with a cocaine addiction can’t be an easy or pleasant thing. You might enjoy partying in the moment, but afterward, you’ll feel terrible, and you might even ruin relationships with your family and friends.
Recognizing that you have a substance abuse problem is the first step to making things right. And by following the information we’ve set out for you in this article, you’ll be on the right steps to fixing things, as well as becoming a better and healthier you.
Are you now seeking recovery and would like some direction? Then call us at (866) 578-7471 or contact us today.
