However, we now know more about where and how cocaine acts in the brain, including how the drug produces its pleasurable effects and why it is so addictive. Through the use of sophisticated technology, scientists can actually see the dynamic changes that occur in the brain as an individual takes the drug. They can observe the different brain changes that occur as a person experiences the “rush,” the “high,” and, finally, the craving of cocaine. They can also identify parts of the brain that become active when a cocaine addict sees or hears environmental stimuli that trigger the craving for cocaine. Because these types of studies pinpoint specific brain regions, they are critical to identifying targets for developing medications to treat cocaine addiction.

One of NIDA’s most important goals is to translate what scientists learn from research, in order to help the public better understand drug abuse and addiction, and to develop more effective strategies for their prevention, treatment, drug detox and drug rehabilitation. We hope that this compilation of scientific information on cocaine will help to inform readers about the harmful effects of cocaine abuse, and that it will assist in prevention and treatment efforts.

Detox, or detoxification, is the first step in drug recovery.  It is vital to an addict’s physical health because it rids the body of all the toxins that have accumulated through years of drug abuse.  Withdrawal is the first symptom the addict will feel when detoxing.

Withdrawal comes with the discontinuation of the use of an active substance, and with it there can be psychological and mental issues they will need to deal with.  There may also be physical and behavioral symptoms as well.  Physical symptoms such as profuse sweating and severe agitation are common physical withdrawal symptoms.

The type of substance the addict was on will be the key factor in the type and severity of withdrawal symptoms the addict will experience.  Detoxification is one of the tools used in drug treatment, and can help diminish the uncomfortable symptoms of drug withdrawal.  There is more than just one way to go about detoxification.  It depends on the facility the addict goes to and the type of substance they are addicted to.

The most encompassing detox program will provide the patient treatment to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms, while others will combine counseling and therapy.  This can be very useful in helping the addict deal with psychological distress of detoxification.  It is crucial to ensure all traces of the user’s drug are eliminated from the body because if even a residual amount of the drug remains in the addict’s body, cravings for the drug can remain even years after the addict has quit using. 

It is very important not to attempt detoxification on your own.  You should always have proper medical supervision as there can be serious physical reactions once withdrawal begins.  Although each addict’s symptoms can be different, there are commonalities and it is good to know what the addict may be in store for:

·        Sweating

·        Shaking

·        Headaches

·        Drug cravings

·        Nausea

·        Vomiting

·        Abdominal cramping

·        Diarrhea

·        Inability to sleep

·        Confusion

·        Agitation

·        Depression

·        Anxiety

You can see why it is so important to have medical supervision standing by. 

It is important to understand that detoxification is only the first step in drug and alcohol recovery.  It can take months or even years for complete detoxification to occur.  However, it is the first few hours or days of abstinence that are the most dangerous.  After going through the struggle of detoxification, the last thing you will want to do is go through it again.  That’s why relapse prevention is so important.

There are many programs available to an addict to help ensure there will be no relapse.  There are different group therapies an addict can attend, there is outpatient after care centers that offer support and counseling and there are also alternative treatment methods that help the addict deal with the emotional and stressful effects an addict may feel when trying to assimilate back into society as a sober person.  Some of the different alternative or holistic treatment methods can include:

·        Acupuncture

·        Acupressure

·        Biofeedback

·        Hypnosis

·        Creative arts therapy

There are many more options available.  Which one an addict picks is all a matter of personal choice.  That is also true of treatment in general.  Just as there are several types of detoxifications out there to choose from, there are a plethora of treatments as well.  Once an addict has gone through detoxification, it is time to move on to the treatment phase.

For those who have the time and money, inpatient treatment centers is a good option.  They offer the addict intense and personal counseling, which helps get to the underlying psychological causes for the drug addiction.  Of course there are physical components to this type of long-term treatment as well.  Along with counseling, the patients at the inpatient facilities are given job training, and sometimes, job placement.  This helps with their reintegration into society.

For people who cannot afford the time or money it takes to stay in one of these inpatient centers, there are shorter outpatient programs they can avail themselves of.  An outpatient facility usually entails daily treatment lasting four to five days a week, for two to three hours a day.  They leave the center at night to sleep at home, but the treatment is still beneficial and has been found to work.

In every case of detoxification, inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment, it is strongly advisable to maintain aftercare.  Going to support groups and therapy can help maintain an addict’s sobriety, and can be very helpful to the addict’s family and loved ones as well.