Treatment Options for a Crack Cocaine Addiction

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shutterstock_300634445Crack only stays in your system for a few minutes. However, it can be detected anywhere from days to weeks after your last use. Because crack is an extremely addictive substance, use of it often results in addiction or chronic use. Signs of addiction can be weight loss, financial troubles, bloodshot eyes, no personal maintenance, alertness/nervousness, sniffling, insomnia, tiredness, lack of interest, denial or lying, mood swings, and runny nose.

Treatment for crack cocaine addiction is generally a combination of medical, professional, and behavioral change treatments. Although there are not any medications that are currently prescribed for treating crack dependency or withdrawal, social support is a popular treatment option. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can be difficult, and antidepressants can be prescribed for treatment as a long term option.

There are several types of behavioral treatment for crack cocaine addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on correcting behaviors or triggers that cause problems during the recovery process. These urges may cause people to relapse, and by focusing on what causes these urges, you can be better equipped to fight them. In addition, cognitive behavioral therapy helps people understand why they became addicted in the first place.

Community reinforcement uses friends and family as reinforcers for the recovery process. They provide support and help when the addict is going through struggles, and acknowledge when the addicted person has achieved another step in the recovery process. This program usually lasts for about 24 weeks as an outpatient for a facility.

Voucher-based reinforcement is based in the community of crack addicts. The process is simple. For every drug free urine sample, the addict receives a voucher for food and supplies. This positive reinforcement technique helps reward steps on the road to recovery and reinforce the addict’s desire to stay clean.

The matrix model is especially skilled in motivating patients to join in therapy and healing processes. It educates the recovering addicts on addiction and how to prevent relapses. By teaching the science and psychological aspects of addiction, the patients can understand that addiction is not a moral failing. It is a disease, and they can recover.

In addition to treatment approaches, there are many places to seek help and begin the recovery process. Addiction centers are often the go-to option, but there are many more ways to seek help. Detoxification clinics are similar to addiction centers, but they begin with detoxification. Psychologists and psychiatrists can help with mental therapy, and support groups can also be beneficial. Social workers can help you identify why you became addicted, while physician can guide you towards the right healing path. Wherever you go, there are people willing to help.

Lead Recovery Center can help guide you on the path to recovery. No one has to go through addiction recovery alone, and Lead’s team can teach you the skills you need to thrive. Call (800) 380-0012 today to get the help you deserve!