Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Chattanooga

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

It can be difficult to identify cocaine addiction in yourself or a loved one. Like any drug addiction, cocaine addiction often leads to secretive behavior and significant changes in the way a person acts, interacts with others, and goes about their life. Cocaine is very expensive, so any financial difficulties in conjunction with strange behavior could be indicative of abuse.

Cocaine abuse may be evident through signs such as:

• Erratic and irritable behavior

• Financial distress

• Isolation from friends and family

• Avoiding responsibilities and obligations

• Acting secretive, lying, or hiding things

Short-Term Effects and Long-Term Complication of Cocaine Abuse

In the short term, cocaine abuse will cause effects such as increased heart rate, trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, panic, and paranoia. In the long term, cocaine abuse contributes to severely harmful effects on the brain and other internal organs. People who have been addicted to cocaine for a long time may experience psychosis, an inability to experience pleasure without using cocaine, ulcers, heart attacks, and strokes.

Cocaine, because it is so addictive, also causes severe withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped. It is crucial to receive the help of a medical professional to stop using cocaine. Not only will this be more effective than quitting “cold turkey” or attempting to taper down use on your own, it will be safer.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Chattanooga Recovery Center

We offer many different programs that serve as cocaine addiction treatment in Chattanooga. From treatment that you can complete on your own schedule to structured treatment plans with a medical component, we provide a range of options. Contact us to learn more about our intensive outpatient program, night outpatient treatment, medication assisted treatment, partial hospitalization program, adventure-based counseling, brainmapping, and trauma intervention model.

Choosing Chattanooga Recovery Center is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and wellness. Our center is staffed by experienced professionals who have access to the best treatment resources available. If medical treatment is necessary, we can provide medication assisted treatment that will allow you to stop using cocaine safely. If an alternative method of treatment is better suited for your needs, we offer options such as adventure-based counseling and brain mapping.

We Are Available to Answer Your Questions

You have taken an important step toward changing your life for the better. Understanding what type of treatment is best for you can be confusing, but we are here to help. Our team can answer any questions you may have about our program and advise you on the best way to proceed for your situation.

Cocaine FAQ

How do people use cocaine?

Depending on the user, cocaine can be taken in a variety of ways. Some people only take the drug recreationally; others become addicted and suffer from a compulsion to use the drug every day.

Cocaine can be administered:

• Intranasally, which means it can be inhaled (snorted) through the nostrils
• Intravenously, by dissolving cocaine in water and injecting it into the bloodstream
• Orally, such as rubbing cocaine powder onto the gums
• Via inhalation, by smoking and absorbing cocaine through the lungs

Cocaine may also be used to create crack cocaine (“freebase”), a mixture of cocaine, water, and a third substance (typically baking soda), which is extremely addictive. All of the aforementioned methods of administration can be dangerous and potentially lead to cocaine dependency—or even death.

How does cocaine affect the brain?

Cocaine use can affect many facets of the human brain. Dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter, is released during usage, which can elicit feelings of pleasure. This is what makes cocaine so enjoyable to use—as well as why coming down from cocaine use can lead to serious depression.

Additionally, cocaine increases the production of stress hormones (like cortisol) in the brain, which can in turn permanently raise your blood pressure and damage the cardiovascular system. Effects of this may include anxiety, paranoia, the onset of a panic disorder, and even aggressive or violent behavior.

In short, the effects of cocaine on the brain may vary from person to person but can include:

• Auditory hallucinations
• Becoming dependent on/addicted to cocaine
• Blood clots and strokes
• Chronic headaches
• Loss of gray matter in the brain
• Mood or emotional changes
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Seizures or seizure disorders
• And more

The effects of cocaine on the brain can be profound and permeant. Both cocaine and crack cocaine can potentially lead to brain damage, even if only used on a few occasions.

Can a person overdose on cocaine?

Yes. Regardless of how the drug is administrated, cocaine use can potentially lead to the body absorbing amounts toxic enough to cause convulsions, coma, heart attacks, strokes, or seizures—all of which can result be fatal. An overdose may be minor enough to only last about 20 minutes and cause minor discomfort or severe enough to lead to permeant damage to the body or untimely death.

Signs of a cocaine overdose may include:

• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Hallucinations
• Increased heart rate
• Paranoia
• Rising body temperatures

Treatment for a cocaine overdose typically involves being hooked up to an IV and/or respirator as well as medication. In the event an overdose leads to a heart attack, stroke, or other serious internal trauma, long-term medical care may be required.

Send us a message or call (423) 226-5331 to learn more about our Chattanooga cocaine addiction treatment from our knowledgeable team.