How Is Crack Cocaine Addiction Treated?

Crack cocaine abuse is a difficult disorder because crack cocaine is a highly addictive drug. In fact, in some circumstances, crack is more addictive than cocaine in its powder form.

Crack cocaine is a smokable stimulant drug that comes from mixing powder cocaine with baking soda or a similar alkaline substance.

This drug produces a short, intense euphoria, but it also leads to physical and mental health complications.

Fortunately, crack cocaine addiction can be treated in several ways. Often, treatment options are combined to personalize the patient’s care.

Crack Cocaine Detox

For many people, crack addiction treatment begins with medical detoxification, or detox to help manage drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

When a person stops any form of drug abuse, the drug will begin to filter out of that person’s system.

This process will occur whether or not the person chooses to detox in a treatment facility. However, medical detox presents several advantages for people who deal with drug use.

For example, at a treatment center, healthcare professionals can respond quickly in case of an emergency.

While the crack withdrawal process is typically not life-threatening, patients may receive medication to help with certain symptoms such as headaches and mood swings.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation treatment programs provide care for people who deal with drug addiction, including crack cocaine addiction.

Short-term programs may last for as little as 30 days. However, most rehab programs offer their services for 90 days or longer.

Inpatient Programs

Inpatient rehab programs provide meals and a place for patients to stay while undergoing treatment for substance use disorders.

Available treatment services vary by the rehab center, but inpatient care generally includes different types of behavioral therapy, support groups, and recreation.

While inpatient treatment is generally more expensive than outpatient care, it provides the structured environment that many people need during substance abuse treatment.

Furthermore, an inpatient treatment plan is an effective form of early relapse prevention, as patients have no access to drugs during the treatment process.

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient rehab programs provide most of the same services that inpatient treatment provides, including therapy and support groups.

However, patients commute to outpatient treatment services rather than residing at the treatment center.

Outpatient crack cocaine treatment is less structured than inpatient treatment, but it is often more affordable, and it allows patients to stay in the comfort of their own homes.

Aftercare

Many rehab centers offer aftercare, which allows patients to receive continued cocaine addiction treatment after graduating from a treatment program.

Aftercare may include weekly therapy sessions, sober living environments, contingency management, and other forms of relapse prevention.

Therapy And Support Groups

Therapy and support groups for crack cocaine addiction also exist outside of rehab programs. These treatment options provide long-term guidance and support.

Individual Therapy

During individual addiction therapy, a patient meets with a therapist on a regular basis to talk about their addiction and other challenges they may be facing.

The type of therapy they receive will depend on their own needs as well as the therapist’s areas of expertise.

For example, many drug addiction therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify their unhelpful patterns and behaviors.

Group Therapy

Group therapy uses the same methods as individual therapy. It’s typically led by a mental health professional who guides the conversation as group members discuss their experiences with addiction.

One of the primary benefits of group therapy is that it allows members to build a community and reduce any shame that surrounds their crack abuse.

Support Groups

Although support groups are not the same as group therapy, they do share similarities.

In support groups, people meet on a regular basis to share their experiences and offer advice to one another. Twelve-step programs provide one example of this kind of group.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction does not replace addiction treatment or long-term coping skills. It can, however, minimize the most harmful side effects of crack use.

For example, clean needle exchange programs prevent people from sharing needles, which in turn lowers the risk of HIV and other infectious diseases.

Many conversations about harm reduction focus on opioid abuse. However, some harm reduction programs also focus on crack cocaine addiction and other types of drug abuse.

For instance, some researchers are studying the possibility of medically-distributed cocaine vapes, which would reduce the risk of lung damage from smoking crack.

Medical Support For Dual Diagnosis

Many people who deal with cocaine addiction also have a dual diagnosis, which means that they have a mental health condition and an addiction.

During their addiction treatment, patients may receive medication for these conditions.

Because addiction and other mental illnesses may reinforce each other, receiving treatment for both can increase a patient’s chances of success.

Contingency Management

Contingency management provides another addiction treatment option. According to researchers, it is especially effective for people who deal with cocaine abuse.

Contingency management programs offer rewards, such as cash or gift cards, in exchange for negative drug tests.

Find Addiction Treatment And Recovery From Crack Cocaine Use

Crack cocaine addiction is a complicated disorder, but it is treatable.

Spring Hill Recovery Center offers evidence-based care, including both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

If you or a loved one need addiction treatment, contact Spring Hill Recovery Center today.